NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming. In essence you’re using the nuances of language to change the way you think about things. This way of behavior modification was originally the brainchild of a personal development author (Richard Bandler) and a linguist (John Grinder) and it gets its base in Gestalt therapy.

In order to understand NLP, you really need to have a basic grasp of the theory behind Gestalt therapy. Gestalt works on the assumption that people fill in information gaps. For example, have a look at this:

Do you see three random dots, or do you see a triangle? The vast majority of people would say that these dots aren’t random and form a triangle even though the lines and angles necessary for a triangle to exist aren’t really there. Your personal beliefs can form in the same way. You get a couple of small pieces of information and your mind develops a complex belief system around them. NLP tries to change this belief system by challenging these conclusions.

NLP supposes that there isn’t any evidence for the negative beliefs that you hold. You just hold these beliefs because your mind is filling in the gaps and forming a reality that isn’t really there. For example, a commonly held belief is that you need to excel in academics if you want to succeed in life. If you were a student of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, you’d look for examples to prove this belief wrong. In this case you could read about Richard Branson, the multi-billionaire behind the Virgin Empire. Branson suffers from dyslexia and as a result, he preformed poorly in his academic career. He’s also worth $7.8 billion dollars! Obviously not everyone who does poorly in school fails in life.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming is about challenging your perception of the world. All you have to do is make a list of all the beliefs you have that are holding you back and find evidence that those beliefs aren’t really the triangle they appear to be. If you need some help along the way, pick up a copy of Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins. You’ll learn a lot more about NLP and you might just drastically improve your life.