Instead of doing that, learn to build momentum. Momentum comes in being in the Flow, a concept pioneered by positive psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (wow I managed to spell that [...]]]> To set an impossible goal-of-your-dreams is easy. Taking the next step should actually be easier. But most people let procrastination kill the step after that.

Instead of doing that, learn to build momentum. Momentum comes in being in the Flow, a concept pioneered by positive psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (wow I managed to spell that right first time around).

Flow is a state of completely focused motivation. Some people have problems accessing this very powerful state. In experimenting with strategies to induce states of flow, I have found that a few things work very well.

#1 – Finding out what kinds of things let time seem to “fly past”. Often, it is a series of behavior that is outcome oriented and driven by some sets of skills that you enjoy using.

Usually, skilled individuals who do not set goals effectively tend to “fall” into flow by accident.

#2 – The ability to go “internal”.
Most of the time, we spend our waking hours looking at things around us, often being lost to the environment. The ability to go “internal” allows us to be caught up with the flow of our inner thoughts.

Usually, people don’t have a good balance of “internal” time, and hence end up looking stoned all day long. Most effective flow states are an internal series of high speed images, focused on a very narrow set of themes. That is, if the images contain many different theme, you will probably end up being distracted, even if you might find that time flies past.

#3 – “Bending” time.
Sometimes, people accidentally fall into a state where time seems to slow down for split second. Often, this is when you are immersed in your senses. You have a combination of internal and external activity, merged to achieve a target.

#4 – A challenging goal that you strive toward.
In my experience, challenging goals (with a few caveats) often lead to a state of flow. However, it is also my experience that many people don’t set the goals appropriately. It is important for goals to be challenging but yet “strivable”, out of reach but only just slightly. This approach typically works well with those who already have a relatively high confidence level, compared with those who have no confidence.

I’d recommend using state management strategies as well as time distortion induction patterns to create Flow states, then anchor the Flow states in order to make it effectively accessible.

There are several elements. The first thing is [...]]]> One of the most impressive things in NLP is the ability to transfer knowledge through the use of nested loops. The process is simple – you need three stories that you nest between them (as depicted in the diagram) in order to transmit information throughout the presentation.

There are several elements. The first thing is the ability to (1) segway, (2) stack on anchors, (3) close loops.

Segways. A segway is a “break” in the storyline. An effective segway usually creates what we call “premature closure”. It means that the story appears to be over, but actually isn’t. This is the way through to the next story.

Stack on anchors.

In a typical NLP Practitioner training, it is important to learn basic anchoring. Stacking anchors is the the way in which you can intensify emotions through the story. In the use of nested loops, anchoring is a process within the stories. Each story carries a peak state of experience that either stacks or chains.

Close Loops. 

The process of closing loops is simple – you continue with the previous story. This will only work if the story that you have told is emotionally impactful enough.

Practice.

The only way to continue to be good in nested loops is to practice it in multiple settings. As far as  can see, the most practical way to do this is to attend a good Master Practitioner training program, once you have the proper foundations settled. Remember, not all NLP training programs are equal because of the capabilities of the trainer!

#1 – What New Skill Should I Learn?

What I have discovered is that people who ignore their feelings often end up compartmentalizing these emotions in a way that prevent integration. One of the [...]]]> The most important skill, in my opinion, is state control. Personally, the word ‘control’ isn’t really the best word to use, because people are often already over-controlling their emotions.

What I have discovered is that people who ignore their feelings often end up compartmentalizing these emotions in a way that prevent integration. One of the ways in which these emotions actually end up coming back up over and over is that there hasn’t been any resolution to it. History, it seems, has a knack of repeating itself.

Hasn’t there been a time where emotions tend to wreak havoc for you? What emotion was that? If you use that emotion to revisit its source, you will probably find a few things. Firstly, there may be memory fragments. You might not be able to see the memory chronologically. This often means that the memory has not been fully integrated and explored.

Secondly, if you revisit the emotion at its source, you will find that they are childhood sources. For instance, a ruined relationship may connect with a childhood memory of someone whom you were attached to, leaving your life. Many of these require exploration and investigation, especially since the goal of integration is an important one as you progress in life.

State control, therefore, is a process of looking at your states and getting yourself in a position where you can really see yourself. Many of the states that used to bother you will at least be within your awareness, and possibly, become integrated in a manner that helps you to reach clarity and happiness.

Problem Illustration #1: I want to quit smoking… how do I use the Swish Pattern? 

In this case, it is possible to do one of the following.

