Anchors and Conditioning

The basis of Classical Conditioning

Anchors are based on Pavlovian conditioning: the association between a stimulus (anchor) and a response (emotional state).

The brain naturally creates these connections (e.g. a sad song evokes a painful memory).

In personal development, this mechanism is used intentionally to access resource states (confidence, calm, energy) at will.

Creating Positive Anchors

To create an anchor, the desired state is first induced (e.g. remembering a moment of great success).

When the emotion reaches its peak of intensity, a specific and unique stimulus is applied (e.g. a knuckle press, a key word, a gesture). After several repetitions, the brain associates the stimulus with the state.

Subsequently, triggering the anchor (making the gesture) will evoke the emotion of success without the need for recall.

Collapse of Negative Anchors

It is also possible to deactivate negative anchors (e.g. feeling fear at the sight of a podium).

The technique of anchor collapse involves simultaneously activating a negative anchor and a very powerful positive anchor.

The resulting neurological confusion usually breaks the negative association, neutralizing the automatic discomfort response.

Summary

Anchoring is based on classical conditioning, associating a stimulus with an emotional state. This natural mechanism is used intentionally to access resources s