Almost all of us have been overcome by philosophical questions - “why do I live this way?” or “Why do I have what I have?” We often have thoughts that can put us in a difficult or hopeless situation. One way or another, we begin to think about life when the opportunity presents itself.
Every person, without exception, has faced various difficulties throughout his life. And not everyone can solve them competently, and therefore in some cases there is nothing left to do but enlist the support of a specialist in the field of psychology.
And when problems take over, special classes, which include coaching, help to cope with them. In English, the term coaching refers to methods that combine consulting and training.
Their goal is to help a person achieve certain goals - improve their quality of life or find their dream career. A bit reminiscent of mentoring, but coaching does not imply general personal development, but the achievement of set goals.
One of the tools used in practice in such classes is the Dilts pyramid, which allows you to solve many life dilemmas, as well as find answers to long-standing questions. This is a good chance to understand your true purpose. But before moving on to getting acquainted with this “structure”, it is worth briefly getting acquainted with the biography of the creator.
Curriculum Vitae
The name of Robert Dilts is not familiar to everyone, but he is the leader of the modern movement of NLP (neurolinguistic programming). His teachers were two recognized masters of psychology, John Grinder and Richard Bandler.
Robert Dilts' inexhaustible talents have virtually no boundaries and are relevant in many areas of human activity. This is not only modeling a person as an individual, but also consulting business partners.
Robert is also busy creating programs that relate to human-computer interaction. Other achievements of Robert Dilts include collaboration with many well-known companies:
- Air!
- Computer!
- Known to most film fans!
- Popular!
- Xerox Corporation!
- Italian!
The pyramid of Robert Dilts is not the only creation of the author; he recently completed the creation of a development project.
In addition, Dilts dealt with other global giants in various industries. More than 40 books on the general topic of NLP have been published from his pen. In short, the man has achieved many successes in his life and helped a large number of people solve their problems.
How to solve the puzzles of your life using Dilts' pyramid of logical levels (self-coaching)
“No problem can be solved at the level at which it arose” - A. Einstein.
Robert Dilts's pyramid of logical levels, based on the principle that in cognition, change, communication and simply life, certain natural levels of classification are observed, and that changing something at higher levels always inevitably affects lower levels, can be wonderfully used for self-coaching.
Let me briefly remind you that each level of the pyramid stores information of a certain quality:
- Environment - the level of reaction ( What? Who? Where? When? With whom? With whom? ) - conditions, habitat, the world around us, objects, people, places, dates, deadlines, and everything that surrounds us in everyday life.
- Behavior - the level of action ( What does it do? ) - everything that is related to the activities of a person (organization), the level is devoted to information about changes and movements.
- Abilities - the level of sources and directions of movement ( How? ) - the level of knowledge and experience that lies behind our direct perception of the environment, the combination of various resources, algorithms and strategies behind behavior.
- Beliefs and values - the level of permission and motivation ( Why? For what? Why? ) - is a deep level that structures the entire experience of a person as an individual. They are formed under the influence of various factors: family, school, environment, environment, culture, etc.
- Identity - mission ( Who am I? What social “role” do I play? ) - with what personal role (the role you primarily play - jester, mother, businessman, friend, lover, child, macho, teacher, etc.) or self-perception is related to the problem or outcome.
- Transmission - vision, meanings, spiritual level ( For who else? For what else? What's the point? ) - refers to our sense of something that goes beyond our personal vision of ourselves and includes our vision of the larger systems that surround specific roles , values, beliefs, thoughts, actions or feelings.
Understanding the meaning of each level in your own life, it is enough to simply conduct self-coaching for the most powerful and rapid implementation of new goals and objectives. You can also analyze a complex or confusing situation that cannot be resolved by performing your usual actions. Simply put, when you are at a dead end, stuck in something: in a task, in a relationship, in school, etc. You can rid yourself of destructive habits (being late, smoking, violating agreements or the dress code of the organization you work for, etc.).
How to do this on your own if there is no opportunity to interact with a coach?
Advice: when there are a lot of problems, don’t try to solve everything at once, “sort” them according to the degree of urgency and importance. Choose the most pressing one and start acting:
- First, of course, get ready for painstaking and conscious work, allocate enough time for self-coaching, choose a room where no one will disturb you, and nothing will distract your attention from your work. Write down the day and time when this work starts. This makes it psychologically easier to accomplish what you have planned and not put it off until later.
