A powerful NeuroLinguistic Programming rule of thumb called Logical Levels is something I use often to help people realize more satisfaction in life. Logical Levels thinking presupposes that there are six steppingstones comprising our “being,” each step incorporating the one below it.
Imagine a staircase-- the top step being “Spiritual Identity or Purpose”, the one below it is “Identity”, the next lowest is “Values”, the next “Capabilities (or talents, habits), the one below that “Behaviors,” and the ground step is “Environment”.
When we are doing what we love to do (behaviors) and are good at (capabilities), in a place that supports these (environment), and we are being our best (identity), and fulfilling our life’s purpose (spiritual identity) we are in alignment -- we are truly our happiest and most productive.
If you are setting goals, especially career goals, I invite you to see if they align with your logical levels. The following questions will help you learn more about who you are and how to be in tune with your “being.”
Environment Questions (when and where we feel our best)
1. Think of three things in your life of
which you are most proud and in which you have felt the happiest –
professionally and personally.
One of my clients (Ben) chose his on-going relationship with his grown sons, the time he participated in building a home for Habitat for Humanity, and completing his degree in architecture.
Behaviors and Capabilities Questions
(behaviors, some of which we have practiced until they are a talent or habit)
2. What behaviors, capabilities and talents did you use that were common to all three situations?
Ben reported he used empathy, manual dexterity, his
intelligence and desire to learn, tenacity, his ability to envision a result,
and his knowledge of how systems are designed and built.
Values Questions (the beliefs that are important)
3. Which values and beliefs motivated you to use the talents and behaviors you noted in Step 2?
Ben’s values included his love of learning, his love of design, his desire to help others, his joy in being physical, his love of nature, the importance of parenting or mentoring, and his desire to benefit the lives of others.
Identity Questions(characteristics and roles)
4. What characteristics and roles are reflected in the beliefs/values you hold and the behaviors/capabilities you utilized?
My client said he considered himself a learner, a designer, an outdoors-man, a good friend and parent, and a person who cares about others.
Spiritual Identity Questions
(Our Purpose or Connection to something more important than our identity)
5. As you look at the combined aspects of steps 2, 3, and 4, what becomes apparent regarding your life’s purpose?
It became clear to Ben that he felt most aligned with his
true self when he was: “Continually learning in order to help others improve
their surroundings and sense of worthiness.” As he articulated the statement he was emotionally moved --
clear sign that his purpose resonated with his highest value.
It is important that your work reflect why you are on the planet, who you are, what you do best and your motivation for doing it. Whatever choices you make about your career or goals you set will serve you best when they are in alignment with your Purpose, Identity, and Values. Become aware of what matters to you and choose accordingly.
“Ask yourself in
what work, what company, what loyalty your own voice is clear, and in what
muffled. By the answer, rule your
life.” Charles Morgan, novelist
