How to Perform an Ecology Check - NLP training

When we are designing a desirable outcome we want to make sure that we don’t have any subconscious beliefs that would conflict with that outcome. This is known as an ecology check. It means that you are taken into account every aspect of a possible outcome and ensuring that it fits in with all aspects of your life.

When you are trying to affect change in your life it is important that all parts of your mind are heading in the same direction. It’s similar to two people rowing a boat. If one person chooses not to row then the boat will just keep heading around in circles. This is what happens when your beliefs are not congruent with each other.

In order to perform an ecology check you will need to examine yourself objectively. In order to do this take on the poise of a journalist, you are simply after the facts. Once you have taken on this objective approach it is time to ask yourself a series of questions. These can include questions such as whether or not the behaviour benefits you in some way. Many seemingly bad habits such as over eating have what is known as a secondary gain. This is a benefit you derive from a harmful activity. This might include something such as the comfort that food provides you.

Another question you should ask yourself is whether or not the results of this outcome are something that you undoubtedly want in your life. You should look for signs of hesitation and doubt about the outcome. Monetary goals are often undermined because the person has some hesitation about how the money would change their lives. This must be resolved before the outcome can be achieved.  You will also want to ask who else would be affected by the outcome. If you drink alcohol with your partner are you worried that they may find it distressing if you quit?

You may find that you do not have the answers to these questions straight away. That is fine and you should allow your subconscious to think them over. These questions are a type of puzzle that your brain needs to solve. It can work on them while you are asleep and while you are working on other projects. To keep them firmly in your mind you should write the questions down and read them just before you go to bed. You should also keep a pad and pen handy so that when you wake up if the answers to these questions arrive you will be able to easily write them down.

The final stage of your ecology check is to evaluate the answers that you received from your questions. Ask yourself whether or not based on these answers you need to change the direction in which you are heading. You should also ask yourself what these underlying beliefs mean for the outcome that you are trying to achieve. Performing an ecology check may take a little extra time but it is an excellent way of ensuring that you will achieve your outcome.