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The Process and Levels of Personal Development

Updated: Mar 3

This theory of personal development is inspired by various fields of knowledge that can help identify where one might be on their journey. Initially, it was based solely on my 5 stages of personal development—Self-Awareness, Self-Reflection, Self-Realisation, Self-Actualisation, and Self-Transcendence—which I identified as the essential process everyone must go through to reach mastery. This framework can serve as a tool for individual reflection or for coaches to understand their clients' current stage, enabling them to focus on the techniques most suited to their growth at each stage.


Level 1, "Awareness," marks the beginning of the journey but often represents the end of most people’s developmental progress. Individuals encounter valuable information or experiences that offer insights or solutions to their problems. This initial excitement often motivates them to share their newfound knowledge enthusiastically. However, this enthusiasm can be limiting, as what works for one person may not necessarily be the best solution for others. This is where reflection becomes essential. Taking a step back, calming the mind, and contemplating the significance of what we’ve learned allows us to move into the phase of realisation—the deeper understanding of that knowledge. From there, we can actualise it into our lives, transforming insights into tangible growth. Finally, this journey leads us to transcendence, where we reach beyond ourselves to enlighten and guide others along their own paths.


Unfortunately, many self-proclaimed coaches, teachers, and mentors do not go through this process. Instead, they attempt to monetize Level 1 knowledge, which can hinder genuine personal development. To truly grow, any new developments or revelations require the full process of reflection, realisation, actualisation, and transcendence.


After exploring different developmental theories, I realized that many of them overlapped with my own framework effortlessly, which allowed the theory to evolve into both a process of development and a level of conscious awareness. These are some of the theories that provided deep insights and research that mirrored my own journey:


  • Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs formed the foundation, with the first four levels (Level -3 to 0) addressing needs that must be established before progressing internally. Notably, I moved the concept of love to Level 1, as I believe this is the point at which individuals begin to understand the importance of relationships. It’s important to note that while every level doesn’t need to be 100% complete before moving on, you must fully complete a level below before advancing to a level above—this becomes particularly important for those nearing the peak of their development.


  • Dabrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration connects to Levels 0, 2, through 5. Level 1 doesn’t directly correspond with Dabrowski’s theory, but it may align with his ideas on giftedness or over-excitabilities, where individuals demonstrate a higher potential for personal growth. Dabrowski emphasizes that individuals may progress and regress through these levels, and that inner conflict is not only normal but is a powerful catalyst for growth.


  • Susanne Cook-Greuter’s 9 Levels of Ego Development provided further depth. Her theory highlights that as individuals progress through these levels, their perspective expands, adding increasing complexity to how they think and experience the world. Each level is associated with distinct stages of ego development, with different areas of development emerging at each level.


First-Person Perspective:

This focuses on your subjective viewpoint, centered around your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. An expanded first-person perspective includes considering not just your present but also your past and future.


Second-Person Perspective:

This involves viewing situations from the perspective of another individual, empathizing with their thoughts and emotions while incorporating their past and future experiences.


Third-Person Perspective:

This entails taking an objective view of a situation, detaching emotionally to assess it more logically. An expanded third-person perspective involves considering not only the current situation but also the historical context and potential future outcomes.


Alternate Third-Person Perspective:

This requires stepping outside your own objectivity and seeing reality through another’s objective framework. Rather than simply detaching from emotion, it recognizes that different perspectives shape objectivity. An expanded alternate third-person perspective considers how various worldviews define truth and reality over time.


Fourth-Person Perspective:

This involves considering the viewpoints of multiple individuals and groups, stepping outside individual viewpoints. An expanded fourth-person perspective includes understanding their history, future trajectories, and how they evolve over time.


Divine Perspective:

This offers a comprehensive viewpoint that transcends individual, collective, and temporal limitations. It encompasses the interconnectedness of all perspectives, providing a holistic understanding of existence.


Each level of development is also associated with a specific historical period, reflecting the developmental stage that was most accessible to the majority of people at the time. These periods are marked by key advancements, particularly in the development of language, the spreading of ideas, and the distribution of knowledge. This progression predominantly follows the development of the Western world, as it has been the primary context in which these advances occurred. This doesn't imply that the West has always been heading in the "right" direction, but rather it reflects the historical path that unfolded and why all developed countries have the opportunity to reach the peak of development.


I have excluded civilizations that are only now being discovered or discussed, as I don't believe they directly contributed to our current progression. This includes speculations about who built the pyramids or other megalithic sites around the world, as these cultures likely existed at a higher level of development than the time periods we associate them with.


Level -3: Physiological Needs (Physical & Material):

Palaeolithic/Hunter gatherers +10000 BC

In the Palaeolithic era, humans lived in small groups of hunter-gatherers, relying on spoken communication primarily to coordinate hunting or gathering. These groups were mostly egalitarian, with decisions made collectively and leaders chosen informally, often based on their experience or success in helping the group survive. Their beliefs were largely animistic, seeing spirits in nature, and their rituals were deeply tied to the natural world. Superstitions also played a role, as they often believed they were directly responsible for the events around them.


Development:

At this foundational level, individuals operate from a first-person perspective, guided by instinct and immediate survival needs. They are often unconscious of anything beyond the present moment, focusing solely on basic necessities such as air, water, food, warmth, shelter, and reproduction. This level also includes a strong emphasis on group survival, as humans have innate biological mechanisms that prioritize the survival of the group over the individual. Without the group, survival would be much more challenging. This can apply to individuals who are homeless, living paycheck to paycheck, or in need of constant care.


Level -2: Safety & Security Needs (Intellectual & Environmental):

Mesolithic period/Horticultural 10000 – 8000 BC

During the Mesolithic period, human groups began to grow, and there was an enhanced understanding of the environment. Farming and small-scale animal husbandry were developed, creating a more stable food supply. Although hunting and gathering still persisted, the surplus of food allowed for the development of more complex social hierarchies. People’s roles and responsibilities within the community began to shape their importance, driving individuals to climb social ranks. Communication evolved, and cave paintings may have appeared. Belief systems, previously focused on nature, started to shift toward agricultural deities, often represented by female figures.


Development:

At level -2, individuals start to develop an expanded first-person perspective, becoming aware of others but still largely driven by their own desires. They engage in black-and-white thinking, where things are either right or wrong, with little room for nuance. This often manifests in an egocentric mindset, where individuals may blame others for their problems and resort to manipulation to achieve their desires. Fear of being controlled or deceived, often due to past experiences, can make the world seem threatening. This fear may give rise to Dark Triad traits such as Machiavellianism (manipulativeness), narcissism (self-absorption), and psychopathy/sociopathy (lack of empathy and remorse).


This need is met by individuals who have a steady reliable income for basic needs to be met and savings for emergencies, creating a sense of security. However, some individuals may develop an irrational fear that no matter how secure they are, it is never enough. This fear often stems from having experienced conditions at level -3, where insecurity was prevalent, leading them to feel as though they always need more.


Level -1: Acceptance Needs (Social):

Neolithic period/Agrarian 8000 – 3300 BC

The Neolithic period saw advancements in farming, tools, and security that allowed group populations to grow. This population increase led to more complex social interactions, strengthening bonds within groups and fostering an "us vs them" mentality. While tribes likely engaged in trade, the focus shifted from superstitious thinking to groupthink, where leadership was not only about survival skills but also about uniting the group. Language evolved to include pictograms, which were used for communication and record-keeping. Belief systems evolved to include more male deities, though still connected to farming and daily life, and began to include gods related to human relationships as awareness grew.


Development:

At level -1, individuals begin to develop a second-person perspective due to the growth and security of the group. In modern times, people who strongly identify with a group often lose touch with their own individuality, focusing more on what the group believes than on their own thoughts and feelings. Their primary coping mechanisms are projection (blaming others) and introjection (adopting others' opinions as their own). They tend to see their own group as good and outsiders as bad. Individuals at this stage may constantly worry about how others perceive them, leading to impersonal language that is overly positive or full of clichés. They fear rejection and rely heavily on external validation for self-worth, which can result in co-dependency.


This need is met when individuals connect with others who share similar interests and join communities, like local sports teams, gyms, book clubs, or religious groups. However, those who didn’t receive enough nurturing in childhood may struggle to feel like they truly belong. They might have unrealistic expectations, leading to ongoing feelings of not being accepted.


Level 0: Worldly Needs/Wants (Pleasure):

Bronze age/Early civilisations 3300 – 1200 BC

During the Bronze Age, early civilizations began to form, leading to advancements in craftsmanship and the rise of large cities ruled by local leaders. Trade networks expanded, allowing people to exchange metals, food, and luxury goods. Society became more structured, with distinct social classes based on wealth, occupation, and connection to the ruling elite. The elite, including kings, military leaders, officials, and skilled craftsmen, had special privileges and indulged in luxuries unavailable to lower classes. Writing systems like cuneiform, Indus scripts, and hieroglyphs improved, aiding communication, record-keeping, and cultural expression, making scribes highly valuable. Belief systems grew more complex, with gods representing not just nature, but also deeper psychological and social aspects.


Development:

At this level, individuals develop a third-person perspective and a more objective view of the world, focusing on analytical reasoning. They tend to critique others based on social status and are highly competitive. When faced with failure, they often blame external factors rather than questioning their own beliefs, leading to an "ignorance is bliss" mindset. This lack of self-awareness creates a fear of losing their identity if they stray from societal expectations.


This level reflects the modern world, where governments and institutions handle survival and security, allowing individuals to focus on personal goals. These pursuits are often driven by the need for external validation and the quest for power through money, status, and fame, placing more importance on material success (aesthetics) over spiritual fulfillment (function), often in denial of death.


Individuals at this stage fulfill their need for recognition by taking on greater responsibilities within their communities, jobs, and social circles. However, without a sense of purpose beyond themselves, they may never feel fully satisfied with the recognition they receive, leading them to constantly strive for more, just to be noticed.


Level 1: Self-Awareness (Awakening) (Spiritual):

Iron Age 1200 BC - 500 AD

During the Iron Age, the collapse of earlier civilizations led to migrations and encounters between diverse groups, sparking innovation and cultural exchange. These interactions resulted in the development of the Phoenician alphabet, the first alphabetic language, written from right to left. This script evolved in Ancient Greece, where writing shifted to left-to-right and included vowels, transforming communication. The introduction of coin systems in Lydia further advanced trade and commerce.


These innovations reshaped social dynamics and communication, leading to the rise of new civilizations across Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece, China, and India, which made significant strides in science, mathematics, metallurgy, and governance. In China, the invention of papermaking revolutionized the spread of knowledge, while Roman engineering achievements like roads and aqueducts improved communication and trade. Roman advancements in architecture, law, and governance had a lasting influence on the Western world.


As old civilizations collapsed, people began questioning traditional gods, leading to new philosophical and religious ideas. In the West, Greek philosophy and religions like Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Manichaeism emerged. Meanwhile, in the East, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism offered new spiritual and governance perspectives. These developments were likely connected through cultural exchanges via expanding trade routes, such as the Silk Road, which facilitated interactions between societies.


Development:

Level 1 is the target for many modern Western cultures, especially those that value democracy, which relies on citizens capable of independent thought and informed decision-making. Education systems were designed to foster this ability, encouraging individuals to think critically and engage with complex issues.


At this stage, individuals develop an expanded third-person perspective, understanding others' feelings and behaviors in relation to their own goals. They value freedom of choice, enjoy exploring new ideas, and often embrace an entrepreneurial mindset. Confident in their decision-making, they base their actions on personal beliefs and are driven by curiosity about the world and their potential role in it. However, they may also struggle with feelings of inadequacy and be overly self-critical, particularly when they make mistakes. Despite these challenges, they are capable of understanding intricate ideas, solving problems effectively, and striving to positively impact society.


At this level, there is often an awakening to higher ideals—the good, the true, and the beautiful. This awakening can be sparked by nature, science, mythology, philosophy, or spiritual practices, leading to an awareness of the unconscious and a detachment from the ego, a process sometimes referred to as “ego death.” While this experience may be uncomfortable, it opens the door to joy, awe, and tranquillity, particularly for individuals who have faced significant hardship or trauma, offering hope for personal transformation.


Level 2: Self-Reflection (Humility):

Middle Ages 500 – 1500 AD

The Middle Ages began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire, leading to decentralized governance under feudal lords and the rise of Christianity as the dominant cultural force. Feudalism, a rigid hierarchical system, shaped social and economic structures, while medieval towns became centers of trade. In contrast, the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire continued in Constantinople, spreading Christianity eastward. Meanwhile, Islam emerged in the 7th century, creating vast Islamic caliphates that fostered cultural exchange and trade. In China, the Tang and Song dynasties experienced great prosperity, with advancements in technology, trade, and the arts, including the invention of printing and gunpowder.


Two major events marked this era: the Great Schism in 1054 AD, which formalized the split between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, and the Crusades, beginning in 1096 AD, launched by the Roman Catholic Church to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim rule. These religious wars brought violence, religious intolerance, and persecution but also encouraged interaction between East and West. The Crusades contributed to the decline of feudalism, sparked intellectual growth, and laid the groundwork for the Renaissance, particularly after the fall of the Byzantine Empire to the Ottoman Turks.


The Middle Ages were also marked by the catastrophic Black Death, the deadliest pandemic in history, which devastated European societies and further challenged the existing social order.


Development:

At this level, individuals are prompted to “humble/ground” themselves and "reflect" on the insights they have gained, often through mindfulness practices. This process creates inner conflict and tension as their current beliefs and values clash with an emerging sense of self. This tension, however, ultimately leads to mental freedom and growth. This "reflection" also prompts an alternative third-person perspective, understanding that objective perspectives differ depending on where we look at them, leading to questioning societal norms and expectations.


In the modern world, this process compels individuals to examine their identity and values more deeply, recognizing the connection between psyche and body. They begin to see the bigger picture and prioritize personal goals, moving away from conforming to societal expectations. Instead, they focus on living in the present and learning from their own experiences, while reducing the tendency to overthink the past or future. Their growing empathy and openness to others' perspectives are essential traits, though they may sometimes struggle with balancing different aspects of themselves, leading to confusion and a deeper search for clarity in their lives.


Level 3: Self-Realisation (Understanding):

Early modern 1500 – 1800 AD

The Early Modern period in European history saw significant changes across society, politics, economics, and culture. It began with the Renaissance, a revival of classical learning and art that sparked intellectual curiosity and innovation. The Protestant Reformation also challenged the Catholic Church's authority, leading to a wider variety of religious beliefs and practices. This period saw the rise of scientific inquiry and humanism, which laid the foundation for modern science and belief in human progress. The invention of the printing press in the mid-15th century was crucial, allowing for mass production of books, including the Bible, and spreading knowledge across Europe.


Geopolitically, the period saw the rise of nation-states and maritime exploration, leading to the creation of global trade networks and European colonial empires. Countries like Spain, Portugal, England, France, and the Netherlands expanded their influence through exploration, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. These developments helped drive economic growth and set the stage for modernity, capitalism, and the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason, science, individualism, and the values of liberty, equality, tolerance, and human rights.


Development:

At this level, individuals grasp the depth of their revelations and can clearly distinguish between their current state and their ideal self. They can also recognize this gap in others through contemplative practices. This awareness increases their feelings of guilt and shame as they wrestle between what they want now and who they want to be. This realisation provides an expanded alternative third-person perspective that allows them to understand that meaning is something we create based on how we interpret our experiences.


These individuals are skilled at blending their personal experiences with broader perspectives, enabling them to articulate complex ideas. They take the time to fully understand concepts, focusing on life’s patterns and long-term trends. As they become more adept at narrating their own life story, they express their ideas in original ways and feel a strong sense of responsibility to improve the world. They build meaningful relationships based on respect and independence while managing their emotions effectively. They advocate for justice and guide others by focusing on themes like identity, personal growth, and higher principles. They also care deeply about societal values but may struggle with fears of not reaching their full potential, which can lead to perfectionism if unchecked.


Level 4: Self-Actualisation (Integration):

Industrial revolution 1780 – 1970 AD

The Industrial Revolution commonly started in Britain, which spread across the globe and catalysed unprecedented technological advancements, transitioning economies from agrarian to mechanised production systems, leading to the rise of factories and mass production. Despite economic growth and improved living standards, the period also brought social upheaval, including urbanisation, labour exploitation, and environmental degradation. This also spread to the United States of America, which became a powerhouse in the world economy. The founding of the United States marked a significant shift from traditional monarchy to democracy, as well as separation from church and state, establishing a secular democratic republic with elected representatives and a system of checks and balances. This transition from monarchy to democracy represented a significant shift in governance and paved the way for other countries to adopt similar forms of government.


These changes set the stage for social movements and geopolitical tensions, notably during the World Wars, which sparked ongoing debates surrounding ideologies such as liberalism, socialism, and fascism. Technological advancements in aviation and radar technology further propelled progress, along with innovations in nuclear energy and weapons that ended World War II. However, post-World War II, the global economy experienced a surge. Despite threats posed by nuclear weapons, they paradoxically contributed to a period of relative peace through the concept of mutually assured destruction, allowing for economic development to flourish in what is known as the "Golden Age of Capitalism." This period was characterised by rapid economic growth, increased consumerism, and the expansion of global trade networks amidst ongoing environmental concerns and geopolitical complexities.

 

Development:

At this level, individuals go beyond conventional societal norms and embrace higher-order values, adopting a fourth-person perspective. This is where “integration” of what needs to be done towards the ideal occurs, which involves the deliberate and conscious restructuring of oneself into a more authentic and complete identity.


They gain insights into their own ego, sometimes experiencing moments where their sense of self dissolves. They focus on personal growth rather than seeking validation, recognising the limitations of ego-centric thinking and the contradictions in analytical reasoning. Their language becomes more complex and direct, often exploring the nature of reality with vivid and authentic expression. However, they may struggle with fears of being misunderstood, which they worry might come off as arrogance. Additionally, some individuals dedicate themselves to developing intricate theories or comprehensive understandings of reality. They believe that these broader perspectives will not only deepen their own understanding but also help others navigate the complexities of human existence.


Level 5: Self-Transcendence (Enlighten):

Digital age 1970 AD – Present day

The Digital Age is defined by major technological breakthroughs, especially with the rise of personal computers, smartphones, and the internet. These innovations have changed almost every part of daily life, including how we communicate, work, learn, and entertain ourselves. Because of the vast amount of information now created and shared online, this era is also called the "Information Age." Social media and digital networks allow people to connect globally, creating new ways to build communities and collaborate.


Advances in artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing have sped up innovation, reshaping industries and economies. However, this age has also brought challenges like concerns over privacy, cybersecurity threats, and the risk of becoming disconnected from the real world.


Development:

At the peak, individuals focus on guiding others to reach a state of consistent love, peace, and joy. They perceive the interconnectedness of all things by adopting a divine perspective, while remaining unattached to outcomes. No longer seeking external validation, their actions are intentional and aligned with the natural laws of life, consciousness, and God. They prioritize function over aesthetics, fully embracing life without fear of death, living with purpose and clarity.


Conclusion

There are 9 levels of awareness, from -3 to 5, which you can imagine as climbing a mountain. At the top (level 5) is the highest awareness, while level 0 is flatland, and the negative levels (-1 to -3) are like descending into a cave (Plato's cave), focused on basic survival.


  • Levels -3 to -1: These levels are about survival. People are stuck in dark, difficult situations, just trying to get by.

  • Level 0: This level is full of distractions and choices. It’s about pleasure and chasing external things, but no matter how much you explore, true fulfillment always seems out of reach due to its infinite circumference.

  • Levels 1 to 5: These levels are where real self-growth happens. Moving up the levels takes effort and sacrifice, and it’s all about shifting from pleasure-seeking to inner peace.


This is represented by tunnels that connect the levels, allowing movement between them. These tunnels run horizontally between levels 1 to 4 and vertically all the way down to -3. Once someone reaches level 5 (the peak), they can move freely between all levels, helping others without losing their own progress. In general, lower levels are focused on survival and narrow thinking, while higher levels foster greater awareness, selflessness, and personal growth.


While there are many ways to reach the top of the mountain, setbacks can happen. Life events or challenges may cause people to fall back to lower levels. Growth isn’t straightforward, and people can show different levels of maturity in various areas of their life. As people develop, they might choose to revisit lower levels, like -2 or -1, to find security or connect with others who are at a similar stage. However, there’s a risk of getting stuck at these lower levels.


A practical reflection of where you are in life can be explored by looking at The Domains of Life and Health.



End note:

The commercialisation of new age spirituality and personal development has made it easier for people to misrepresent and compartmentalise their progress on different levels. This is largely due to the widespread use of spiritual and self-development language, which has become popular in everyday conversations. However, true progress is not just about using the right words or recalling knowledge—it’s reflected in someone’s entire being and how they embody these concepts in daily life.




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© 2024 Michael Farah 

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