It’s the end of the year – you know that already. And, as mentioned in the last post – we’re going to be taking stock of the year. While it is a good time to look forward and plan for the future – that has been talked and written about for years. How about something else for a change? How about have a look at the past year and looking at what counts. Or, what doesn’t.
Do you realise that there is an NLP Meta Program of Counting vs. Discounting. This meta program looks what you take on board and what you don’t – and it will mean different things to different people.
Even as you hear this – do you count or do you discount? What is your initial reaction?
Now, lets look at it – in relation to the past 12 months.
What were some of your wins for the year? How about some of the losses? What did you learn? How will you take that into the future?
Now, really look at those questions – even go away for 10-15 minutes right now and write down a few things, then come back to finish reading this. There is purpose to asking you to do that.
OK – now that you’ve done that task (right!?) – lets apply this Meta Program of Counting/Discounting.
Counting the Positive and Discounting the Negative
If you put down in your “here’s what I accomplished” list things that were nearly done, things you attempted and things that got started, there is a good chance that you count the positives and discount the negatives. Sure, you didn’t actually get some of your goals (maybe most) of your goals done, but hey – you started. And, if this is the case, you also discount what didn’t work – its chalked up to experience and learning.
on the other hand…
Discounting the Positive and Counting the Negative
On your list you listed in your “losses” category the things you didn’t finish, didn’t accomplish, didn’t see to the end – and possibly even the things you did do, but weren’t up to your normal standards, there is a good chance that you also have fewer things in your “positives” – and the things that you did do or accomplish, may have been a fluke or may have been right at the last minute. It might be a “win”, but my guess is that there is a “yeah but” at the end as in: “I did start an exercise program, but I didn’t get to work out as much as I wanted”.
Here is my question to you – how can you celebrate the wins? Someone that regularly discounts the positive and counts the negatives very rarely celebrates wins. And, another question – how do you keep yourself accountable? Someone that regularly counts “I started” as a win might not be motivated to complete something.
Here’s the thing with Meta Programs: there is not usually a ‘best answer’ – there is just best fit for authenticity and congruency. What I really enjoy about sharing this type of information isn’t for you to find a better way, its to bring to your awareness what we unconsciously sort for. Because, as one of the NLP Presuppositions says: when you know better, you can do better.
Does this count?
Have a great Holiday season!