We've all been there, haven't we? We want to grow. We want to make positive, personal changes in our lives. But it just feels like we are stuck, not knowing even how to approach obstacles. But, of course, there are solutions to every problem. Over the next couple of weeks, I want to talk to you about a really powerful tool for personal growth and change.
This model is called Logical Levels. It was created by a behavioral specialist named Robert Dilts along with an anthropoligst named Gregory Bateson. Now, understand, this is not a formula. It is, however, a phenomenal way to help us understand where and how we are stuck and, moreover, how to challenge the limitations we are placing on ourselves.
There are six levels to this model. At the bottom is the level of Environment. The next level up is Behaviors, followed by Capabilities, Beliefs, Identity and, finally, Mission or Spirituality. The most amazing thing about this model is that, if you make a change at any given level, it will automatically make changes at all of the levels below it. So, for example, if you make a shift at the level of Capabilities, it will automatically produce a shift at the levels of Behavior and Environment. So, for the next couple of weeks, I want to talk to you about each of these levels and how you can overcome obstacles and create change in your life.
I want to start at the bottom with the level of Environment. We can define Environment as the external world around us. This is where we live, work and play. When we are stuck at the level of the Environment, we take an entirely passive role and often complain about everything that happens to us. At this level, we often believe that we have no power to make change and, thus, we become completely passive. Rather than being at cause, where we talk an active role in our lives, we are at effect, stuck at the mercy of our environment without exercising any intentional influence upon it.
The obvious solution, of course, would be to simply change the environment. But, perhaps, you can already see the problem. Things may be good for awhile, as long as the environment remains positive. But, as soon as something negative occurs, a person who passively reacts to their environment will be once again stuck in their position.
We often believe that the solution to our problem is simply to change our surroundings. The truth is, however, that change happens within. We must learn to be at cause and exert intentional influence on the world around us, for the benefit of ourselves and others. Next week we'll talk about how to put ourselves at cause by interacting at the level of Behavior.
Where in your life are you stuck at the level of environment? What actions can you take today to begin to make profound shifts in your life? I'm here to help. If you, or someone you know, have obstacles in your life that you would like to overcome and goals you would like to reach, visit my website and we can work together to help you live your life without limits.