326 Part V: Integrating Your Learning
Keep in mind that some people feel overwhelmed if they’re given too much
information, and so a useful practice may be to provide a short overview
followed by more detail. For example, if you’re easily overwhelmed by too
much detail, buying a new car or washing machine, or even choosing a holiday,
can be difficult. A useful strategy is to ask someone you trust who understands
your needs to give you a list of two or three cars, washing machines, or
holidays that fit your ‘must-have’ criteria. Having fewer options from which to
choose makes decision-making quicker and easier.
During an IT department restructuring, the well-meaning management wanted
the change process to be an inclusive experience for the department so kept
everyone apprised of the smallest detail regarding the change. Productivity
hit rock bottom, however, because the programmers were extremely distressed
by the barrage of information they were being sent several times a day.
Productivity rose only when the manager realised he needed to filter the
incoming flood of information to only that which would affect the programmers.
Creating the Mindset for Change
We introduce you to the concept of behavioural flexibility as one of the
pillars of NLP in Chapter 1. This idea is crucial in dealing with whatever life
throws at you. When you can develop the mindset that allows you to do deal
with these variables, you have the means to maintain equilibrium for most of
the time. Why most of the time? Well, we’re very conscious that when, with
something like bereavement, life gets very tough, perhaps all you can do is go
into survival mode. But remember, even managing to crawl through the day
is a testament to your ability to be flexible in the face of such a harsh reality.
Every day remind yourself of something that you have achieved, however
small it may seem to you.
Letting go of fear
Fear incapacitates. People aren’t so much afraid of making a mistake; really,
the fear is about the consequence of an action. Fear is people reacting to
their existing model of the world (turn to Chapter 2, which covers NLP
presuppositions). So if you’ve been in an environment where you were
constantly criticised or mistakes weren’t tolerated, you’re likely to be fearful
of being criticised if your actions aren’t in line with what is expected. This
may force you into a state of procrastination or inactivity.
