How NLP Can Help Us Stay Strong - The Story of a Sailor

Navigating vast seas is never easy. As a sailor with years of experience, I have firsthand experience of the difficulties and challenges that this profession can bring. In this blog, I explore in more detail how Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) has become a crucial factor in developing and maintaining my mental resilience through my maritime adventures.

Isolation at sea is undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges I face on every journey. Being far from home, family, and friends, on a ship in the middle of the ocean, this isolation can indeed become overwhelming. However, NLP has helped me develop the necessary skills to cope with this isolation.

I've learned to better understand my thoughts and emotions and to control them. Through self-awareness techniques, I've discovered that I can identify negative thoughts, understand my internal language, and make the necessary changes to submodalities in a way that helps me stay motivated and maintain my mental balance in tough moments and in a hostile environment.

Nature can be unforgiving at sea. Furious storms, high waves, and extreme temperatures are just a few of the obstacles we face on every journey. Through NLP, I've learned to manage this continuous stress.

There are sometimes moments when significant problems arise, problems that need to be resolved quickly, and tough decisions that need to be made in a matter of seconds. A straightforward method, like dissociation and viewing the problem from a different perceptual position, provides me with the answer I need without succumbing to fear or an inability to act when it's necessary.

When the waves rise and the wind blows fiercely, it can be easy to fall victim to anxiety and fear. Sometimes, everything seems like it's part of a movie where I can't predict the ending. By using NLP techniques, I can view these situations as adventures. A simple shift in perception can make a difference in how the body and mind respond to external challenges. And then everything changes. This ability is invaluable in an environment where calmness and focus can make the difference between safety and danger.

One of the greatest responsibilities of a sailor is the safety of the crew and the ship. It's a constant pressure that cannot be underestimated. There, I understand that my life depends on the people around me, and their lives depend on me. It's a place where there's no room for mistakes because in the middle of the sea, there's no help around. It's important to remain calm so that we can make good decisions, and NLP is an invaluable aid in these cases. It's like a good friend I can rely on in tough times. A friend who can help me turn my mind into an ally and find the resources needed to face challenges.

Let's imagine, for instance, an emergency situation in the middle of the sea. Under the stress of the moment, our response can vary from panic to calm efficiency. Which of the two alternatives do you think can save your life? The most interesting part is that NLP offers clear and easily achievable methods that can provide you with the calmness you need, regardless of what you see before you or how strong the inner emotions coursing through your body are. We all have untapped inner resources, and NLP shows us how to access them. It's like a boat that will take you to shore. No matter how strong the storm, the boat will take you to shore!

So, no matter the challenges you face, I encourage everyone to explore how NLP can become a powerful ally in developing mental resilience.

Safe travels!