Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) has been a game-changer in the fields of communication, personal development, and even therapy. You may have heard of it in the context of high-performing leaders, coaches, and therapists - but what if I told you that you could start applying NLP techniques right now to improve your daily life? Stick around, and I’ll show you how.

What is NLP, really?

NLP is often described as the study of excellence in communication and behaviour. It’s about understanding how our thoughts, language, and actions shape our experiences. More importantly, it’s about reprogramming ourselves to think, feel, and behave in ways that serve us better.

If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “I always mess this up,” congratulations, you’ve just experienced NLP in action (just not the kind you want). Our words shape our reality, and NLP provides tools to tweak that reality for the better.

1. The power of Reframing: Change the meaning, change the feeling

Ever had a bad day? Well of course, you have. But what if I told you that your “bad day” was just a “challenging day” that helped you grow? That’s an example of reframing.

Reframing is about taking a negative/unwanted/unhelpful thought and shifting the perspective. Instead of saying, “I failed at this presentation,” you could say, “I learned what NOT to do next time.” By changing the meaning, you change how you feel about it, and that can be incredibly empowering.

Results in Action:

The next time something doesn’t go as planned, ask yourself: "How can I see this differently?" or "What is the hidden benefit here?" You’d be surprised how powerful this little linguistic tweak can be.

2. Mirroring: The art of instant connection

If you want to build rapport quickly - whether with colleagues, friends, or strangers - mirroring is your secret weapon. People naturally like others who are similar to them, and mirroring their body language, tonality, and even speech patterns can create an instant connection.

Now, before you start imitating someone like a parrot, let’s be clear: mirroring should be subtle. If someone leans in slightly, you lean in a moment later. If they’re speaking at a slow pace, you match it. It’s about harmonising with them, not mimicking them like an annoying 5-year-old on a sugar rush.

Results in Action:

Next time you’re in a conversation, pay attention to the other person’s posture and speech rhythm. Gradually adjust yours to align with theirs. You’ll notice a deeper connection forming almost instantly.

3. Anchoring: Your personal emotional reset button

Ever heard a song from years ago and suddenly felt the emotions of that time? That’s anchoring in action - associating a particular stimulus (sound, touch, smell, sight) with a specific emotional state.

NLP teaches us to create positive anchors on purpose. Want to feel confident on demand? Anchor confidence! Want to relax instantly? Anchor relaxation!

Results in Action:

1. Think of a time when you felt incredibly confident.

2. What did you feel, see, hear, smell & taste?

3. As you fully experience that feeling, press your thumb and forefinger together.

4. Repeat this several times over the next few days.

5. Later, when you need confidence, press your thumb and forefinger together, and Presto! - your mind will recall the anchored feelings!

4. The power of Presuppositions: Shaping reality with words

A presupposition is an assumption embedded in language that subtly influences perception. Instead of asking, “Do you think you’ll be able to do this?” (which invites doubt), ask, “How will you make this work?” The latter presupposes success - i.e., it assumes the task will be completed, and the only question is how.

Results in Action:

Instead of asking yourself, “Can I do this?” instead ask “How will I do this?” Notice how it shifts your mindset!

5. The Swish Pattern: Erasing unwanted habits

Ever wanted to get rid of an annoying habit or unhelpful thought pattern? The Swish Pattern is an NLP classic that helps you do just that.

Results in Action:

1. Identify an image in your mind that represents the unwanted habit (e.g., seeing yourself reaching for junk food).

2. Now, imagine a bright, compelling image of yourself making a better choice (e.g., confidently choosing a healthy snack).

3. In your mind, “swish” the two images - make the negative one shrink and fade, while the positive one grows bigger, more vivid, and stronger.

4. Repeat this several times until the new behaviour feels natural.

You’ll be surprised how this simple technique can help you break patterns that have been holding you back.

Small Changes, Big Results

NLP is a vast field, but you don’t need to be a certified practitioner to start using it. These simple techniques - Reframing, Mirroring, Anchoring, Presuppositions, and the Swish Pattern - can create profound shifts in how you communicate, feel, and navigate life.

So, why not give them a go today?

Your future self will thank you for it.