Neuro-linguistic programming: Are you in two minds?

Think about the following:

• When you woke up this morning, how did you know to be you?
• If you drive, how did you get to your last destination? I bet when you think about it you can barely remember the majority of the journey.
• If words make up just 7% of communication, who is in control of the other 93% of yours?

These are all examples of the unconscious mind at work.

For the most part, we aren’t aware of the fact that our operating systems are comprised of both conscious and unconscious minds, so we don’t use them both to their full potential. For many people the exception is when they have one of those ‘I’m feeling uneasy but can’t explain why’ moments.

Thinking about your unconscious mind in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) terms may shake up your thinking. (Your conscious thinking that is!)

Your unconscious mind doesn’t process negatives

To use a classic example, if I say to you ‘Don’t think of a blue tree,’ what pops into your head?

How is this knowledge important to your business? Think about the language you use with your clients. For example, what message are you sending if you say to a customer ‘Don’t worry about the price’?

You need to be very purposeful with your language if you want your clients to interpret what you say favourably in both their conscious and unconscious minds. Omit any negatives and turn your language into positive, inspiring talk.

While we’re on the subject, how do you respond to that most common of all questions, ‘How are you?’

If your routine answer is ‘Not bad’ or ‘Can’t complain’, take a moment to consider what your unconscious mind hears every time you say this. Yep, things are bad and you’re complaining. Neither of those states is very inspiring or uplifting, so it could be time to weave some more empowering alternatives into your vocabulary!

Want more articles like this? Check out the business psychology section.

Your unconscious mind maintains instincts and generates habits

You may have heard that you need to consistently repeat a new habit for 20 days if you want it to stick. That applies when you only use your conscious mind, but if you also use your unconscious mind, change can happen in an instant. How great is that for time management?

Your unconscious mind is programmed to continually seek more

You’ll never be done learning and discovering, because you’ll always have part of you wanting more and driving you to keep moving forward. So enjoy the journey, as well as the destination, because as soon as you get there, you’ll be starting another journey again!

Give your unconscious mind a break

How can you start consciously using your unconscious mind? Like physical fitness, it is a matter of training. One thing you can start doing immediately is giving yourself time to reflect every day so that your conscious mind gets a rest and your unconscious mind can get to work.

What you’ll effectively be doing is setting yourself up for more of those amazing ideas and precious moments of great inspiration that pop up when you least expect them. Eureka!

Are you in two minds about commenting on this article? Please don’t be! We’re keen to hear your responses – both conscious and unconscious.