PQ Model
Overview of Coaching with the PQ Model
PQ Model Premise
Sage vs. Saboteurs
The PQ model begins with the premise that "two types of personalities are vying for dominance within our minds." These two personalities are the Sage, our true selves, and the Saboteurs, who constantly interfere with what the Sage wants to do. According to the PQ model, the reason we experience negative emotions is that the Saboteurs hinder our Sage selves.
The general flow of coaching with the PQ model involves the following steps:
①Weakening the power of the Saboteurs
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②Neutralizing the mind
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③Harnessing the power of the Sage
These three stages form the pillars supporting the PQ model. For more details, please refer to the following.
Approach 01
Weakening the power of the Saboteurs
Saboteurs are originally mechanisms of the mind for survival. They were necessary for survival in the process of evolution and during childhood. These mechanisms, which were once effective for survival, are now activated even when they are not needed, earning them the nickname "Saboteurs."
In the PQ model, when Saboteurs take control, it's termed as "hijacking." Since it's a hijacking, by definition, one usually doesn't realize they're being hijacked. However, negative emotions and feelings are signs of hijacking. In PQ coaching, the first step is training to recognize these signs of hijacking.
The strategy of Saboteurs when they take control is fundamentally about making us believe some form of lie. They may claim that even non-life-threatening situations are dangerous or insist that we are incapable even when we are competent. Discovering the lies that these Saboteurs are making us believe leads to a greater sense of relief and lightness of the heart. You can determine what types of Saboteurs are hijacking you on the following page of Positive Intelligence (in Japanese). Reading the report that comes with the assessment results deepens understanding even further.
Approach 02
Reclaiming the Power of the Sage
Another pillar of the PQ model is reclaiming the power of the Sage, which is essentially reclaiming the inherent power we all possess. In the PQ model, we believe that as Sages, we each have five powers. These include the power of Empathy to connect with others, the power of Explore to understand ourselves and our surroundings, the power of Innovate to generate new ideas, the power of Navigate to align with our values, and the power of Activate to pursue our goals.
These inherent powers we possess are often not fully realized due to the interference of Saboteurs. Alongside weakening the power of the Saboteurs, exercises are conducted to strengthen the five powers of the Sage.
Approach 03
Neutralizing the mind
Another pillar of the PQ model is PQ reps. It simply involves bringing awareness to one of your body's five senses. It is like a "mini-meditation." Unlike meditation, however, where each session lasts longer, PQ reps are done in sets of at least 10 seconds, making it possible to do them anytime, anywhere.
Even if you become aware that your mind has been hijacked by Saboteurs, it's not always easy to move directly to Sage mode.
Therefore, by incorporating PQ reps, you attempt to use the power of the Sage afterward. It's akin to shifting gears to neutral when changing gears in a car or on a motorcycle. By making this a habit and repeating it as often as possible in daily life, the part of our brain that energizes the Sage becomes more vibrant. During coaching sessions using the PQ model, PQ reps are actively practiced to make it a habit.
■The PQ Model is a Tool for Everyone
What makes the PQ Model remarkable is its simplicity and clarity. In many coaching methods, there are moments where not only the client but also the coach may be unsure of what to do. However, in PQ Model coaching, such uncertainties are rare. By following the steps outlined by the PQ Model, individuals can steadily enhance their mental fitness, cultivating the ability to approach all challenges in life with a positive mindset.Top of Form
Training Like Effective Muscle Workouts
Of course, like any other coaching method, coaching using the PQ model is not a magic wand. Instead, mental fitness coaching with the PQ model has a training character similar to strength training, unlike other coaching methods.
However, when we talk about training, it's not about grim determination and endurance training, but rather about having fun and building strength while playing games, allowing individuals to unleash their true potential and regain excitement. As we weaken the power of the Saboteurs, our true selves as Sages naturally emerge. By weakening the power of the Saboteurs and allowing the power of our true selves as Sages to be fully expressed, and by ensuring that training itself is enjoyable and conducted in Sage mode, we can spend our time happily as Sages.