Quick Sanity Check

[ghopkins]

Hi everyone,

I found this forum while searching for self-improvement methods on Google.com. Once I arrived, I did a search on learning NLP (home study, books, training, etc). I guess I was totally confused by the things I have read since back in the 80's. I was under the impression that NLP was an easy to use set of tools that would allow me to more fully experience a more exciting and successful life. I guess what I just learned is that NLP is very much like my 26 background in computers.

They can do wonderful things and really make your life easy.

In order to truly learn how to use them, you need to invest in a 4 year degree in Computer Science. $$$$

Annual training of a minimum of four weeks is also required in order to stay current with the technology. $$$$

In order to convince anyone that you know what you are doing, certifications are manditory. They must also be kept up to date. $$$$

Learning from books, on-line courses, audio training (home study) is only to be used to add to your formal education (face to face, hands-on).
You will never truly understand or be able to fully use, maintain, or repair
computer problems without the help of a trained professional. $$$$


I make a great living becuase people refuse to formally study computer science, about a $260k investment over 26 years.

I once heard someone say that NLP was a science. Science requires study.
Science needs to be experienced.

I am trying to learn NLP from some highly recommended training text books.

I think I have proven to myself that in order for me to fully benefit from NLP, I need to make a major invetment in time and money. I'm just not getting this stuff.


Thanks for letting me vent and rant. And, thank you all for the wonderful and insightful posts. I'm off to install a network and rebuild a couple of computers.

Dr. G.

[Poodle]

YES! NLP is a personal experience. It does not, however, take four years. A two week intensive should get you there quickly. As far as investment, the dividends cannot be equaled by $$$ although it gives you a wonderful tool to make more $$$. NLP is like a mind altering drug that is habit forming -- you just can't get enough as there is no end to it. Go and enjoy! :)

[ghopkins]

I wonder if it is possible to learn anything from books, such as Chris Howard's "Turning Passions into Profits...", or Shelle Rose Charvet's book "Words That Change Minds", or even Donald Moine's book "Unlimited Selling Power: How to Master Hypnotic Selling Skills". You see, I really want to focus on using NLP and other technologies in order to improve sales, marketing, and communications.

I do not think that I really want to be an NLP Practitioner. I have no desire to go into coaching or counselling. I just want to improve certain areas of IT Consulting, and maybe even improve my writing. I guess if takes the time and expense to learn and master NLP in order that I can do the things I mentioned, I will have to save for that. I checked with HR at our company, but they do no tuition reimbursement for any NLP training, as it is not considered to be of value to our business area. Aom that means that I would need to come up with course money, travel money, and get family and company to agree that I could take vacation time off at a time when training was available. Can you see my frustration? I am a technical consultant, not a healthcare professional.

Any ideas? I think some of what NLP offers could be very valuable in relating to clients, uncovering motivations, and managing fulfillment expectations and associated time-frames and deliverables. Maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree?

Again, thanks for any advice, even if it's bag it.

Greg

[Poodle]

Incongruent - $260K = I have to save up for $5,000 course.

Many people take NLP classes not to do but "to find themselves" and have the "tools to make their life soooo much better". Beware: It's just sooo fantastic you may change your mind.

One CANNOT learn NLP from books or even IMO videos. It's a very personal EXPERIENCE with lots of practice on other students watched by the instructor to make sure you ARE DOING IT CORRECTLY. Best to you, Pood :)

[ghopkins]

Ok, I get the message. I guess my confusion comes from all the books, videos, home study courses, etc. Why would anyone who has invested the time and money in training, then write a book, video, and other things. To me, it seems misleading. It is like saying invest in yourself and take the training, however, buy my materials. "Buy my book and it will teach you to go take the training", now that might be a better approach for the NLP professional community. I find it very much like the person who buys a " Dummie" learn how to use a computer. Then they mess it up. I charge them almost as much as they paid for the computer in order to fix. They should cut out the middle-man (books and me), take the same courses I did, and fix the IT problems themselves. I think every single NLP/Hypnosis book should open with the statement, in order to understand the content herein, take this training course.

Thank you all for your patience with me. I appreciate your direction, very much. I am off to find an NLP training curse that will focus on my specific goals and needs. I will return once I have completed the training.

Until then,
Greg

[Terry (existing)]

Greg, have a true story for you if it helps you learn to understand the difference between book learning, and training.
I have, over many years, attended seminars, and lectures, and sales trainings et al. In all that time, I have studied people as well as absorbed what was offered, and read many books along those same lines.
I can tell you from experience, that listening to, or reading about just doesn't cut it in practise, and what you hear, and the motivating feelings you get fade very quickly when faced with real issues.
On the other hand, when I did trainings for sales people, they were able to increase sales apreciably, and continue to do so into their future because I instilled feelings that didn;t fade at the first challenge. Seminars are good, lectures are fne in and of themselves, but don;t depend on the to be sufficient without hands on experience of some kind..
So you don;t want to be a health care practitioner, I don;t blame you since you already have a carrier, but when you say that, while asking about using this skill on yourself, what are you really saying? YOU don;t count? You are not worth the effort to learn properly, and use real skills on yourself? Come on Greg, you are worth at least $26.000.00 are you not:D Spend a little to gain a lot, or forget the whole thing, and accept that you are not worth the extra effort involved....

[Poodle]

I promise AFTER the course, the books will be of great value. Good luck and enjoy! Pood

[ghopkins]

Thank you one and all for helping me to understand what this is really all about. I received some very interesting responses. I guess the ones I found most interesting and enlightening came directly to me, so they didn't make the thread. This has been a real perception changer for me. I learned why the training is necessary and that I will really need to consider what impact this will have my business and career. I was shocked at the varied costs of the training. I wonder if some didn't include trans-Atlantic travel expenses, meals, hotel, and a day at the spa. :) I will be doing some more research. I did hear from a master, right in my home state. No travel, specific training to meet my needs, and a trainer who truly identifies with analytical/techinical people. Amazing stuff!

I really appreciate everyone who shared not only from the head, but the heart. I feel much better about what I need to do, what tools I will need to aquire, and what in time and money it will cost.

Peace and great success to everyone. Hopefully, our paths will cross again.
IF it, thatnk you. It was a real pleasure.


Greg