NLP Presuppositions – Part 1
The Presuppositions of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) are possibly some of the most powerful statements any person can learn. Accepting these nuggets as truth can change the way you view the world and make for a happier existence.
Today I would like to introduce you to 5 of my favorite NLP Presuppositions.
1. The Map is not the Territory
If you look at a topographical map of the world you will see lots of tiny lines that signify the lay of the land. The map is however not the real world. There are no actual trees and mountains on the map. It is purely a 2D representation of the world. We build similar maps of our world in our minds based on our values, beliefs, memories, and generalizations of how the world ought to be. It then makes sense, just like the 2D map, that the way we see the world is not always how the world really is. It is only our perception of the world. Understanding this helps us to stop and question ourselves and ask: “Is this really true or could something else be going on here?”
2. Everyone’s Map of the World is Unique.
As mentioned above everyone has built their own map of the world as they see it. Although there will be similarities based on cultural or social influences no one will ever have the exact same view of the world as you do. Appreciating this helps us to accept people as they really are. We can then try to understand their view rather than approach them with intolerance.
3. There is no such thing as unresourceful people, only unresourceful states.
People will behave in accordance with the emotional state they are in at the time. Everyone can achieve anything they would like if they put their energy into it and are in the correct state of mind. For example: If you have a glass half empty view of the world you will most likely attract limited results. If you wake up and put on a smile and view the glass as half full you will most likely experience a more positive outcome.
4. Everybody already has the resources they need inside them to achieve their outcome.
Accepting this moves us from an “I Can’t” to an “I Can” state. Everyone has the ability to learn new skills and to grow. Right now you may not be able to drive a car but you can definitely learn how to do it. The resources you have available to you are your ability and the will to learn.
5. There is no failure only feedback.
This must be one of my all-time favorites and its self-explanatory. When we fail it is not the end of the world. For every failure or mistake we make we have a learning opportunity that brings us closer to our goal. This is valuable for us to understand individually because it ensures that we persevere. Also, it is valuable in that it helps us realize that everyone is human. If someone else makes a mistake or fails, we can see it as a learning opportunity rather than it being a judgement.
I hope you have found the above insightful and that it has given you some food for thought.
If you would like to learn more about the history of NLP you can find a great article HERE to read.
Next time we will dive deeper into a few more of my favorite presuppositions.
In the mean time for more articles please click HERE.
“It’s still magic even if you know how it’s done.” – Terry Pratchett
