Imagine you had a practical toolbox containing all kinds of tools for successful communication: here a wrench for verbal content, i.e. words and statements, there a pair of pliers for non-verbal content such as gestures and facial expressions. Would you use these tools to better understand your counterpart and to communicate your own statements more clearly? Most certainly you would! Because when it comes to methods that make our everyday lives and the lives of those around us easier, we generally like to reach out. And exactly here comes NLP comes into play. NLP stands for neuro-linguistic programming and deals with the question of how you can influence (program) the brain (neuro) with the help of language (linguistics). What's behind it, what advantages it offers and how you can program yourself with NLP to a whole new level of success, you will learn now!
In the 1970s, Richard Bandler and John Grinder first developed what we call neuro-linguistic programming. However, the original aim of the approach was to define factors of successful therapies so that as many people as possible could benefit from them. Today, NLP is primarily understood as practical techniques and methods for effective communication.
However, we would like to add that this is only one of many different definitions. To summarize NLP in a few sentences is not that easy. There are numerous explanations that have a common denominator at their core: NLP is based on the assumption that we can change our mindset - and the Beliefs of others - with the help of communication. And that is to the effect that our mindset and our beliefs do not harm us, but support us to achieve our goals.
For example, NLP can be used to switch off unwanted behaviors or to permanently replace negative thoughts with positive ones. The effect of NLP has not been scientifically proven to date, but numerous NLP practitioners are convinced of the method. At the same time, NLP is about feeling better overall. And last but not least, NLP also includes the ability to control conversations in a targeted way. That's why NLP is especially interesting for people who regularly have important conversations.
Basically, neuro-linguistic programming is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their Improve communication or would like to finally fully realize their own potential - whether professionally or privately. Likewise, it is useful for anyone who wants to help others improve. Especially in these areas, NLP therefore plays a particularly crucial role:
Think back to that handy toolbox with the wrench and pliers. What can you fix with it? That's right, just about anything. Neuro-linguistic programming is much the same. You can use it in a variety of ways to improve your communication, change behaviors, and Relationships new to define. Above all, NLP allows you to grow personally and is therefore a decisive factor for personal development. Specifically, you can bring about the following changes that will lead to more success and fulfillment in your life:
Admittedly, the image of neuro-linguistic programming is not entirely positive. On the contrary, there are critical voices now and then that want to refute individual theses or claim that NLP is manipulative. Not entirely unjustifiably, because those who control communication can sometimes consciously use it to their own advantage - even if this is, in doubt, a disadvantage for the other person.
Whether a tool is misappropriated and used as a weapon, however, does not lie with the toolbox, but with the person who uses it. Means: NLP is not fundamentally evil. Nevertheless, it cannot be completely ruled out that an individual or a group misuses NLP for selfish purposes.
Another common criticism is the term "programming". But what we must not forget is that we are all programmed anyway through our experiences, our past and our beliefs - regardless of whether we use NLP or not. However, with the help of the targeted application of NLP, we can override the programming that is not doing us any good. So if you are afraid of the word "programming", don't worry - we are "programmed" anyway.
Whether neuro-linguistic programming is an enrichment for you, you alone have to decide. These methods are solution-oriented and designed to improve your mindset, your communication, and your empathy to increase. If you want to improve your personal strengths or lead an (even) more successful life, NLP could be just right for you. Try it out - because you have nothing to lose!
