What is NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)? and Exercise 1: The Power of Words—How Language Shapes Your Reality

What is NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)? You may have heard the term NLP, or Neuro-Linguistic Programming, but what exactly does it mean? Put simply, NLP is about understanding how the way we think (neuro), communicate (linguistic), and behave (programming) shapes our experience of the world. It’s like a toolkit to help you gain better control over your thoughts, emotions, and actions.

Imagine if you could reprogram your mind to break bad habits, overcome fears, and feel more confident in any situation. NLP offers practical strategies to do just that. It’s not magic, but it works with the brain’s natural processes to create positive change.

What I love about NLP is that it’s all about empowerment. It helps you take control of your mental and emotional states, so you’re not at the mercy of negative thoughts or old patterns that no longer serve you.

Let's start with something simple but powerful—understanding how the language we use impacts the way we see and experience life.

Exercise 1: The Power of Words—How Language Shapes Your Reality One of the core principles of NLP is that the language we use reflects and reinforces our mental state. The words we choose—whether spoken out loud or in our own minds—can either empower us or hold us back.

Here’s a practical example: When you say, “I can’t do this” or “I’m not good at that,” you’re programming your brain to believe those statements. Your subconscious mind takes those words as instructions and works to reinforce that reality.

But the good news is, you can flip the script!

Try This: Positive Reframe Exercise For the next 24 hours, I want you to become more aware of the way you talk to yourself—especially in challenging situations. Do you often use negative language when things get tough? Catch those moments and actively reframe them. Here’s how:

Step 1: Awareness Notice when you say or think something negative about yourself or your abilities. For example, “I’ll never be able to do this” or “I’m always messing things up.”

Step 2: Pause and Reflect Ask yourself: Is this statement 100% true? Often, we realise that these statements are exaggerated or rooted in past experiences, not present reality.

Step 3: Reframe with Positivity Replace the negative statement with a more positive or constructive one. Here are some examples:

Instead of saying, “I’m terrible at this,” say, “I’m still learning, and I’ll improve with practice.” Swap “I always mess up” with “I’ve made mistakes, but I learn and grow from them.” Change “I can’t do this” to “This is a challenge, but I can find a way through it.” Step 4: Notice the Shift Once you reframe your language, take note of how it makes you feel. Do you feel lighter, more empowered, or less stressed? Over time, this simple shift will start to influence your thoughts and actions more positively.

Go Deeper: The Power of Questions Our brains are wired to answer questions, so the kinds of questions we ask ourselves can determine the direction of our thoughts. In NLP, asking the right questions is key to shifting your mindset.

Instead of asking “Why can’t I do this?”, try asking empowering questions like:

“What can I learn from this experience?” “How can I improve in this area?” “What’s one small step I can take today to move forward?” Notice how these questions open your mind to solutions and possibilities instead of keeping you stuck in the problem.

Why This Matters The language you use becomes a reflection of your inner world—and it’s also a way to rewire your brain. If you repeatedly tell yourself something negative, your brain reinforces that belief. But by consciously shifting your language, you start to create new mental pathways that support growth and confidence.

This is just the beginning of what NLP can do. By becoming aware of your language and changing the way you speak to yourself, you're already taking the first step toward shifting your mindset and creating real, positive change in your life.

In upcoming posts, we’ll dive deeper into more practical NLP tools you can use to:

• Change unhelpful behaviors
• Build your confidence
• Improve your communication with others

But for now, give this exercise a try. Start small by changing the way you talk to yourself, and watch how it begins to shift your perspective.

Let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!