Thanks in large part to the Internet, the amount of information available on NLP can be a bit overwhelming, especially to a beginner. First step - don't worry! Many have been in your shoes before and attained deep and powerful skills.
Here are some tips gathered from my personal experience as a Master Practitioner that will help guide you on your way.
I) "Take it easy, but take it." - Woody Gutherie.
Many pieces of NLP are very in-depth and cannot be mastered all at once. Make sure you are biting off manageable pieces. Even if you are simply focusing on one specific technique, for example the meta-model, it is possible and recommended to break it down even further into its component parts. Learn one part well and then move on to another. Was Rome built in one day?
II) Formulate a Specific Plan of Action
Even if you are working with manageable chunks, it is still possible to be overwhelmed. Think about your goals and the sequence of pieces that you will need in place to make that happen. When choosing a NLP piece to work on, ask yourself questions like "What piece can I learn know that will make all of the other pieces simpler to learn?" or "Which piece will have the most immediate impact on my life?" You can even take it to a simpler place: "Which piece will cause me to have the most fun today?"
III) Get Off Your Couch and Out Into the World
At the end of the day, all of the reading in the world won't help you one iota without concrete action. It is in the real world that we make real strides. Get out there and practice - you will probably surprise yourself! Do you want to be a Master Practitioner or a Master Researcher?
IV) Develop a Daily NLP Practice Regimen
Daily practice is essential to progress, even if you only spend a few minutes each day. Once you get started practicing every day, you will begin to see more and more opportunities to apply your training. Don't forget to use them.
V) Practice Receiving Feedback in a Constructive Way
No matter what the content of the feedback, you can use it as a learning opportunity. Negative feedback tells you what to work on, and positive feedback helps you realize you are on the right path. Of course, don't forget to celebrate your successes!
VI) Remember that Learning is a Process
No one has ever said that learning something new is easy. Remember that there will be bumps along the way and that this is totally normal! Take comfort in the fact that you are taking time to work on yourself -a step that many people never undertake. Appreciate your progress and enjoy the journey.
VII) Take notice of NLP Occurring in its Natural Environment
Sometimes excellence occurs in places you never would have thought of. These are great opportunities for you to absorb and experience excellence first hand - don't let them go to waste! Where do you think NLP came from originally?
VIII) Remember and Apply this Simple but Insightful Joke.
A tourist has tickets to a concert at Carnegie Hall but can't find the way. He asks a pedestrian "How do you get to Carnegie Hall?" The answer: "Practice Practice Practice!"
IX) Don't forget to have fun!
Seriously. It is a well-known scientific fact that people learn better, faster and with more depth when they are having fun. It sounds simple, but if you think of your training as a difficult and unwanted chore, you will surely get lost along the way and your practice will suffer. Plus, by having fun you get the added benefit of having fun!
I hope these tips will help practitioners of all levels deepen and improve their NLP experience and their daily lives. I wish you good luck and lots of fun on your journey!
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