Apply to Self: The Sleight of Mouth Pattern
Introduction: Understanding the Apply to Self Pattern
The Apply to Self pattern in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) involves taking a client's belief and applying it back onto itself. This technique encourages self-reflection and often leads to a humorous or insightful re-evaluation of the belief by exploring its inherent contradictions and implications.
Key Concepts of the Apply to Self Pattern
1. Self-Reflection: This pattern prompts individuals to reflect on the belief they hold and consider its validity.
2. Humor and Insight: By jumbled applications of beliefs, this pattern can reveal contradictions in a light-hearted manner.
3. Challenging Beliefs: This pattern helps challenge the rigidity of beliefs by examining them from a new perspective.
4. Awareness: It increases awareness of how beliefs shape behavior and thought processes.
5 Examples of the Apply to Self Pattern
Original Belief: "I can't do anything right."
Applied to Self: "So, if you can’t do anything right, how are you so great at being so negative?"
Original Belief: "I’m not good at making decisions."
Applied to Self: "If you’re not good at making decisions, does that mean you’ve decided to be indecisive?"
Original Belief: "I always mess things up."
Applied to Self: "If you always mess things up, how did you manage to get that belief so perfectly right?"
Original Belief: "I’m afraid of change."
Applied to Self: "So, by being afraid of change, are you changing your mind about being afraid?"
Original Belief: "I can't trust anyone."
Applied to Self: "If you can’t trust anyone, how can you trust this belief?"
Key Questions for Utilizing the Apply to Self Pattern
1. What contradictions arise when I apply this belief to itself?
2. How does this belief reflect on my decision-making?
3. What insights can I gain from this humorous application?
4. Does applying this belief to itself change my perspective?
5. How can I use this pattern to empower myself moving forward?
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying the Apply to Self Pattern
Step 1: Identify the Belief Statement
Clearly state the belief you want to evaluate.
Step 2: Rearrange the Belief
Take the key components of the belief and rearrange them to create a new perspective.
Step 3: Apply the Belief to Itself
Use humor or irony to reflect the belief back onto itself.
Step 4: Encourage Reflection
Ask questions to promote self-reflection on the contradictions and insights gained.
Step 5: Create Empowering Choices
Based on the new understanding, outline choices that align with your desired outcomes.
Concrete Implementation in Real Life
Personal Example: A person believes, "I can never be happy." When this belief is applied back to itself, they might realize, "If I can never be happy, how can I even decide what happiness looks like?" This can prompt them to explore what happiness means to them.
Business Example: An employee thinks, "I can’t lead because I’m not confident." When they reflect, "If I can’t lead due to a lack of confidence, how did I just confidently express this thought?" They may recognize their ability to lead despite their doubts.
Coaching Environment: A client believes, "I’ll always fail at new things." By applying this belief to itself, they might think, "If I’ll always fail, then isn’t that a pretty definitive decision I’ve just made?" This realization can motivate them to embrace new challenges.
Key Takeaways and Conclusions
The Apply to Self pattern is a powerful NLP technique that encourages self-reflection and humorously challenges limiting beliefs. By applying the belief back onto itself, individuals can uncover contradictions, leading to greater self-awareness and empowering choices.
Alternative Reframes: Expressing the Apply to Self Pattern Differently
1. Reflecting Beliefs Back onto Themselves
2. Unpacking Beliefs Through Self-Application
3. Challenging Beliefs with Humor and Irony
4. Self-Examination of Limiting Beliefs
5. Finding Insights Through Reflective Play
6. Juggling Beliefs for Greater Clarity
