Februarys' Practice  Group Exercise - The P.O.S.E.R.S. model.

The P.O.S.E.R.S. model can me used alone or with commonly used goal setting models such as SMART to further explore and understand your clients ‘desired outcome’. The more precisely you can define what you want and why you want it, the more you programme your brain to seek out and notice possibilities and consequently, the more likely you are to get what you want.


Using the P.O.S.E.R.S. model we can help our client create highly detailed images, sounds, feelings and words related to the outcome. These internal representations will enhance our abilities, resources and skills for achieving the outcome. We also become aware of our surroundings, and can identify and gather further resources in order to achieve our aim.



1. P – Positive

Think of something you want; a personal goal or something you would rather have than what you currently have. Make sure that you desired outcome is stated in the positive and in the present tense.



2. O – Own Part

Think of what you will actively do that is within your control. How will you personally take ownership of the activity and move forward with it?

• How will you start it?


• How will you maintain it (the activity)?


• If anything, how might you stop the good work?


• What could you do instead to continue making good progress?



3. S – Specific

Now imagine the activity as specifically as you can.

• Where, when, and how?


• What will you specifically be doing? What will you see, feel, hear, think during the activity? How will it look to others?



4. E – Evidence

Now consider the outcome of the activity. Think of the sensory-based evidence that will let you know that you have got what you wanted.

• How will you know that the activity/activities have been successful?


• What will you see, feel, hear, be thinking when you have achieved your outcome?


• How specifically will you know for sure that you have achieved your desired outcome?



5. R – Resources

Do you have adequate resource and choices to get your outcome?

• What resources do you have available that will help you to reach your goal?


• Who do you know that may be able to help, support and encourage you?


• What books, information, state of mind may help you?


• Who do you know that has achieved the same outcome?



6. S – Size

Is the outcome the right size?

• Does the outcome seem realistic and achievable


• Does it represent enough of a challenge to keep you interested without it being so big that it feels overwhelming?


• Is the outcome look, sound, feel exciting enough to keep you motivated?





Finish by doing an ecology check of the P.O.S.E.R.S. outcome.

• What would be the consequence in your life and relationships if you got your outcome?


• Who else would the outcome effect?



And the last step – Take the first step! Take action