The "Pralinee" pattern: Building motivation
A pattern to do something you don't particularly like, but have to do, with more motivation.
A very useful application of this pattern is changing your feelings about tasks you have congruently decided to fulfill, but currently don't enjoy doing. If you have congruently decided that it's important to do it, you might as well enjoy it! Be very careful with the ecology of this pattern; you don't want to casually or carelessly install an intense need to do something.
- Motivating image:
Create an associated image of something or an activity you find irresistibly enjoyable and attractive (like chocolates, for example). Set this aside briefly. - Image of a task:
Create a dissociated image of yourself doing something you have congruently decided you must/want to do, so you might as well enjoy it. - Ecology check:
Is there any part of you that objects to enjoying the task you have decided to do? - Iris pattern:
a. See the image of the task (No. 2) in your mind's eye, with the motivating image (No. 1) directly behind it. Quickly open a small hole in the center of image No. 2, so you can see image No. 1 through this hole. Open the hole quickly as much as you need to achieve a full emotional response to image No. 1. b. Now let the hole quickly shrink, but only as fast as you can maintain the emotional response to image No. 1. c. Repeat steps 4a and 4b several times, as quickly as you can. The goal is to connect the feeling of the motivating image with that of the task image. - Test:
Look at the image of the task (No. 2). Do you feel drawn to it? If not, repeat step 4 or go back to the previous steps to ensure you have the right elements.
Besides the obvious therapeutic applications, this pattern has many uses in business, e.g., for employees with useful jobs that aren't inherently enjoyable. It can also be used for salespeople or representatives who dislike making calls or house visits, to get them to complete "on hold" calls and visits.
