Neuro-Linguistic Programming

Let's take a look at them all now in depth.

1. State the outcome in positive terms

Many people express their goals in negative terms: 'I don't want to smoke', 'I don't want to feel nervous when presenting', 'I don't want to worry about the future'. But there's a problem with this way of thinking because of how our minds work. When we use negative language we end up focusing on what we don't want, which has the opposite effect to what was intended.

If someone says 'Don't think of a guitar', the only way you can remember not to think of it is to think of it. You have to hold it in your mind and then cancel or delete it. For that reason, NLP insists that all outcomes are stated in positive terms. So 'I don't want to feel nervous when I'm presenting' is revised to 'I want to feel confident when I present', on which the mind can focus without distraction.

It might sound as if this is just playing with words, but framing outcomes positively really is a crucial step in achieving them.

2. Ensure the outcome is within your control

It's also essential that the outcome is under your control. If