NLP is effectively the manual for the mind, noticing how thoughts affects language, which affects our behaviour, and gets us what we inadvertently set out to achieve. Confused? Let me give you an example:
I used to go into a party situation with dread, what will people think of me, how can I leave early, I have nothing interesting to say...I'm not confident! Of course I would go into the party with this belief and thoughts, stumble my way through the party and look for opportunities to leave and getting exactly what I expected..that was my reality. Now I go into parties wondering who I will meet, knowing I am good with people, and my language and behaviour give me a completely different outcome. So which one is reality? Whichever I choose.
There is a saying 'fake it until you make it' and there is a lot of truth in that saying (ironic huh?). It's a great way to create a new habit and break old cycles that are no longer serving you. Personally I think if you are faking it for too long this can be stressful and you are not genuinely buying into the belief that you want to adopt (see Time Line Therapy for a good alternative to DIY).
Perhaps you know someone who says that they are not good at networking or selling their business, they always fall apart when they have to give presentations, take exams or go for interviews, perhaps this is even about their personal lives, how many people do you know who say relationships don't work, or they keep getting the same type of man...aka the wrong type?
My advice, if you have noticed a pattern in a certain area of your life, start to notice your thoughts, pay attention to what you thinking and what you are consequently getting. Are you happy to be proving yourself right, or is it time to change those old results now?
Do feel free to comment and share - what patterns do you notice in your own life?