Intern Jonty’s first day in Happy Brain HQ had gone well.  He had quickly proven himself bright, communicative, polite, and capable of learning fast. And as he put his coat on to leave, he said to me “I hope I haven’t been too much of a drain on you today…”

“Woah, Jonty” I said, never missing an opportunity to shine a light on someone’s chance to feel happier, “what picture have you just painted inside my mind?”

“Huh?” His face was blank because of course, he knew nothing about NLP and how our thoughts are perceived as pictures and sounds. Nor did he know how words influence those pictures and sounds and therefore trigger feelings.

“Jonty, you’ve just asked me to consider whether or not you have drained me today … look, how did you feel when you said that?”

“Well, a little nervous to be honest.”

“And when you say to me ‘I hope I’ve been helpful today’ how does this feel?”

“Oh, quite good actually” he replied standing more upright.

“And by using these words, you see yourself having been useful?”

“Oh yes!”

“Now isn’t that a nicer self-image? And don’t you now feel more motivated to come back?”

“Yes!!!”

“Well for me too! Now I can go home thinking about you being helpful, which you were, and that helps me look forward to working with you again.”

Do you know how influencing your words can be?

Learn more about the power of words in our upcoming Happy Brain and NLP workshops and trainings – 2022 schedule being finalised (contact us if you’re interested).