The Circle of Excellence pattern is a powerful technique for releasing negative states and creating a strong anchor for a state of excellence. Dr. Grinder created this pattern to help extinguish negative anchors while reinforcing positive and resourceful states.

To begin, identify an unresourceful state from which you want to be free and the triggers that cause it. These are the negative anchors that you want to get rid of. When the unresourceful state is triggered, negative anchors can be linked to various sensory modalities, such as visual, auditory, or tactile experiences.

After you’ve identified the negative anchors, imagine drawing a circle on the floor or using chalk to draw a circle large enough to step into.

Next, think about times when you felt strong, creative, composed, or in any other resourceful state where you felt balanced and centered. These resourceful states should serve as antidotes to the unresourceful state you’re attempting to combat.

Now, gradually begin to step into the imaginary circle, keeping the resourceful state in mind. Stop and renew the resourceful state if it weakens at any point before continuing to step into the circle of excellence.

Remember specific experiences associated with the resourceful state to amplify it. You can see yourself from your own point of view, recalling words, feelings, postures, breathing, and other factors that contribute to your resourcefulness. You can also observe yourself from a third-person perspective, focusing on your posture, gestures, and expressions. Continue to gain experience and strengthen your resourcefulness until it is strong and noticeable. Step into the circle of excellence when your resourcefulness is at its peak. While doing so, recall the anchors that cause the unresourceful state. This step is critical to removing those negative anchors. Maintain your resourceful mindset throughout the process. You can make this process even more effective by working with a partner or coach who provides the negative triggers. The goal is for the resourceful state to outnumber the negative triggers, effectively extinguishing their influence.

In the future, you can imagine the circle of excellence as an imaginary space you enter before confronting difficult situations or meetings. You can enlarge the circle to encompass the entire area where you’ll be, making it a powerful tool for mentally preparing yourself for various situations. Finally, the Circle of Excellence enables you to regain control of your emotional states and develop a positive and resourceful mindset for success. It’s a versatile and effective technique that you can tailor to your specific requirements and imagination.