NLP → NLP Lexicon

Belief: Beliefs, Convictions, Attitudes in NLP, Recognizing Submodalities and Changing Beliefs

Definition of Beliefs in NLP

A belief is a central term in NLP for convictions, beliefs, attitudes, or opinions that shape a person's thinking, feeling, and acting as "inner maps." Beliefs are subjective truths based on experiences that influence a person's perception of reality as well as their decisions and behaviors.
According to O’Connor and Seymour, beliefs are "guiding principles, our inner maps that determine how we see the world and move within it." They are often unconscious but can be identified, derived, questioned, and changed through reflection or NLP techniques.

Origin and Theoretical Background

The term belief was established by Richard Bandler and John Grinder as a central concept in NLP to emphasize the role of beliefs in perception and change. It is based on insights from cognitive psychology, philosophy, and systemic approaches.
Gregory Bateson coined the idea of belief systems as part of the logical levels that influence our behavior and identity. Robert Dilts expanded on this idea and developed techniques to recognize limiting beliefs and replace them with empowering ones through change work.

Types of Beliefs in NLP 

Empowering Beliefs:

• These convictions promote positive actions and support goal achievement.
• Example: "I am capable of overcoming my challenges."

Limiting Beliefs:

• These beliefs limit thinking and action and obstruct change.
• Example: "I am not good enough."

Global Beliefs:

• Fundamental convictions about the world, other people, or oneself.
• Example: "The world is a dangerous place."

Situational Beliefs:

• Beliefs that are restricted to specific situations or contexts.
• For example, someone believes: "I can speak well, but only in front of small groups."

Application Examples for Changing Beliefs

In Coaching:
A coach works with a client who believes they cannot be successful and helps them question this conviction and replace it with an empowering belief.

In Therapy:
A therapist identifies limiting beliefs associated with a trauma and supports the client in designing and developing new, empowering convictions.

In everyday life:
A person realizes that their belief "I am not a creative person" prevents them from trying new hobbies and begins to question this conviction.

In personal development:
A leader develops the belief "I am an inspiring leader" to build confidence in their abilities.

Areas of Application

• Coaching: Changing beliefs to promote goal achievement, create positive life plans, and enhance resilience.
• Therapy: Working with limiting belief or conviction systems to resolve emotional or psychological issues.
• Personal Development: Building empowering convictions and a positive mindset to foster self-awareness and growth.
• Leadership: Developing positive belief systems that support teamwork and success.
• Education: Supporting learners to strengthen their self-efficacy through positive beliefs.

Methods and Exercises

Identification of Beliefs:
Question: "What do you believe about this situation?" or "What belief is holding you back?"

Reframing Beliefs:
Ask the question: "What if the opposite were true?"
Example: "If I believe that I am not creative, how could I prove that I am?"

Submodalities Technique:
Change the inner images or sounds associated with a belief to diminish its emotional impact.

Logical Levels:
Examine at which level a belief operates (e.g., environment, abilities, identity) and develop new approaches there.

Activating resources:
Guide the person through a visualization where they relive empowering beliefs from a past experience and transfer them to the current situation.

Synonyms or Related Terms

Belief statement
Conviction
Attitude
Mental Map
Model of the World / Constructing the World
Positive Intention

Distinction:

Beliefs in NLP are more specific than general opinions or attitudes. They represent deeply rooted convictions that significantly influence perception and behavior.

Scientific or Practical Benefit

Individually:
Supports self-reflection and enables the recognition of limiting patterns and the development and design of positive beliefs.

Practically:
Promotes positive changes in thinking and acting and improves the ability to master challenges and navigate the world better.

Scientific basis:
Beliefs are central in cognitive psychology and influence behavior and emotions. Studies show that changing beliefs (e.g., through cognitive restructuring) is effective in promoting mental well-being.

Criticism or Limitations

Subjectivity:
Beliefs are highly individual and culturally shaped generalizations, which can make their change difficult.

Deep beliefs:
Deeply rooted beliefs can create resistance and often require long-term processing.

Danger of oversimplification:
Some beliefs cannot easily be categorized as 'positive' or 'negative'; they can be context-dependent.

Literature and References

Dilts, R. (1990). Changing Belief Systems with NLP. Meta Publications.
O’Connor, J., & Seymour, J. (1995). Introducing NLP: Psychological Skills for Understanding and Influencing People. Thorsons.
Bateson, G. (1972). Steps to an Ecology of Mind. University of Chicago Press.

Metaphor or Analogy

A belief is like a pair of glasses through which you see the world. If the lenses are tinted or dirty, your view of reality is distorted. With NLP, you can clean the glasses or choose a new pair and adjust them to your goals and needs to perceive the world more clearly and positively.

See also