People Have All the Resources They Need to Succeed and Achieve Their Desired Outcomes
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 ninth presupposition: People have all the resources they need to succeed and achieve their desired outcomes.
What Does This Mean?
This presupposition suggests that the potential for growth, learning, and meaningful change lies within every person. These “resources” could include innate qualities like creativity, resilience, or the ability to learn. It’s important to note that not every resource is immediately accessible or fully developed. Sometimes, these resources might be dormant, requiring the right conditions, guidance, or support to surface.
The purpose of this presupposition isn’t to claim that people inherently have every skill or answer they’ll ever need. Instead, it is a useful lens—a convenient assumption that encourages productive interactions. When we approach someone believing they possess or can develop the resources they need, we create an environment of possibility and empowerment.
Whether through personal effort, collaboration, or external tools, the assumption that the necessary building blocks for success are within reach can shift the focus from limitations to potential solutions. While it may not always be “true” literally, adopting this mindset can lead to more constructive conversations and outcomes than assuming the opposite.
Why Is This Important?
Encourages Empowerment
This perspective shifts focus from limitations to possibilities. Instead of dwelling on what’s lacking, it inspires us to identify and activate our existing resources.
Promotes Creativity
When we see challenges as opportunities to tap into existing strengths, we open the door to innovative solutions. This mindset helps us adapt and overcome obstacles more effectively.
Strengthens Resilience
Recognizing that we already possess the foundation for success reinforces our ability to navigate setbacks. Even when faced with uncertainty, this belief fosters confidence in our capacity to grow and adapt.
How Can You Apply This?
Recognize Your Hidden Resources
Think of a past challenge you overcame. What qualities, skills, or knowledge helped you succeed? Reflect on how those same resources could be applied to current challenges. Ask yourself:
What strengths helped me in a similar situation before?
What can I learn or adapt from past experiences?
Reframe Challenges
View obstacles as opportunities to uncover untapped potential. Instead of asking, “Why can’t I do this?” ask:
“What can I do with what I already have?”
“Who or what can help me build on my existing strengths?”
Leverage External Resources
While the presupposition highlights internal resources, external tools and relationships often help unlock those resources. Seek coaching, training, or collaboration to help develop skills or access knowledge.
Practice Gratitude for What You Have
Take time to appreciate the abilities and knowledge you already possess. This mindset helps build confidence and reduces the tendency to feel stuck or limited.
Practical Exercise
Identify a current challenge or goal.
Reflect on past successes and list the skills, traits, or resources that helped you.
Brainstorm how those same resources might apply to your current situation.
If you notice a gap, identify what you need and explore ways to acquire it—through learning, collaboration, or practice.
Consider This
What if you stopped focusing on what you lack and instead looked for creative ways to use what you already have? How might this shift in perspective help you approach challenges with greater confidence and curiosity?
Final Thoughts
The ninth presupposition of NLP reminds us that the tools for success are often closer than we think. We can create meaningful change and achieve our goals by recognizing and activating our potential.
In the next subscriber-only post, we’ll explore the tenth presupposition: All procedures should increase wholeness.
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