17 Deep, Simple Questions to Ask Yourself
For active inquiry at the turning of the year, or any significant transition
There’s a natural uptick in Perspective in the turning of the calendar, or any big transition moment. A small crack appears, a portal of potential for maximizing growth, learning, and change. It’s kind of like a secret coin room in Super Mario Brothers.
When we take advantage of this, we walk with clean energy into the new year with a bit of hard-won insight. To take advantage of the moment only requires a bit of space, courage, and attention.
Put another way…. In Algebra we’re taught that to solve for X, we isolate the X, putting all other variables on the other side of the equation. Similarly, with goals, with big changes we hope for. To solve for that X, taking time to isolate it from all other variables in our lives entrains us to the solution.
Here’s a list of 17 deep questions to ask yourself — now that the new year is in full swing. They are invitations to exploring how you might shake up behaviors, turn around your habits, set new boundaries, and get out of your own way.
If I was the brand new CEO of my own life, what would I immediately stop doing?
… What would I start doing?
What will it cost me (over the next month, year, decade) if I don’t make the change that is begging to emerge?
When I consider this change that is begging to emerge, what if I could only subtract to solve that problem?
What behavior or habit of mine will I no longer accept in my life?
… What about others: what behavior will I no longer tolerate in others?
If I had perfect confidence for exactly one hour, what would I do?
What is something I believe in with my whole heart, but which I rarely speak about?
What am I not saying that needs to be said?
During the past year (or whatever period of time), what were the three moments that were the most lit?
… What were the three that were the most deflating?
… What can I do in the next three days to make learning and light out of the deflating moments?
How have I been complicit in creating the conditions I say I don’t want?
Did I show up for my most important relationships?
… In what five ways could I show up more ongoing?
… Is there someone or a small crew of people in my life with whom I could forge some explicit, meaningful accountability?
What is my “why” for the next year (or whatever period of time)?
What change are you hoping to make? Respond to me with a specific goal on your radar, and I’ll write a response to you with some resource or exercise to support you in your endeavor.