Triangle Theory – HOW

Many people like the KNOWLEDGE bit of any personal developmental stuff. They like the feeling that they’re filling their Big Brain and enhancing their life in some way. Yep, a book, course, video, event (whatever) will do that for most people. The dopamine hit of ‘achievement’ at the end of completing something is well documented.

But what has the KNOWLEDGE actually done? Especially if you cannot really grasp what it was that you learned. I say learned in italics, as simply reading or participating is not really learning; it’s what is at the top of the Triangle: pure KNOWLEDGE. It just exists, out there, waiting for you to discover it. Should I mention here how many unread books we all seem to have piled about these days? Is it possible to have too much KNOWLEDGE?

Ah-ha! Here comes ACTION! Putting the KNOWLEDGE to some use. Embedding the learning into your brain by taking steps to see if it fits in your life. This section is all about how you can use a triangle to take ACTION. Even better, it’s how you can start to construct YOUR triangle to take YOUR ACTION.

All you have to do for this first part of taking ACTION

is to try to understand what your next ACTION needs to be.

I know that sounds like a riddle,

but I can’t possibly tell you anything about your ACTION from here,

YOU are the only person qualified to decide on any ACTION you might take.

Even then, you will really have to understand WHY you are considering taking it.

Relax though: it is doable. I have written out a series of questions, and all you have to do is answer them. Like I said: maybe not quick or simple, but it is clear what the first ACTION is, and your answers will give you a clearer picture of what your next ACTION might be.

You might never have been asked questions like these before. But they shouldn’t come as a surprise to you if you’ve accessed my book, as they are styled in a Socratic way. That is: questioning modelled on the way Socrates (Greek philosopher c. 470/469-399 BC) asked them. He would attempt to help people get deeper insights by encouraging them to spot and question their own assumptions.

This list is also downloadable as The ACTION Questions resource, attached to this lesson, if you like working from such things or just grab a piece of paper, leather-bound thoughts journal or digital tool and get answering the questions below. Right this minute.

HOLD YOUR HORSES THOUGH:

For those who like a few rules before they start, try these:

1. Do not edit yourself. Noop. That’s where EMOTION will derail you. Just record your responses. You’re taking ACTION and your responses are perfect just as they are. If you like, you can record any EMOTION that pops up, but we’re dealing with all that in the Parts Theory section, later in this programme. Right now don’t stress, just answer the questions.
2. Be gentle with yourself and let your hand record the answers that pop into your head. It’s all fine. No response you have is stupid or irrelevant. You can write a stream of consciousness, or just some bullet points. All answers are fine.
3. If you really cannot answer a question or are drawing a blank for some reason, record that as something like ‘Nope’, ‘no response’, ‘BLANK’ or something in your own words. These answers are perfect too. If anything triggers distress, just move on to the next question.
4. There is NO RUSH. Take an hour, take a week. Mull. Go with your instincts and notice (in a Socatic way) how you approach this ACTION of question-answering.

So, if you’re sitting comfortably, here come your questions:

• What did you absolutely LOVE to do when you were a young child?
• Remember a moment of happiness in your life: what was happening?
• Describe an environment you like being in. Be as vague or as specific as you like.
• If you could do the perfect thing for you all day tomorrow, what would it be?
• What do you think life is all about?
• Do you think in pictures, sounds, feelings, words … or a combination?
• How easy is it to answer these questions?
• If your best friend described you, what words would they use?
• Describe how you can be different in different situations. For example, describe what you are like when you’re at home with your family, meeting friends, alone in a new place, having to make a complaint about something, etc.
• What do you do if something is troubling you?

Take your time. There’s no rush. Enjoy the thinking …