- Secondly , write down your goal (task) that you want to realize. Why is it necessary to write? What is written falls on the subconscious as a program for action. “What is written with a pen cannot be cut out with an axe.”
- While you are writing (formulating a thought), you become aware of some nuances that can already give you an idea for solving the issue. Secondly, during writing, certain nerve impulses associated with writing specific words are formed and sent to the brain, so it is very important what words you use to describe your goal (task). Thirdly, when writing, a certain visualization of the desired result occurs, which is an additional impulse to the brain. Fourthly, realizing your goal (task) and why you need it, you experience a certain emotional state (exciting, elated, joyful, etc.), and emotion is energy in its purest form, which is even greater than visual image is perceived by the Universe as a guide to execution.
- During the time before the appointed hour of self-coaching, the situation, both external and your internal, may change (for example, the goal will change and you will correct it in your notes, the problem will be solved, the surrounding reality will change, etc.).
For example, the habit of being late is at the Behavior level, which means that the solution must be sought at two levels higher - Beliefs/values.
Difficulties in communicating with certain people originate at the Environment level - look for a solution at the Ability level - develop the skills of persuasion, argumentation, listening, ability to interest, etc.
Difficulties with learning a foreign language, driving a car, quitting smoking are related to Abilities - look for a factor in your Identity - in the role you want to play, knowing a foreign language, easily driving a car, having a reputation as a non-smoker.
The technique for solving problems using Dilts levels consists of integrating logical levels and consists of two stages:
- Make an analysis of the current moment by levels from the bottom up, asking yourself questions corresponding to each level. It’s better to divide the answers according to the degree of importance for you (that’s what multi-colored ink is for). When you reach the “Mission” level, visualize yourself in the target slide as if the task or problem has been solved, the goal has been achieved. What are you like on that slide? Describe yourself in detail visually-auditory-kinesthetically (preferably also in writing). Stay in this state longer: you are a hero, a winner, you have coped with a difficult task! Anchor this state (auditory - with a sound mark (melody, sound of some words, etc.), visual - with a figurative mark (sign, symbol, object, etc.), kinesthetic - with movement, gesture, smell, etc.). P.). Ask yourself questions at the transmission level: Who else will benefit from the realization of my goal? Why else am I achieving this goal? What is the meaning of my goal for loved ones, my enterprise, Planet Earth? And how will the realization of my goal affect them?
- After enjoying your victory, start moving in reverse order down the pyramid. Only now the quality of questions at each level changes taking into account the goal already achieved.
The second part of the technique allows you to use knowledge of your own Mission for a more accurate selection of resources at each logical level: “What is added or changed at each level when you bring in the knowledge and resource of your own Mission? How should information at this level now be structured to best suit the chosen Mission?
- Which personal role best suits my new state?
- What values and beliefs are characteristic of such a person with such a mission?
- What new abilities do I have in my new capacity with a new mission?
- How do I behave, what actions do I take, how do I interact with others in my new role?
- What is it like, my surroundings, now? What environment helps me reach new heights in my new role?
After finishing work, be sure to give yourself a gift. This is a purely psychological technique that will help you easily apply self-coaching in the future: subconsciously, you will initially be tuned to a positive result.
The technique is very simple, it helps in 100% of cases with honest self-analysis. Moreover, by using it to solve your problems, you can easily help your loved ones and friends, and even to solve a certain range of issues that are within your competence in your company.
I wish you success and victories on the path to achieving your goals, growing your personal potential as a professional and as a person! I am ready to answer all your questions and will be happy to help you find the right, simple and quick way to achieve your goals.
Definition of a pyramid
To understand the features of this mental construct, it is worth turning to its form. Any of us has seen real Egyptian structures of antiquity thanks to the Discovery TV channel, where documentaries dedicated to the secrets of the tombs of the pharaohs who lived many millennia ago were broadcast more than once.
There are several levels inside the real pyramids, and the top one is specially reserved for the tomb. Robert Dilts developed a form that also has “floors” - there are 6 of them. In fact, this is what Dilts’ pyramid in communication , relationships, and other aspects.
