Circle of Excellence: Accessing Your Best Self When You Need It Most
Have you ever wished you could flick a switch and instantly feel focused, confident, or ready to take action - especially when it really matters? I use something called the Circle of Excellence!
The Circle of Excellence is one of many empowering tools I learnt during a 7-day NLP course with Dr Michael Hall, albeit quite some time ago. It’s a practical and transformative way to put yourself into a strong emotional state - one that helps you get things done, overcome hesitation, and move forward with purpose.
What Is the Circle of Excellence?
The Circle of Excellence is a simple yet powerful exercise that helps you intentionally step into a state of confidence, calm, motivation, or clarity - whatever resource you may need at that moment. It works by linking a strong emotional state to a physical and mental “space” you create and return to again and again.
Over time, this circle becomes a go-to zone where you can quickly reconnect to the a wanted version of yourself.
How to Create Your Circle of Excellence
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using this technique:
Decide What State You Want to Step Into
Choose something like focus, courage, or motivation.Recall a Time You Felt That Way
Think of a moment when you felt this feeling strongly and naturally. Visualise it - see what you saw, hear what you heard, and feel what you felt.Visualise a Circle on the Floor
Imagine a circle in front of you. It can be any colour, texture, or size that feels powerful and right for you.Step Into the Circle
As you step into the circle, allow the feeling to rise within you. Breathe it in. Let it fill you up.Strengthen the Anchor
Step out and repeat the process. Each time, bring in more examples of that powerful feeling. The more you practice, the stronger and quicker the response becomes.Use It When You Need It
Whether you physically step into the circle or visualise it in your mind, it becomes a fast way to shift into a productive, focused state.
Practical Ways to Use the Circle
This technique can be applied in everyday life, particularly when you’re seeking to transition from being stuck to being productive. Here a just a few examples on how you could use the circle:
✔ Getting Started on Tasks
When you feel yourself avoiding something, take a moment, recall your circle, and step in. You may find the motivation to begin - even if just for five minutes.
✔ Morning Ritual or Start of Workday
Begin your day with intention. Step into your circle before you open your laptop or enter your workspace.
✔ Creative Flow
If there was a time you felt in the zone - writing, building, or brainstorming - you can draw that energy into your circle and revisit it when needed.
Final Thought
The Circle of Excellence reminds us that we don’t have to wait for inspiration or motivation to magically appear. We can access it on purpose. We’ve all had moments where we felt strong, capable, and clear. The circle provides a way to reconnect with those moments and bring them into the present.
Next time you feel stuck, uncertain, or low on energy, step into your circle. You’ve got what it takes!
