The methodology of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) along with all of the techniques and patterns it contains, lead to an immense amount of information and skills for the NLP novice.
Here are 5 tips and tricks to not only make learning NLP manageable – but enjoyable!
1. Chunk down
Even just one piece of NLP such as the meta-model can be overwhelming if you attempt to master the whole skill set at once. The first task in any large learning process is to break it down into manageable chunks.
Here’s the test: if the piece that you are considering learning overwhelms you, break it down into its component pieces and start with one of those first! You can’t eat an entire elephant in one bite, can you?
2. Prioritise
If the chunks are appropriately sized and you still feel overwhelmed, it’s most likely an issue of prioritisation and sequencing.
Once your learning tasks are in a manageable chunk size, ask yourself questions such as: “What piece, if I learn it now, will make learning the other pieces easier?”, “What is the most important piece, that if I focus on it first, will have the most impact on my life?”, or “Which piece will I have the most fun with today!”
3. Action, action, action
Reading is good, but there’s a big difference between effective understanding and effective action. Get out in the world and use it! Practice makes perfect. Do you want to be a master reader or a master Practitioner?
4. Apply to self
Following NLP training, learners tend to become most effective in the techniques that have the most impact on their own lives. Experiencing it yourself gives you a much richer understanding of the tools and their effects than using them on others. By not using such powerful tools on yourself, you’re missing out on the personal change that can take your skills to the next level!
5. Make a daily routine
Make it a habit to practice a few techniques daily, even if only briefly. Upon acquiring new skills, you will begin to notice new opportunities to practice. Use them!