Have you ever been asked a question that you couldn’t answer with a simple, automatic response?
I was pondering such hard questions the other day, and it dawned on me that I should a blog post that challenges people to ask themselves tough questions every day.
Please jot down your answers to these questions on a notepad, planner, or whiteboard using your hand. Don’t overthink them; just be specific. This practice will help you fine-tune how you spend your time and ultimately boost your productivity.
Here are the five questions I recommend you ask yourself daily:
- What do I need to do today to make progress toward my goals and desires? With the many tasks you do every day, it’s crucial to be intentional about those that align with your goals and discard those that don’t. Leave nothing to chance.
- What do I need to stop doing? Recognize and note down the activities that hinder your progress. Very few things are neutral; they either help or hinder you. Identifying and eliminating such hindrances is vital.
- Who do I need to prioritize, and who do I need to distance myself from? This question has two parts. Firstly, spend more time with people who inspire you, such as those you follow on social media, listen to their podcasts, watch their videos, or those you know personally who are where you want to be. Secondly, identify and distance yourself from people who discourage you or try to hold you back. This may include family members, long-time friends, colleagues, etc., who do not support your goals and ambitions.
- Who will hold me accountable? Having someone in your life who will keep you accountable is crucial. For me, it’s my spouse, but if you’re not married, it could be a close friend with whom you can regularly share your goals and discuss your progress through texts or FaceTime.
- What are the consequences or penalties of failure? Failure is a part of life, and it’s important to acknowledge that it can happen to anyone, regardless of their success. Consider the consequences of failing to achieve your goals. Without consequences, you may not feel motivated to follow through. But if there are real repercussions, you’re more likely to be committed to your goals and strive for success.
By regularly asking yourself these hard questions and answering them truthfully, you’ll gain clarity, focus, and motivation to progress toward your goals. So take the time to reflect and be intentional about your daily actions, and your future self will thank you.