Anchors are external triggers the evoke a predictable emotional response in us. Everyone has them... some productive (like not having to think to stop one's car when the light turns red), and others counter-productive (like that twisted feeling in one's gut when approaching a public speech).
The power in the principle of anchoring in NLP is that we can install them to manipulate our own state from an unresourceful state to a resourceful state at will and as required.
Resource anchoring can be used as a means to quickly and deliberately change state. Here are some common situations where anchoring a resourceful state would be useful:
- Before a public speech
- Before a musical performance
- Dealing with stress
- Before and during a tough meeting
- Whenever you need an endorphin boost