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How to Take Charge of Your Life: The User's Guide to NLP by Bandler, Richard, Fitzpatrick, Owen, Roberti, Alessio(January 2, 2014) Paperback
Richard Bandler, co-creator of NLP and the man who taught and trained Paul McKenna, joins forces with Alessio Roberti and Owen Fitzpatrick once again to give you the tools to change your life. Richard Bandler – the world-renowned co-creator of NLP who has helped millions around the world change their lives for the better – has teamed up once again with Italian NLP Master Trainer Alessio and co-founder of the Irish Institute of NLP Owen, to offer a simple yet engaging introduction to the groundbreaking ideas of NLP. Written in the form of a fable, How To Take Charge Of Your Life is the prequel to The Ultimate Introduction to NLP. Once again Bandler invites readers into his workshops and illustrates the theories and techniques he has spent years developing. Based around a three-day introductory course, this book will give you the tools you need to start making an effective change today. From explaining the importance of self-belief and how to change beliefs, to how to control your emotions and negative thinking, and how to create the life you want. This is an easy-to-read and inspiring account that readers can turn to time and again. ‘The must have self-help book!’ Paul McKenna
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First published January 2, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 12, 2017
I guess I was expecting more about NLP techniques, but instead this book is about people taking a workshop from the author. Yes, he's using their workshop experience to illuminate a few techniques and principles but it didn't work for me. And the fictional participants' endless praise of the author put me off, it was too weird. The few techniques that were explained were of interest but it wasn't enough for me to justify the time reading it.
October 11, 2016
Very helpful book. It does a great job introducing you to the foundations of NLP and how you can use it in your everyday life in order to control your emotions and let you live the life that you want to live.
Key Takeaway:
NLP is about teaching people how to make it so that when they look at their past they learn from it. Life is not about remembering and reliving unpleasantness but about going forward to look at life as the adventure it can be.
Key Strategies: Take a few deep breaths and relax when you want to begin creating a new future or doing any of these exercises. The process will clear your mind and allow for a much more visceral, transformation experience.
1. When embracing negative self talk, the best thing you can do is give it a silly voice... The tone is the most important part. Just imagine goofy telling you that you are insignificant and that you did a crappy job. "gorsh! youu did soo bad, I cant even tolorate yoou"
2. Follow a simple "Brilliance Squared Strategy to allow yourself to step completely into literally any state that you want with just 5 minutes of up front work.
3. Notice the fear you have and where you feel it the most and how it moves. Take that fear and change its location and reverse it's direction.
4. Any bad memories that are haunting you, replay them, but make their effects black and white, take away the sound, and let it get smaller and smaller until you can watch it without any emotional attachment. You can also take these memories and play them through in reverse while playing some silly montage music in your head.
5. Take time to amplify positive memories that accentuate the characteristics that you would like to achieve. Bring them back, then put on a new set of glasses that make the image crystal clear, breathe in that air, feel the ground beneath your feet and hear all of the ambient sounds there. Your subconscious can't tell the difference between a well imagined event and the real thing.
Key Takeaway:
NLP is about teaching people how to make it so that when they look at their past they learn from it. Life is not about remembering and reliving unpleasantness but about going forward to look at life as the adventure it can be.
Key Strategies: Take a few deep breaths and relax when you want to begin creating a new future or doing any of these exercises. The process will clear your mind and allow for a much more visceral, transformation experience.
1. When embracing negative self talk, the best thing you can do is give it a silly voice... The tone is the most important part. Just imagine goofy telling you that you are insignificant and that you did a crappy job. "gorsh! youu did soo bad, I cant even tolorate yoou"
2. Follow a simple "Brilliance Squared Strategy to allow yourself to step completely into literally any state that you want with just 5 minutes of up front work.
3. Notice the fear you have and where you feel it the most and how it moves. Take that fear and change its location and reverse it's direction.
4. Any bad memories that are haunting you, replay them, but make their effects black and white, take away the sound, and let it get smaller and smaller until you can watch it without any emotional attachment. You can also take these memories and play them through in reverse while playing some silly montage music in your head.
5. Take time to amplify positive memories that accentuate the characteristics that you would like to achieve. Bring them back, then put on a new set of glasses that make the image crystal clear, breathe in that air, feel the ground beneath your feet and hear all of the ambient sounds there. Your subconscious can't tell the difference between a well imagined event and the real thing.
