The Virtuous Circle (NLP)

Physiology and Emotional State (The Bidirectional Link)

A fundamental concept in Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) is the direct and inseparable link between our physiology (our body posture, breathing, gestures) and our emotional state. This is a two-way street.

Not only does our emotional state impact our physiology (if you feel depressed, you tend to slouch and look down); but you can also actively change your emotional state by deliberately changing your physiology.

If you adopt the posture of someone depressed right now (slumped shoulders, slow breathing, looking down at the floor), within minutes you will start to feel really down.

Conversely, it is physiologically almost impossible to feel depressed while smiling broadly and genuinely. Posture determines emotion, and emotion determines posture.

Studies on power postures, which increase testosterone (confidence) and decrease cortisol (stress), are scientific proof of this link.

Internal Representation (Internal Dialogue and Imagery)

Our physiology is not the only factor; our internal representation also has a decisive influence.

This is composed of two key elements: the images we visualize and the internal dialogue we have with ourselves. You must pay attention to the images you project in your mind.

Do you constantly visualize yourself achieving your goals or, on the contrary, do you repeat pessimistic images of your future?

The images we hold in our minds tend to manifest themselves in our external reality.

The second aspect is your internal dialogue. Have you paid attention to that "little voice" in your head? Is it a voice that supports you, motivates you and gives you positive messages? Or is it a critical voice that insults and belittles you?

Many people are surprised to find that they yell at themselves, thinking it is a form of motivation.

In the short term it may work, but in the long term, it is the fastest way to destroy self-confidence and self-esteem.

How to use the virtuous circle to your advantage

These three elements - Physiology, Emotional State and Internal Representation - are interrelated and work as a system. If you influence one, you can influence the others.

If you want to adopt the body language of someone confident, you must have a positive self-image (visualization) and positive internal dialogue (self-talk).

If you wake up one morning feeling unmotivated or unhappy, you can actively take control.

You can adopt a positive internal dialogue ("You can do it", "Your goal is possible"). You can visualize your goal.

And, crucially, you can adopt the physiology of someone with energy: force yourself to stand up straight, stretch, jump a little to get your circulation going, or even take a cold shower.

By adopting this physiology, you will directly influence your emotional state. This, in turn, will make your internal dialogue more positive, which boosts your self-confidence and further improves your posture, creating a powerful virtuous circle.

Summary

NLP establishes an inseparable, bidirectional link between our physiology (posture) and our emotional state. Posture determines emotion, and emotion determines posture.

It also influences our internal representation: the images we visualize and the internal dialogue we hold. A critical internal dialogue destroys self-confidence, while a positive one reinforces it.

These three elements (Physiology, Emotional State and Internal Representation) are interrelated. If you feel unmotivated, you can take control by actively changing your physiology or your internal dialogue.