Being a trainer focusing on communication and leadership, I travel to
different countries to run training programs. While there are
distinctions that nationality and culture bring to these programs, a
common experience is that people approach me to teach them Neuro
Linguistic Programming, and that they have heard of NLP although they
do not really understand what it is about.

NLP is a practical communication model for relating with ourselves, as
well as with the people around us. I do find it curious though that
although it is a communication model in itself, NLP has been a
challenge for some to describe to others using simple words. There
certainly is an enthusiasm for learning the technical details of NLP.
However the challenge in explaining NLP in non-technical terms has led
to confusion, distrust, and skepticism on the subject.

For a communication model, I think NLP should be easy to understand
and more importantly, easy to apply to ones life. Like learning the
alphabet or learning to count, it is about the regular applications
and joys that you get from perhaps reading a beautifully written
passage or maybe receiving dividends from profitable financial
investments. I know I smile at the many letters and numbers for what
they represent.

With NLP, it could be about raising profits in business, influencing
people in leadership, or building closer relationships with your loved
ones. Or perhaps it could be about being clear on your goals or new
year resolutions, getting the self-confidence to achieve them, and
having that satisfaction at the end.

For me, I am looking forward to this new year for the people and
places, for they represent the change, choices and enjoyment of life
for me, and sharing about the applications of NLP is a way of
achieving that.

What would your answer be, one that really makes you smile, when you
ask yourself: “What do I really want?”