What Is Anchoring in NLP? Why the Most Powerful People Use Them (And You Should Too)

Never assume everyone knows what you are talking about. Sharing some insights into anchoring in NLP, I realised that not everyone already knows.

This is the simple reason I share my knowledge – firstly because you never know who knows what and secondly if it can help another person grow and heal then it makes me happy.

During my Self-Love Challenge, I brought up a powerful concept that has helped countless clients, athletes, and even world leaders stay in peak state—anchoring.
And to my surprise, most of the women in the group had never heard of it.

So I wanted to dedicate this blog to the underrated magic of anchors.

What Does Anchoring in NLP Mean?

In Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), an anchor is a stimulus – something you can see, feel, hear, say, or do – that instantly triggers a specific emotional or mental state.

It works like this:
A feeling gets linked to an action, gesture, word, sound, or even a place.
That connection becomes hardwired in your subconscious mind.

Think of it as a shortcut to a feeling you want to experience on demand.

Why Are Anchors So Powerful?

Anchors give you control over your emotional state. Instead of hoping you feel confident before a meeting or wishing for calm before an event, you can intentionally trigger that state using your anchor.

These subconscious cues are used by high performers all over the world. And once you start noticing, you’ll see them everywhere.

Examples of Anchors You’ve Definitely Seen Before

Even if you didn’t know what an anchor was, chances are—you’ve witnessed one in action:

• 🎾 Lleyton Hewitt shouting “C’mon!” every time he wins a point?
  That’s not just hype. It’s a physical anchor to put him in a winning state.
• 🎾 Rafael Nadal going through the exact same routine before every serve?
  His anchoring is precise. The repetition primes his body and mind for performance.
• 🎙️ Barack Obama lightly touching his ear before he speaks?
  That’s an anchor too – likely installed to trigger composure, clarity, and confidence.

And let’s be real – you’ve all seen the superhero pose. Hands on hips, chest lifted, standing tall. That’s not just confidence – it’s a classic anchor used to instantly shift your physiology and mindset into power mode. Simple, effective, and totally badass.

These are all trained triggers—and they work.

But Anchoring in NLP Isn’t Just for Celebrities or Athletes

You’re already using them.
You just might not realise it yet.

Have you ever:

• Heard a song that instantly lifted your mood?
• Smelled something that made you feel safe or nostalgic?
• Repeated a phrase to yourself before doing something brave?

Congratulations – you’ve anchored a state to a stimulus.
Now imagine doing that on purpose.

How Do You Use Anchoring in NLP in Everyday Life?

Anchors can be installed consciously and used anytime you need support. Here’s how you might use one:

• Before a big conversation → Tap your fingers together while recalling a time you felt confident. Repeat this enough times and that gesture will eventually trigger that same confidence on cue.
• When feeling anxious → Use breath + a grounding word like “safe” while in a calm state. Over time, saying “safe” will bring your body back to that frequency.
• Before speaking or going live → Press your hand to your heart and visualise the outcome going well. That simple motion can become your energetic reset button.

Anchors are quick, effective, and easy to use – and they help create consistency in your energy, no matter what’s going on around you.

Why You Should Use Anchors

When life gets loud, anchors bring you back to yourself.

They remind your body how you want to feel.
They help override the fear, overwhelm, and emotional chaos that can take over in challenging moments.

Anchors create confidence, clarity, and alignment – and they do it fast.

Something to Take With You

This is why I share what I share.
Because something as simple as a word, a breath, or a gesture can literally change your state in a moment.

It’s not woo-woo. It’s neuroscience.
And it works.

Want Help Creating Your Personal Power Anchor?

I teach anchoring techniques inside the Shine with Shaz program and in my one-on-one sessions.
If you want to anchor into confidence, clarity, calm—or your next-level self—I’d love to help.

👉 Book a Clarity Call or explore Shine with Shaz today.