All Procedures Should Increase Wholeness
In this series on the presuppositions of NLP, we explore foundational principles that guide personal growth, communication, and transformation. Each presupposition offers practical insights into how we perceive and interact with the world.
This post focuses on the tenth presupposition: All procedures should increase wholeness.
What Does This Mean?
This presupposition emphasizes that every process, technique, or strategy we use in NLP should enhance a sense of integration and harmony within ourselves and our interactions with others. Increasing wholeness involves creating alignment—between thoughts, emotions, actions, and values—rather than reinforcing conflict or disconnection.
In practice, this means approaching personal growth or problem-solving in a way that addresses the whole person, recognizing that changes in one area can influence other aspects of life. It’s about building solutions that foster unity and coherence rather than fragmentation.
Why Is This Important?
Encourages Harmony
Focusing on wholeness ensures that our solutions don’t address one problem while unintentionally creating another. For example, developing confidence shouldn’t come at the expense of compassion.
Fosters Alignment
When our strategies align with our values and goals, we experience greater clarity and motivation. This alignment minimizes inner conflict and enhances overall effectiveness.
Promotes Sustainability
Changes that increase wholeness are more likely to be sustainable because they work with, rather than against, the natural dynamics of our lives.
How Can You Apply This?
Identify Areas of Misalignment
Reflect on areas where your actions, beliefs, or emotions may work against one another. Ask yourself:
“Where do I feel out of sync with myself or others?”
“What might help bring these elements into harmony?”
Choose Holistic Solutions
When addressing challenges, consider the bigger picture. For example:
Instead of focusing solely on productivity, explore how to find harmony among work and personal life to avoid burnout.
If improving communication, think about how to create appreciation while maintaining authenticity.
Integrate Feedback
Treat feedback—internal (your feelings) and external (responses from others)—as opportunities to adjust and refine. This helps ensure that your strategies align with your goals and values.
Build on Strengths
Wholeness isn’t about fixing every perceived flaw. It’s about integrating and leveraging your strengths to create a cohesive approach to growth.
Practical Exercise
Think of a recent challenge or goal.
Reflect on the actions you’ve taken or strategies you’ve used to address it.
Ask yourself:
“Are these strategies aligned with my values and long-term goals?”
“Am I creating harmony, or am I overemphasizing one area at the expense of another?”
Identify one adjustment you can make to increase alignment and wholeness.
Consider This
What could change if you approached personal growth intending to create wholeness rather than focus solely on fixing problems? How might this perspective enhance your sense of harmony and fulfillment?
Final Thoughts
The tenth presupposition of NLP reminds us that growth and transformation are most effective when they enhance alignment and integration. By focusing on increasing wholeness, we solve challenges and create a stronger foundation for sustainable success.
In the next member-only post, we’ll explore the eleventh presupposition: There is only feedback.
Enjoyed this post? Like, share, or leave a comment below!
If you’d like to support this work, click the “Support My Work” button. Your support helps make this content available to more people.