Dr. William Horton, 2007
Perspective is everything!
Our brain is a vast informational system that has a series of maps. These maps grow as new information and experiences are input into our system.
There is much territory around these “maps” in our brains, and sometimes our perspective limits the incoming information, therefore constraining our “map.”
How we feel and think about things happening is an excellent way to explain what perspective is. Sometimes our perspective on new experiences, tasks, or information can guide us in the wrong direction, and it is essential to make sure that we learn to control our thinking.
That way, we can handle change in smaller steps, making it more manageable. Smaller and more manageable steps make the difference seem more effortless, therefore, allowing for more confidence and the ability to handle the situation better.
Logical Levels
Change can occur at various levels, and it is generally easier to make changes at lower levels than more complex ones.
When considering home updates, for instance, more straightforward tasks like choosing colors and decorations and making minor repairs are relatively more specific and less costly.
On the other hand, higher-level remodeling projects such as electrical work, plumbing, and carpet replacement are more challenging.
NLP practitioners analyze the diagram below to identify the different levels and assess the desired level of change for individuals.
When all the levels in the diagram are fulfilled, individuals experience greater happiness and contentment, known as congruence.
Congruence refers to a state in which individuals feel comfortable with their values and skills.
However, misalignment or incorrect ordering of the levels can disrupt individuals’ thought patterns, potentially leading to failure.
The Right Questions
When considering a change, it is crucial to establish a solid foundation and have a clear understanding of the reasons behind it. Surprisingly, determining the “why” can often be the most challenging aspect, intriguing many individuals.
Asking yourself a set of questions that will help you determine the best course of action and evaluate the viability of the change will be crucial for successfully navigating this process.
Similar to how we approach answering questions using the framework of “who-what-where-why and how,” life’s questions follow a similar pattern.
The environment in which the change takes place plays a significant role. It can sometimes serve as a limiting factor in our lives.
While some people are constrained by their existing surroundings, others may need to discover a means to go past it if it changes. Where, when, and who questions can all be answered by exploring the surroundings.
Behavior, which answers the “what” question, includes all of the deeds and conduct connected to the shift. The environment in which behavior takes place has a direct impact on that behavior.
Capabilities pertain to your knowledge and skills, determining how to achieve your goals effectively. They serve as your guiding force and answer the “how” questions.
Beliefs and values form the motivational foundation for initiating the change. They address the crucial “why” question and underscore the significance associated with the change.
Identity represents your sense of self and, in many cases, your relationship with others. It pertains to the “who” question, examining how the change aligns with your identity.
Purpose involves taking a comprehensive view of the entire situation, which can sometimes be challenging. It encompasses the underlying reasons and driving forces behind the change, as well as its necessity. Purpose addresses the “what for” question.
By thoroughly exploring these different aspects and posing the right questions, you can establish a robust framework for successful change and navigate the process more effectively.
Logical levels step by step.
One of the areas where most people go wrong is not establishing a guideline or method for their madness.
Using the levels and breaking them down into smaller steps will ensure success. Think about it this way; when a person climbs a mountain, they do not take one massive action in hopes of reaching the top.
There are a series of smaller steps to get there, though. The same is true in achieving goals; develop a plan and take smaller steps!
Out of whack
The first step in making any improvements is, in fact, admitting a problem exists or that something needs to change. Recognizing that something is “out of whack” or not working at its best opens the door for development and advancement.
Putting a “price tag” on the change refers to assigning value or importance to it. When you recognize the significance of the change you want to make, you are more likely to prioritize it and commit to taking the necessary steps. By attaching importance to the desired outcome, you increase your motivation and dedication to the process.
In essence, admitting the need for change and recognizing its value sets the stage for meaningful transformation and increases the likelihood of successful implementation. Whether it’s a personal goal, a work-related challenge, or any other aspect of life, understanding the need for change and valuing its importance is essential for progress.
The right level
Finding the level at which a change is necessary comes after you recognize the need for one. You can pinpoint the precise areas that require improvement
by taking an inventory and performing a detailed review.
You can choose the areas of your life or organization where change is most necessary by looking at several factors, such as personal, business, relationships, health, or any other essential areas. You can efficiently prioritize and distribute your resources and efforts thanks to this degree of analysis.
For instance, if you are having personal difficulties, you might need to concentrate on areas like relationships, habits, mentality, or self-improvement. The necessary adjustments may be made to operational procedures, group dynamics, customer experiences, or strategic planning in a commercial setting.