The creation of the author of books on NLP should be classified as a “construction” of a mental nature, since there is no full-fledged physical embodiment like the Egyptian tombs, but it is directly related to the mind.
Each such step symbolizes a shelf, or rather even a whole floor, where the internal components of a human individual or some kind of “collective mind” are located. There are already slight similarities with real-life Egyptian tombs.
Having a clear idea of what exactly these levels characterize, as well as a thorough study of the problem, will allow you to consider in detail your own attitude to the problem and find the reasons why it seems unsolvable.
Demonstration
Trainer: - I need a person who wants to understand and align his logical levels in some context. Okay, Igor. What do you want to work with?
Client: — I would like to understand my relationships with women.
T: - Right now you will not say anything about this context. Just think about your relationships with women so we can calibrate your condition.
K: What exactly should I think about?
T: - Think about what is important to you in this context. What would you like to change? Remember specific situations.
K: - I thought.
T: - Great. Igor, please stand on a piece of paper with the inscription “surroundings” and tell us what surrounds you in this context? What is your focus?
K: - Well then. Women. All sorts of little things: flowers, gifts.
T: Is that all?
K: - That’s it.
T: - What is the metaphor for this level? You mean, not the level in general, but your level “environment” in this context?
K: — The first thing that comes to mind: “Collected Works.”
T: - Let's move on. Step forward to the “behavior” level. Directly on paper. What do you do in the context of “relationships with women”? The most important things: both those that suit you, and those that for some reason do not suit you.
K: - Talking; quarrel; I quarrel again, but in a different way; I go to different places: cinema, discos, cafes; having sex; I quickly leave foreign territory. That's probably all.
T: — Metaphor of this level.
K: - “Runaway”
T: - Okay. Take a step forward to the level of “ability.” What abilities and skills do you have that support your behavior in this context?
K: - I can meet a girl, I can hold her attention, I can entertain her. I can understand what she wants. I can be harsh and angry. From the main point - everything is certain.
T: - Metaphor.
K: - “Thundercloud”
T: — Now step to the level of “values and beliefs.” What values and beliefs support your abilities in this context? What is important to you and what do you believe in?
K: — Values: freedom, pleasure, attractiveness. Beliefs. "A woman is needed for pleasure." "I like talking to women." “The most important thing in a relationship is freedom.” “Sex is a confirmation of my personal attractiveness.”
T: - Metaphor.
K: Quite funny. "Collector". No, not at all. "Collector of Pleasures"
T: — Now step to the “identity” level. Who is this person, with these beliefs, values, abilities, with this behavior in this environment?
K: - “Seeker of happiness”
T: - Okay, now step forward to the “mission” level. Think about it, what is your main goal in this context? What are you aiming for?
K: - I already thought about it. On the one hand, it’s pleasure. On the other hand, it is a confirmation of the need. But there is something more important. Something like intimacy. Yes, probably personal intimacy. How to interact with people. Not sexual, but spiritual.
T: — Is there something more important than “spiritual intimacy” for you in this context?
K: - When I think about it now... No, this is probably the most important thing.
T: — Please create an image of “spiritual intimacy.” This is simply a visual metaphor for this goal. It can be an abstract image or a fairly specific picture - it’s your choice.
K: - I have such a strange image. It’s like a ball of state, and pieces of specific situations float in it.
T: - Step right into this ball, feel this state from the inside.
K: - Oh. Fine.
T: - Now take this state and step onto a piece of paper with the inscription “mission”
K: “ I’d better move the whole ball here.”
T: - Okay, move it.
K: Yes, I did.
T: — Now step to the “Personal Identity” level. And think about what would you take here to this level from the mission level? Maybe you would take the whole thing, or maybe just some part?
K: - Everything in its entirety.
T: - Then do it. You can imagine what you take as an image and push this image into yourself, or see the connection between these levels, or something else. This could be your own metaphor.
K: — I simply took the “mold” of the mission and put it at the “personal identity” level.
T: - Okay. What has changed now here, at this level?
K: He became different. That is, the image of me became different. More balanced.
T: — What is your metaphor now at this level? Has she changed or stayed the same? You used to have “happiness seeker.”