January 3, 2016
Not the book to read if you already know something about NLP. It's a bit vomit worthy, Hollywood romance -with no methods or techniques explained.
May 18, 2022
A very good book
May 17, 2016
If you can get over the cheesy narrative and contrived plot, you'll find smuggled within this book some good techniques to help practice NLP and perhaps change the way you think about things. I've only just finished it (quick read) and already I'm feeling more positive and reflecting on things differently. Not a book for the cynical. But if you're open minded and want to change your life, you'll find Bandler's logic a refreshing tonic, if not at times a little too sickly sweet.
February 27, 2016
This was so easy to read, it is written from the point of view of someone attending a course and recounting their observations on what was said and how things worked for them and so is a great introduction to NLP. Thoroughly recommend.
July 12, 2017
Good book. Many good techniques.
Top takeaways:
If you focus on problems you'll find problems wherever you go. If you look for Solutions you'll find Solutions.
Life is all about FREEDOM!
Focus on feeling good and making others feel good as well!
Top takeaways:
If you focus on problems you'll find problems wherever you go. If you look for Solutions you'll find Solutions.
Life is all about FREEDOM!
Focus on feeling good and making others feel good as well!
September 20, 2016
Muy buena introducción a la PNL (Programación Neuro Lingüística). Introduce los conceptos básicos de esta disciplina contado con una historia. Ameno e instructivo.
September 17, 2023
An engaging format to teach some techniques of NLP. I listened to the audiobook.
My key takeaways:
1. When thinking negative thoughts, give them a silly voice - mine was Scooby Doo.
2. The 'brilliance squared' strategy - imagine a square in front of you filled with the colour that represents the emotion you want to feel. Imagine yourself in that square, embodying that emotion - how are you standing and feeling. Then step into the square and feel yourself embodying that emotion (eg. Confidence).
3. Notice the fear you have, where it is in the body, and how it moves. Then imagine the fear moving in the opposite direction.
4. For bad memories that are affecting you, imagine the image black and white, and make it really small. For longer memories, replay them in the same way on a small black and white screen without sound, playing backwards to circus music (should be amusing, giggles are good). Replay the memories in this way backwards a few times, each time getting smaller, until you can watch it without emotional attachment.
5. Amplify positive memories by making them big, bright, and vivid. Your subconscious can't tell the difference between a well imagined event and the real thing.
My key takeaways:
1. When thinking negative thoughts, give them a silly voice - mine was Scooby Doo.
2. The 'brilliance squared' strategy - imagine a square in front of you filled with the colour that represents the emotion you want to feel. Imagine yourself in that square, embodying that emotion - how are you standing and feeling. Then step into the square and feel yourself embodying that emotion (eg. Confidence).
3. Notice the fear you have, where it is in the body, and how it moves. Then imagine the fear moving in the opposite direction.
4. For bad memories that are affecting you, imagine the image black and white, and make it really small. For longer memories, replay them in the same way on a small black and white screen without sound, playing backwards to circus music (should be amusing, giggles are good). Replay the memories in this way backwards a few times, each time getting smaller, until you can watch it without emotional attachment.
5. Amplify positive memories by making them big, bright, and vivid. Your subconscious can't tell the difference between a well imagined event and the real thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
How to take Charge of your life: Users Guide to NLP
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Type: Self Improvement
In the world of ever growing simplicity and ease with AI, the thought of self improvement and curiosity might take a backseat.
But, this book isn’t about that, it’s about finding ways to stop mental hurdles that’s stopping your progress.
The book teaches you various methods to tackle and overcome your emotions, past experiences and current limitations.
For example: Confronting a bad experience in your mind which you rather not face, and then making that just tiny part of your that you could learn and forget from.
NLP- Neuro Linguistic Programming by Richard Bandler is his attempt to rewire your brain so, your immediate response isn’t fear, but analysis do I need to fear, or the Why behind it.
I felt that while it’s easier said than done, it’s sticking to the process that will be rewarding.
Check the post for more learnings.
Have you read this one, and what do you think?
#learnwithme #readersreflection #education #selfimprovement
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Type: Self Improvement
In the world of ever growing simplicity and ease with AI, the thought of self improvement and curiosity might take a backseat.
But, this book isn’t about that, it’s about finding ways to stop mental hurdles that’s stopping your progress.
The book teaches you various methods to tackle and overcome your emotions, past experiences and current limitations.
For example: Confronting a bad experience in your mind which you rather not face, and then making that just tiny part of your that you could learn and forget from.
