The Elements of a Well-Formed Outcome
A lot of traditional management literature focuses on goal setting. NLP frames goals a little differently, phrasing them as outcomes. This changes our focus from working towards something to imagining that we already have something, and maintaining that state.
Keep the following criteria in mind when creating an outcome to make it PAINLESS!
P = Positive
Frame outcomes about things that you want, not what you don't want.
A = Assessable
You need to be able to measure your progress and evaluate how far you have come.
I = Individual
The outcome needs to be something that you can achieve with your resources and that is within your control.
N = Now-oriented
Is this something that you can do now? Or should this outcome be saved for another time in your life?
L = Linked to your purpose and systems
This outcome should be a win-win for all of the systems in your life. In other words, it should be congruent with your inner self!
E = Enriched
Use sensory language to enrich the wording of your outcome and help you find ways to move towards it.
S = Satisfying
Will you feel good about working towards this outcome? If not, you won't be very motivated!
S = Specific plan
Design your first action step (or your first few if possible) and have an image of what success looks like.
Example
I will become a manager within two years, either with my company or externally if I must. I will start working towards this by signing up for the Introduction to Management program offered in my company. I will complete this program within six months.