The SCORE Method To Define Your Goals

We have all been confronted at some point with dilemmas or difficulties that we do not see a way out of. It’s like the more you think about it, the fewer solutions you see. The SCORE method is a tool designed precisely for such situations. It serves both to visualize possible ways out of problems and to define objectives more clearly.

This is also the case for decisions that involve high risk. It is not only the fear of making a mistake, but the consequences can be very serious. Even the most confident people can be hesitant, especially when one of the alternatives involves possible significant losses.

The SCORE method is a model for organizing ideas. First weigh the situation, visualize the alternatives and establish exits. It is generally applicable to professional matters, but it is also well suited to personal situations. Let’s see what it is.

The origin of the SCORE method

Let’s say first that the SCORE method was designed by Robert Dilts, an American psychologist and expert in neurolinguistics. He was one of the pioneers of so-called neurolinguistic programming, along with Richard Bandler and John Grinder.

It is called the SCORE method because this last word corresponds to the initials of the actions proposed by the model. In English, the original language, SCORE stands for: Symptom Cause Outcome Resource Effect . In French, the initials of this acronym have been translated as follows:

• S : Current condition or symptom
• C : Cause
• O : Desired or objective state
• R : Resource
• E : Expected effect

The meaning of each element

Before stating how the SCORE method should be applied, let’s take a closer look at the meaning of each of its components. It is important, in all cases, to point out that it is advisable to carry out the analysis in the proposed order and not in any other way. So let’s see what it is for each element:

• S (current condition or symptom). This fits the definition of the problem, in terms of symptoms. For example: I have no way to pay my bills at the end of the month.
• C (cause). These are the OBJECTIVE facts that generate this problem. Ideally, the immediate (present) cause and the mediate (past) cause should be defined. For example: I spent the month’s money on other things; I have no order in my accounts.

• O (desired state or objective). Here you define what you WANT to do, not what you must or what would be desirable. For example: I want to have enough money.
• R (Resource). Answer the question: what can I count on to reach my goal? It can be something external or internal. For example: I have a car that I can sell to get out of debt. Or: I have the option to request a promotion soon.
• E (Expected effect). Answer the following questions: What would I accomplish if I reached my goal? How would it affect me and those around me? For example: I should spend more on transportation. Or: I would have less time for my family in a new job.

Applying the SCORE method

Sometimes you just need to think about each of the above points to come up with a possible resolution of a problem or a clear goal. On other occasions, even doing this analysis, there are still doubts. In these cases, an additional step must be taken to correctly apply the SCORE method.

Those who work with this method advise making it very graphic. That is, instead of doing the exercise in a small notebook, it is better to use large cards stuck on the wall, one for each letter of SCORE. Neurolinguistic programmers claim that this arrangement of objects helps broaden perspective.

You can also apply this pattern using cardboard on the floor. Make a poster that says GOAL and get on it. In front of you will have cards with each of the letters and you just have to step and stand on the one you want, every time. In this case, you don’t have to follow the established order and you can go back to each letter as many times as needed.

The end goal of the SCORE method is that you define what you want to do, realistically. When you know what you really want, ideas and proposals flow. Often times we are confused just because we are not clear on what we want.

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