K: - Happiness remains there. But... Now it’s more like “The Creator of Happiness.”
T: - Great. Step back further to the “Values and Beliefs” level. What do you want to take here from the “Personal Identity” level?
K: That’s all too. … Did.
T: How has this level changed? Previously, freedom, pleasure, attractiveness were important to you. And the beliefs were: “A woman is needed for pleasure.” "I like talking to women." “The most important thing in a relationship is freedom.” “Sex is a confirmation of my personal attractiveness.” What has changed, added or gone?
K: - Firstly, the list of values has changed somewhat. Now these are: freedom, close relationships, pleasure and love. Secondly, the understanding of values has changed slightly. “Freedom” is now more about personal freedom in relationships, rather than freedom from responsibility. Beliefs have also changed somewhat. About “like talking to women” remains. Instead of “I need a woman for pleasure”, “I need close relationships with women” appeared. The belief about freedom has become somewhat softer: “in relationships you need freedom.” And about sex: “sex is an opportunity to show your love.”
T: - Metaphor. Previously there was “The Collector”. She has changed?
K: Yes, it has changed. Now it's "Believers in Love."
T: - Okay. Step up to the “Ability” level. What do you want to take away from the Values and Beliefs level?
K: Yes, that’s it, probably.
T: - Okay, take it.
K: Something’s not working out.
T: Let’s do this now. Let's go back to the "Mission" level. ...Go deeper into this state. Set an anchor for yourself: for example, clench your hand into a fist. Now move from the “Mission” level through “Personal Identity” and “Values/Beliefs” to the “Ability” level while holding this anchor. ... How did it turn out now?
K: Yes, it’s much better now.
T: — What has changed at the level of abilities? Previously, you were able to: get to know a girl, hold her attention, entertain her, understand what she wants. Could be harsh and angry.
K: These abilities remain. Just added a few new ones: to be attractive, to be confident. I can also love and be loved. I can enjoy communication.
T: - Metaphor. Previously: "Storm Cloud"
K: - “Spring rain.”
T: - Great. Now step up to the Behavior level. What do you want to take here from the Ability level?
K: - Almost everything. But I won’t take the opportunity to be harsh and angry. Let it remain as an ability. ... I took it.
T: — What has changed here, at the level of behavior? Previously, you: talked, quarreled, quarreled in other ways, went to different places: cinema, discos, cafes, had sex, quickly left someone else's territory.
K: - Yes, I go to different places... I have sex - but somehow differently, with feeling. I hardly quarrel. Now I rather not talk, but communicate. I'm not running away anymore. I maintain relationships. I'm dating. Let me introduce myself.
T: — Previously, the metaphor was: “Runaway.”
K: - “Continuing relationship.”
T: - Wonderful. Step into the Environment level. What do you want to take here from the Behavior level?
K: - I take everything here.
T: — What has changed at the “Environment” level. Previously, there were women and all sorts of things here.
K: — It somehow expanded. Women, of course. But other people were added, the territory expanded. Things started to get better here. And it all became somehow more stable.
T: - Level metaphor. Previously there was “Collected Works”.
K: - “Open space”
T: - Great. Now please step aside and tell me what will change in your life after this work?
K: - When I think about it now... Relationships. Relationships with other people and especially with women. It seems to me that they will become more harmonious. More open.
T: - Okay, thank you Igor.
What is the need?
This mental “structure” has significant significance in such a field of human activity as psychology. There are situations when you are not happy with something - quality of life, work, environment, etc. A lot of people have encountered this, otherwise psychology itself (including specialists) would not exist at all.
So, the pyramid in question can be of significant benefit:
- Allows you to understand the situation that has developed not in the best way. When performing a rapid analysis, areas that require adjustment are discovered.
- It is possible to arrange existing problems in stages, and then begin to solve those located at the lowest tier. Thus, a person adheres to the desired direction, which is a bit like climbing the career ladder. That is, moving up allows you to take your life to a new level
Dilts's pyramid of logical levels is relevant for solving many issues - this is not only self-realization in life, including building a career and money matters. It promotes detailed development of personal qualities. And they are very valuable for building harmonious relationships with partners (colleagues) at work, friends (household or at the place of study), relatives, and new surroundings.
