The Law of Requisite Variety
In this series on the presuppositions of NLP, we explore key principles that guide personal growth, communication, and transformation. Each presupposition offers practical ways to improve how we interact with the world and navigate challenges.
This post focuses on the thirteenth presupposition: The law of requisite variety.
What Does This Mean?
The law of requisite variety states that the system (or person) with the most flexibility has the most control. In simple terms, the ability to adapt and adjust gives you greater influence in any situation.
Think of it like this: In a game of chess, the player with more strategies available is likely to outmaneuver their opponent. Similarly, in life, the more options you can create for yourself, the better your chances of success.
This principle applies to communication, problem-solving, leadership, and personal growth. Flexibility allows you to respond effectively when faced with obstacles, miscommunication, or unexpected changes.
Why Is This Important?
Empowers Effective Problem-Solving
Being adaptable helps you find solutions when things don’t go as planned. Instead of getting stuck, you can pivot and try new approaches.
Improves Communication
Flexibility in communication lets you adjust your tone, words, or style to connect better with different people. This strengthens relationships and reduces misunderstandings.
Enhances Resilience
Life is unpredictable. The more adaptable you are, the easier it becomes to handle challenges without losing momentum.
How Can You Apply This?
Expand Your Options
When faced with a challenge, brainstorm multiple ways to address it. Ask yourself:
“What else could I try?”
“Is there a different perspective I haven’t considered?”
Adapt Your Communication
Pay attention to how others respond to you. If your message isn’t landing, adjust your words, tone, or delivery. For example:
Use analogies or stories if someone struggles with abstract concepts.
Be direct if clarity is needed.
Embrace Feedback
Feedback, whether internal (your results) or external (from others), is a tool for refining your approach. Treat it as a chance to improve rather than a critique to resist.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Adopting flexibility requires being open to change. Remind yourself:
“I don’t need to have all the answers right now.”
“Every adjustment I make is a step toward improvement.”
Practical Exercise
Think about a recent challenge or difficult situation.
Identify the approach you took and consider:
Did it work?
Were there other options you could have tried?
Next time, brainstorm three alternative ways to handle a similar situation. Keep these in mind as potential strategies for the future.
Consider This
What might change in your life if you embraced adaptability as a strength? How could creating more options in your decisions and communication improve your relationships, goals, and overall growth?
Final Thoughts
The thirteenth presupposition of NLP reminds us that flexibility is power. By expanding our options and being willing to adapt, we can navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and confidence. Remember, the more adaptable you are, the more influence you have over your results.
In the next subscriber-only post, we’ll explore the fourteenth presupposition: All procedures should be designed to increase choice.
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