What is NLP?
I remember the first time I ran into the acronym NLP. I was working away on my computer when I accidentally found the website of a person – who later became my NLP trainer – and got intrigued. Accidentally? Well, not quite… I now know beyond any doubt that nothing in life happens by accident.
The more I read about NLP, the more fascinated I became. My healthy curiosity led me to my NLP and Life Coaching training. Today I can say with conviction that my work as a coach is what fulfills me the most. So, what is NLP?
NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming. The first component in the acronym – Neuro – refers to our neurology, our physical, emotional and mental attributes. The second component – Linguistic- refers to the language (verbal and nonverbal) we use to speak to ourselves and others. The third component – Programming – refers to our ability to reset and reprogram our neurology and use language to achieve our desired results. In short, NLP describes the fundamental relationships between mind (neuro) and language (linguistic) and how this interplay affects our body and behavior (programming). It is the study of excellent communication – both with ourselves and others.
Most people live life without being conscious of their thoughts, emotions and behaviors. In other words, they are not aware of what drives their actions or what controls their life. It is a process that helps people take control of the ‘steering wheel’ of their life by becoming aware of detrimental thoughts, limiting beliefs, values, memories and experiences (programming) so that they can understand why they do the things you do.
Think of NLP as a user’s manual that sheds light at what drives your unconscious behavior. Once you understand this information, and allow the new NLP software to be ‘installed’ in your consciousness, you can create the results you wish for a happier life.
Richard Bandler and John Grinder co-created Neuro-linguistic Programming in the 1970s. Bandler and Grinder set out to discover how great people became great at what they did and developed their NLP model by modeling excellent communicators and therapists.
NLP has evolved considerably since the 1970s and is in its fourth decade as a field of study touching the lives of millions of people. Recently, NLP has been addressing issues such as identity, mission and vision and focuses on developing states of excellence and empowering beliefs.
In summary, NLP is the study of the structure of successful thinking. For me, NLP is all this and more. It is a framework that helps us relate to the spiritual side we possess. NLP is an attitude toward life and a methodology which paves the way of achieving our goals and results and connecting to our true self.
Areas of NLP coaching
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Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
‘I am not good enough’! ‘I am not good-looking enough!’ ‘I am not thin enough!’ Sounds familiar? These are just a few examples of limiting beliefs. During these sessions, you will understand why you ‘carry’ these beliefs within and why they are ‘wrong’. Most importantly, these sessions will help you overcome your limiting beliefs once and for all.
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Mastering Emotions
Emotions are energy in motion! Emotions govern mood and behavior. Some of these emotions are positive and some negative. Emotional intelligence is the ability to manage emotions so that they serve us rather than destroy us. In these sessions, you will be guided to clear yourself from negative emotions that are associated with experiences in your life.
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Setting goals
Setting goals that are smart and achievable is a must for moving forward in your life. In these sessions, you will be guided to set S.M.A.R.T. goals that will pave the way toward more meaningful outcomes in your life.
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Confidence Building
Confidence starts with believing in yourself. Confidence is an attribute that can provide great power, yet it is a challenge for most people to achieve. These sessions will help you understand how confidence works and provide you with simple techniques and exercises to boost your confidence!