I believe that the quality of our lives is directly related to the quality of the questions we ask ourselves and the honesty with which we answer.
If we go through life unconsciously, not asking questions and not paying attention to the motives driving our actions, we won’t reach the quality of life we’re capable of.
When we ask questions, not only are we seeking answers & solutions (instead of fixating on problems), we’re also simply paying more attention to our thoughts & actions. Unconsciousness is a hurdle we need to clear.
Questions are magic. They’re powerful tools for growth & breakthrough.
Two questions I constantly ask myself are:
So what?
and
Now what?
For me, these questions are simple & immediate redirects from thought to action.
“So what?” doesn’t mean “who cares?” but rather “So what will I do now?”
Yesterday I caught myself complaining about my workload. I was sharing that I always feel behind and no matter how much time I spend working and how efficiently I approach the work, the pile never seems smaller. I was overwhelmed & focused on the problem.
My friend asked, “What can I do to help?” and I immediately responded,
“Great question. But I’m really the one who needs to ask that to myself. What can I do to help?”
So what? Now what?
I can get the next thing done & not give away my precious energy to complaining. What a gift it is to have work to do!
When clients email me with a setback or frustration, we’ll always work through the question “now what?” Yup, there’s a challenge. Yup, there’s a situation. And now what are you able & willing to do about it.
The “so what” and “now what” questions move you out of thinking about the problem & into doing something about the problem.
No exaggeration, I probably ask myself those questions 10+ times a day!
I’m going to miss lifting weights today! It’s a pure running workout…yay…
(slight sarcasm)
Seriously though, I’m grateful for a chance to practice and get better. I’ll be practicing my running AND my attitude about running!
I got to the gym 30 minutes early to do some strength work on the rings and loosen up my quads before the run. I am determined to have a great attitude through this workout!
“Tosh Sprints”
3 Rounds:
200 Meter Run
400 Meter Run
600 Meter Run
I got through it. With this workout it’s meant to be equal parts work & rest (so if you did your 200 in 1:30, you rest for 1:30 before doing your 400). However, I was under a time crunch due to my work schedule and had to cut almost all my rest periods short.
I didn’t think I’d finish but I made sure I did.
On each run I was telling myself, “I am an athlete. I am getting fitter with each step.” That way of thinking sure beats, “This sucks. I’m exhausted. I don’t know if I can do it. Is it over yet?”
It is getting easier because I am doing the work & that feels amazing.
On the food front:
I woke up at 5am and had a bottle of butter coffee from Picnik. Before the workout I had a second coffee, but this one was plain black cold brew.
Immediately after the workout I had a call with a client so I knew it was going to be a bit before I could eat. Fortunately, my zevia energy drinks & sparkling waters came in so I sipped on a couple of those. I’m not a fan of the cola flavored energy drink but the raspberry lime, grapefruit and mango ginger are awesome!
Around 11am I had some grilled chicken and a few hours after that I had a cobb salad.
I’m trying to eat all my Paleo Power Meals before a busy weekend of travel, concerts and Memorial Day fun so dinner was steak frites (with sweet potato fries) from PPM.
I’m going to be sharing some recipes & holiday strategies on the blog & podcast over the next week or so – stay tuned!
PS: If you’re new to these posts, listen to this podcast episode to get the scoop on what changes I’m making in my life and you can start back at my first daily post here.