Neuro-Linguistic Programming

The language of beliefs and values

The expressions people use often reveal their beliefs and values. The words 'can' and 'can't' in particular are a clear indication of a belief. The same is true when ideas are presented dogmatically, with no room for debate. When beliefs are deeply held, they often lead to black and white thinking. Words such as 'right' and 'wrong', 'appropriate' and 'inappropriate', 'good' and 'bad', 'should' and 'shouldn't', and 'important' and 'unimportant' tell you immediately that someone is talking in terms of their values.

Where do beliefs and values come from?

Beliefs and values are not innate. We don't arrive as babies with them all neatly organized. We acquire and develop them as we strive to make sense of the world. But where do they come from? The following are some of the factors:

Imprint experiences: Significant experiences during the imprint stage, up to the age of seven, often result in limiting or empowering beliefs.

The culture we grow up in: Our parents play a large part in shaping how we think. Many of us follow the same religion as our family. And how often do you see small boys wearing the same football team colors as their father?

Unconscious modeling: As