Imagine you had a practical toolbox containing all kinds of tools for successful communication: a wrench here for verbal content, i.e. words and statements, and pliers there for non-verbal content such as gestures and facial expressions. Would you use these tools to better understand the other person and communicate your own statements more clearly? You most certainly would! Because we generally like to use methods that make our everyday lives and those of our fellow human beings easier. And this is exactly where NLP comes into play. NLP stands for neuro-linguistic programming and deals with the question of how the brain (neuro) can be influenced (programmed) with the help of language (linguistics). Find out now what's behind it, what advantages it offers and how you can program yourself to a whole new level of success with NLP!
In the 1970s, the company developed Richard Bandler and John Grinder for the first time 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 to mean 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. We can change our mindset and beliefs so that they do not harm us, but support us in achieving 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 many ways to improve your communication, change behaviors, and redefine relationships. Most importantly, NLP allows you to grow personally, making it a crucial factor in personal development. Specifically, you can make 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 increase your mindset, communication and empathy. If you want to improve your personal strengths or lead an (even) more successful life, NLP could be just right for you. Give it a try - because you have nothing to lose!
