Neurological levels

Neurological levels:

A lot of NLP work concerns personal change. And change usually involves

not just outward behaviour, but some other level 'below the surface'. It

involves our beliefs and values and 'parts' of us that we don't always 757l1115h

recognize. Our behaviour results from all these inner representations - at

many different levels. Unless change takes place within a person's mind,

change (or at least lasting change) will probably not occur. A

'meaningful life' tends to have congruence between these different levels

of thinking. We also term this 'alignment'. This means that each part of

the total person goes in the same direction. Inner misalignment can cause

inner conflict between different levels of the mind. Lasting personal

change requires an understanding of these different levels of the mind.

Neurological levels model:

Spirituality/Purpose

Identity

Beliefs and values

Capabilities

Behaviour

Environment

Each level organizes the information for the level below it. The rules for

changing something at one level differ from those for changing a lower

level. Changing something at a lower level can, but does not necessarily,

affect the upper levels. Changing something at the upper levels, however,

will always make a difference at the lower levels - rather like a

cascading waterfall in which the upper levels always flow down to the

lower levels. In the neurological levels model, if you change what you

believe, you will tend to change what you do. Conversely, a change in

behaviour will probably not last unless some belief or value (a higher

level) supports the new behaviour. Not surprisingly, research has shown

that confusing these neurological levels tends to create problems. By

understanding and identifying the levels and the way they affect us,

however, we can bring about change. To understand how these levels apply

in your own life, start at the lowest level - environment, and work your

way up to the higher levels.

Environment - Think for a moment of the world you live in - where you

operate, the things and people around you (at home, socially, when doing

sports and hobbies or at work).

Behaviour - Think of a specific behaviour that you excel at - for

example, listening, making lists or drawing up schedules.

Capability - What overall capability does this behaviour form a part of

For example, relating to people, organizing or planning.

Belief - What does it say about you? What must hold true for you to

have this capability? What do you believe about yourself. For example,

do you believe in the importance of people, the importance of health, or

the importance of personal development?

Identity - What statement might indicate your identity (who you 'are') -

  for example, 'I'm a people person', or 'I'm a natural organizer'.

Spirituality - What symbol or metaphor represents your spiritual

connection or some higher ideal you espouse? Perhaps a dove, a deep

ocean or a secluded garden?

Applying the Neurological Levels Model

Following these examples, apply the model to a behaviour you excel at. To

further test the model, do the exercise again, choosing a different

behaviour. Note how each level feeds down into the next in a logical

hierarchy. For example, your belief about the importance of people feeds

down into your capability in relating to people. This capability in turn

feeds down into your listening skills. Conversely, your listening skills

support your 'people' capability and your beliefs about people. Imagine

what would happen in the case of a change at a high level (say belief or

identity) and also one at a lower level. Which would have the greater

effect on your life? Which change would last longest? Which change would

you find hardest to implement? You can use this model when addressing

problems or important issues needing decisions. Start by identifying the

level of the 'presented' problem - the one that first occurs to you. Then

think about its root or cause, also in terms of the levels. See if you

can trace the issue to each level and think about what it means in terms

of personal change.

To use a common example:

Environment: My desk is untidy.

Behaviour: I don't put things away.

Capability: I don't understand the filing system.

Belief: We need creativity rather than too much order.

Identity: I'm a disorganized person.

The 'problem' might present itself at any of these levels. For example,

you might identify an environmental issue, a skill weakness or a limiting

self-belief. In this case the lower-level, related problems appear as the

effects or results of your problem. In any event, the solution usually

lies at a higher level. You can change most minor behavioural issues one

or two levels up. In this case, we have omitted the spiritual category. A

major personal issue, on the other hand, would probably have its root at a

higher or 'super self' (spiritual) level. You can apply the model to all

forms of self-development, as well as to solving problems. It also helps

in understanding and communicating with others. Think about these problems

in terms of different levels. For instance, how might your behaviour

affect your environment? And how might your identity or self-image

affect your capabilities? This will help you get to the root of the

problem, and suggest at what level you need to make changes. Begin to

notice the use of levels!