NLP & Creativity

NLP is essentially a system of applied psychology. Based on a number of simple presuppositions it provides models of human behaviour and tools to change that behaviour. NLP is most famously used to cure phobias, however it can be used to change almost any behaviour pattern. Perhaps the best thing about NLP is that once you've studied it then you can apply it yourself.

There are two aspects of NLP that I - as an untrained amateur! - have found especially useful in enhancing creativity:

Modelling

One of the presuppositions of NLP is that "If you can do it, so can I". OK, that's obviously a generalisation; there are some things that are physically impossible for some people. However in the vast majority of cases if you find yourself thinking "I'd like to do that" then you probably can. It might not be easy: it will take time, energy and hard work. However most of us share fundamentally similar brains and physiology.

You want to be more creative? Great! So why not look at some of the greatest creative minds in history, find out what they did and copy it. It sounds so simple you wonder why everyone doesn't do it.

Which creative role-models do you most respect and want to be like? Leonardo da Vinci? Thomas Edison? Homer Simpson? Study them! NLP can teach you detailed modelling methodologies however the principles are simple: study your subject's belief systems, study their approaches to life, study the actions they take. Then duplicate them as far as is practical.

Anchoring

Anchoring is an NLP technique for creating internal states at will. In essence it is a modern version of Pavlov's conditioning techniques. Very simply, the theory is that if we associate a unique external stimulus to an internal state, then eventually the stimulus will be enough to create the state. In the case of Pavlov's dogs, the state was hunger and the stimulus the bell. Anchors can be positive or negative and you undoubtedly already have numerous ones that you simply aren't aware of. Advertisers are masters at creating anchors without us realising it.

Whilst anchoring is a large and complex subject the basics are simple.

So, how do you use anchoring to enhance creativity? Well, in basic terms:

Create the desired state Next time you are feeling totally creative, make the anchor. For now, try to recreate the state. Think back to the last time that you felt really creative. A time when everything was flowing, ideas were tumbling out of your brain, where you knew that everything was working. Picture yourself at that point, then mentally move in to the picture. Feel yourself there, feel yourself being creative, totally associate with your creative self. Recreate your physiology. Put your body in to the same position, put the same expression on your face, speak the same way. Take it to the peak state. Create the anchor Once you're at the peak state, do something consistent and unique. Snapping your fingers is a classic. Other anchors might include patting your head, pulling an ear or shouting a special word. Whatever works for you. The important thing is that this trigger is unique and is anchored to the peak state. Repeat It's not enough to just do this once, do it again and again. And again. Use it Once you have the anchor established, simply use it! When you want to be more creative simply take on your personal creative physiology and recreate the trigger. Bang! If your anchor is strong enough you should feel it working instantly. Now get on with whatever you wanted to do quickly before the feeling wears off!

Important Note:
I am not a trained NLP practitioner. This is not a medical site and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a doctor regarding medical matters.