
In the practice of NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming), we use anchors as a quick and easy way to allow someone to enter a highly resourceful state whenever they want to. It’s similar to movies on demand. You press a button on your remote control, and Voila! There it is. In the same way, an anchor in NLP is a deliberately set connection between a stimulus and a certain emotional response that becomes neurologically linked. The idea is to anchor certain triggers to positive emotional states – meaning that you can feel confident, energized, happy, etc. on demand.
Here’s how it works…
Get down into that memory, relive it in the present moment as if seeing it through your own eyes. In NLP speak we call that an “associated state.” In other words, you’re not watching yourself as if you were in a movie, you’re actually experiencing the event in real time. Got ahead and goose up the feelings, sounds, pictures. The clearer the images, and the more intense the feelings, the better your anchor will be.
When you start feeling the positive feelings, create a trigger.This can be a slight touch on your arm or hand, maybe touching your ear discretely, something that won’t be too noticeable if you’re doing this out in public.
Release the trigger when the emotion is at its peak. This may take a bit of practice, but you’ll get it within a couple of tries.
Break state by doing something completely different and unrelated for 30 seconds or so. Maybe you can hum a tune, or do some jumping jacks, or make silly faces. The idea is to just do anything that will take your mind off of what has just transpired and return you back to “normal.” Next, test your anchor by firing off your trigger. If it has worked, you’ll feel the same strong feelings as you did in the memory!
For best results, repeat 3-4 times. You can do this with the same memory, or with different memories for the same emotional state (recommended). If you stack 3-4 different memories of “confidence”, for example, the next time you need confidence you can fire off your anchor and you’ll feel a brilliant rush of confidence surging through your veins!
Here’s a short video by my NLP teacher, Dr. Matthew James, Ph.D, discussing in more detail what I’ve just outlined above. He does a great job of walking you through it step by step. Give it a watch!
With practice, you’ll find anchors are a great supplement for your daily affirmations and are a really quick way to feel amazing every day as you go out there to make the world a better place.
So then, are you ready to unleash your inner superhero? Need some help discovering your dreams? Why not take a little time to evaluate your passion and purpose? A great first step is would be to sign up for my FREE e-course!

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Dr. Steve Stutz, CC is a Life Success Coach, specializing in helping clergy and professional church workers not only survive but to thrive during periods of crisis, transition, and renewal. To receive periodic personal development tips and success mindset articles, please join his e-list by visiting www.forwardpathcoaching.com