Understanding NLP and Its Role in Achieving Success
- Brainz Magazine
- Feb 13
- 6 min read
Amy Tremayne is well-known when it comes to neuro-linguistics & hypnosis coaching. She is the founder of The Study of Success, a virtual Integrative Coaching platform.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is more than just a self-help tool; it’s a powerful framework for understanding and replicating the behaviours, thought patterns, and communication styles of highly successful individuals. By exploring the connection between language, mindset, and results, NLP provides practical strategies for personal and professional growth. In this article, we delve into how NLP can help you unlock your potential and achieve success on your terms.
Recognizing those “glass ceilings”
Ever feel like you’re stuck, even when things are going well? You’re not alone. Even high achievers hit invisible “glass ceilings.” These are self-imposed limits, beliefs, or behaviors that keep us from achieving more.
But here’s the thing: breaking through is possible. It starts with recognizing where you're holding yourself back. Often, we're so focused on certain goals or problems that we miss vital opportunities or warning signs right in front of us.
The takeaway? Success isn’t an overnight transformation. It’s understanding that growth begins with seeing past your own limits and daring to step beyond them.
I, myself, didn’t always have this mindset. My journey is one that many will relate to. From owning a brokerage to coaching over 150 agents in a mentorship program, I had an impressive resume. But each venture came with challenges, such as a bump, a block, or a "this is as far as I can go" moment.
What shook me most was realizing these limits weren’t external. They came from within. Even my ability to help others was capped because my own growth needed attention. That’s when I set out to change, starting with myself.
I sought out coaches, dove into learning, and discovered the incredible power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, or NLP. More importantly, I found practical tools to remove those barriers. Now, with my coaching company, The Study of Success, I’m paying it forward, sharing what I've learned so others can break free, too.
What is NLP, and why does it work?
You’ve probably heard the term NLP tossed around, but what is it, really? NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming. It’s all about using the language of the mind to achieve desired outcomes in life. It sounds technical, but it’s pretty straightforward when broken down:
Neuro: Refers to your nervous system or how your brain interprets the world through your senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste.
Linguistic: The way you use language, both verbally and non-verbally, to create meaning from your experiences.
Programming: Adjusting your mental and behavioral patterns to achieve the results you want.
Think of your brain as a computer. Your experiences become programs that shape how you move through life, sometimes helpful, sometimes not. NLP helps you rewrite those “unhelpful” programs to align with your goals.
Seeing the gorilla: Adjusting your focus
There is a well known demonstration of this concept through a simple yet powerful exercise. Participants watched a video asking them to count basketball passes among players wearing white shirts. While everyone focused on counting, most missed an unexpected twist: a man dressed as a gorilla casually walked through the scene.
What does this teach us? Too often, we're laser-focused on one task, one problem, or one goal. We miss the “gorillas” in our lives, hidden opportunities, solutions, or even dangers. Shifting focus isn’t easy, but it starts by realizing you're not seeing the whole picture.
Life’s full of gorillas. Will you start noticing them?
Why do we miss so much?
Here’s the deal: your brain receives millions of bits of information every second, but it can only process around 126 bits. That’s it. To cope, your mind deletes, distorts, and generalizes. It’s like a filter that allows you to focus on what seems most important at the moment.
But here’s where it gets tricky: those filters are shaped by your experiences, beliefs, and even past traumas. They dictate how you perceive events, and they’re not always accurate.
For example, have you ever heard someone say something nice, followed by “but”? Instantly, their compliment feels invalidated. That one word, “but,” can trigger a totally different reaction. By becoming aware of these nuances, you can reframe how you interpret words and situations.
Changing your state: Physiology and energy
Ever notice how your mood improves after a brisk walk? That’s no coincidence. Your physical state is linked to your emotions and decisions.
If you're stuck in a mental rut, start with something simple: move your body. Stretch, dance, go outside, or change your position. By shifting your physical state, you can improve your mental state.
I once had a debilitating fear of heights that left me frozen in fear and crying in a gondola making its way up a mountain in Lake Tahoe. Once at the top of the mountain, I rushed to the bar for a stiff drink to calm my nerves. After two very large bloody mary’s, it was time to head back down the mountain. In the same gondola that had terrorized me earlier that day. Once I was seated on the gondola, I could see the mountain view of Lake Tahoe. It was one of the most beautiful landscapes I had ever seen, and I was in awe and no longer crippled with fear.
I was blown away. Why was I now brave and able to withstand the heights? Because I had changed my physical state with alcohol! Liquid courage, as they say. This blew my mind, but I knew there was no way I could use alcohol to calm my fears every time. I knew I needed something more permanent than that.
Later, after learning NLP techniques, I was able to overcome that phobia completely. I’ve even tested it by venturing into high-up places and experiencing excitement versus fear. I am finally free from the chains of that fear. The tools worked. And they can work for you, too.
Identifying and breaking bad patterns
Your beliefs and past experiences act like anchors. They shape how you react to situations today, even when they’re no longer relevant.
For instance, I remember how I once associated peanut butter cups with comfort. It was a harmless indulgence, and I wanted to test how powerful these techniques could be, even on something as small as my love for chocolate. Through NLP techniques, I removed the emotional attachment to that food, and I have zero reactions when peanut butter cups are placed in front of me. Surprisingly, the change spread to other habits, too!
This isn’t just about food or phobias. How many times have you avoided making a call or pursuing an opportunity because of an old belief? With the right mindset shift, those habits can change for good. And you can start or stop anything you want to. NLP can help you do it.
Communication: The key to connection
Effective communication isn’t just about saying words. It’s about how your message is received. The most successful people are flexible communicators. If someone misunderstands, repeating the same sentence or directions over and over is the definition of insanity. Doing the same thing, expecting a different result. Instead, flexible communicators adjust their approach until their message lands.
Flexibility in communication is the opposite of being rigid or perfect. It’s about learning to adapt your language and body language to connect with others. Whether you're leading a team, working with a client, or talking to a loved one, mastering this skill is crucial.
Forgiveness frees you
Carrying grudges or unresolved trauma is like walking around with a heavy backpack. Every bad memory, negative experience, or unresolved fight is another rock weighing you down. The worst part? The person or event that caused it isn’t carrying that same weight you are.
Letting go doesn’t mean approving what happened. It means freeing yourself. Forgiveness is for you, not them. Once you drop that mental baggage, you’ll be amazed at how light you feel and how much clearer your thinking becomes.
Ready to explore your potential?
The path to success isn’t about becoming someone else; it’s about removing what holds you back. Whether it’s breaking through glass ceilings, rewiring old patterns, or navigating life’s hidden gorillas, the tools are within your reach.
Amy Tremayne’s coaching through her company, The Study of Success, combines years of experience with the cutting-edge methods of NLP, hypnosis, and mental-emotional release. It’s not just therapy; it’s transformation. Change is possible, and it starts with you.
Read more from Amy Tremayne
Amy Tremayne, Integrative NLP & Hypnosis Coach
Amy Tremayne is a leader in neuro-linguistics & hypnosis coaching. From childhood, Amy lived with trauma and continued to experience traumatic patterns into adulthood. After seeking therapy for years with little results, Amy hired a coach. Through coaching, she was introduced to neuro-linguistics. After experiencing a transformative breakthrough session, Amy felt inner peace for the first time in her life, releasing her from addiction and negative patterns. This led to her dedicating her life to empowering others to break through their barriers and start living the lives they have always dreamed of. Amy is the founder of The Study of Succes, a cutting-edge coaching platform.
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