Mental Filters (NLP)

The Elimination Filter

Our mind cannot process the millions of bits of information it receives per second, so it uses filters.

Elimination consists of selectively ignoring data that we do not consider relevant or that contradict our beliefs.

For example, a person with low self-esteem may "eliminate" (not hear or not remember) the compliments he/she receives, paying attention only to the criticisms.

Making this filter conscious allows recovering valuable information that was being discarded.

The Distortion Filter

Distortion involves altering perceived reality to fit our mental maps or expectations.

It is the basis of creativity, but also of misunderstandings and suffering (e.g. interpreting someone's silence as anger).

The stories we tell ourselves about what happened are often distorted to make us right or confirm our fears. Recognizing this filter helps to question one's own interpretation of the facts.

The Generalization Filter

Generalization takes an isolated example or experience and turns it into a universal rule.

If someone fails once in public, they may generalize that "I always make a fool of myself."

While useful for quick learning (don't touch fire), in the psychological realm it creates limiting beliefs such as "all men are the same" or "I can never change."

Challenging the words "always," "never," and "everyone" is key to loosening this filter.

Summary

The Elimination filter causes us to ignore data that contradict our beliefs. Making this mechanism conscious allows us to retrieve valuable information