Why does the task need to be written?
The pyramid of logical levels is used quite often in coaching. In this case, a prerequisite is the written formulation of goals and recording of the results of processing of each specific stage. There is a logical explanation for this, which can be formulated as follows:
- In the process of writing a text, many important points come to awareness. This allows you to find a way to solve the problem and get out of the current situation.
- During writing, new nerve impulses arise and are transmitted to the brain. This allows you to more accurately formulate the problem, which will help you quickly find the right solution.
- When writing, your goal takes on a certain form, because you involuntarily visualize a future situation. Thus, by visualizing yourself in a winning position, you receive an additional incentive to take active action.
- Even a few minutes before the start of coaching or during its implementation, the perception of the situation can change. If you have a written description of the problem in front of you, it will be easier for you to make adjustments.
Levels of the Egyptian analogue
The search for answers to vital questions is reminiscent of wandering through a labyrinth with its endless confusing corridors and dead ends. Without any map or clue, finding the exit is very difficult, if possible at all. But as soon as you rise to a higher level, above the labyrinth, all the paths will be visible - entrances, exits.
Our life is like wandering through such a labyrinth - any problem cannot be solved qualitatively at the level of its creation. In other words, to solve the current problem, you should go up a floor or two. Only in this way can the best scenario for further developments be determined.
To this end, it is necessary to ask the right questions, which will push you to find the right answers. Many of us are simply unable to ask ourselves questions and get answers. For this purpose, it is best to use the creation of Robert Dilts.
All levels of the Dilts pyramid include main and secondary questions that help you understand your own course of life situations.
Level one – environment (reaction)
The lowest first level is based on each person's actual environment. This includes all components of the internal and external environment. Mainly it is the person himself, his features, appearance (including clothes) and other individual traits.
This should also include all other people with whom you have to deal, material wealth, opportunities, family and other things. That is, the main question at this level is “what do I have at the moment?” However, to understand the whole essence of this question alone is not enough, you should ask a number of others:
- Am I comfortable?
- What's going on in the environment?
- Where am I or want to be?
- What place do I occupy in my environment, do I feel comfortable with this and does it correspond to what I want?
- Who is next to me, who would I like to see, and who is better to weed out from my environment?
- Are there people around me helping me achieve a certain goal?
In a word, it covers all aspects of life and everyday life, including material well-being and interpersonal relationships (including family, partnerships and others).
Level two – behavior (actions)
At this level, the fundamental question is: what am I doing? That is, it allows us to consider the behavior of each individual. Moreover, this applies not only to action or inaction, but also to the achievement of any results.
Here is an illustrative example of how the pyramid of neuro-logical levels can be considered in the case when a person begins to complain about a lack of finances. Here his main problem is himself, and he simply does not have the desire or strength to admit that he devotes little time to work.
In addition, when asked what he does all day, his working hours are shortened. Instead of the required 8 hours, as happens with many other successful people, a person spends no more than 4. This indicates a lack of activity on his part, which would be aimed at developing professional qualities.
We can draw a certain conclusion - often the problem is caused by elementary laziness. Many people around the world suffer from this deficiency! This is where the mental pyramid actually helps – income cannot increase due to laziness!
It is worth asking yourself a question regarding what I share and receive. The obvious answer is why we have what we have. And here it’s natural to ask another relevant and interesting question: is life just like that, or are we ourselves responsible for everything that happens to us?
Level three – abilities (direction)
Here Robert Dilts' pyramid of logical levels is based on strategy and his main question is - what is my choice? In the life of every individual, the choice made is far from the last place. Moreover, this is influenced by various factors:
- health;
- target;
- to what extent a person is passionate about something, and so on.
Being on the third floor of your pyramid, you have the opportunity to analyze your own attitudes in detail and understand the reasons for failures in life. Some people prefer exhausting work in order to save money to buy housing or undergo training in another country. Many girls dream of a successful marriage.
Still others generally rely on finding a good job or starting their own business. It is also possible to make a choice in favor of playing sports or learning foreign languages after a hard day. And it’s even easier to just drink beer while lying on the couch watching TV. At least that's what most people do.
