Contrasting TOTEs

From The Graham English Wiki

  • First think of an unsatisfactory situation. This pattern works best if it involves another person that you are having trouble with.
    • What are you trying to achieve here? Write down your outcome - at least one, maybe more.
    • How do you judge whether you are getting what you want? What signs do you pay attention to? What feedback are you paying attention to?
    • What actions are you taking to get what you want?
    • How do you view the other person in the situation?
  • Secondly, think of a similar situation where you did get what you wanted and the situation went well. It may be with the same person, but it could be a completely different situation with a different person.
    • Write down your answers to the same questions about this situation.
  • Now compare the two sets of answers.
    • How could you use the resources from the successful situation in the difficult situation?
    • What extra goals could you set in the difficult situation that would make a difference?
    • What new feedback could you pay attention to?
    • How many different ways can you think of to get what you want in that situation?
    • How can you think about the other person in a positive way?
  • Now future pace. Imagine the next time you'll be faced with the same person in a difficult situation. Imagine that you have the resources that you have just discovered. Imagine acting differently and notice how the situation might turn out in a better way. Mentally rehearse the situation and notice how it will be different.
  • Finally, consider you response in the first situation. Is there a place in your life where this would be useful?