During our multiple podcast chats last week we touched upon Dilts pyramid, and I wanted to make sure to give you a visual, as well as a few explanations that I hope will inspire and transform you.
Robert Dilts, a renowned American author, trainer, and coach, provided a structured approach to understanding the different levels of human experience. He created a key tool for self-reflection and growth. (If we aren't growing - we're dying, therefore I find this pyramid incredibly valuable)
Dilts' Pyramid is composed of six layers, each representing a different aspect of human experience and behavior. What's fascinating is seeing how each level interacts with and influences the other. Here's a closer look at each of these layers:
. Environment: The base layer of the pyramid represents the external environment in which an individual operates. It encompasses factors such as physical surroundings, social interactions, and cultural influences. The environment significantly shapes our beliefs, values, and behaviors. Listen to ​Alysha's​ very vulnerable interview about how key it was for her dying husband to have his environment turn into a safe haven, a true reflection of his and his family's life, while he was cared for at home post his cancer diagnosis.
2. Behavior: The second layer of the pyramid focuses on our actions or behaviors. It includes both conscious and unconscious behaviors that we exhibit in response to our environment (key!). Behaviors are often influenced by the beliefs and values held at higher levels of the pyramid.
3. Capabilities: The third layer explores our abilities, skills, and competencies. It represents the "how" of behavior—how we perform certain tasks or activities. Developing and honing capabilities is crucial for perpetual growth.
4. Beliefs and Values: This layer dives into our belief systems and personal values, the thoughts and assumptions we hold about ourselves, others, and the world around us. Values also represent what we consider important and what drives our decision-making process.
5. Identity: The penultimate layer of the pyramid delves into the concept of identity. It involves the sense of self, the roles we play in different contexts, and our self-image. Identity encompasses both conscious and unconscious aspects and significantly influences our behavior and choices.
6. Purpose and Spirituality: The pinnacle of Dilts' Pyramid represents the highest level of human experience. It encompasses our sense of purpose, meaning, and connection to something greater than oneself. Spirituality, in this context, refers to our relationship with the world beyond the material, with the transcendental.
What I find absolutely fascinating is the interaction between layers. Changes or transformations in one layer ripple through the entire pyramid, affecting an individual's thoughts, behaviors, and overall ultimately their identity and most importantly - sense of purpose.
For example, a shift in beliefs and values (layer 4) can lead to changes in behavior (layer 2) as individuals align their actions with their new convictions. Similarly, developing new capabilities (layer 3) can open up new possibilities and expand an individual's environment (layer 1).
What I also know is that all we do is created by choice. Therefore, if we're intentional about curating our environment (layer 1), we're therefore changing all layers of the pyramid, ultimately creating a vision (layer 6) for a perfectly joyful life we can experience on the daily.
Change your environment to make it truly yours, infuse it with mementos of your best self, and you'll immediately see changes that ripple through everything.
Let me know your thoughts!
Hugs,
Diana
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