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Neurolinguistic Programming, or NLP, is a widely used approach to improve communication, behavior and self-awareness.

In this article, we will explore what is NLP and how you can apply it to get best results in your personal and professional life.

What is NLP

THE NLP, or Neuro-Linguistic Programming, is a set of techniques and strategies that focus on understanding the connection between the brain (neuro), language (linguistic) and the behavior patterns we develop based on our experiences.

Above all, the NLP investigates the process of human cognition, that is, it explores how we develop our personal representations of reality from objective facts and how these personal representations influence our approaches to interacting with the environment. In this way, it studies the structure of subjective experience.

Created in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, NLP has been widely adopted in a variety of fields, including psychology, business, therapy, and personal training. Meanwhile, Bandler and Grinder set out on a field mission to investigate the composition of excellence among some of the most prominent therapists of that era, seeking to model the styles, personalities, and patterns of each.

In summary:

Neuro: It refers to the way in which each individual uses their own neurophysiology to translate experience into cognitive processes, both conscious and unconscious, encompassing the relationship between body and mind. Thus, all behaviors result from neurological activities that incorporate the five senses.

Linguistics: It involves the use of verbal communication to give meaning to experience, both in interaction with the individual himself and in communication with others. In this way, linguistic patterns reflect our thinking and our beliefs about ourselves and the world around us.

Understanding NLP

1. What NLP involves

THE NLP involves observing and modeling behaviors, beliefs and language patterns of successful people. In this way, this modeling allows other people to learn and apply similar strategies to achieve success in their own lives.

In short, it is a practical and pragmatic approach to improving communication skills, self-awareness and performance.

2. Effective communication with NLP

One of the best known applications of NLP is in improving communication. In this sense, through NLP, you can learn to better understand the needs and perspectives of others and adapt your own communication to be more effective. This is especially valuable in work environments, where clear communication is essential to success.

3. Change in behavior

THE NLP It is also used to help people overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. It definitely offers techniques for identifying and changing unwanted behavior patterns, replacing them with more positive and productive behaviors.

4. Self-knowledge and self-development

Additionally, NLP promotes self-awareness and self-development. It also helps people identify their limiting beliefs and create more empowering beliefs. It can also be used to set clear goals and create strategies to achieve them.

Some basic assumptions of NLP

1. Map is not the territory:

Esse é o princípio fundamental da PNL, originado a partir das ideias de Alfred Korzybski (1879-1950), que reconhece a diferença entre nossas representações mentais do mundo, chamadas de “mapas do mundo”, e a realidade em si. A linguagem é uma espécie de mapa ou modelo que utilizamos para resumir e generalizar nossas experiências, permitindo-nos compartilhá-las com outras pessoas.

Desse modo, cada pessoa tem seu próprio mapa mental da realidade, e esses mapas podem variar amplamente. Assim, nossa percepção da realidade é uma representação subjetiva e não é a realidade em si.

Não existe, dessa forma, um “mapa correto” da realidade. O que existem são mapas mais efetivos, que são aqueles que oferecem mais escolhas. Portanto, não são as condições reais do “território” ou da realidade objetiva que impõem restrições ou proporcionam oportunidades às pessoas, mas sim as decisões percebidas como disponíveis dentro de seus próprios modelos de pensamento, através de suas representações mentais.

Richard Bandler e John Grinder, em seu livro “A Estrutura da Magia Vol. 1”, observam que as pessoas que respondem de forma criativa e eficaz são aquelas que têm uma representação ou modelo que lhes permite enxergar uma ampla gama de possibilidades para orientar suas ações. Por outro lado, pessoas que se sentem limitadas em suas escolhas não conseguem ver as opções e oportunidades que se apresentam, devido à sua visão restrita do mundo.

