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The principles of modeling were initially applied to learning to ski, the idea was simple. Some people are naturally good skiers, some are not. By paying close attention to what it was that natural skiers were doing, a model for learning to ski quickly and competently was developed. This simple concept of learning through observation of the successful was a complete breakthrough in the field of human excellence.
Modeling success in this manner is a simple 3 step process.
Many sports stars use NLP modeling strategies to improve their game. Modeling is particularly suited to the world of sports because of the high dependence on physical technique. Outside of the world of sports, modeling has been used successfully for all areas of self improvement, it is generally believed that modeling techniques are simply down to observation, but I would suggest that something a little more esoteric is also happening.
Before I go into the spiritual side of modeling I would like to present a basic modeling pattern that you are able to use to attain the qualities that you desire.
As you know, you need to find someone to model, and your choice of subject obviously depends on your desired objective. Lets say that you want to develop as a public speaker. Perhaps you have been asked to be the best man at a friends wedding, you want to do a good job but you are scared that your nerves will spoil it. Well if you need a good public speaker to model then who better than Anthony Robbins?
Having chosen your subject you need to study them, if a personal meeting is available, fantastic... if not then a video presentation would be the next best thing. You can also listen to audio recordings of your chosen subject, and where Anthony Robbins is concerned these are plentiful. Listen to the way they pronounce words, their pace and pitch. Listen to the energy that is carried in their voice. If you do not have access to a visual presentation then use your imagination to create one. Make it larger than life, filled with energy and vitality. Notice how Tony engages his audience, how he adjusts his presentation to suit the topic. Next, pay close attention to his physical posture, what is he doing with his hands as he speaks? Is he tense or relaxed? Notice his expressions, gestures and eye movement.
Spend some considerable time on your observation, if you are only able to access audio then you will need to rely on your imagination here... or better still select a different model!
Now comes the magic! With your eyes closed, image that you are holding a snap shot of your model in your chosen environment. For our example this will a picture of Tony at your friends wedding giving his speech. (if you have trouble creating internal visualisation don't worry, you can simply imagine this in whatever way feels most natural to you)
Gaze into the photograph and imagine that it is slowly beginning to grow, soon it will be too big to hold so stand it on the floor in front of you. Keep gazing at the image as it grows bigger and bigger. It is soon life size and at this point the image stops growing but the edges of the picture continue to expand, revealing more of the scene as they do. As the scene expands notice how captivated the other guests appear. When the borders of the photograph have expanded fully you will find yourself in the scene rather than looking into it.
Imagine that you can control the scene in much the same way that you can a TV and VCR. You can play it forward or backwards, increase the speed or watch in slow motion. You can also control the volume, colour, contrast etc..
Watch the scene as you play with the controls, when you are happy that this is what you truly desire hit the pause button. With the scene frozen in time you can walk around and explore. Go up to Tony and tap him on the shoulder to un-pause him, but keep the rest of the room frozen.
Once un-paused introduce yourself to Tony and ask if he will help you to develop your public speaking skills. He will naturally say yes, he's that kind of guy!! As you chat, Tony explains about a special zipper that enables you to step right inside his body, he turns and shows you the zipper on the back of his neck, you pull the zipper gently down and, sure enough, you are able to climb right inside, it feels just like putting on an all-in-one boiler suit. Once inside you push your hands down through the arms until you are wearing Tony's hands like gloves.
Take some time to really get into this feeling. Now un-pause the entire scene and have Tony continue his speech taking you along for the ride! Feel his confidence and notice his every movement. You will very quickly begin to feel and think as Tony. Go through the entire speech from start to finish as many times as you wish until you feel as though you could do it just as well alone. When you are satisfied step back out of Tony and zip him back up. Before you return thank him for his help and congratulate yourself because you know that your speech is going to be a success!
Being able to model at speed is a fantastic resource, it will improve every area of your life and help you to understand others... and them you! If you want to get really good at modeling the best way to do so is to practise! Although the example given above is the standard for modeling a success strategy, it is far easier to step into someone if they are present. The best way to do this is for you to work in pairs. This allows you to gain feedback on your modeling techniques and highlights some of the more esoteric things that happen during the process.
When you step into your friend be sure to pay close attention to the physical sensations that are different from your own body. If they are wearing long sleeves and you only have short, then feel the material on your arms. If your friend wears glasses then imagine how it feel to look out through the glasses and to have them resting on your nose and ears. If you friend is the opposite sex them you can feel the difference in your anatomy.
As you tune into your friend in this way you will become very closely connected to them, many people report that they can feel a presence within them when they are being modelled and that they really notice something leaving when you step out. One subject even reported that he felt as though he was talking to himself when he was chatting with a friend that was modeling him at the time.
As you have no doubt gathered from our previous example, you do not have to be in the same room as the person that you are modeling. However, when you begin to practise these techniques it does help. If you learn to model your friends in this way you will quickly develop the ability to step into anyone, whether they are present or not. Once you have mastered this technique you will have a strategy that can help every area of your life. If you want to improve anything, simply imagine someone else doing it well and then jump right in!
Most people model others because they want to learn something or improve an existing ability, but modeling also allows you to understand others in incredibly beneficial ways.
One of the best people to model is your spouse, doing so will develop an understanding that can really enhance your life together. This is especially true if you are going through difficulties.
For those that are not in a relationship, modeling is an excellent way to find one! Next time you are out at a bar gentle study someone you would like to get to know and model them. You will establish a link with this person that goes beyond scientific explanation. If nothing else you will certainly trigger their curiosity.
It is also possible to model animals, if you have a pet this is a wonderful thing to do as it brings you closer and, unlike humans, animals are not conditioned by science so they are far more open and accepting of these sensations. To model a cat you want to get down to their level, if possible do this while they are resting but awake, as eye contact will help to enhance the situation. Imagine how it feels to be a cat, to have fur all over your body, whiskers sprouting from your checks and a tail that you can swish back and forth. Imagine how much you can hear with your sensitive hearing and why and how you meow. Really get into this and before you know it your cat will be paying you a great deal of attention!
If you have a cat that it a little anti-social and prefers to claw you than purr when fussed, this technique is a fantastic way to get closer and really let your cat know you care. Try it, the results are often very eye-opening. When I first used these techniques with a friends pet one of the first things I noticed is that the cat seemed to really respect what I was doing and this sensation has never faded.
You will find information on modeling in most NLP books, but if you really want to get into this area take a look at modeling with NLP featured below. For further details (including online reviews, synopsis, larger image and ordering information) click on the link below the book. Use the UK or US links depending on your location. (both sites ship worldwide)