Praline Pattern

A pattern for doing something you don’t really like, but which needs doing, with more motivation.

This pattern can be very useful for tasks that you’re congruent about doing (you have decided you must do them), yet you do not presently enjoy them. If you have congruently decided it’s important, you may as well enjoy it! Carefully check ecology: you don’t want to casually create an intense craving for something you don’t truly want. Manage the “price” you pay for installing a strong need to do something.

Step 1

A Motivating Image:

Create an associated image of something or some activity that is irresistibly attractive to you—chocolates, for instance. Then set it aside for a moment.

Step 2

Image of a Task:

Make a dissociated image of yourself carrying out an activity or task that you need/want to do anyway (because you’ve decided it’s important), so you might as well enjoy it.

Step 3

Ecology Check:

Does any part of you object to enjoying doing something you’ve decided you must do? If yes, address it; if no, proceed.

Step 4

Iris Pattern:

a) See the task image (Step 2) in your mind, with the motivating image (Step 1) just behind it. Quickly open a small hole in the center of the task image so you glimpse the motivating image behind it. Expand the hole rapidly until you feel a full emotional reaction to the motivating image.

b) Now shrink the hole swiftly—but only as fast as you can maintain the feeling of the motivating image.

c) Repeat Steps a) and b) several times, as quickly as possible. The goal is to merge the feeling of the motivating image with the task image.

Step 5

Test:

Look at the task image. Do you now feel drawn to it? If not, repeat Step 4 or review earlier steps to ensure you have the right elements.

Beyond obvious therapeutic uses, this pattern has many business applications—for example, for employees with an important but not inherently fun job, or salespeople who dislike cold calls or home visits. It can help them build enough desire to make those calls or visits.