NLP → NLP Lexicon

Away from

Definition

"Away from" is a meta-program that describes how people structure their motivation. Individuals with this pattern focus on avoiding unwanted states, situations, or outcomes in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Their thinking and actions are oriented towards eliminating problems or preventing discomfort – rather than actively striving for something positive. The emphasis is therefore on what they do not want, and less on what they want to achieve. The concept originates from the work of Tad James and Wyatt Woodsmall.

Origin and Theoretical Background

Meta-Programs are described as cognitive filters through which people absorb, evaluate, and make decisions about information. "Away from" is part of the so-called directional filter – a fundamental distinguishing feature in motivational psychology. While "Toward"-people focus on goals, desires, and positive outcomes, "Away from"-people focus on avoiding pain, danger, or failure. This pattern has evolutionary psychological roots, as avoidance represents a natural survival strategy.

Application Examples

• Profession: A person leaves their job to escape a stressful work environment rather than actively seeking a more fulfilling activity.
• Health: Someone starts a diet to avoid illnesses instead of actively pursuing vitality and fitness.
• Relationships: A person avoids new partnerships out of fear of being hurt again rather than focusing on positive relationship experiences.

Areas of Application

• Coaching: Analysis and transformation of avoidance strategies to promote a proactive goal orientation.
• Therapy: Addressing negative beliefs and fear structures based on avoidance.
• Leadership and teamwork: Supporting "Away from"-oriented employees to use their motivation constructively.
• Personal development: Promoting a balance between avoidance and approach to create sustainable motivation.

Methods and Exercises

1. Identifying meta-programs: Coaches ask targeted questions to recognize the pattern, e.g. "What do you want to avoid in this situation?" or "What do you no longer want to experience?"
2. Transforming the avoidance orientation into a goal image: Example: From "I don't want stress anymore" to "I want to experience calm and clarity".
3. Reframing exercise: Visualizing the future to consciously highlight both the risks of old behavior and the benefits of new goal states.
4. Timeline work: Avoidance orientation

Synonyms or Related Terms

• Avoidance orientation
• Defensive strategy
• Problem-solving focus
• Motivational direction (negatively oriented)

Related terms

• Toward: The complementary meta-program that focuses on positive goals and desired outcomes.
• Meta-Programs: Unconscious thinking and perception filters that govern our behavior and decisions.
• Motivational psychology: Scientific basis for analyzing approach and avoidance behavior.

Scientific or Practical Benefit

The "Away from" pattern provides insights into human motivational mechanisms, particularly in relation to fear, stress management, and decision-making behavior. Awareness of this pattern allows for the recognition of avoidance behavior and targeted transformation into goal-oriented thinking.

• Scientific benefits: to transform.
• Practical benefits: This directs energy and attention towards solution-oriented actions rather than merely avoiding negative states.

Criticism or Limitations

• Criticism: A strong "Away from" orientation can lead people to constantly react to potential dangers, resulting in a state of permanent tension. Individuals with this pattern often struggle to formulate and actively pursue clear, attractive goals.
• Limitations: Without conscious goal definition, motivation remains short-term and problem-focused.

Literature and References

• James, T., & Woodsmall, W. (1994). Timeline Therapy and the Basis of Personality. Crownhouse Publishing, Carmarthen.
• Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1979). Frogs into Princes: Neuro Linguistic Programming. Real People Press.
• Dilts, R. (1988). Applications of NLP in Business and Education. Meta Publications, Santa Cruz.

Metaphor or Analogy

Imagine "Away from" as a navigator planning a journey but only knowing what to flee from. It avoids storms, rain, and dangerous paths – yet without a clear destination, it easily loses its way. The NLP is in this picture the experienced tour guide, who instructs the navigator to rethink his route: not just away from problems, but towards a clear, inspiring goal. Thus avoidance transforms into direction, fear into orientation, and flight into conscious movement.

See also