The Four Keys to Anchoring

The anchoring technique is not complex, but you need to follow a few systematic and precise steps. It can be learnt using Neuro-linguistic training. There are four keys for performing Neuro-linguistic anchoring using:

1. Uniqueness

In order to set a permanent anchor, a unique stimulus must be used. Stimulus such as shaking hands cannot be used as an anchor as it is a general behavior. A handshake lacks the basic uniqueness required for establishing an anchor. When a stimulus or location is so unique that it cannot be found in our daily lives, it is the best type of trigger possible for setting an anchor that lasts for a long time.

In case of using kinesthetic anchors, identify all the aspects of the stimulus such as the pressure, location, size and length of touch used. Choose a location that can be accessed later on with the same precision. Avoid using clothing as a reference, as it may change for the next meeting.

In case of self-anchoring, choose a stimulus that is comfortable for you but unique enough. An example for self-anchoring is squeezing the earlobe or joining the thumb and little finger.

2. Intensity

The anchor should be set during the highest intensity of a state. Anchors are dependent on the state. Hence when a person is experiencing an intense state, the anchoring function is enhanced as well, and it becomes easy to re-fire similar intensity of the state when the anchored stimulus is triggered.

The intensity of a state identifies how vivid, strong, big, clear or emotional the person feels during that state. As an example, clients are asked to remember a resourceful state. When the client accesses this state and become completely associated with it, an anchor is dropped.

Neuro-linguistic Programming techniques suggest that the person is in an associative state of the experience rather than the dissociative state when placing an anchor, since we do not want to remove all emotions from the experience.

3. Purity

Purity for an anchor means that the anchor should be as discrete as possible and not have any competing experiences. That means when a person is trying to access a resourceful state, it should not be mixed with any other states, with contradictory thoughts or contaminating emotions. Purity of a state is its distinctness.

The person recalling a resourceful state should not be having an internal dialogue that is conflicting to the state being accessed. You will need to amplify, focus and purify the state being accessed. When a state is at its full intensity, there are no other states present to weaken its intensity.

4. Precision

Precision refers to the exact time when the anchor is set. You need to identify and capture the exact timing for placing an anchor. For example, when a person reaches the maximum intensity of a state, the anchor should be applied. You should release the anchor just before the state starts reducing in intensity, otherwise a lower intensity state or some other state will be associated with the anchor. Holding an anchor for excessive time might result in contaminating the state, as the person might enter some undesirable state. You must use your sensory acuity skills to determine the exact time and duration for applying the anchor.

Conclusion

The process of anchoring can be used to create a certain state within a person. Anchors should also be reinforced to enhance their effectiveness. This can be done by stacking anchors, by putting extra resourceful states over an anchored resourceful state. The anchor become stronger, and generates a more positive state. Anchors can also be refreshed periodically to reinforce the resourceful state.

First Page: NLP Anchoring