What Is NLP?
Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), is a term that incorporates the three most significant components involved in producing human experience: neurology, language, and programming.
The neurological system regulates how our body’s function, language determines how we interact and communicate with other people and our programming determines the kinds of representations of the world we create. NLP describes the essential connection between mind (neuro) and language (linguistic) and how their interaction affects our body and behavior (programming).
Additionally, NLP is the study of human excellence and how to replicate it. It is a multi-layer process that involves the development of behavioral competency and flexibility while including strategic thinking and an understanding of the mental and cognitive processes behind the behavior.
NLP provides the following skills and tools:
- Development of individual excellence
- Establishes a system of empowering beliefs
- Removes any limitations you hold about yourself
- Allows you to be the person you really want to be
- Control how you think, feel and behave
Simply put, NLP is like having a “user manual” for your mind. As a field, it continues to grow and evolve, discovering new and innovative possibilities. With NLP skills you can experience a journey of self-discovery, identity, and purpose; exploring the environment in which you live every day.
The History of NLP
Richard Bandler and John Grinder originally established Neuro Linguistic Programming in 1975. Their primary goal was to discover how certain individuals had become excellent communicators and to create models of this behavior, which would then allow them to teach others how to be as just as effective. They initially studied Milton Erikson, Fritz Perls, and Virginia Satir, along with many others who have contributed to its development over the years.
NLP has been in use for years by health care professionals, athletes, construction workers, golf professionals, parents, actors, teachers, small business owners, students, lawyers, entertainers, educators, entrepreneurs, massage therapists, police, military, fire personnel, coaches, therapists, employers and employees, blue-collar workers, managers and salespeople, presidents, and prime ministers.
All of these people were in search of the same thing; to make their life better for themselves and the ones they loved. They were pursuing more success, to be happier, healthier, have better relationships, have more self-confidence and build more wealth.