The 10 principles of NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming)
The Neuro-Linguistic Programming It is a series of strategies that focus on identifying and using thinking 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 of those situations that arise on a day-to-day basis.
To learn more about what NLP is and the criticisms it has received, you can read our interesting article: "Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP): what is it and how does it work?"It is important to mention that this practice is not based on any theory, but is a collection of studies, research and techniques. Therefore, it is necessary to verify how it works, through its fundamental pillars, that is, the principles of NLP.
- Recommended article: "20 books on highly recommended NLP"
The principles of NLP
After explaining the objectives of Neurolinguistic Programming, here are the 10 principles of NLP:
1. The inside map is unique
One of the principles of NLP refers to the orientation that people have in the world around them. The person's way of orienting has to do with his 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 are opened.
The more complete the map, the more successful the person will have. The world map is individual, it is built through our own experiences so each person has his map and there are not two equal maps.
2. The best map is the one that offers more than one road
As mentioned in the previous point, the most complete map is also more accurate and will offer more opportunities to reach an objective or solve the problem. This has to do with flexibility and the possibility of reacting in various ways to a vital 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. Each behavior has a positive intention
This may be one of the most discussed principles of NLP. This point refers to the fact that each person and each behavior has an intrinsic 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 accepted socially. NLP tries to redirect this positive intention towards a more adaptive behavior pattern and suitable 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 formed by 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.
5. All problems have a solution
This principle refers to the fact that all problems have a solution. Although it may seem utopian, since, sometimes, certain solutions can not 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 roads or alternatives you have, the fewer solutions you can give to the concrete situation. In addition, 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 each person has the necessary strength to achieve what is proposed. The problem arises when self-confidence is affected by the limiting beliefs of the person.
7. 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 psychological repercussions. Therefore, for NLP, the changes of thought that modify bodily problems are important. By the way, have you heard of the embodied cognition?
8. The meaning of the communication depends on the result
It is necessary to establish Clear communication guidelines , that do not give rise to misunderstandings, nor an option to biased personal interpretations by the recipient of the message.
9. There are no failures but opportunities
When a person is continuously moving, they have different ways to reach the goal. The failures must be seen as opportunities, that is, as measures that allow you to overcome and move in the desired direction.
10. If something does not work, try something else
Sometimes, people insist on doing something that does not work, they also do not change the way they act. At this point the famous phrase "do not expect different results if you always do the same" makes sense. NLP practitioners aim to help recognize and modify those behaviors that are not effective and that make you stumble, again and again, with the same stone.
