Asking ourselves important questions as a tool for success - including a list
Sunday, 6 June, 2010 at 11:57 AM 
In a recent turn of events, I've begun paying attention to the stories I tell myself. And by "stories" I don't mean fictional, entertaining, amusing anecdotes, but rather those other kinds of stories. The reasons and excuses I give myself - not to mention those I tell other people - for why I haven't done this thing, or achieved that thing. THOSE stories!
In an effort to change the way some of those stories play out, I've started asking myself a lot of important questions. Among them are these seemingly obvious ones I sometimes overlook. Because the easiest things are often the easiest to overlook:
- What do I really want?
- What would have to change in order to make that happen?
- What am I afraid of?
- If this (fill in the blank with excuse) weren't true, would that (fill in the blank with dream) be possible?
- What would I have to give up in order to get that?
- Would the "sacrifices" be worth it?
The list goes on, but what a great start - these alone, if seriously considered - will give you hours and hours of fun. (And some hours that also aren't necessarily fun, but which feel important, nonetheless!) The more I ask these questions, the more I'm learning about myself.
This Ayn Rand quote also stands out to me, in this context: “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”
Who indeed?
Give Credit Where Credit Is Due: I've read this quote many times before, but most recently, I came across it again while reading the spectacular Chris Guillebeau's blog, The Art of Non-Conformity. This post in particular, entitled "How to be Awesome." Many thanks, Chris! Timing is everything, eh? (Which is to say, I read his blog regularly but today was the first time I followed a recent link back to that piece. Just when I could "hear" it best.)
5 Comments | Share | in: Changes, Choices, Identity, Inspiring, Quotes tagged: Ayn Rand, Chris Guillebeau
Reader Comments (5)
Great quote and great questions! Thanks for the props.
Thanks for stopping by! I love your blog!
Jeezalou. Chris, himself. And your post was pre-his!!! Kudos!! What's that word? Serendipisomething? :)
I think this is the point in the program when the theme song plays and you throw your hat in the air while the lyric "You're going to make it after all" kicks in.
Forgot to respond here, Karen. Thanks for the smile!
Love the quote. It makes you think...and reflect on your life and the roads not taken....Geez