Presuppositions of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming)

Neuro linguistic programming is a specially designed programming model, which is used to enhance the human mind operations. It is a program made in the brain language, as the word neuro refers to the brain and linguistic is related to the language; to increase the overall functioning (psychological as well as physical) of an individual. It is used to get better results, to increase the performance of the individual, to reach the goal, or to overcome some psychological disorders such as anxiety, phobia, depression etc. It is a constantly developing set of model, which involves various techniques, patterns, presuppositions, and some theories derived from the observations regarding behavior and communication of the individual.

Presuppositions are the assumptions or central principles made by people, which are useful in implementing the changes, either to themselves or to others. A person undergoing Neuro Linguistic Programming has to believe these assumptions to be true (pre-suppose), therefore they are called as presuppositions. They filter mind's perceptions, values, beliefs and attitude. Basically, presuppositions are the beliefs, which are the foundation of this program. They are also called as assumptions or givens. There are thirteen presuppositions in NLP. Let's see, what are these presuppositions.

"We all are in charge of our own minds, and therefore our results."
An individual is responsible for his own actions. Take the responsibilities, instead of blaming others for any mistake.

"You already have all the resources you need."
Don't wait for the opportunities or miracles. Work sincerely, success will definitely follow you.

"Mind and body form a linked system."
Mind and body works together. Think positive. Negative thinking can affect the performance and body functions as well.

"The map is not the territory."
People often limit their performance to the map of reality, which is based on other people's experiences and beliefs. However, the reality permits more choices than the map.

"There is no such thing as failure. There is only feedback."
If you don't get success in the first attempt, it is not a failure. You will definitely get the success, if you keep trying. Learn from your mistakes and don't repeat them, then only you will succeed.

"Choice is better than no choice."
Any option is better than having no options at all.

"If whatever you are doing isn't working, do something else."
You should always be flexible. Being flexible creates many options for an individual.

"If someone can do it, anyone can learn it."
If something is possible, then there has to be a way to do it.

"There are no resistant clients, only inflexible communicators."
Improper and unclear communication results in resistance in the work.

"You cannot fail to communicate."
People are always communicating either verbally or non-verbally, using body language. Body language plays an important role in a person's social and personal life.

"The meaning of communication is the response you get."
An effective communication always get more response. Communication should be clear and effective.

"There is a positive intention behind every individual's behavior."
Analyze every behavior. Look for the positive intentions in any behavior. It widens the choices. Everyone is useful in some way, only if you identify that way.

"Always respect the other person's model of the world."
Every individual has his own set of assumptions and beliefs. Everyone creates his own unique world around himself. Do respect other people's world of experiences.

These are some presuppositions used in neuro linguistic programming. NLP is very effectively used in the fields of management, education, business, training and also for personality development and performance related activities.