Introduction to NLP and why I want to incorporate it in my life

Before I tell you about Day 1 of my first new ‘habit’, I want to introduce what NLP is to you first…

NLP, or Neuro-Linguistic Programming, is a unique approach to human communication and personal development. As a coach, I’m always looking for ways to improve my coaching skills and bring greater value to my life and those who I coach. NLP provides a different and unique way for me to help myself and others get the most out of ourselves and access more of our potential. I’ve never formally used NLP, although I have seen it used in practice by many coaches. I definitely see great value in its use and would love it to be a part of my life.

So what is NLP?

NLP is referred to as the ‘art and science of personal excellence’. Millions of people around the world use its simple principles and techniques to build better relationships, establish a new level of confidence and achieve success in every part of their lives.

It offers state-of-the-art skills in interpersonal communication and practical ways to change the way you think and behave. It allows you to draw on your mental resources (the ‘neuro’ part), you never knew you possessed. And you learn how to use language (the ‘linguistic’ part) in very specific ways to help achieve your goals. NLP also allows teaches you to control your state of mind, and how to align your beliefs and values to bring about the results you want – the ‘programming’ part of NLP.

NLP is based on certain ideas or concepts which are called 'presuppositions'. These provide a philosophical basis for what you learn in NLP, and are considered 'useful' rather than absolute truth. They concern how people think and communicate, and provide a good foundation for practising the NLP techniques.

The book ‘NLP in 21 Days’ tells us that understanding and practicing NLP can help us to:

• Build personal relationships

• Increase your persuasive skills
• Have a positive mental attitude
• Increase your self-esteem
• Overcome the effects of past negative experiences
• Focus on goals and channel your energy into achieving them
• Perform at your best
• Control the way you feel
• Align your values and beliefs with what you want to achieve
• Change unwanted habits
• Feel confident in whatever you attempt to do
• Achieve goals you previously considered impossible
• Establish rapport with clients, customers and work colleagues
• Find creative ways to solve problems
• Enjoy activities you used to fear
• Use your time more effectively
• Increase your sense of purpose in life
• Acquire the skills you admire in others
• Get more pleasure out of life

Wow! That is a whole lot of advantages so I am definitely excited about building this great ‘habit’ into my life. Join me as I learn all about NLP and incorporate it into my life every single day for the next 21 days.