NLP- Neuro Linguistic Programming by Richard Bandler is his attempt to rewire your brain so, your immediate response isn’t fear, but analysis do I need to fear, or the Why behind it.
I felt that while it’s easier said than done, it’s sticking to the process that will be rewarding.
Check the post for more learnings.
Have you read this one, and what do you think?
#learnwithme #readersreflection #education #selfimprovement
January 1, 2022
A good read that follows a narrative of a man named Joe. He is introduced to using Nero Linguistic Programming (NLP) in a workshop setting through its co-creator; Richard Bandler. Although it glorifies the significance of Bandler as NLP creator and professes to his seemingly miraculous work, it offers a good foundation of NLP that can be used by everyone, every day. It is not unique to an individual but offers a genuine way to changing the way you feel about perceptions and feelings you have experienced. It can offer you relief by helping you to move forward by changing the way you interpret your inner voice and memories.
Some may feel that the techniques are repeated in today's endless array of self help manuals and books. However, the striking difference is that it has more intention towards someone's personal psychology rather than whole wellbeing. Techniques used, if repeated can support mental strength.
Some may feel that the techniques are repeated in today's endless array of self help manuals and books. However, the striking difference is that it has more intention towards someone's personal psychology rather than whole wellbeing. Techniques used, if repeated can support mental strength.
September 19, 2019
Great introduction to NLP and interesting format
I still consider Neuro Linguistic Programming to be a fancy way to say visualization and affirmations. This honing of mental and emotional energies is key to making changes in our lives and I support this book for introducing the concept and providing solid anecdotes. The format uses a narrative rather than the traditional nonfiction information book. I liked that. Not for everybody, but it worked for me. Thanks Richard Bandler for a book that I can keep and use as reference!
I still consider Neuro Linguistic Programming to be a fancy way to say visualization and affirmations. This honing of mental and emotional energies is key to making changes in our lives and I support this book for introducing the concept and providing solid anecdotes. The format uses a narrative rather than the traditional nonfiction information book. I liked that. Not for everybody, but it worked for me. Thanks Richard Bandler for a book that I can keep and use as reference!
January 9, 2018
This is the easiest to read NLP book I've read (out of roughly 6).
It is well written and does a good job of describing NLP (as far as I can tell).
That being said, I am judging this book based on its genre. I tried to get into NLP but its application had too much visualization that seemed unfounded (e.g. view a bad memory up and to the right). There is some of the psychology I like (especially in this book), but not as much as I'd like.
It is well written and does a good job of describing NLP (as far as I can tell).
That being said, I am judging this book based on its genre. I tried to get into NLP but its application had too much visualization that seemed unfounded (e.g. view a bad memory up and to the right). There is some of the psychology I like (especially in this book), but not as much as I'd like.
September 18, 2019
Loved it
How to Take Charge of Your Life, followed a young man named Joe through a seminar on what the title of the book suggests. At the beginning, his life and his confidence are in shambles. We go with Joe, step by step, as he learns how to overcome the challenges that have put him in that situation. I liked the way we got to learn the concepts through a person we could identify with, instead of having facts flung at us. This was an enjoyable and beneficial read.
How to Take Charge of Your Life, followed a young man named Joe through a seminar on what the title of the book suggests. At the beginning, his life and his confidence are in shambles. We go with Joe, step by step, as he learns how to overcome the challenges that have put him in that situation. I liked the way we got to learn the concepts through a person we could identify with, instead of having facts flung at us. This was an enjoyable and beneficial read.
December 31, 2025
god this book was insufferable.
it's also utterly un-useful as a reference -- it never clearly lays out a single technique, so you can't refer back to how to do an exercise without finding where that occurs in the ludicrously stupid "story."
basically this is a pitch to go to one of Richard Bandler's seminars and see for yourself how handsome and charismatic and smart and well-spoken he is.
NO thank you.
it's also utterly un-useful as a reference -- it never clearly lays out a single technique, so you can't refer back to how to do an exercise without finding where that occurs in the ludicrously stupid "story."
basically this is a pitch to go to one of Richard Bandler's seminars and see for yourself how handsome and charismatic and smart and well-spoken he is.
NO thank you.
April 3, 2018
Guía para entender el PNL y su aplicación, sobretodo profundiza términos como los anclajes, que son palabras que activan recuerdos, vivencias o hechos que pueden ser positivos o negativos. El PNL da salidas para cambiar malas costumbres, malos hábitos, sesgos y los direcciona en pensamientos y consiguientes acciones positivas.
