NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a name that encompasses the three most influential components involved in producing human experience: neurology, language and programming.
Neuro How we think and how the mind interacts with the body
Linguistics How we use language consciously and unconsciously to create our reality and communicate
Programming How we create habits and patterns of behaviour with our thoughts and how we can therefore change them.

NLP was originated in the 1970’s by John Grinder (whose background was in linguistics) and Richard Bandler (whose background was in mathematics and gestalt therapy) for the purpose of making explicit models of human excellence. They began modeling and duplicating the "magical results" of a few top communicators and therapists such as Hypnotherapist Milton Erickson, Gestalt Therapist Fritz Perls and Family Therapist Virginia Satir.

In the belief system of NLP it is not possible for human beings to know objective reality. Wisdom, ethics and ecology do not derive from having the one 'right' or 'correct' map of the world, because human beings would not be capable of making one. Rather, the goal is to create the richest map possible that respects the systemic nature and ecology of ourselves and the world we live in. The people who are most effective are the ones who have a map of the world that allows them to perceive the greatest number of available choices and perspectives. NLP is a way of enriching the choices that you have and perceive as available in the world around you. Excellence comes from having many choices. Wisdom comes from having multiple perspectives.

What are some beliefs of NLP?

• People are not their behaviours. Accept the person; change the behaviour

• People have all the resources they need to succeed and achieve their desired outcomes

• The meaning of the communication is the response you get

• Everyone is doing the best they can with the resources they have available

• We are in charge of our minds and therefore our results

• There is no failure, only feedback
  

Today, NLP is widely used in business to improve management, sales and achievement/performance, inter-personal skills; in education to better understand learning styles, develop rapport with students and parents and to aid in motivation; and of course, NLP is a profound set of tools for personal development.