A lot of studies have been done on Neuro-Linguistic Programming. This process combines the thinking process (neuro), language (linguistic) and behavior patterns and goals (programming). Proponents of NLP boast that NLP can help align thoughts, words and behavior with our goals.
A big part of NLP is determining what you want and the best way to get it. The foundation of the method is setting specific, positive goals in five areas: being, knowing, relating, doing, getting and having. Then ask “how” questions for each goal and prepare to take action.
NLP was founded in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder. They were influenced by psychotherapists Fritz Perls, Virginia Satir, and Milton Erickson, as well as British anthropologist Gregory Bateson.
One controversial assertion of NLP is that even the most damaging dysfunctional behavior is subconsciously rooted in good intention, and the destructive behavior can be helped by discovering that good intention and finding other, better ways to achieve it.
NLP uses both imagination and visualization to modify behavior. Some visualizations are in response to the question “where do you want to be in ten years”; while others are intended to reinforce self-assurance and confidence. Creating mental images with the imagination improves self-organization and focus, and directs the mind’s attention to inspire the subconscious mind to work toward that direction.
It is imperative to focus that attention on a positive outcome, as the subconscious mind cannot tell the difference between a positive objective and a negative outcome.
Effective visualization combines memory and fantasy in creating these mental images.
The more vivid the visualization, the more effective it will be. Some common techniques include the following:
Anchoring: forming an association between one thing and another;
Chunking: adding or subtracting associations to see something differently;
Mirroring: copying the body language of the person with whom you are communicating;
Modeling: copying a successful person’s skills, abilities, and thoughts;
Pacing and Leading: making the other person mirrors you;
Reframing: changing the context of an event to get another meaning.
Besides its usefulness as a self-improvement tool, NLP can also be used in advertising communications to subconsciously convey a secondary message that reinforces or supplements the primary message of the ad. For example: the primary message of a frozen dinner ad may be convenience, while the secondary images of the happy family together at the dinner table promise quality family time by choosing the dinner.
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