In practice of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) one common exercise in known as establishing a Well Formed Outcome. "Well formed" meaning it meets all criteria of a well thought out end result. Here are steps to deteremining a well formed outcome: 1) State what you want (not what you do not want).

2) Determine whether you can achieve it (do you believe it is possible?).

3) What resources do you have and what do you need (time, money, space, clothing, equipment).

4) Check whether anyone else is involved and any potential obstacles that may come up regarding others.

5) Picture yourself "as if" you've obtained what you say you want and decide if that picture fits.

6) Putting together a plan of action for achievement of your outcome.

While it may seem like a lot of effort simply to decide what you really want, going through these steps help you determine what potential obstacles there may be. If you decide you want to join a gym and start exercising every day but forget you don't own a car and just lost your job, that plan might not work out. Better to look at it from every angle, then put together a plan you know can work and will work. By deciding what you want, it becomes much easier to take necessary steps to make it become a reality.

Whether you want to overcome your addiction to sugar or you want to learn to swim, it all starts with this process, first determining what you really want and then a series of steps to be sure it's a good fit for you. Try this process no matter what decision you are making and you'll easily discover obstacles that you can handle first thereby ensuring better success overall!

This process is called "Achieving a Well Formed Outcome" and is one of sessions in Ending Emotional Eating 8-Week Workshop. You can also find more information on this popular and well known NLP process by searching for "NLP Well Formed Outcome" in your favorite search engine.

~~ Kathryn Martyn, M.NLP, EFT coach and author of Changing Beliefs, Your First Step to Permanent Weight Loss lost 80 pounds over 17 years ago. Learn how she lost the weight and maintains that weight loss at http://www.OneMoreBite-Weightloss.com

If this is case, ask yourself what beliefs you hold that are at odds with what you want. For example, "it's too hard to lose weight", "it's impossible to lose weight", "I can't lose weight because I'd have to exercise all time", "I'll lose my friends if I lose weight", "I can't lose weight because I've always failed".

Ask yourself if in fact they are true. Are they making your life easier, or more difficult? Do these beliefs serve you or harm you?

Then, replace old beliefs with new ones. Positive, confident statements about how you want to look and feel.

The best way to lose weight is to avoid saying you'll "try" to lose weight, and say you "will" lose weight. See yourself at your ideal weight. Imagine how great you look and feel. Use positive language and give your mind specific instructions like "I'm now happily at my ideal weight of (number of pounds) weight" or "I now happily choose to wear a size (your ideal size)".

Watch your language and self talk closely and avoid using "try". It may take constant attention at beginning, but after a short time, you'll get used to keeping your language positive, upbeat and confident.

Your weight loss results will follow immediately, depending on how confident, committed and persistent you are in applying these exercises. The more confident, committed and persistent, faster your results will appear.

You CAN do it!