How to Get Started with NLP – First Steps into the World of Change

If you are completely new to NLP, getting started can feel overwhelming. There are books, videos, podcasts, seminars – and countless topics from communication to coaching to personal development. In this episode of the NLP podcast, Stefan and Marian show you how to keep an overview, find your path, and start with simple, motivating steps.

Why NLP? Find Your Personal Motivation

Almost everyone who starts with NLP has a topic that drives them: better communication, becoming more self-confident, selling more successfully, improving relationships, or simply living their life more consciously. Stefan says: "In the beginning, there is almost always a fascination – something that touches or excites you." That’s where your journey begins.

In NLP, it’s never about learning something theoretical, but about practical change. The clearer you know why you are interested, the easier it is to stay committed. Maybe someone inspired you, or maybe you want to change a pattern in your life. This inner motivation is your compass – it ensures that you really apply what you have learned.

First Steps – Books, Videos, and Self-Exercises

If you are new, start playfully. Read a good NLP book that is practical and easy to understand – like Stefan's Way Up. Make sure to try something out while reading: visualize a goal, set an anchor, observe your inner dialogue. NLP thrives on experience, not just knowledge.

Marian adds: "Reading without a goal is not very effective. If you have a specific topic in mind while reading – like stage fright or motivation – you immediately get ideas on how to implement it." NLP is not a theory, but a toolbox. With simple techniques, you can already experience initial successes.

Learning with Others – The Power of Community

Sooner or later, you will realize that you learn NLP best when you practice with others. Stefan says: "You can read a lot alone, but you only get real feedback through exchange." Online or in person – both work. The crucial advantage: you see how others practice and learn from their experiences.

Marian remembers his beginnings: "I was young, wanted to practice immediately, but no group accepted me because I had no training yet. Today, it’s easier – with online basic days or communities, you can start right away." This shared learning creates energy, motivation, and aha moments. You realize: others struggle with the same topics, and every progress motivates doubly.

Book, Video, or Podcast? This is How You Learn Properly

Every medium has its strength – and you can combine them:

• Googling: Good for an overview, but chaotic. You get a lot of information, but no structure.
• Books: Ideal for the red thread. They guide you step by step through the basics.
• YouTube: Perfect if you want to see techniques visually – for example, setting anchors or the "Swish".
• Podcasts: Excellent for staying engaged. Each episode gives you new impulses without pressure. Ideal while driving, walking, or tidying up.

If you want to dive deeper, there’s no way around real practice – whether through workshops, seminars, or training groups. NLP is a matter of experience. Reading inspires, experiencing changes.

When the Right Time for Training Is

After the first successes, the desire often arises to learn the whole thing systematically. A training – like the NLP Practitioner – offers you a clear structure, personal guidance, and the opportunity to develop your skills professionally. Stefan describes it with a comparison: "Like with yoga – you can watch YouTube videos, but if you want to understand why you do something and how it works best for you, you need training with feedback."

In a training, you learn not only techniques but above all, how to apply them authentically. You receive feedback, practice with real people, and experience how NLP works. And you meet like-minded people – individuals who want to grow, just like you. Many describe the NLP training as a turning point because they learn there what real change means.

Conclusion: Your Path into NLP – Curious, Playful, Effective

Your entry into NLP begins with curiosity. Read, listen, try out – and have fun with it. NLP is a tool to make your thinking, feeling, and acting more conscious. It helps you tackle challenges more easily and bring out the best in yourself.

Closing statement: You don’t have to learn everything at once. Start – with a book, a video, or a basic day. Every step towards awareness changes your life. And once you start, you rarely stop again.