By understanding the specific level at which change is required, you can direct your attention, resources, and actions more effectively. This targeted approach increases the likelihood of bringing about positive and meaningful transformations in the areas that are suffering or have room for improvement.
Putting it into action
Taking action is a crucial step in implementing the desired change and achieving success or improving your life. Here are two key elements to consider when putting your desired change into action:
- Motivation and comprehension: To change, it is frequently necessary to be intensely driven and to have a solid grasp of your rationale. Knowing the potential advantages and advantageous effects, the adjustment will have on your life can be a strong motivator. Keeping your motivation can help you stay dedicated to the transformation process, regardless of the final result—personal development, professional achievement, improved relationships, or any other.
- Finding the Right Tools and Resources: Change can be facilitated by utilizing the right tools and resources that provide a solid foundation for your journey. These tools can take various forms depending on the nature of the change you seek. They could include seeking guidance from mentors or experts, gaining relevant education or training, leveraging supportive relationships, adopting new technologies or methodologies, or engaging in self-reflection and personal development practices. By identifying and utilizing these tools, you equip yourself with the necessary skills, knowledge, and support to navigate the change successfully.
Uses for logical levels
Using logical levels can assist you in springing into action after you have answered the questions and surrounded yourself with valuable tools. Here is how to use the levels practically and efficiently.
Information gathering
Getting the facts and making use of it is very important. You wouldn’t do a research paper without first gathering the information. After finding the information, organize it into a system that you can understand.
Building relationships
Building relationships within the family is vital in a change because it typically changes the dynamics of the entire family, especially in changes such as marriage or divorce, where the whole family is affected.
Understanding how the family can work together and implementing bonds will help continue and make the change more successful.
Improve performance
Consider asking yourself these inquiries to evaluate your abilities and pinpoint your areas for development.
Is it vital in a company to make a decision based on finances, employee morale, or something else?
Leadership and confidence
Using the levels of change is vital to establish better confidence levels and unique techniques to achieve your goals.
Finding the Tools for Change
Specific requirements are needed for change. Among these are the desire to change, knowing how to change, and the opportunity for change.
Deciding that you can make it happen and accepting the fact that you have choices will assist you in the change process.
Environment
The environment and surroundings are essential aspects of change. Sometimes the environment is simply not conducive to change, making it impossible. Instead of giving up hope, how about realigning? This will make it easier and help you achieve your goal.
Making the environment around you more supportive through the help of other individuals, organizations, or friends can simplify the transition. For instance, it is much simpler to learn a new language when you are surrounded by people who are fluent in it.
Here are a few environmental questions to help decide the right environment choices for you: Answering questions about when you work and feel the best, the types of environment where you excel, and the time of day you’re most successful will help place you in the right environment.
Behavior
In NLP, behavior encompasses not only your visible actions but also how you feel about those actions. Your emotions play a crucial role in driving and repeating your behavior. Understanding the purpose behind your behavior is essential in making changes.
It can be challenging to determine if your behavior aligns with your goals, but asking yourself a few questions can help.
Are your actions consistent with your goals? Do your behaviors bring positivity and happiness? Do you notice any patterns in your behavior?
Observing others and noting changes in your body language in different situations can provide insights.
When striving for success, it’s crucial to maximize positive behaviors, such as choosing a healthy meal or dedicating time to a newfound passion like golf.
Initially, it may require conscious effort, but over time, it becomes second nature. Conversely, it would help if you aimed to reduce negative behavior by eliminating it altogether.
Capabilities
The human mind is a learning machine, and some individuals naturally possess innate skills and talents. However, people often mistakenly attribute these capabilities solely to intelligence.
Nowadays, researchers, business owners, and others recognize that the best employees are those who are team-oriented and possess a positive attitude.
Those who approach new challenges and changes positively can acquire new skills and capabilities. Similar to learning how to ride a bike or ski, individuals can learn new things if they have the desire and the right attitude.
NLP focuses on acquiring new skills based on the core belief that all skills are learnable. NLP theory suggests that employees, individuals, and others can learn and improve by observing and modeling the positive behaviors of others.
Consider asking yourself these inquiries to evaluate your abilities and pinpoint your areas for development.
Reflect on a skill you learned in the past and consider the events, circumstances, and situations that contributed to your successful learning experience.