The Dilts Pyramid can indeed provide a wide choice - the main thing is to understand what the soul strives for. This is the only way to achieve certain successes in analyzing your life position. A number of additional questions may also help:
- What strengths do I have and is it possible to rely on them to achieve the desired result?
- What skills and abilities can I acquire to achieve what I want?
- Can I benefit from the abilities and capabilities of others?
Each individual, first of all, needs to determine his abilities. Every person on earth can do this, both dramatically expanding them and seriously limiting them within reason. The main thing is to find the reason and incentive to action!
Level four – values (motivations)
This level deals with beliefs and values. And here each person has his own opinions and judgments on this matter. But a number of life positions or even beliefs only work to the detriment. For example, how can a person become an entrepreneur if he considers himself honest, but is sure that all other businessmen steal money for their own profit?!
Another example is when an applicant believes that a place in a prestigious university is obtained only through connections. Therefore, there is no point in even trying to pass the entrance exams.
In other words, the Dilts pyramid at this level helps to reveal patterns and stereotypes of perception of various life circumstances that serve as an obstacle to achieving the goal.
Perhaps this is a more important level, allowing you to determine your own perception. From the above examples, it is easy to conclude that each person determines his own values, but they may not coincide with the perceptions of other individuals, which, in general, is natural. That is, some things are given more importance, others less, or they are completely ignored.
This refers to the so-called personality basis, and it is not so easy for a person to abandon it even under strong external influence. And the reason is that beliefs should be attributed to the unconscious perception of human essence. It controls the behavior of the individual, determining his life path.
At this level it is easy to get answers to questions like these:
- How important is this goal to me?
- How valuable will the result be?
- Will achieving a goal strengthen my beliefs in life?
Here one question begs to be asked, which should be classified as rhetorical statements: why do we actually believe in everything that our faith adheres to?
Level five – identification (life role)
The importance of this level is even higher than the previous one, since it has a noticeable impact on the floors below. This is about self-awareness and self-understanding. Through these definitions, Dilts' pyramid helps define one's faith.
Some people are confident in their genius as an artist or designer. Therefore, he can successfully demonstrate himself at exhibitions, competitions, competitions and shows. Another will consider himself a failure or mediocrity.
In other words, the fifth level allows a person to realize his place and what role he plays in this. The main thing is to evaluate yourself realistically - that is, not to underestimate your strengths and at the same time take into account your shortcomings that require further development.
What is characteristic is that the answers here do not lie on the surface. The role and life position of each person does not depend on gender characteristics, marital status, social status, procession. This category is much broader!
The following questions will help you understand the essence or at least partially have an idea of what we are talking about:
- What is my attitude towards those individuals whose goals and beliefs coincide with mine?
- What is the value of my goals in relation to the people in my immediate circle?
Self-identification is a valuable quality for any of us! This factor is largely responsible for our many successes.
Level six – mission (spiritual attainment)
Here Dilts' logical pyramid is crowned with a level that facilitates the individual's awareness of his mission. A clear awareness of what he actually lives for is nothing more than a powerful tool that allows him to overcome various obstacles and difficulties that arise along the path of life.
At the same time, the mission must be expressed in simple and understandable terms. Complex, bombastic expressions do not work here because they do not carry any practical significance.
It is good to give one significant example here. The main principle of the successful activities of most companies located in the land of the rising sun is a clear understanding of values and mission, taking into account the relevance for 100-200 years in the future. Is the life of every person on earth created for the purpose of wasting it?!
Thus, if you correctly approach the analysis of your life position in this world, without hiding from yourself, answering all the questions posed, you can identify certain gaps.
Self-improvement is the path to achieving a goal, and therefore success. After all, each of us strives for this in our souls. At the same time, a clear awareness of your weaknesses greatly facilitates this process.
Level #5: Identity and Distinctiveness
This is the most important level, which has a significant impact on lower ones. It implies a person’s awareness of his place and role in this world. Moreover, the answer does not lie on the surface. The role is not limited by gender, marital status or profession. In fact, this category is broader.
- How do you relate to people who have goals and beliefs similar to yours?
- What is the value of your goal to the people in your immediate circle?
