How to Use Neuro Linguistic Programming to Improve Your Life

Neuro linguistic programming is a system intended to improve life by enabling people to make the life changes they want. NLP uses guided imagery, sensory awareness and other means to help individuals stop smoking, overcome stage fright, improve performance at work and much more. An outgrowth of the human potential movement popular in the '70s, NPL still thrives through Web sites, books and certified practitioners.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet Access

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Instructions

Consult the Experts on the Use of Neuro Linguistic Programming

• 1

  Search the Web for facts about NLP. The "NLP Basics" page of the John David Hoag NLP Web site is a great place to start (see Resources below).

• 2

  Read about the specific aspects and techniques of NLP, including meta modeling, representational systems and behavior modeling.

• 3

  Match the information you find with the specific changes you want to make in your life.

Apply Neuro Linguistic Programming to Your Own Life

• 4

  Test out the NLP methodology with a common routine called "The Swish."

• 5

  Identify an unwanted behavior (such as flying off the handle over small things) or state of mind (anxiety in a specific situation) that you wish to change.

• 6

  Select a "replacement image." In other words, picture as vividly as possible what you would rather do or feel.

• 7

  Play with this image. Practice altering it by mentally changing its size, shape, color or distance.

• 8

  Picture yourself in the unwanted situation. What is the "trigger" for these actions or feelings? In other words, what usually happens just before the unwanted behavior?

• 9

  Keep the negative picture large in your mind, and mentally put a small version of the replacement image in one corner.

• 10

  Switch the two images, making the replacement large and the unwanted image small.

• 11

  Imagine the unwanted image flying off to one side with a "swish" sound.

• 12

  Clear your mind and breathe naturally.

• 13

  Repeat the "Swish" exercise until the unwanted image fades. It is suggested that you usually practice this about 7 to 10 times

• 14

  Learn more about the swish at the Speak Like a Pro Web site (see Resources below).

• 15

  Evaluate the "Swish" experience. Could you visualize fairly easily? Did the exercise seem to help you? If so, then further investigation into the use of NLP to improve your life is warranted.