NLP → NLP Lexicon

First Position / I-Position / Self-Perspective

Definition:

The first position in NLP refers to the perspective in which a person perceives an experience from their own viewpoint – with their own thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and bodily sensations. It is the position of "I", from which one subjectively experiences how a situation feels and what one wants, thinks, or needs.

In the context of the NLP technique of perceptual positions, the first position is the starting point for self-awareness, congruence, and authenticity. It contrasts with the second position (empathy for others) and the third position (observational distance).

Distinction:

While the first position focuses on experiencing from the inner perspective, the other positions allow for empathetic understanding (second) or objective analysis (third). An NLP coach deliberately works with the switch between these positions to promote perspective flexibility.

Origin and Theoretical Background

The concept of perceptual positions was developed in NLP by Robert Dilts and other co-founders in the 1980s. It is based on the assumption that communication and behavior are strongly influenced by the perspective taken. Switching between these positions increases freedom of choice in thinking and acting.

The first position is the default mode for many people – but it is also a basis for self-boundaries and clear communication. In systemic work, it resembles the phenomenological attitude: perceiving oneself as part of the system.

Application Examples

• Coaching session: A client describes a conflict experience from the first position and recognizes their own feelings and desires more clearly.
• Communication training: Participants learn to consciously switch between the first and second positions – to represent their own needs as well as to understand others.
• Self-reflection: In inner conflicts, the first position helps to clearly feel and express one's own viewpoints.
• Therapy: Clients are supported in perceiving their own inner world to gain emotional clarity.

Areas of Application

• Therapy: Promotion of self-perception and authenticity.
• Coaching: Clarification of goals and inner congruence.
• Leadership development: Development of clarity of viewpoint and assertiveness.
• Communication training: Consciously taking and leaving the I-perspective to improve dialogue ability.
• Conflict resolution: Enables a clear articulation of one's own interests before considering other perspectives.

Methods and Exercises

1. Exercise: The three perceptual positions

   Place three ground anchors (e.g., sheets with 1., 2., 3.) in the room.

   Enter the first position and recall a specific situation. Perceive:

   • What do I see?
   • What do I hear?
   • What do I feel?

2. Describe out loud how you feel.

3. Then leave this position to reflect from other perspectives.

4. Further exercises:
   • Write a journal in the I-perspective: Focused on "I experience", "I feel", "I think".
   • Role play: First speak only in the first position, then deliberately make perspective shifts.

Synonyms:

• I-Position
• Subjective Perspective
• Inner Perspective

Related terms:

• Second position: (Empathic Perspective)
• Third position: (Meta-Position)
• Dissociation: (Leaving the First Position)
• Association: (Fully Immersing in the First Position)

Scientific or Practical Benefit

• Increased self-perception and clarity about one's own feelings and needs.
• Better boundaries and self-assertion in social situations.
• Foundation for inner congruence in decisions and actions.
• Strengthening of emotional intelligence.

In practice, it shows: People who can flexibly switch between positions are more socially competent and internally stable. The first position forms the foundation.

Criticism or Limitations

• Excessive fixation on the first position can lead to egocentrism, lack of empathy, or conflicts.
• In NLP, emphasis is placed on perspective flexibility – the ability to switch between positions rather than getting stuck in one.
• Critics note that the theory of perceptual positions has so far been only limitedly empirically investigated.

Literature and References

• Dilts, R. (1990). Changing Belief Systems with NLP. Meta Publications, Capitola.
• Hall, L. M., & Bodenhamer, B. G. (1999). The User's Manual for the Brain. Crown House Publishing, Camerthen.
• Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1979). Frogs into Princes: Neuro Linguistic Programming. Real People Press.
• Andreas, S., & Andreas, C. (1989). Heart of the Mind: Engaging Your Inner Power to Change. Real People Press.
• Lammers, C. H. (2007). NLP – Introduction to Neurolinguistic Programming. Springer Medizin Verlag, Heidelberg.

Metaphor or Analogy

The Camera in the Head

Imagine you are wearing a camera in your eyes. In the first position, you film from the ego perspective – you only see what is in front of you, hear through your ears, feel in your body. Everything is recorded through your filter.

The I-Glasses

In the first position, you put on your own "I-Glasses". You see the world through your individual experiences, values, and emotions – you are in the film, not in the audience.

See also