Tap to Read ➤

Presuppositions of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)

Saurabha Palekar
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), a branch of psychology, deals with human mind operations in order to optimize a person's performance. Here are the presuppositions - the foundation of this approach.
Neuro-linguistic programming is a specially designed programming model, which is used to enhance the human mind operations. It is a program made in the brain language, as the word 'neuro' refers to the brain and 'linguistic' is related to language; to increase the overall functioning (psychological as well as physical) of an individual.
It is used to get better results, to increase the performance of the individual, to reach the goal, or to overcome some psychological disorders such as anxiety, phobia, depression, etc.
It is a constantly developing set of model, which involves various techniques, patterns, presuppositions, and some theories derived from the observations regarding behavior and communication of the individual.
Presuppositions are the assumptions or central principles made by people, which are useful in implementing the changes, either to themselves or to others. A person undergoing NLP has to believe these assumptions to be true (pre-suppose), therefore they are called presuppositions. They filter the mind's perceptions, values, beliefs, and attitude.
Basically, these are the beliefs which are the foundation of this program. They are also called assumptions or givens. There are thirteen presuppositions in NLP, which are mentioned below:

"We all are in charge of our own minds, and therefore our results."

An individual is responsible for his own actions. Take the responsibilities, instead of blaming others for any mistake.

"You already have all the resources you need."

Don't wait for the opportunities or miracles. Work sincerely, and success will definitely follow you.

"Mind and body form a linked system."

Mind and body work together. Think positive. Negative thinking can affect the performance and body functions as well.

"The map is not the territory."

People often limit their performance to the map of reality, which is based on other people's experiences and beliefs. However, the reality permits more choices than the map.

"There is no such thing as failure. There is only feedback."

If you don't succeed at the first attempt, it is not a failure. Learn from your mistakes and don't repeat them. You will definitely succeed only if you keep trying.

"Choice is better than no choice."

Any option is better than having no options at all.

"If whatever you are doing isn't working, do something else."

You should always be flexible. Being flexible creates many options for an individual.

"If someone can do it, anyone can learn it."

If something is possible, then there has to be a way to do it.

"There are no resistant clients, only inflexible communicators."

Improper and unclear communication results in resistance in the work.

"You cannot fail to communicate."

People are always communicating either verbally or non-verbally, using body language. Body language plays an important role in a person's social and personal life.

"The meaning of communication is the response you get."

An effective communication always gets more response. Thus, it should be clear and effective.

"There is a positive intention behind every individual's behavior."

Analyze every behavior. Look for the positive intentions in any behavior. It widens the choices. Everyone is useful in some way, only if you identify that way.

"Always respect the other person's model of the world."

Every individual has his own set of assumptions and beliefs. Everyone creates his own unique world around himself. Do respect other people's world of experiences.
NLP is very effectively used in the fields of management, education, business, training, and also for personality development and performance-related activities.
Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for the advice of a mental health expert.