NLP → NLP Lexicon

Generate new behavior (New Behavio(u)r Generator)

Definition

The process of generating new behavior is an NLP technique aimed at helping a person develop new and effective behaviors – in situations where their current behavior does not align with their goals. Resources are activated and applied to create alternative courses of action. This technique is used to bring about desired changes in thinking, feeling, and acting.

Origins and Theoretical Background

The concept of generating new behavior is one of the standard techniques in NLP and was developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder. It is based on the assumption that people have the ability to find creative solutions to their challenges when they gain access to their inner resources.

The process of generating new behavior relies on visualizations, submodalities, and the use of inner resources to consciously change behavioral patterns and develop new strategies.

The steps of the process

1. Identify the situation: The person selects a specific situation in which their current behavior is not effective.
   Question: "When exactly do you want to act differently?"
2. Define goals and desired behavior: Clarify what behavior should be shown instead.
   Question: "How would you ideally like to respond in this situation?"
3. Activating resources: Recall situations where suitable resources (courage, creativity, calmness) were present, and link these to the new behavior.
4. Visualization: Imagine the future, new behavior with all senses to make it vivid and convincing.
5. Adjust submodalities: Fine-tuning of perceptual details such as brightness, proximity, or sound in the imagination.
6. Test run and integration: "Trial run" in the imagination for anchoring.
   Question: "How does it feel to show this behavior?"
7. Plan future application: Concrete determination of when and how the new behavior should be implemented in daily life.

Application Examples

• Coaching: A client wants to appear more confident in difficult conversations and links this with resources like calmness and clarity.
• Therapy: Working with people with social anxiety who practice alternative behaviors internally.
• Everyday Life: A person practices being on time through planning and new strategies.
• Sports: Athletes visualize new techniques or strategies, e.g., movement patterns when running or jumping.

Areas of Application

• Coaching: Development of new courses of action and behaviors
• Therapy: Changing hindering patterns, promoting positive alternatives
• Personal development: Building new skills and self-confidence
• Sports psychology: Performance improvement through visualization
• Communication: Developing more effective strategies for challenging conversations

Methods and Exercises

1. Identify past resources: Recall previous situations with useful skills.
2. Anchor resources: Link the resource with a gesture or a keyword.
3. Visualization with submodalities: Detailed imagination of the new behavior with all sensory channels.
4. Role plays: Simulate the situation to practice the behavior practically.
5. Future projection: Imagine how to act and feel with the new behavior in 6 months.

Synonyms or Related Terms

• Behavior Change
• Behavior training
• Creative problem solving

Distinction: In contrast to general behavior training, generating new behavior in NLP specifically focuses on resource activation, visualization, and submodalities.

Scientific or Practical Benefit

• Individually: Support for desired changes, more effective action
• Practically: Promotion of new skills, strengthening of self-confidence
• Scientifically: based on principles of visualization and neuroplasticity, which show that the brain can prepare new behaviors through mental exercises.

Criticism or Limitations

• Requires practice and repetition for sustainable integration
• Dependent on imagination – people with visualization difficulties need support
• Subjective effectiveness – dependent on openness and willingness

Literature and References

• Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1979). The technique requires careful and mindful application, especially in therapeutic contexts, to avoid unwanted associations.. Real People Press.
• Dilts, R. (1990). Changing Belief Systems with NLPMeta Publications.
• Rossi, E. L. (1996). The Psychobiology of Mind-Body Healing. W. W. Norton & Company.

Metaphor or Analogy

Creating new behavior is like programming a navigation system: You choose your destination (desired behavior), check your resources (fuel, maps), and then plan a new route that successfully leads you there.

See also