In the pursuit of our goals and aspirations, it’s easy to get caught up in the surface-level reasons driving our actions. We set targets, we aim high, but do we truly understand the underlying motivations fueling our ambitions? Enter the 7-Levels Deep Exercise – a powerful tool designed to help us uncover the core reasons behind our goals and aspirations, paving the way for greater clarity, direction, and fulfillment in our lives.

Peeling Back the Layers

Imagine your goal is a sturdy tree standing tall in a forest of aspirations. At its surface, you see the branches reaching towards the sky – your immediate desires and objectives. But what lies beneath the soil, anchoring the tree to the earth? This is where the 7-Levels Deep Exercise comes into play. By asking a series of “why” questions, you delve deeper into the roots of your goals, unraveling the layers of motivation that lie beneath the surface.

An Example in Action

Let’s follow the journey of Klaus, a fictional solopreneur seeking to start his own business and earn $100,000 a year. At first glance, Klaus’s goal seems straightforward – financial success and independence. But as we take Klaus through the 7-Levels Deep Exercise, we uncover a rich tapestry of desires and aspirations driving his ambitions:

Level 1: What do you want to do? Klaus: “Start up a business that earns $100,000 a year.”

Level 2: Why is starting up a business that earns $100,000 a year important to you? Klaus: “I don’t like my current job, and I want more freedom and control in my life.”

And so the journey continues, each level peeling back another layer of motivation, until we reach the core of Klaus’s desires:

Level 7: Why is the freedom to travel the world important to you? Klaus: “I want to look back when I’m older and realize what an amazing life I’ve lived—that I reached my full potential, took life by the horns, and made it my own.”

Discovering Your True Why

The beauty of the 7-Levels Deep Exercise lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. By systematically probing deeper into the reasons behind our goals, we unearth profound insights into our true desires and motivations. Our why becomes more than just a surface-level objective – it becomes a guiding force, a North Star illuminating our path towards fulfillment and purpose.

Taking Action

Ready to embark on your own journey of self-discovery? Here’s how to get started:

1. Download the Worksheet: Print out the 7-Levels Deep worksheet or create your own version to guide you through the exercise.
2. Set Aside Time: Carve out 15 minutes of uninterrupted time to focus on the exercise. Find a quiet space where you can reflect and delve deep into your thoughts.
3. Ask the Questions: Start at Level 1 and work your way through each level, asking yourself “why” at every step. Be honest and open with your responses, allowing yourself to explore the depths of your motivations.
4. Reflect and Review: Once you’ve completed the exercise, take a moment to reflect on your answers. What patterns or themes emerge? How do your responses align with your current goals and aspirations?
5. Take Action: Armed with a deeper understanding of your why, take action towards your goals with renewed clarity and purpose. Let your true motivations guide your decisions and actions as you navigate the journey ahead.

In Conclusion

The 7-Levels Deep Exercise is more than just a simple questionnaire – it’s a transformative journey of self-discovery and introspection. By peeling back the layers of our goals and aspirations, we uncover the true essence of our desires, paving the way for greater fulfillment, success, and happiness in our lives. So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step towards uncovering your true why and unlock the key to a life of purpose and meaning.