Source: Robert Dilts

This pattern builds on learning strategies. It uses chaining to connect experiences into a useful state. These moments help you move from a problem to a resourceful state. There are numerous ways to assemble patterns like the one shown below.

Step 1: Select a difficult learning situation. #

Think of something that you would like to learn, but are having trouble with.

Step 2: Think of a good learning experience that has as much in common as possible with the problem you just identified. #

For example, if you are learning to memorize rote material, see if you can think of a very successful learning experience that involved rote learning. Be sure that the learning experience you choose is one that leads to you learning something well.

Step 3: Access the states that were part of this positive learning. #

Explore the elements involved. List them. Here are some examples of sub-modalities that might be involved: Feeling supported, feeling things “click” internally, experiencing “the zone” internally, experiencing internal visually constructed images of what you are learning, internally visual manipulating what you are learning, feeling excited, interested, and motivated; seeing and hearing your involvement in the learning experience.

Step 4: Sequence these states in time. #

Now think of the earlier states and the later states as a sequence, starting with inklings such as awareness and curiosity and ending with more complicated collections of sense modalities such as deep involvement and mastery. List them as a sequence that begins with your exposure to the material and ends with your successful use of the learned material.

Step 5: Turn the states into stepping stones, placing them in order. #

Imagine a series of stepping stones in front of you, and mentally place each of these sequenced steps along these stepping stones. Place a note for each one, and mark it with a bold marker if it can help you keep the sequence in mind.

Step 6: Anchor these steps by stepping through them. #

Spend some time on each of these steps in order to anchor them as representing each of these transitional states.

Step 7: Bring that challenging learning issue to mind. #

Move through each step while holding this in mind. If possible, repeat these steps before returning to the challenging learning situation.

Step 8: Test. #

Next time you are involved in a challenging learning situation, see how this pattern has changed your experience of this learning.