Answer These Five Questions!
Five Questions You are Not Asking Yourself and Why You Should Start
You’ve heard the saying: Life is defined by the conversations you are not having. Having difficult conversations with others is how we build and navigate genuine relationships at work and at home. The truth is that we must be having difficult conversations with ourselves too. So, what are the questions that would be impactful to contemplate? This is a great time to ask the following questions now that it is January.
- What is the #1 priority?
Seriously, what is the one most important item for next year? You probably have several goals you are working towards; however, if everything is a priority, nothing is a priority. The challenge is to be clear on what you want to accomplish and make sure it is actionable and measurable. Also, if the #1 priority is dependent on something else, then it is not the #1 priority. The more thought and organization we put into setting our priorities, the more likely we will be successful.
- Why is this priority important?
You might have a quick answer to this question; I challenge you to dig deeper. While making more money is important, what is the money going to do for you? Build an emotional connection to what you want to accomplish and why it is important. The energy of what you want to do with this money will carry you much farther when the going gets tough, and the going always gets tough. “If I accomplish (#1 priority), then I will be able to work remotely for the month of August.” (just an example)
- What gets in the way?
This is the most challenging question of the five. What has gotten in the way in the past? Life happens, and our economy is built on distraction. What obstacles have your plans fallen prey to before, and what structures or routines could you set up now to help overcome these foreseen and unforeseen obstacles? The more awareness we bring to our challenges, the more likely we will overcome them.
- Who do I need to be to accomplish this?
Doing matters! Being matters too! I have this discussion with every client at some point in their process. I love to ask, “what does your team need from you right now?” Sometimes the answer is to lead by example (do), but often the solution is to listen, be curious, and ask (be). Being is present, non-judgmental, and calm. What can I control? What can’t I control? It’s a good starting place for almost any challenge.
- Have I set myself up for success?
What resources do you have supporting you? Specifically, who do you call on when you need support? Studies show that this is one of the biggest challenges for small business owners. The CEO, Chief Everything Officer, wears too many hats, and they don’t ask for help often enough. Whether it is a consultant, a mentor, or a coach, who are the people that can and will support you? Getting clear on this answer is crucial and a huge step toward success. You are not in this alone, and you don’t have to have all the answers. It takes a village to make any business successful.