A number of additional questions
Giving answers to the key questions of each level, the Dilts pyramid allows you to objectively assess the picture of everything that is happening. However, everything is seen only in a general light; in order to clearly see the essence of what is happening and find the right solution to the existing problems, you should use the help of a number of additional questions:
- After I achieve my goal, what will others do? Will it please them or will it?
- In what direction should the personal perception of others change after achieving the goals?
- Will the result be fruitful for my colleagues and loved ones?
- If I achieve my goal, will my mission change?
- Can I do some simple things towards my goal within 48 hours?
- How will my loved ones react to my intentions? Will they be able to make appropriate adjustments if necessary?
Something similar is covered in many additional coaching classes.
How to work correctly with the Dilts pyramid?
The questions asked by the Dilts pyramid will help you understand at what level exactly your concepts have been subverted and why you have gone astray. Therefore, all questions should be answered as honestly as possible.
First, answer yourself the question of what you actually have at the current moment in time. Then determine what exactly you are not happy with in your life and what you would like to change. Now, following the algorithm below, begin practical work.
☑ Step No. 1. Write down your problem
If you are one of those people who never transfer their thoughts onto paper, then it’s time to correct this annoying mistake! You should not immediately rush headlong into the pool and develop some kind of enchanting activity, because this will definitely not help you solve the problem that has arisen correctly, quickly and effectively.
Why is it so important to write down those thoughts that are constantly spinning in your head? The thing is that in the process of writing down your thoughts, you will try to formulate as accurately as possible the sentences that you want to transfer to paper. Thanks to this, all the nuances that you previously did not pay any attention to will be before your eyes.
☑ Step No. 2. Determine which level of the Dilts pyramid your problem belongs to
Do you want to earn more? Are you unhappy with your living conditions? Would you like to work with more qualified and friendly colleagues? Then your problem relates to the “Environment” - the first level of the Dilts pyramid.
Are you planning to go on a diet? Are you tired of emptying the refrigerator every time after nervous tension or a stressful situation? Do you want to learn a foreign language? Do you dream of becoming a professional coach or becoming a famous speaker? Then your problem relates to “Behavior” - the second level of the Dilts pyramid, etc.
☑ Step No. 3. Find a solution to your problem on one of the levels of the Dilts pyramid
Once again, carefully review each of the levels of the Dilts pyramid, then take your problem and walk with it through the pyramid from the bottom up. Consider all parts of the Dilts pyramid in relation to your problem. Break down your problem into pieces.
At each level of the pyramid, ask yourself the question: “What is happening at this level with my problem at the current moment in time?” Think about what you need to fix in order to understand the current situation and change your life for the better. What do you need to get rid of? What should you forget?
Principle of operation
The overall picture is now becoming clearer, but how to work with the Dilts pyramid ? Theory is one thing, but practice is something else.
This is what we will discuss further. Questions at each level make it possible to understand where and when a change in values and deviation from a given course occurred. These are a kind of signal beacons indicating at what level a person is stuck.
The basis of any coaching technique is deep introspection - solutions to problems do not lie on the surface, so you need to dig deep into yourself.
The algorithm for applying Robert Dilts’ creation in practice is as follows:
- Formulate the task clearly and clearly, but this must be done in writing. Our thoughts, of course, are material, but also fleeting, and therefore cannot always be taken seriously. But what is written by hand on paper will acquire tonality and serve as an impetus for action. Another option is to use a voice recorder.
- Determine on which “floor” the real problem is located.
- Now we should analyze the situation in relation to each of the levels. Having gradually reached the very top, it is worth imagining that the goal has already been achieved. You should enjoy this victory for at least a few minutes. But now to the point - at this moment you need to realize your feelings and determine whether a feeling of satisfaction has appeared.
- Now work with the Dilts pyramid should be carried out in the opposite direction - to the bottom of the “Egyptian structure”. This will allow you to make appropriate adjustments for each level. The result is that the plan will become more detailed, which makes it easy to identify a number of new useful values.
The value of Dilts' mental model lies in the fact that each level leads to the discovery of a cause-and-effect pattern. If you take asking questions seriously and getting answers to them, then a person will be able to fairly quickly review his own living conditions and circumstances.
In this case, you can do without outside help, although outside help will not hurt. Only for this you need to find a person in whom you have complete trust. His role will be limited to asking leading questions and recording answers.
