What is the Four Levels of Being Model?

The Four Levels of Being Model is a framework that helps you objectively understand and visualize the current level you are living at AND to identify what changes, if any, you need to make to take yourself to the next and even better level of you.

It’s one of those amazing tools that, over time, helps you empower yourself from within (as opposed to relying on external forces to keep you motivated and on track) and to gauge how much you need to push yourself to be happy.

 

 

The Four Levels

Below, you will find a detailed description of each level. While you are reading, have a think about which level you are at right now.

 

Level 1

Level 1 happens when you are settled into a nice comfortable rhythm. You are in tune, feeling good and cruising through life. The symbol used for Level 1 is a straight horizontal line, like a plateau.

 

The majority of things you are doing…

• Feel good
• Are good for you
• Are good for the greater good (i.e. others, society, the planet)

Generally speaking, doing any activity that you enjoy and gets you pumped qualifies as a level 1 activity. Some common examples of Level 1 activities are doing exercise that you consider to be fun, eating healthy food that you like, catching up with a good friend who inspires you, etc.
Check that you understand Level 1 by answering these questions to yourself:

1.	What Level 1 activities can you think of?
2.	When in your life have you been at Level 1? What were you doing and how did you feel?

 

 

Level 2

Level 2 happens when you are growing. That is why the symbol for Level 2 is a diagonal line tilted up on the right side – representing moving upwards.

Level 2 is the result of having taken action toward something you want to achieve and because of that have opened up a Pandora’s box of obstacles and problems that you didn’t expect. You may feel pain, stress, self-doubt, fear or all of the above!

The essential point to take home and remember about Level 2 is that it hurts because you are going to new heights. You are like the oyster who feels bad but doesn’t know why until his friend tells him, “It’s because you are growing a pearl inside!”

If you are currently experiencing Level 2, the best thing you can do is continue to be brave and persevere. You will eventually overcome the hard (or as I prefer to say, “new”) things you are dealing with now.

When you are through to the other side you will be a better more complete person who is even closer to your dreams than ever.

Also, some Level 2’s that you are experiencing now may eventually become Level 1’s. For example, when I started my first blog, I dreaded writing articles (Level 2) but now I get excited when it’s a writing day (Level 1)!
At Level 2 the majority of things you are doing…

• Do NOT feel good but,
• Are good for you and
• Are good for the greater good

Generally speaking, doing any activity that you don’t like doing but that gets you closer to your vision of where you want to be qualifies as a Level 2 activity.

You can experience Level 2 for any number of reasons but some of the common situations I’ve witnessed include: starting your first business, finishing a PhD, starting a new relationship or marriage, having your first child, moving or selling your house, public speaking, sales, using new technology, etc.
Check that you understand Level 2 by answering these questions to yourself:

1.	What Level 2 activities can you think of?
2.	When in your life have you been at Level 2? What were you doing and how did you feel?

 

 

 

Level 3

Level 3 happens when you are going downhill. A diagonal line with the right side pointing down is the apt symbol for Level 3.  You feel good but you probably know that, deep down, something is wrong. When you are at Level 3 it is highly likely that you are living in denial by avoiding taking responsibility for your own well being.

 

The majority of things you are doing…

• Feel good but,
• Are NOT good for you and
• Are NOT good for the greater good

Generally speaking, doing any activity that you like doing but that gets you further away from your vision of where you want to be qualifies as a Level 3 activity. Some common examples of Level 3 activities are procrastinating on the important things, making excuses, blaming others for your results and temper tantrums, to name a few.
Check that you understand Level 3 by answering these questions to yourself:

1.	What Level 3 activities can you think of?
2.	When in your life have you been at Level 3? What were you doing and how did you feel?

 

 

Level 4

Level 4 happens when you have totally lost the plot and feel like crap most of the time. The symbol for Level 4 is a perpendicular line – heading straight down. Unlike Level 3, you are not even trying to cover-up your misery. You are totally stuck and unhappy. I hope for your sake that you are not at Level 4 but if this is where you are, you can change if you choose to (see part 2, Some Distinctions).

 

At Level 4 the majority of things you are doing…

• Do NOT feel good and,
• Are NOT good for you and
• Are NOT good for the greater good

Generally speaking, doing any activity that you do not like doing AND that gets you further away from your vision of where you want to be qualifies as a Level 4 activity. Some common, extreme examples of Level 4 activities are depression, substance abuse, and blind violence.
Check that you understand Level 4 by answering these questions to yourself:

1.	Have you or anyone you know experienced Level Four? What activities were being undertaken at the time?

 

 

 

See A Life Story

In this section, I’ve attempted to illustrate 2 different life stories just by using the Four Levels of Being.

Story 1

 

1.	Level 1	Life is good. Doing things that feel good and are good for you. See the world as full of possibility and opportunity.
2.	Level 3	Let things go a bit. Doing what feels good but is not good for you.
3.	Level 1	Life is good again but not quite as good as in the past. Doing things that feel good and are good for you.
4.	Level 3	Let things go again. Doing what feels good but is not good for you. This lasts a long time and takes its toll on your progress toward your dreams.
5.	Level 4	Hit rock bottom.
6.	Level 1	Pick up the pieces and stabilize.
7.	Level 2	Things get a bit tough. You’re doing things that are good for you but they are new and feel hard.
8.	Level 1	You get through the learning curve (from Level 2) and stabilize for a while enjoying your new level.
9.	Level 2	You’ve decided it’s time to up the anti so you take on a new growth opportunity, which exposes you to new challenges.

 

 

Story 2

 

1.	Level 1	Life is good. Doing things that feel good and are good for you. See the world as full of possibility and opportunity.
2.	Level 2	You’ve decided it time to up the anti so you take on a new growth opportunity, which exposes you to new challenges.
3.	Level 1	Repeat # 1
4.	Level 2	Repeat #2
5.	Level 1	Repeat # 1
6.	Level 2	Repeat #2

 

 

 

Which level are you?

Which level are you at right now? Are you where you want to be?
How can you use the model in your coaching?
Check out the next article for 8 Tips to Master the Four Levels of Being.