Source: Steve Andreas

Step 1: Choose a life area in which your values appear ambiguous. #

Select a life area, such as career, finances, or relationships, in which you feel that your decision-making or actions are not based on a firm foundation of values or criteria.

Step 2: Make a criteria hierarchy. #

a. Start by thinking of a trivial act that you could do but wouldn’t bother to. Ask what you would accomplish by refraining from this action. Typically, you would save time. Be sure to state the criteria in positive terms. b. Now ask yourself what might get you to take this action anyway. Note what you find important about this condition. For example, if you said that you would stand on a chair because you needed to replace a light bulb, you might feel that being able to see and function in your kitchen is more important than two minutes of time. This pattern can be summarized so far as starting with a trivial act you would not do, citing the value that would prevent you from doing it, and then stating the condition that would get you to do it. At this point, you think of a condition that would reverse your stance. c. Consider a condition that would prevent you from doing it. d. Specify the applicable value. For example, perhaps you would not replace the bulb if you had to meet an urgent deadline and didn’t need to be in the kitchen for that.  The value might be the importance of maintaining your accounts, staying out of jail, or being on time for an appointment. Try to summarize the value in one word, in addition to the brief statement of the value. For being on time, you might add “punctuality.” e. Repeat this pattern. Each time you state the criterion for your decision, come up with a condition that would get you to reverse your decision to do or not to do the action. Then state the value behind that decision. 3.Complete the continuum. As you proceed, you are creating a continuum of criteria from least to most important. Continue until you are certain you have identified the most important criteria of all. This will be one that you can’t trump with any condition.

Step 4: Define the sub-modalities. #

Explore the differences between the sub-modalities between the highest and lowest priority criteria. Notice how you represent various values such as “excellence,” “healing,” and “integrity." Pay attention to the analog sub-modalities that vary as you describe the criteria in all the primary sub-modalities.

Step 5: Confirm the appropriate criterion position and sub-modalities. #

For each criterion, decide whether you need to raise or lower it, and where it should go on the scale. Shift its sub-modalities to match those of the next lower criterion. By adjusting the sub-modalities, the code becomes the criterion for the degree of importance it should have.

Step 6: Review it again, emphasizing the value and position of the criteria. #

From a meta-position, evaluate your hierarchy of values. Ask how well these values serve you, and how well they serve the functions in their current sequence. How well do they enable you to make resourceful decisions and experience peace of mind? Note any criteria that you need to shift to another position, or change in any other way.

Step 7: Select the criterion to shift. #

Determine which criterion you wish to shift. Determine where you want it to be. Think about what sequence of values will move you forward as you desire.

Step 8: Based on the final positions, revise sub-modalities. #

Gradually shift the criterion to the appropriate place in your continuum. Based on the importance that the criterion should have, apply the sub-modalities that you feel are appropriate. Notice which sub-modalities appear in the criteria before and after it. Code it.

Step 9: Continue until you are satisfied that your value hierarchy will help guide you toward the most resourceful behaviors and decisions. #

Step 10: Future Pace. #

Imagine a situation in which your new criterion makes a difference. Imagine yourself in that situation, fully experiencing this.

Step 11: Test. #

Take note of how easily you can access resourceful states in the coming days and weeks.