Step 1: Select a behavior that is desired but not taken. #

Identify a behavior the person says they want to do a certain behavior, but does not act on it. Put it in position #1. This can also be something they want to stop doing, such as smoking, biting nails, or yelling at their kids.

Step 2: Determine the criteria for carrying out the desired action. #

Have the person clarify the values and meta-outcomes behind their desire to take the action. Ask why they want to take the action, and then, why is that outcome itself important to them? What you’re looking for here is the “toward” motivation. In this step, they actually begin the change-work. Place these in location #2.

Step 3: Determine the criteria that prevent the desired behavior. #

Solicit the criteria for not doing the behavior. What stops them?Identify the values and meta-outcomes that support not taking the desired action. Put these in location #3. Try to identify values that are at a higher level than those found in step 2. Remember that the hierarchy is set by the person you’re working with, not by your own values, hierarchy, or logic. We assume that such values or criteria exist because they override the values that the person has for taking the desired action.

Step 4: Generate higher-level criteria that support taking the desired action. #

Determine what higher-level criteria can override the criteria in Location #3 in favor of taking the desired action. For example, if position #3 values like relaxation are getting in the way of smoking cessation, ask what values are more important than that. Come up with answers such as avoiding emphysema.

Step 5: Anchor the state. #

Amplify the state associated with these overriding positive values and anchor it.  You do not have to use a full anchoring procedure here; it is enough if you remind them of the state, ask them to enhance certain driver sub-modalities, and establish a kinesthetic anchor without explaining what an “anchor” is.

Step 6: Lower levels should be positively infused. #

Hold the anchor and move to position 3. Continue on to positions 2 and 1. Encourage the person to come up with new ideas as they walk through these positions. Ask them to imagine implementing each good idea, then adjust their sub-modalities to match the highest criterion from step 4. As the person descends, make sure the higher state is compelling. It’s vital to make these lower levels very positive.

Step 7: Conduct an ecology check and make any necessary adjustments. #

Examine the environment as you plan your future.Pace these creative ideas to see if you can make any additional adjustments.

Step 8: Test. #

In the coming days and weeks, see how well this pattern has allowed the person to take the desired action.