WHAT IS NLP? We hear a lot about NLP. But what is NLP? We asked Business Editor Phil Birch to look at NLP for you, to "clear the clutter" and this is his personal view. In this the second of a series of articles on neuro linguistic programming (NLP), Phil continues with a more in depth investigation into its meaning and applications. "I start to analyse some of it's claims, with particular reference to the statement made in each and every book that I have read about NLP; That is, NLP can change my life? I will start with some of the general but nonetheless dramatic claims made in these books and on some websites that NLP can change my life. Some of the ways that NLP claims to be able to help with your life are; Low self esteem Feeling happier Removing anxiety Achieving top personal sporting performance Finding the ideal partner Getting the perfect job Weight loss Eliminating bad habits. There are more but I think that fixing this list of issues would be more than enough proof to me at least that NLP COULD indeed change my life. It also claims, that by using it's techniques and methods, problems such as procrastination and nervous disorders can also be managed. Before I delve more deeply into the NLP toolkit, I want to define the premise of the method. For a clear and accessible definition I will base mine upon those provided by Lyndsey Agness, one of the country's leading NLP practitioners, business consultant and regular columnist here at the3rdi magazine; Neuro - this is what we think. The 60000 or so thoughts per day and I am supposing at this stage this to mean how AND what we think. Linguistic - what we say, or more expansively "express" as it incorporates verbal and non-verbal communications Programming - what we do, how we feel, act and behave. The definitions are simple enough but how do they combine to enable me to achieve the wonderful life suggested? I have always been an advocate of self improvement whether by experience, skills or personal growth. I support the tenet that "if you always do what you have done then you will always get what you have got" and that you are not happy with what you do and then you should try something different. But why should the thing you choose be NLP? As my research continues I come across some familiar fayre; quotations and examples of those who do and have and those who do not and have not. From the universally acclaimed "Act as If" - familiar to readers of Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopra - to the more prosaic Anthony Robbin's-type rhetoric of "most successful people have their next goal in mind" and "unsuccessful people simply have goals that don't inspire them". I have encountered many such statements and I hope that you will forgive my slightly diminished enthusiasm; if quotations and simple aspiration were the answer then would not we all be there by now? Assuming, of course, that we know where the "there" is? It would appear at this early stage that goals have a huge significance to the success of NLP. It is not only not innovative nor unique to espouse the benefits of goal setting (assuming that you have an inclination to change and/or improve your current lot) and is, in fact, sound common sense. I incorporate SMART goal and objective setting as a major keystone in my business transformation system. But what if we are uncertain of our goals or, probably more commonly, feel impotent about how we are to achieve them? Can NLP help us here? I too like to use Seneca's saying, "If a man knows not what harbour he seeks, any wind is the right wind". Equally important in the setting and achievement of goals according to NLP is the use of dreams and the unconscious mind and also the treatment of failures as learning experiences. Indeed, Edison's famous reference to the fact that it took him about 3000 (some say 200 !) ways NOT to do it before eventually developing a successful light bulb seems most relevant to illuminate this point. One of the foundation principles of NLP is the recommendation to use the unconscious mind. In this context it supports the use and development of those "quiet" moments; gaps and lapses in the controlling activity of the conscious, logical, analytical side of the brain. Further than this, the term "reticular activating system" is used to describe this creative thinking process. It is clearly true that nothing was ever created without it first being a thought but why the emphasis on the unconscious mind? This is of particular personal interest to me and I am intrigued and encouraged to continue my investigations. I understand that current thinking on the unconscious mind is that within here lie all of our memories and experiences. If this is true then they are with us all the time. So, if these memories and experiences are held in our unconscious then surely they are a major influence on our current mood and behaviour? We are all the accumulation of these memories, decisions and experiences so they must have had a significant influence on how and why we are where we are. Can they be trusted to be free-thinking, objective and creative? NLP addresses this issue too it seems. It provides guidance and techniques for disseminating the useful from the harmful; on how to create more positive interpretations of events and recommends the use of intuition and physical reactions and condition. Gut feel and those " "funny little feelings" in your body are to be embraced and trusted and it suggests that our general health is reflective of our emotions (and vice versa). In addition to our memories and experiences, most of the NLP material that I have researched also references our belief systems. How and why we believe what we do, who has influenced these beliefs, how strongly some are engrained into us and the potentially damaging effects of an "unhealthy" set of beliefs are, it appears, bedrock on which NLP is offering to help us build our new life. So then, will NLP help me to assimilate or transcend these beliefs and support me in creating new, more empowering ones? This too I hope to establish in future articles. As Lao-Tse so profoundly, if rather obviously, put it, a journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step and I have now taken mine. Well two steps in actually. Over the coming months I hope to bring you two perspectives. Mine, as I report on my progress or lack of it in finding out as much as I can about NLP, its practitioners, techniques, claims and results and also that of a renowned coach and NLP practitioner Kath Temple. Kath has agreed to join us here at the3rdi as a regular contributor. She has been an NLP expert for many years, is a qualified psychologist and hugely successful business coach. I am very much looking forward to bringing you my findings. What I will recommend at this very moment though is this, if you are interested in learning more about NLP then, in addition to following Kath and my reports, is buy a book ! It sounds like obvious advice but you would be surprised how many people get over enthused and charge in, expending huge amounts of time and money on unproven systems and coaches. A good NLP book, preferably one containing exercises and tips, is a must and CHANGE YOUR LIFE WITH NLP is a good place to start! Follow Phil on Twitter BUY THE BOOK on AMAZON CHANGE YOUR LIFE WITH NLP by LINDSEY AGNESS Amazon Description: Do you yearn for change in your life? Perhaps you wish your life was better organised, more fulfilling, happier and more contented. Do you put off making the changes you dream of because you’ve tried in the past, and failed? Break free from the fear of failure; fire-up your motivation, your confidence and your self-esteem; understand that you have everything you need to succeed and believe that the secret to your success lies within you. Change Your Life with NLP will show you how you can make the changes to your life that you want – with amazing results.   YOU CAN READ THE OTHER ARTICLES IN THIS SERIES..... WHAT IS NLP? PART 1. Phil looks at the immense range of books, training courses, coaches, information and downloads relating to NLP. LINDSEY AGNESS at the3rdi magazine Too late to change? We don't thinks so and neither does Lindsey! This month she shares with us the secrets of how to become a Successful Mid-Life Woman AGE WITH ATTITUDE: PART 1 Lindsey Agness has launched a unique programme "..for women who believe in beginnings not endings." Over the coming months we will follow one of the delegates, Audra Lamoon, as she goes through the programme.   BY SUBSCRIBING TO THE3RDI MAGAZINE NOW! © CORTEX MEDIA 2009