One of the biggest questions which comes out of the NLP models is “What do you want?” If you come to see me for any anything, then that will be the first question I ask you. It is something you could begin asking yourself more often. What do I want? Often this is interpreted as “what don’t I want” and can be distracting and a wee bit limiting, but getting clear on what you actually want is a valuable place to begin.

An outcome is a desired way of being, something you don't have in your present state. 

Outcomes are not the same as goals.  In NLP we say, "Who do I have to become to get what I want?"  This is very different from saying I want this or that.  Outcomes are different from goals and targets and objectives because they have been carefully considered and meet certain conditions that make them realistic, motivating and achievable.

Outcomes are not tasks. Outcomes are what you want and a task is what you need to do to achieve it.  Don't begin the tasks until you are clear and have set your outcome.

E.g. If your goal is to make new friends.. then your outcome would be "I want to become a friendly interesting, likeable person who attracts friendly interesting people who I like and get on with".  This would mean that you may have to change some of your behaviours, actions and where you hang out so you can attract the "desired type" of person.  Believing you are a nice person and hoping to attract nice people without actually doing anything to make it happen is less likely to succeed than being proactive and creating change in yourself and finding the opportunities for making the type of friends you want.  

 For you to move from the present state to the desired state (outcome) may involve change! This is where the presupposition "for things to change - first, I must change" comes in. It is the journey from that unsatisfactory state to the desired state (outcome).  You will need resources to get to your desired state.  Here are nine questions you need to ask when working with outcomes.  These are called the "well formed conditions". Once sorted your outcome will be realistic, achievable and motivating.  Use these for individual Outcomes. Start at 1 - do not leap to 9 until clear on 1-8.

1. In the positive "What do I want".  "To stop smoking" is a negative frame.  Use "to be smokefree and healthy" as a more positive outcome.
2. Evidence : How will you know you are succeeding or have succeeded?  How will you measure progress?  How will I know I have got there?
3. Specifics:  Where , when and with whom?  Where specifically do you want this outcome, what will you see, hear, smell, feel? What context?
4. Resources : What resources do you have?  List them - in five categories. Objects, people, Role models, Personal qualities, Money.
5. Control: Can you start and maintain this outcome?  Is it under your direct control? You can't if it relies on others to make it happen - you may need to ask for help.
6. Ecology: What are the wider consequences?  Is there any cost to this opportunity? Who will be affected? Will you need to give up something to get your outcome. What do you want to keep from the present situation? What else can happen if you get your outcome? (Other consequences).
7. Identity: Is this outcome in keeping with who you are?  Does it clash with any of your values.
8. What prevents you from achieving this outcome?
9. Action Plan: First step - what do you begin with? What is the first step.

Getting clear on what you want and using these questions can help you get motivated, clear, and rework your outcome to fit your values, your desires, and your dreams.

About the author

Zoe Wilkinson is a Life Coach, NLP Trainer, and NLP Master Practitioner based in Tauranga. Her passion is helping people live more fulfilled, happier, graceful lives. She teaches parenting skills, life skills and personal excellence at night classes, and is the recent recipient of An Exceptional Adult Educator Commendation for 2010. Email : zoew@xtra.co.nz or phone 07-576-0941.