Pay attention to what you excel at and what others comment on and compliment you on. By recognizing patterns and behaviors related to these questions, you can direct your attention and efforts toward achieving success once again.
Beliefs & Values
Beliefs and values are crucial in either motivating individuals to achieve their goals or causing them to feel lost. Our emotions, particularly regarding our goals, serve as a driving force that keeps us going.
Pursuing a goal can be challenging, and since success takes time, this motivation becomes essential. Our beliefs not only propel us toward the desired outcome but also help us prioritize and make decisions about our goals and desires.
When faced with multiple essential tasks, we tend to prioritize the one that carries the highest significance. For instance, while playing a round of golf may bring recognition, failing to go to work would result in a loss of income.
Beliefs also shape our environment and guide us toward the places or settings where we can best achieve our goals. If our objective is to get in shape, we believe that the gym or fitness area is the ideal place for it. Conversely, we understand that indulging in ice cream at an ice cream parlor does not align with our belief in being fit and in shape.
On a logical level, our beliefs and values influence the lower levels, creating alignment across all levels. If there are concerns about potential conflicts between these levels, asking specific questions can help determine the best course of action.
These questions involve exploring what is important to us and why, understanding the importance of others’ values, and considering our beliefs about right and wrong.
Identity
Many think that a person’s identity is based on skills, intelligence, and behavior. NLP looks at the definition of the person’s identity separate from their behavior.
Instead of lumping people into a category based on their actions, NLP sees behavior as a consequence of an underlying motive. This belief is an optimistic view of humankind and avoids attaching labels to people based on their behavior.
Now this does not sound like a significant theory, but it is because we say a great deal about expectations of others by how we speak to them.
If we speak to someone about lousy behavior and attach it to their identity, we send them the message that their character is flawed. We need to talk about the behavior and avoid negative affect on the identity level of the individual.
If there is an identity conflict, you should respond to the following questions. Do people have an accurate perception of who you really are based on how you express yourself, how you feel about yourself, how others perceive you, and whether you label others?
Purpose
The purpose or reason behind it is generally why people pursue their goals.
For some people, their purpose is more significant than their identity, and they achieve great things. People journey through life sometimes, questioning their purpose in life, but it is often right in front of them.
They are looking too hard! Through hard times and great suffering, there have been individuals that have persevered because their passion was more significant than any other thing in their life. Look at Dalai Lama and the resistance and suffering, but the emphasis was definitely a driving force; some might say the only power.
A passion for something generally keeps an individual on track for much longer than average. People will endure great things when they feel strongly about something.
Finding a passion or purpose will guide a person toward their goal regardless of the conflict or troubles they cross during their journey.
Answering the following questions will help with your purpose. What are you here on Earth for? How do you want people to remember you when you die? What strengths can you use to contribute to a higher good?
Recognizing other people’s Logical Levels
Recognizing other people’s logical levels can help understand their perspectives and potential conflicts.
By paying attention to their comments and statements, you can gain insights into their logical levels and determine where they may need assistance in making changes.
It’s important to note that sometimes it’s not just what they say but also where the emphasis is placed in the sentence that provides clues.
Here are some statements, along with possible evaluations of the logical levels they may correspond to:
- “I can’t do it here.” Evaluation: Statement about identity. This suggests that the person’s sense of self or identity may be influencing their belief that they cannot perform the task in that specific location.
- “I can’t do it here.” Evaluation: Statement about beliefs. In this case, the person’s belief system may shape their perception that they cannot complete the task in that particular setting.
- “I can’t do it here.” Evaluation: Capability statement. This statement suggests that the person may doubt their own abilities or skills in carrying out the task in that environment.
- “I can’t do it here.” Evaluation: Statement about behavior. Here, the focus is on the person’s actions or behaviors, indicating that they cannot perform the task in that specific context.
- “I can’t do it here.” Evaluation: Statement about the environment. This statement suggests that the person perceives the environment as unsuitable or unfavorable for accomplishing the task.
By analyzing these statements and recognizing the underlying logical levels, you can gain a deeper understanding of the individual’s perspective and potentially offer guidance or support to help them navigate through any conflicts they may be experiencing.
Conclusion
Understanding and applying logical levels can significantly assist in navigating change and achieving success. Perspective plays a crucial role in how we perceive and interpret new information and experiences.
By controlling our thinking and maintaining a positive perspective, we can handle change in smaller, manageable steps, leading to increased confidence and better adaptability.
