Well formed outcomes in NLP (2)
So far we've made sure that our outcome is stated in the positive, sensory specific, appropriately contextualised and self achievable i.e something that we as a human being are capable of.
This means that we've already established the what and the how of setting and achieving our well formed outcome. The final two questions cover the why and what if aspects of that outcome i.e. is this outcome worthwhile and is it safe for us to have it?
Q5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of achieving this outcome / making this change?
Taking a balanced and ecological view of our desired outcome is vital to ensure that the positive aspects of having it outweigh any negative aspects i.e. our outcome of increased confidence may be less desirable to us if our friends interpret it as arrogance and begin to spend less time with us.
An ecological outcome is one which answers 'YES' to the following three questions - is it safe to me? Is it safe to others? Is it safe to the planet?
Always ensure that your outcomes are balanced and ecological.
Q6. What is the benefit of this outcome or which of your values will be fulfilled by achieving it?
Make sure your outcome is worthwhile i.e. something that truly has a useful, positive impact on your life whether directly, or by proxy by enhancing the lives of others around you.
An excellent resource which covers Well Formed Outcomes in NLP in more detail is Time Line Therapy and the Basis of Personality by Tad James and Wyatt Woodsmall