Two NLP Techniques You Are Already Using
Neuro-linguistic programming, more commonly called NLP, is a way to program the mind through language and other methods. This approach is becoming more and more popular as a way to improve how you feel about yourself and communicate more effectively than others. This is typically done through a number of methods you can learn, but there are also some things you may already be using without being aware that they are NLP techniques. Here are two of them.
Reframing Negative Situations
One NLP technique you might already be familiar with without knowing it is reframing a negative situation. When someone tells you to "look on the bright side" or you say "at least something worse didn't happen," you're in fact programming your mind to reject something negative and accept a more positive outlook. Most people use reframing casually, but you can use the technique on a regular basis to start feeling better about things that are upsetting you.
If you lost a job, for example, you can get serious about reframing in order to cope with the frustration and anger you may be feeling. You can sit down and write a list of things that are in fact better now that you don't have a job. For example, you might write down that you don't have to get up at dawn. You might be able to sleep later. You might be able to spend more time working on creative endeavors. By actively searching for things that are good about your "bad" situation, you are reframing the way you think about it and that can ease your mind and open you up to new possibilities.
Anchoring Positive Feelings
Another NLP technique that you are likely already doing is the practice of anchoring. When you are about to hit the town with friends, do you start playing your favorite upbeat songs while you get ready? When you hear your favorite upbeat songs later in a store or on television, don't you want to call up your pals and head out for fun? That is an example of anchoring.
Anchoring is the practice of tying an emotional "anchor" to a physical action you take so that when you want to feel that particular emotion, all you need do is to perform the physical action you've tied to it. You might do this on purpose; if you want to feel happier every time you squeeze your hands together, for instance, you simply need to do what's called "setting an anchor." Sit and think of happy times in your life as you squeeze your hands together, and NLP thinking dictates that, later, when you are not in such a great mood, all you need to do in order to feel better is to squeeze your hands together. You may want to set the anchor multiple times over a period of time in order for this to be effective when you need it.
Now that you know about the NLP techniques you might already be using, you might be interested in learning more about other techniques. Try to find the best NLP training events in your neighborhood so that you can start to learn NLP from professionals who can give you the information you need to succeed.