2. Behaviors have a positive intention:

On the other hand, the NLP assumes that all human behavior has an underlying positive intention, even if the outcome of that behavior seems negative. This means that people do the best they can with the resources they have at the time. It is also important to note that behavior is different from intention. And from the point of view of the person expressing the behavior, it is, or was, a way of adapting to the context and system in which they are inserted.

3. Behavioral flexibility:

THE NLP emphasizes the importance of flexibility in behavior. Being able to adapt and modify behaviors is definitely essential to achieving desired results. After all, in real life, scenarios and contexts are constantly evolving, which means that an action that was effective at one time may no longer generate productive results.

To thrive and survive in the face of these changes, the ability to adapt is essential. Likewise, in systems where the amount of change and complexity is greater, the need for flexibility is heightened.

4. Having a choice is better than having no choice:

Having options at your disposal is preferable to being left without alternatives, and there is invariably a wider range of choices available. Indeed, within the context of systems thinking, one is not restricted to a single approach to achieving a specific goal. Similarly, the principles of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) emphasize the importance of choice and wholeness, rather than eliminating certain behaviors.

5. The meaning of communication is the response it gets:

THE NLP places emphasis on the communicator's responsibility to ensure that the message is understood by the receiver. From this point of view, if communication is not achieving the desired result, it is the communicator's responsibility to adjust his or her approach.

6. If it is possible for anyone, it is possible for me:

We all have all the resources to act effectively.

7. There is no such thing as failure, only feedback:

NLP encourages people to view “failures” as learning opportunities. As a result, rather than becoming discouraged, people are encouraged to adjust their approach based on the feedback that they receive.

So, all feedback is valuable and provides useful information. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to feedback that we receive to adjust and improve our behavior.

8. Energy goes where attention is:

When we direct our attention to something, our concentration is fixed on it, and as a result, our vitality flows in that direction. In the context of the premises of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), energy is described as the mobilization of the system.

Thus, this mobilization of the system, when observed in an individual, can manifest itself as effort, worry and even fear on the one hand, while on the other hand, when attention is channeled in a healthy and constructive way, the energy can take the form of motivation, dedication, curiosity and confidence.

Other important NLP concepts:

Report:

Report is the ability to establish an empathic and harmonious connection with others. In short, NLP values the construction of rapport as a fundamental element for effective communication and positive influence.

A forma como você se comunica pode variar dependendo da situação e do meio de comunicação utilizado, como telefone, e-mail ou interação pessoal. Para construir uma conexão de Report eficaz, é necessário estar consciente de como as pessoas se comunicam e como utilizar gestos, posturas corporais, tom de voz, escolha de palavras, entre outros elementos.

The body and mind are interconnected:

NLP recognizes the connection between the body and mind, believing that changes in posture, breathing and physical expression can affect the mind and vice versa. In this sense, practices such as mindfulness can help accelerate NLP results.

Modeling excellence:

NLP promotes the idea that it is possible to learn from people who are successful in specific areas of life by observing and modeling their thought and behavior patterns.

Applying NLP for better results

To apply NLP in your life and get better results, consider the following tips:

1. Set clear goals:

Use NLP to set clear, specific goals. The more detailed your goals are, the easier it will be to create effective strategies to achieve them.

2. Practice active listening:

Improve your communication skills by practicing active listening. This involves paying full attention to the person you are communicating with, demonstrating empathy (rapport).

3. Change negative patterns:

Identify any negative thought or behavior patterns that are limiting your progress and use NLP techniques to change them into positive patterns.

4. Learn from the best:

Study successful people in your field of interest and apply the strategies and behaviors they use (modeling).

In short…

Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a powerful tool for improving communication, behavior, and performance in many areas of life. By understanding the principles of NLP and applying them consistently, you can achieve more positive and effective results. NLP not only helps you interact with others, but it also promotes self-awareness and personal growth. So, consider incorporating NLP into your journey of self-development and continuous improvement.

Recommended Reading:

Reset Your Mindset: Break Free from Blockages and Create a Life Without Barriers

 

 

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