The Mindful Self Role Call

Our genes and life experiences drive our emotions. Emotions can be positive, which indicates that our needs are met, or negative, which means needs are not being met. The Multiplicity of Mind Model suggests that the human psyche is made up of 9 different sub-personalities, each of which can speak to our needs and values. Our emotions can communicate whether the needs of each personality are being met, or not. Thus, pointing to when and how we are experiencing alignment and/or misalignment around certain circumstances or events that generate heightened emotion. Below is the Multiplicity of Mind Model in a frame of your mindful self as provided by Wellcoaches School of Coaching.

Role Call Exercise

Grab a pen and paper, and settle into a quiet space. You may stand, sit, or lie in a comfortable position as you become aware of your breath. Just notice how you are breathing. You don’t have to change anything. Just check in with yourself.

As you check in during this role call, you will invite each of these personalities to express their perspective around a certain circumstance, event, or habit that is important to you right now. So begin to tune into the situation you would like to right now. This can be a conflict, problem, or imbalance in which there is noticeable aroused or heightened emotions. If you are unsure of what circumstance to focus or choose, simply breathe and let your mind, body, and soul guide you to the most important one in the present moment. It does not have to be the biggest one, just a situation in which you are drawn and there is noticeable emotion, negative or positive.

Tuning into your mindful self, I invite you to turn down the inner critic. It is time to invite in each sub personality to check in around this circumstance or conflict. You may wish to jot down thoughts or realizations you have as you go through your role call. You may want to ask each sub personality questions like:

‍How are you doing?
Anything good?
Any struggles?
What feelings are you experiencing right now?
Do I feel this anywhere in my body?
Are you included or excluded right now?
What is needed for balance?
Is any change needed for fulfillment?
Are there any limited beliefs attached to this experience?
On a scale of 1-10, where is your energy right now?

Now, call in each sub personality as you hold space and listen:

Autonomy seeks freedom and independence. May say things like, “ I want the freedom to make my own choices without outside interference”; “I am the pilot of my plane”; “I am authentic and free to make choices”; “I beat my own drum.” Autonomy dislikes being misunderstood, misaligned values with others or being told what to do.

Confidence seeks self efficacy and strength. May say things like, “I can do anything I set my mind to”; “I show off my knowledge and skill”; “I am strong, competent and confident”; “When my needs are met I bring hope and optimism to challenges ahead.” Confidence dislikes self doubt which may lead to procrastination.

Standard Setter seeks goal achievement, recognition and growth. May say things like, “My goal is…”; “I am the standard at which others reach for”; “I am responsible for setting goals and achieving them so that I can shine”; “I can be a tough critic of self and others, but it is me that makes us persist through the ups and down.” Standard setter dislikes stagnation, indecisiveness, disapproval and complacency.

Body Regulator seeks balance, calm and equilibrium. May say things like, “My focus is to keep us safe, stable and balanced”; “I am grounded and centered in mind, body and soul”; “I value sustainability for self, others and our planet”; “I am body intelligence and I offer great wisdom.” Body regulator dislikes imbalance, chaos, stress and instability.

Curious Adventurer seeks new experiences and change for the better. May say things like, “I am a fearless explorer who leans into opportunities of magic and fun”; “I have an open and curious mind”; “I welcome change despite the risk”; “I enjoy novelty and surprise”; “I energetically approach life as an edventure to learn and evolve.” Curious adventurer dislikes the passive approach, ordinary, monotony and inability to change for the better.

Relational seeks to love and serve others. May say things like, “Because of me I connect easily to others on a deeper level”; “I help enable others to thrive and be their best”; “I collaborate well with others and look for win-win opportunities”; “I use social-emotional intelligence to develop loyal and trusting relationships.” Relational dislikes hate, selfishness and singularity.

Executive Manager seeks to lead, do things well and to solve problems. May say things like, “A solution we can try is…”; “I am a good planner and organizer.”; “By focusing on one thing at a time, I solve problems with great ease”; “I remain clear and calm in the face of overwhelm because I know how to juggle priorities and responsibilities in life.” Executive manager dislikes inaction, disordered thinking, insufficiency and inability to plan.

Creative seeks to create, have fun and to have a fulfilling, energetic outlet. May say things like, “I use my skills to manage through chaos”; “I have brilliant ideas and creative solutions to solve a problem”; “I think outside of the box and use humor to lighten serious situations.” Creative dislikes chaos, seriousness, tight perimeters and lackluster approaches.

Meaning Maker seeks harmony, purpose and big picture thinking. May say things like, “I look at this from a birds eye view before looking at the details”; “I know my values, needs and priorities”; “I notice the patterns and make sense of the little moments that add up to the big picture.” “I think about the greater good and learn the lessons like a true sage/mentor.” Meaning maker dislikes narrowed thought processes, subconscious auto-piloting and true misalignment with soul self.

After connecting in with each sub personality, it is time to reflect. Ask yourself questions like: