NLP: Lessons from My First (& Toughest) Client…Me!
Here’s the thing about becoming an NLP Practitioner: “we are our first clients”. Yep, the first mind I had to “reprogramme” was my own. From self-doubt spirals to accidentally mixing up my “map” with someone else’s “territory” it’s been a journey of both hilarity & growth. Trust me, applying NLP to myself wasn’t just a learning curve…it was more like a loop-de-loop!
But let’s address the elephant in the room: the stigma around NLP. You’ve heard it, right? NLP is manipulative, it’s only for sorting phobias & traumas, or it’s all about hypnosis. Oh, how wrong that is! Sure, NLP can help with those things (minus the creepy hypnotist stereotype), but it’s so much more than that. It’s a toolkit for better communication, mindset shifts & unlocking potential. Oh & no, you won’t catch me swinging a pocket watch at anyone!
So, let’s dive into the top 5 NLP presuppositions that have changed my life & made me a better coach (& frankly, a less dramatic human):
1️⃣ The Map is Not the Territory
🔥 Everyone sees the world through their own lens
💡 Reality check: Just because someone sees it differently doesn’t mean they’re wrong (even if it feels like they are). This taught me to meet people where they are, without judgment. It also stopped me from arguing over the “right” way to do something
2️⃣ No Failure, Only Feedback
🔥 Mistakes are just learning opportunities in disguise
💡 Fun fact: This one saved me from my own self-doubt spirals. Now, when things don’t go to plan, I lean into curiosity instead of catastrophising. Bonus: It works wonders when I burn dinner & need to “feedback” my way into takeaway!
3️⃣ People Have All the Resources They Need
🔥 Everything we need is already within us…we just need to uncover it
💡 Truth bomb: Coaching is like helping someone find their superhero cape. It’s there, just hidden under the pile of doubts & “I can'ts” My job? Help you dust it off & start flying
4️⃣ Every Behaviour Has a Positive Intention
🔥 Even unhelpful actions stem from a deeper purpose
💡 Translation: That time I procrastinated by reorganising my spice rack wasn’t wasting time…it was my brain’s way of creating order before tackling a big challenge. Recognising this has made me more compassionate, both to myself & others
5️⃣ Change is Inevitable and Possible
🔥 Growth is always within reach
💡 Motivational moment: Even small steps lead to big transformations. Whether it’s embracing a new mindset or finally committing to those early morning walks, change starts the moment we decide to try
Why NLP is More Than a Toolkit
NLP isn’t just about sorting phobias or trauma (though it’s pretty great for that too). It’s about communication, connection & mindset shifts. It’s about reframing challenges, uncovering hidden strengths & navigating life transitions with confidence & clarity. It’s not some mysterious voodoo…it’s practical, transformational & dare I say, life-changing #GrowthMindset #UnlockPotential!
Ready to Unlock Your Potential?
If you’re curious about how NLP can empower you to embrace growth, I’d love to share more insights (& maybe a few funny stories). Get in touch if you’d like help to reignite your life!