September 23, 2019
Quick and easy read to improving your life
Not much to add. Easy and quick read without a bunch of theoretical BS. Straight forward scenarios that i think most people can apply to their day to day experiences. I have a couple of folks that work for me that will be getting a copy. Glad I took the time to read it.
Not much to add. Easy and quick read without a bunch of theoretical BS. Straight forward scenarios that i think most people can apply to their day to day experiences. I have a couple of folks that work for me that will be getting a copy. Glad I took the time to read it.
November 1, 2019
Informative, unusual format
The authors use a fictional story to introduce and illustrate NLP theory and techniques. While I would have preferred a more straightforward approach, I did learn more than I have from other books on NLP -- which tend to get lost in a lot of bad verbiage.
The authors use a fictional story to introduce and illustrate NLP theory and techniques. While I would have preferred a more straightforward approach, I did learn more than I have from other books on NLP -- which tend to get lost in a lot of bad verbiage.
April 15, 2024
3.5 stars - given to me by a friend. Some useful skills demonstrated in chapter 1 and part of chapter 2 that i had not encountered before and will use but the rest was made up of things that i have read in other places and wasnt new to me. However it was presented in an interesting format and even the bits that were not new i found encouraging and motivating.
December 9, 2017
What a good little book this is. Very easy to read with a lot of punch. Especially when you are willing to take the time and effort to experiment with the exercises. Glad I've had the opportunity to enjoy the lessons.
August 8, 2019
Quick read with some interesting ideas but it feels like it was written by a 12-year-old. The 'story' side of it is lazily tacked on to what is essentially a self-help book. Worth a read for the techniques and ideas, just don't expect Hemingway.
January 19, 2020
WoW the title says it all
I was advised to read this book by a trainer in my new job.
Thought I’d give it ago, didn’t think I’d get much out of it....
But WOW, it’s changed my thought process and believe I have the capability to take control of my life.
Massive thank you.
I was advised to read this book by a trainer in my new job.
Thought I’d give it ago, didn’t think I’d get much out of it....
But WOW, it’s changed my thought process and believe I have the capability to take control of my life.
Massive thank you.
April 10, 2020
This was a phenomenal book! I found it very readable and full of great information. The concept is very intriguing and I have worked with her at some since reading the book and found it helpful. This is a book I see myself reading again from time to time as a refresher. Highly recommended.
Read
May 18, 2020Richard ha sido el cocreador de la PNL junto con John Grinder. Ambos han contribuido notablemente al desarrollo humano. En este libro intenta ofrecer caminos prácticos a aquellos que necesitan herramientas y recursos mentales para hacerse cargo de sus vidas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2021
This book is the prequel to the "Ulimate Intro. to NLP" by Bandler, and you gain insights into beginning NLP such as the "Brilliance Square," and "Meta Questions." Great to read to increase your knowledge of NLP in a fictional story format.
February 24, 2022
very corny but has some value
Corn on corn in this book. I get the ise of story and dialogue but good god this guy goes overboard with it.
I loved the messages about beliefs, actions, and results leading to more beliefs.
Being the commanding force in your life for change
Corn on corn in this book. I get the ise of story and dialogue but good god this guy goes overboard with it.
I loved the messages about beliefs, actions, and results leading to more beliefs.
Being the commanding force in your life for change
October 7, 2023
Brilliant book in terms of how a fictional story has been weaved into a scientific book.
A very prescriptive book but it’s still a great read. Lots of new learning’s and a whole lot more reiteration of good points to bring in a positive mindset in life. Enjoyed it thoroughly!!
A very prescriptive book but it’s still a great read. Lots of new learning’s and a whole lot more reiteration of good points to bring in a positive mindset in life. Enjoyed it thoroughly!!
July 10, 2025
This book focuses on the basics of NLP. We have a map in our head and our internal representation is how we experience the world and how we give experiences meaning. Is in our control to change our map to be our true selves and not let past experiences or negative beliefs hold us back.
October 20, 2025
Read as broader reading during counselling course. Ultimately I’m not a big fan of NLP and do not like several elements of it, but there are some useful techniques and phrases/questions that could fit into PC and integrated CBT therapy.
July 14, 2017
I can't describe this book because it is awesome. This book showed me everything ,which I was involved with in my life
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews