Level Three Integrity: I like Green Eggs, by Doug Grady
April 28, 2011 by Doug · 8 Comments
Level Three Integrity: I like Green Eggs, by Doug Grady
Take a moment right now to think of a few foods you particularly disliked when you were younger but now enjoy as an adult. For me there were brussel sprouts, broccoli, spinach and eggplant. As a child I was required to eat these foods because they were “good for me.” I certainly would not have eaten them if I did not have to. I now choose to eat them and I enjoy them (except eggplant- I still dislike eggplant). As far as I know brussel sprouts have not changed much in the last 30 years; what changed was my perspective.
This is the essence of moving from level two (L2) to L3 integrity. Here the superficial forces of L1 are much less of a factor (if at all). The “because I said I would” drive of L2 (an avoidance mechanism) does not occur to you. Your daily commitments become an act of self-expression, completely consistent with who you are becoming. They become positive, powerful, pleasant choices. Your workouts, calls, reading, meditation, writing, or other activities are now your lifestyle. Your commitments may not have changed, but your perspective has. It is an extraordinarily empowering moment when “have to” becomes “want to” and "get to".
“I like green eggs and ham! I like them, Sam-I-am!” -Dr. Seuss
While both L2 and L3 integrity are driven internally, this is where the similarity ends. Here’s a breakdown:
| L2 | L3 |
| Internal | Internal |
| Avoidance driven | Moving toward |
| Will power | Want power |
| Destination | Journey |
| GIT-R-DUN | Enjoy the process |
| Means to an end | Self-expression |
| Have to | Get to/want to |
| Chore | Choice |
Living in L3 is truly living at a higher level. It is here we often feel a sense of passion, purpose, and progress. From a purely practical standpoint, it is much easier to maintain your commitments when they are enjoyable rather than something you do purely out of duty or obligation. Furthermore, while there are exceptions, the quality of output generated in L3 will tend to be superior to that of L1 or L2.
There is however another level, L4. This will be the topic of my next post.
Please, share and leave a comment!
About Doug
I absolutely agree with this level three. When I started to write my 365 days of inspiration I had no idea of the work it would take. On many occasions and on the most exhausting and busiest of days I didn't go to bed without writing the post. As I got better at it (while no less tired) I began to write with more ease. I discovered an amazing thing - the journey! While I never lost sight of the destination, in the process of writing about the everyday event of our lives and how we overcome, I discovered my spirit was renewed, my focus was changed - I was not the same, I was better from it all.
Jerry, You obviously see the importance of being aware of what level you are operating in. When one level fails, another can fulfill. Integrity means doing what you said you would do when you said you would do it, period. The completion of your book and the growth you are experiencing is a great example of this. Well done.
Wow! I love this breakdown Doug! You are getting wiser with age indeed
My epiphany with this piece is that since cancer, everything feels like "have to." It's crazy to think that my subconscious is "I have to do it to survive." "I have to do it to not get cancer again." It's all about AVOIDANCE!!! holy cow - that is eye opening for me. I am changing my perspective RIGHT NOW to "I am so blessed I get to move my body. I get to play in the sun. I get to be in nature and hike up mountains and enjoy the fresh mountain air. I get to live a long, vital life." Thank you dear one for this incredible insight!!! XO Alice
L3 is a great place to be. I can completely relate to each stage that you've described in the Ripple Effect. I have to admit - green eggs and ham is one of my favorite children's' books that I now read to my kids. It's so interesting - in this age - where technologies have made so many things so easy, how we forget that if we try, work hard, push through the tough times, we'll eventually get to the place where we can enjoy the green eggs and ham. Great post, Doug! Looking forward to L4.
~Rick
For all who are following you Doug - this message of hope in believing it is possible. If you had told me a year ago I would have done 30 days in a row of exercise I would have marvelled at that very thing. You see I've never liked it much - well okay - I've never liked it at all (smile). But I put it in perspective to the discipline of writing 365 days of inspiration and I knew with certainty I would do it if all for the reason 'because I said I would'.
As I celebrate having made the goal of 30 days in a row I am reminded of the ripple effect you describe. Important to note is you won't see it right away. You'll be looking for it and it won't come perhaps the first day or the first week but it will come - have hope.
For me the greatest ripple was clarity and my reality - I feel more at level 3 today than I did before...look forward to hearing more on level 4 - could you please get it done for us to read (smile). Jerry
After completing the chapter on L3 integrity I began writing about L4. I had a very hard time articulating this distinction, and for several hours experienced what many would call “writers block.” I then took a step back and took a look at my life at that point in time. I had recently completed my first Tough Mudder, a series of breakthrough speaking engagements, and written the (unofficial) Tough Mudder Song. But my future felt vague and far away. I had not thrown my hat into another ring for something big, specific, and time lined. I think at this moment the challenge with writing about L4 is that I was not living it. I had been going back and forth between L2 and L3. I decided to write about L4 the next time I experienced it. In the meantime, I made a commitment to write for 20 minutes, even though I did not feel like it (L2). This is the power of understanding the levels of integrity. The key is to notice where you are, being completely honest with yourself without judging yourself. When one level fails, another level can fulfill.