Life over 50 is filled with wisdom, beauty, and opportunity. Yet, there are times when we all need a little help staying motivated and inspired. Drawing from the incredible toolkit of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), I’ve put together some of my favorite practices to keep your mindset vibrant, your energy flowing, and your dreams alive. Let’s dive in!
1. Anchoring: Recalling Your Power Moments
What is it?
Anchoring is an NLP technique that helps you tap into a specific emotional state by associating it with a physical action or thought.
How to Practice:
1. Close your eyes and think of a time when you felt incredibly confident, happy, or unstoppable.
2. Relive that moment in vivid detail—what did you see, hear, and feel?
3. While immersed in this memory, press your thumb and index finger together or tap a spot on your wrist.
4. Repeat this process several times to create a strong “anchor.”
Why it works:
The next time you feel stuck or uninspired, activating this anchor will bring back those empowering feelings, lifting your mood and confidence instantly.
2. Reframing: Shifting Perspectives
What is it?
Reframing involves changing how you perceive a challenge to see it in a more empowering light.
How to Practice:
• Write down a situation that feels discouraging or overwhelming.
• Ask yourself:
• What can I learn from this?
• How could this challenge be an opportunity in disguise?
• What would someone I admire do in this situation?
• Craft a new perspective. For example, instead of saying, “I’m too old to start this,” reframe it as, “I have the life experience and wisdom to succeed.”
Why it works:
When you change your story, you change your reality. Reframing opens the door to possibilities and growth.
3. Visualisation: Create Your Desired Future
What is it?
Visualisation is a mental rehearsal that helps you imagine your goals as if they are already achieved.
How to Practice:
1. Find a quiet space and close your eyes.
2. Picture yourself living your dream—whether it’s a fitter body, a new skill, or a thriving business.
3. See the colours, hear the sounds, and feel the emotions of success.
4. Make it vivid and practice this daily.
Why it works:
Your mind doesn’t distinguish between imagination and reality. Visualisation trains your brain to believe in your goals and primes it for action.
4. Chunking: Breaking Down Goals
What is it?
Chunking is an NLP technique that helps break big goals into manageable steps.
How to Practice:
1. Write down a goal that feels overwhelming.
2. Break it into smaller, actionable tasks.
3. Focus on completing one task at a time.
For example:
• Big Goal: Start a fitness routine.
• Chunks:
• Research beginner-friendly classes.
• Buy comfortable workout gear.
• Schedule a class in your calendar.
• Commit to one class this week.
Why it works:
Small wins create momentum. By focusing on one step at a time, you reduce overwhelm and build confidence.
5. The Swish Pattern: Replace Limiting Beliefs
What is it?
The Swish Pattern helps rewire your mind to move away from negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.
How to Practice:
1. Identify a limiting belief or behavior you’d like to change.
2. Imagine a vivid picture of this belief or behavior.
3. Now, imagine a brighter, more positive image of your desired belief or behavior.
4. Mentally “swish” the negative image out of view while pulling the positive image forward.
5. Repeat this process quickly several times.
Why it works:
This technique reprograms your mind to focus on positive outcomes, helping you let go of self-sabotaging thoughts.
6. The Power of Language: Speak Inspiration
What is it?
The words you use shape your reality. NLP emphasises the power of positive and empowering language.
How to Practice:
• Replace “I can’t” with “I’m learning to…”
• Swap “I should” with “I choose to…”
• Transform “I failed” into “I discovered what doesn’t work.”
Why it works:
Language creates emotional states. By speaking with positivity and possibility, you fuel motivation and confidence.
7. Future Pacing: Living the Life You Want
What is it?
Future pacing involves imagining yourself successfully navigating future scenarios.
How to Practice:
1. Think of an upcoming event or goal that makes you nervous.
2. Imagine yourself handling it with grace and ease.
3. See yourself succeeding and feel the emotions of achievement.
Why it works:
This practice trains your brain to approach future challenges with confidence, reducing anxiety and increasing motivation.
You’ve Got This!
We all have a well of untapped potential and power. By using these NLP practices, you can rewire your mindset, stay motivated, and create a life filled with joy and purpose. Remember, motivation isn’t about doing it all at once—it’s about taking small, consistent steps toward the future you desire.
Now it’s your turn: which of these practices will you try first? Let me know in the comments!
Keep shining!
Helena Hilltout
Opmerkingen