Dilts Pyramid: what is it?
The Dilts pyramid is a model of neurological levels or a technique of logical levels, a reliable, time-tested and not requiring special knowledge or skills tool, with which you can solve many problematic and complex situations, get old problems and questions off the ground, get rid of bad habits and destructive attitudes, realize your own values, organize your thoughts and find inner balance.
Some experts call the Dilts pyramid a universal, easy-to-use and effective concept that helps understand the motivation and meaning of an individual's actions on a variety of levels. Gradually moving from the everyday level of everyday existence to the level of a person’s understanding of his purpose and mission, the pyramid “takes apart” and “examines” the specific goal or task of this person. Then, moving in the opposite direction (from top to bottom), the Dilts pyramid “gives” each lower level new value and updated semantic understanding.
The path of life, enriched with new meaning thanks to working with the Dilts pyramid, makes it possible to introduce new and better personal values and guidelines into your daily existence. Having enriched his own stock of action options at the lower level of the Dilts pyramid, a person begins to see completely new and previously inaccessible to his understanding ways of realizing his abilities. Every now and then he comes up with productive ideas that are now viewed through the prism of possibilities.
Thanks to the Dilts pyramid, you can understand in detail those aspects of life that most directly affect a person’s daily existence. When an individual analyzes his life and finds answers to all current questions, he will be able not only to understand, but also to realize how he needs to act in the future so that his life path turns in the direction he needs.
A person will not be able to somehow change his life if he does not first analyze it. Only a detailed analysis will allow you to move on and achieve your goals. This is the main meaning of the Dilts pyramid.
Some people call the Dilts pyramid a magical tool with which you can solve any problem. What is the main secret of this pyramid? The thing is that the problem and the optimal solution to this problem are always separated by one or two levels. The solution to a problem is always above the problem itself.
An individual who is trying to solve a problem of any complexity can be compared to a person wandering in a labyrinth in search of light. Without a map or a hint, finding a way out of the maze is almost impossible. If you rise above the labyrinth and look at it from above, then a person will clearly see all the paths, entrances and exits. The Dilts Pyramid helps you look at the problem from above and see all the existing options for solving it! This model of logical levels teaches a person to ask himself those important questions that will push him to find the right answers that can change this person’s life for the better!
The importance of physically recording tasks
In many coaching sessions, the Dilts Pyramid is the most important because it is used more frequently. What is typical is that one important and mandatory condition must be observed - all goals, including processing of results for each specific level, are recorded in writing. There is a completely natural and logical explanation for this:
- When writing a text, many essential points are learned more easily. As a result, it is easier to find a solution to a problem or a way out of the current situation. Perhaps this is why all students write notes during lessons - for better assimilation of incoming information.
- Writing text leads to the emergence of new nerve impulses that enter the brain. This contributes to a more precise formulation of the problem, which allows you to quickly find the right solution.
- In the process of writing a goal, it acquires visual outlines, which happens involuntarily. If an individual imagines himself in the place of a person with an already solved problem, then he acquires a significant incentive to action.
- As the task is recorded on paper, the vision of the situation sometimes changes. But if you have a factual description of the problem before your eyes, then it is possible to easily make the appropriate adjustments.
To understand all the features, you should immediately move from theory to practice, that is, devote time to answering the questions asked. Based on the degree of responsibility for such work and honesty with oneself, everything will begin to become clearer on its own. To do this, keep a piece of paper with a pen (pencil) or a voice recorder nearby.
Why tasks need to be written down
When solving problems using the Dilts pyramid, you need to comply with one condition: record your goals, reasoning and results on paper. For what? There are 4 reasons:
- The brain perceives information better. Remember how you wrote notes at school.
- When writing, the brain begins to work more actively. Thanks to this, it is possible to more accurately define the problem and quickly find a way to solve it.
- The problem from mental becomes tangible, physical. At the same time, a person can even imagine that he has already solved it. This will become motivation for further action.
- By writing down your thoughts, you see the situation from the outside. This allows you to quickly analyze and solve it.
After you take notes, answer the questions at each level. Write down your answers too. You will see that the problem is eliminated as if by itself.
