Learning how to apply NLP techniques is essential for utilizing this new form of therapy to change your life.
By exploring these easy-to-do steps at home or in therapy, you can further broaden your horizons for future success.
If you’re looking for a way to open your mind and eliminate self-sabotage, we highly recommend these techniques to help you get started.
How to Apply NLP Techniques: The Best Techniques to Use
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a highly adaptable therapeutic practice that psychoanalysts can apply to anyone from every walk of life.
With that said, there are dozens of techniques that can be used and applied in various ways.
Let’s explore some of the most popular ones often used by patients and practitioners alike.
Goal Setting
Undoubtedly, goal setting is one of the primary pillars of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.
With this methodology, you’ll be able to focus on future aspirations while creating new, intriguing insights.
The more positive your goals are, the easier it will be to focus on the present and adapt to have a more positive future outcome.
As humans, we naturally orient ourselves to dreams, but it’s important to break those dreams down into goals.
For example, it’s easy to want to own a home, but what steps need to be taken to get there?
Goal setting is a fantastic way to take your desired result and break it down into smaller, digestible pieces.
Using this method, you can begin constructing a plan to achieve your every desire.
It’s also a fundamental aspect of boosting motivation, which is highly important when working with NLP.
How to Apply Goal Setting
The top recommendation for applying goal setting is to grab a blank journal and a pen.
Start marking down everything you want to achieve within the next year.
Break down the steps you’ll need to take to achieve your end goal.
This process will give you a plan to refer to during your NLP journey.
As you begin to progress towards your goals, you’ll have far more motivation when you look back and see how far you’ve come.
Manipulating Mental Images
Whenever we recall a specific instance, it typically manifests itself as a series of images in our minds.
We can manipulate thought processes to make them neutral rather than positive or negative by working with these images.
This approach helps us dissect more critical information from images to help us better deal with future circumstances.
You’ll also benefit from learning from experiences and a better understanding of how they have affected you.
Analyzing your emotions on this level can help open the door for more positive emotions and fewer negative ones.
Eventually, you’ll have the ability to transform any negative event into something that can work for you.
How to Apply Mental Image Manipulation
There are many ways you can apply mental image manipulation to your daily life.
It can be best to think about the events in your life that caused you the most anguish today.
For example, imagine recalling an embarrassing situation that made you feel angry or ashamed.
Put the event into a series of images and then manipulate them in your mind to be smaller, more insignificant.
Over time, you’ll find the instance will become less of a burden on your mental health and more of a learning experience.
Eliminating Self-Sabotage
There’s no doubt that our inner self is our worst enemy when being held back from opportunities.
Self-sabotage can ruin everyday life in several ways, whether it’s preventing you from exploring your inner self or working towards your goals.
There will no longer be anything to fear by getting rid of negative thought processes; nothing is holding you back.
Also known as your “critical voice,” it can be challenging to eliminate negative thoughts of oneself.
However, NLP can help make it much easier to confront self-sabotaging thoughts and behaviors.
How to Begin Eliminating Self-Sabotage
The best way to start getting rid of your self-sabotaging is to listen to your inner monologue.
Every time you allow a negative remark to come through, make a mental note. Instead of allowing yourself to believe it, dissect the self-sabotaging from the ground up.
Ask yourself, why am I thinking this way about myself?
Is this an accurate representation of who I am? Is this an honest analysis of myself, or is it my critical voice?
If you determine your critical voice, analyze it from an outside perspective.
Before you know it, the critical voice will have less weight on your day-to-day life.
Recalling Positive Emotions
There’s no doubt that as we travel through life, we experience several negative situations.
In these instances, we wish that we could remember something happy to help transform our feelings.
Fortunately, a popular NLP technique known as recalling positive emotions can help.
The premise of this technique is to associate positive emotions with a specific image.
You’ll want the image to be easy to remember and visualize, even in stressful situations.
With regular training, you’ll be able to recall the image, allowing the associated positive emotions to be brought to the forefront.
How to Apply Positive Emotion Recall
There’s no doubt that positive emotion recall will take plenty of training and time.
Remember, you’re forming unlearned associations between an unconditioned stimulus (an image) and a positive emotion.
You’ll want to capture an easy-to-remember image that you can recall at the drop of a hat.
For example, imagine you want to feel confident when public speaking. You could choose a purple square and associate confidence with that image.
By continually recalling that image and associating confidence, you can use it as a weapon to conquer feelings of insignificance.
Modeling
One of the most popular NLP techniques used across the board is modeling.
You’ll find that this is a tested and proven process used in an assortment of industries.
This task is based mainly on the law of attraction.
With modeling, the theory is the more often you think about a goal, the more consistently you’ll move toward it.
You’ll essentially want to build a model of what you want your future self to look like and think solely of your end goal.
Over time, you’ll naturally adapt your lifestyle to help you get closer to your greatest aspirations.
How to Apply Modeling
There is a wide assortment of ways to apply modeling to your everyday life.
The more you focus on your goal, the more natural the process will become.
For example, if you want healthier interpersonal relationships, your subconscious works with your conscious mind to eliminate toxic friendships through modeling.
Another great way to apply modeling is to work with a mentor or an NLP specialist.
Anyone who can become a role model to help you reach your goals will become essential to this technique.
They can help guide you through the process and keep you on track.
Using the Power of Affirmations
There’s no doubt you’ve likely heard of affirmations.
In Neuro-Linguistic Programming, affirmations are a powerful weapon against self-doubt and self-sabotage.
Even though they seem simple, these essential phrases can help your mind reach its peak state for ultimate success and comfort.
How to Apply Affirmations
The easiest way to begin using affirmations is to decide what you want to achieve.
With your end goal in mind, you can develop phrases to help encourage and motivate you.
For example, “I am strong, I am confident, I am prepared.” is a great affirmation to help boost your confidence.
The more often you repeat your affirmations, the more your mind will begin to believe them.
It can be a huge benefit to speak your affirmations into a mirror, allowing you to consume the words as they’re said honestly.
Resources for Applying NLP Techniques
When you’re ready to start using the above NLP techniques, it’s best to have some resources to help.
Here are a few of the top items you’ll need to make the most of your NLP techniques:
1. The Big Book of NLP – Shlomo Vaknin, Erickson Institute
With The Big Book of NLP, you’ll have an encyclopedia of over 350 NLP techniques and strategies.
It’s a fantastic resource to help you better train yourself to achieve your future goals and ultimate success.
2. Dark Psychology – Joseph Griffith, Katerina Griffith
Dark Psychology is a unique series that has ten books in one. With these digital novels and audiobooks, you’ll learn various NLP secrets and develop your emotional intelligence.
Each of the tips and tricks assists with hypnosis and learning the art of persuasion.
3. Seven NLP Techniques to Break Any Bad Habit – Stanley Thompson
Seven NLP Techniques to Break Any Bad Habit is the audiobook every NLP enthusiast needs.
It features seven unique methods that take a psychological approach to transforming habits.
You’ll learn how to create positive associations, remove negative feelings, and conduct self-assessments.
There are Lots of Ways to Apply NLP Techniques
If you’re curious about learning how to apply NLP techniques, there are plenty of ways to get started.
As a diverse area of mental exploration, you’ll find Neuro-Linguistic Programming is helpful across all lifestyles and industries.
These techniques are ideal when you’re ready to get rid of negative associations and focus on the positives.