The 10 Principles Of NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming)
The Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a series of strategies that focus on identifying and using thought models that influence a person’s behavior as a way to improve quality and solve problems.
The objectives of NLP are, among others, to correct cognitive representations, making them more useful, and to provide a series of strategies and skills effective for the best adaptation to those situations that arise on a daily basis.
It is important to mention that this practice is not based on any theory, but is a compilation of studies, research and techniques. Therefore, it is necessary to check how it works, through its fundamental pillars, that is, the principles of NLP.
After exposing the objectives of Neurolinguistic Programming, below we present the 10 principles of NLP:
1. The indoor map is unique
One of the principles of NLP refers to the orientation that people have in the world around them. The way a person orients themselves has to do with their inner map. In the early stages of life the inner map is simple. However, as we grow the map becomes more complex and new paths open up.
The more complete the map, the more alternatives to success the person will have. The world map is individual, it is built through our own experiences so each person has their map and no two maps are the same.
2. The best map is the one that offers more than one path
As mentioned in the previous point, the more complete map is also more accurate and will offer more opportunities to reach a goal or solve the problem. This has to do with flexibility and the possibility of reacting in different ways to a life event. The map is not the territory it represents, but if it is correct it will have a structure similar to the territory and will be more useful.
3. Every behavior has a positive intention
This may be one of the most discussed NLP principles. This point refers to the fact that each person and each behavior intrinsically has a positive intention It may be, for example, that someone doubts that a smoker has a positive intention to smoke. But according to this principle, the smoker could smoke to relax or to be socially accepted. NLP tries to redirect that positive intention towards a more adaptive behavior pattern and appropriate for the person.
4. The structure of the experience
This principle shows how each experience is composed of a certain structure. Every thought, feeling, memory or experience It is made up of a series of elements This means that if each experience has a structure, thanks to a change in its composition its effect can be changed.
This principle means that all problems have a solution. Although it may seem utopian, since, sometimes, certain solutions cannot be carried out. At other times, there will be problems that do not have a clear solution. This has to do with the map that the person has, since The fewer paths or alternatives it has, the fewer solutions it can provide to the specific situation. Furthermore, the interpretation of the problem has to do with the content of the map. A richer map that offers more resources will perceive certain situations as less problematic.
6. Everyone has the strength they need
This is one of the principles of NLP that has to do with the personal development of the person, since it refers to the fact that each person has the necessary strength to achieve what is proposed. The problem arises when self-confidence is affected by the person’s limiting beliefs.
7. The body and mind are part of the same system
This principle refers to the human being is body and mind In other words, every feeling and every emotion affects the body. This is also true in reverse. For example, a disease that affects the body will have repercussions on a psychological level. Therefore, for NLP, changes in thinking that modify body problems are important. By the way, have you heard of embodied cognition?
8. The meaning of communication depends on the result
It is necessary to establish clear communication guidelines that do not give rise to misunderstandings, nor the option for biased personal interpretations on the part of the recipient of the message.
When a person is continually in motion they have different paths to reach the goal. Failures must be seen as opportunities, that is, as measures that allow us to overcome and move in the desired direction.
10. If something doesn’t work, you have to try something else
Sometimes, people insist on doing something that doesn’t work, and they don’t change the way they act. At this point the famous phrase “don’t expect different results if you always do the same thing” makes sense. NLP practitioners aim to help recognize and modify those behaviors that are not effective and that make us stumble, again and again, over the same stone.
