“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place”
– George Bernard Shaw

The first time that NLP became known to me is when it was discussed by Navy Seal Michael Jaco in an interview that was conducted with him. Jaco also mentions it briefly in his book The Intuitive Warrior where he details many of the experiences in his life.

That lead me to research Neuro-linguistic programming in a cursory manner, and figured the information provided might do me some good.

Of all books available, NLP – The Essential Guide To Neuro-Linguistic Programming by Tom Hoobyar and Tom Dotz, was the one that appealed to me more than the others.

In any case, although this is my first book on the subject [and will continue to look into it in future books and such], it is quite comprehensive.

At its foundation, it basically consists of explaining the process of human thought. Thereafter, it gives the reader countless angles from which to be able to address any in a myriad of issues when it comes to how the mind creates/addresses experiences in our daily lives and how we as individuals can take charge of this process for the betterment of ourselves and others.

This particular book brings clarity to many emotional circumstances that take place between individuals, or even groups, and helps one be able to key in to certain factors. The author’s tempo is quite consistent throughout, and it doesn’t really go too fast, or too slow for the reader. The subject of NLP is analyzed from quite a few different angles.

In the beginning it covers the importance to understanding how one thinks. Therein we can learn how others manage their thoughts, whether they know it or not. From there on the book addresses thought patterns and couples that with belief filters that dictate how we view reality.

Belief filters are quite intriguing, because although an individual might be getting information, the information that his mind is viewing is being processed through a particular filter, which might or might not be beneficial. For instance, some beliefs, if positive, allow you to have a more positive outlook, thus you’re more likely to make positive choices due to that. However, the converse is also true.

Another notable point that is discussed is what emotional anchors are, as well as how to use them is touched upon. This is fascinating in that it can help people build upon the positive aspects of their life, rather than just ‘roll with the punches’ so to speak.

Triggers of emotion are also focused, being that they are so imperative in the construction of our emotional sphere.

The book also covers the notion of “Modalities” as well as “Sub-Modalities”. These are important because this is a reflection of how we feel based on certain qualities/distinctions.

One particular bit of the book that’s noteworthy is the fact that it mentions that any particular emotion, is just one option of many one can partake in. This is vital, as many people seem to be able ‘not to control’ their emotions and allow them to be automatic. By allowing themselves to be controlled by their emotions, and not be other way around, these individuals often find themselves in emotive-charged circumstances that are quite dense in stress.

Time and time again, this book covers the importance of ‘living in the moment’. This is tackled quite extensively as its monumentally beneficial, rather than living life on autopilot which most people unfortunately do.

Another prominent tenet that’s addressed that has various component are the Navy Seal’s “Big 4”. These are particular tools/habits that help Navy SEALs tackle countless intense instances where they need to forge ahead, regardless of circumstances.

Other ideas discussed are Meta-programs, the importance of physical signals such as personal space, body position, posture, gestures, touch & even eye movement, as well as being able to put yourself in other people’s mind to find out how they might be feeling.

The power of belief, some being good and some bad, are also mentioned in a quite remarkable manner.

This NLP Essential Guide makes it possible to abdicate many of the bad habits that plague individuals.

It would be erroneous however to think that once one is finished reading the book, the job is done. Those kind of limiting thoughts would placate any change that might be possible if one is not willing to put in the work.

In hindsight, there are so many different topics and ideas discussed that, at minimum, even with highlights and notes taken, it will take another reread of the most notable aspects to full anchor down all of the information. That, or by regularly studying the concepts will one be able to fully gain the benefits of the information.

Even with everything mentioned, there is still a lot more ideas, and examples that are addressed that would be highly beneficial to many people. There is just too many to mention.

As previously said, this book really is quite comprehensive. Applying the ideas/concepts every day is where your life will begin to change.

In the end, the choice is yours.

“It’s never too late to be the person you might have been.”
– George Eiliot ( )