Tag Archives: changing habits

04/2/08

Neuro Linguistic Programming, A Way To Change Behaviour?

I came across the term ‘Neuro Linguistic Programming’ (NLP) again recently. I have a rough idea of what it means and saw it in effect on the Tyra Show.

Neuro Linguistic Programming is a means for changing behaviour, which are deep-set in the subconscious. To learn and unlearn behaviour.

Before having a clearer idea on what it was, I thought it was a cheater’s way of doing things. The results would be there but it’d be impermanent. I was wrong.

In NLP, it is proposed that behaviour was learnt at a young age. When you found an effective way of doing things, you replicated it till it became habitualised. Thus, based on that proposition, if you can unlearn certain defected behaviour, things could change. In other words, you are not stuck the way you are.

This knowledge can be applied to unlearn phobias, anxiety, depression triggers and so on. That’s why I’m interested in it.

Before, I had only two solutions to changing behaviour. They were either meditation or the 14 days of replicating a new habit. Meditation to change was time consuming and the 14 days technique required hard core persistence. Both could work hand in hand. But I’m too impatient and hasty. NLP was said to give quicker results.

If I hadn’t considered NLP, I would be meditating with a cockroach in front of me to dispel my fear of them. I’m not joking here. However, that would require myself to be a more accomplished meditator to prevent myself from running out of the room screaming.

Anyway, allow me to find out more about Neuro Linguistic Programming techniques, try them and then tell you if they work.

Logen L.

03/1/08

Benjamin Franklin Tells You To Change Your Habits

Everyone knows who Benjamin Franklin is. Better known as an inventor who flew a kite during a terrible storm, he was also one of the founding fathers of the United States.

However, my focus is neither his scientific nor patriotic contributions. Quite the contrary and seemingly insignificant, it is his “life-list” that is of interest.

When he was twenty, Benjamin Franklin developed a plan. He wanted to attain moral perfection and therefore wanted to cultivate 13 different virtues. Each week he focused on working at one virtue.

At the end of the 13 weeks devoted to the 13 virtues, he’d repeated the cycle. Hence, moving closer and closer to his goal of moral perfection.

If you’re trying to change or inculcate new habits. Here’s what I’m trying to illustrate from this tale.

  1. Focus on a few goals at one time
  2. Practice Makes Perfect

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1. Focus on a few goals at one time

The power to change lies with the amount of focus we give. Usually, we’d take on more goals than can be handled, at one time. Needless to say, the only result is being overwhelmed and feeling smotheringly incompetent.

When we undertake too many enterprises of equal priority, it becomes difficult to focus.

Focus on few goals at a time. Change gradually by breaking each goal into small steps. You will want to do things at a manageable pace; not an overwhelming pace.

2. “Practice makes perfect“

Consider this cliche, because it is true. Eugene had kindly reminded me that an average human takes 14 days to form a habit. 14 days of repetition is what it takes.

Repetition was a key feature in Franklin’s quest for moral perfection. He repeated the cycle of 13 virtues perpetually, just to make it a part of his lifestyle.

It is easy to make change. The question is: can you maintain it? Make use of repetition to form habits, which eventually will handle the job of maintenance.

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If you think about it, the Benjamin Franklin model of developing virtues can be used if we seek to change any habits. Weight-loss, for example, seeks to lose weight through (presumably) healthy eating habits and exercising.

Logen L.