(1) Make a list of all the Trigger Images [...]]]> I recently reviewed several practitioners’ use of the Swish Pattern and realized that many have gotten their concepts wrong.

Problem Illustration #1: I want to quit smoking… how do I use the Swish Pattern? 

In this case, it is possible to do one of the following.

(1) Make a list of all the Trigger Images that link to smoking and handle them one by one, Swishing to alternative behaviors. This is sometimes viewed as too tedious by most practitioners to do, but I would recommend it highly because it creates fairly stable new behaviors if done properly.

(2) Leverage off Values in order to collapse the need for smoking. This is the sensational one where people watch videos of people crying and being emotional. Be careful – this can work, but often needs some clinical judgment. Don’t just do it because you see a sensational approach on YouTube, then blast your way to do the same thing. People are different, and techniques don’t work exactly the same way all the time for the different people.

Problem Illustration #2: I hate my job, and I want to use the Swish Pattern to be happy with my work. Why doesn’t it work?

Erm… maybe because you already dislike your work. The trouble here is that the Swish pattern is for creating a new habit through a new state. The problem is not at the level of your habits, if you hate your work. The problem is your beliefs. In this case, you may need to do one of a few things. (1) Swish the belief instead of the habit. In other words, build an amplified belief that what you do it worthwhile, or that what you do is meaningful. To do this, you need to understand how to utilize mapping across techniques to shift your old belief into an absolute belief. If I get a chance to demonstrate this on video, I will (soon). (2) Use a Logical Level Alignment process to find congruence in what you presently are doing.

I hope this will continue to help more practitioners find their grounding. Please note that it is important to understand the key principles of NLP so that you can become a better practitioner, not just to learn something in an exam format only. If you are an NLP Practitioner who has found that your technique don’t seem to work, I can explain why. It’s likely you are applying it incorrectly, and may need input as to how to improve your abilities.

Contact me if you have issues. If you are NOT certified by the Society Of NLP, you SHOULD BE! Contact me for a conversion program so you can learn NLP techniques in a clear practice environment.

I [...]]]> In recent months, the concern has been growing about people who claim to offer 3 day certifications, or $80 NLP certifications. As a Licensed Trainer of NLP with the Society Of NLP (Richard Bandler’s organization), I find it hard to believe that such trainers think they can pull off such an unethical stance.

I have been reluctant to conduct certifications for a long time simply because of the attitude propagated by such trainers, and I find the state of the field simply filled with commercially degraded versions of NLP. The main reason is that they do not focus on objective competency.

Hence, my aim for launching the NLP Practitioner competency sets is simple. They are going to be measures, empirically tested over time to reveal evidence to support NLP competencies within a specific set of applications rather than just a generic psychotherapy approach to NLP. The applications will include:

• NLP Modeling competencies (master practitioner level)
• NLP Intervention competencies (practitioner level)
• NLP Coaching competencies (practitioner level)
• NLP Leadership competencies (practitioner and master practitioner)
• NLP Personal Effectiveness competencies (practitioner competencies)

Why Go Through The Trouble?

Well, simply, because I can. With the clear competencies set out, NLP practitioners and master practitioners will no longer flounder around thinking they are competent when they (really) aren’t. It will also differentiate my training from practically all other trainers because the competencies will be evidence-based and tested for the purposes of locking in credibility for the practitioner.

I’ve interviewed people who supposedly have an NLP certification but know nuts about the background and have a hard time proving their points, or choosing their course of action. The issue is not so much that they have to do it, because NLP is not an academic field of study. However, if formalization and research is not conducted, the term ‘practitioner’ is useless.

Hence, my training certifications for both levels will focus a lot more on practice. The core content will be drawn from already existing books or e-learning modules. Practical sessions are where you can actually receive clear guidance and gain competence.

What Would I Do With NLP Certification?

Certification is a mark of competence. NLP certification under my new approach will ensure that you increase in your value as a coach. Because it is practice and feedback based, your ability to maintain your NLP certification will come from your practice areas. The ability to use NLP is a better mark of a good practitioner, rather than someone who has merely completed a course of study.

Practitioners and Master Practitioners can then join our upcoming communities of practice in order to legitimize the practice of NLP in the context of coaching.

If you don’t want a certification from some ‘Mickey Mouse’ institute, please check the reputation of the trainers first and apply some common sense. A tougher training is definitely much more rigorous and therefore valuable for your own development. I can’t stop people from taking an easy way out, but I can certainly support those who have a rigorous approach to their practice process.

For information about real NLP certification training, you may leave a comment in the comments box and I will pick it up within 24-36 hours.