I think everyone could agree that this isn’t an easy year. However, despite the hardships, there’s something to remember. You could always be a better version of yourself. For instance, in my work with our social enterprise, it was touch and go for a bit. Nevertheless, with determined focus and a little luck created, we started to push forward again. Still, even though this year is a challenge, it’s also served as a time of reflection. So, today I want to share 25 personal questions to ask yourself if the “pauses” that happened in your life made you want to reassess.
One of the critical lessons I’ve learned is that a lot of success has to do with your attitude. Yes, it’s hard to have a cheerful mood when you go through a tough time. And, no, happy thinking won’t make tough things in life disappear into a mist. But the fact remains that your attitude helps define how you will overcome life’s challenges. Further, the questions to ask yourself and your answers make for thoughtful consideration and do determine your path forward.
Having the right attitude in life, no matter the circumstance, makes all the difference. So, if you’re going through a period of reflection and re-evaluation, perhaps a place to begin is to get in touch with yourself. Here are 25 personal questions to ask yourself to help you get started in reconsidering your life. And remember, there are no right or wrong answers. Note, some of these questions have logical follow-ups, and you could follow other lines of thought. The only thing in answering these questions is to be true to yourself.
Reflective questions to ask about life
Personal questions to ask yourself about your life.
- As a kid, before you had all of the responsibilities, what made you happiest?
- Consequently, what do you cherish and value in your life?
- Who are the people, and what are the things you cherish most in your life and why?
- Do you live an authentic life? In other words, do you live life being true to yourself?
- What is one thing you have not yet done but want to do? And when are you doing it?
- What are you pretending not to know in your life to make it easier?
- Who or what would help you have a joyful life, not merely a happy life?
- If you could live the life you wanted, whose support would you need?
- If you had all the money in the world, how would you spend it?
- What kind of spouse, friend, parent, or child have you been?
For your career and professional purpose
Questions to ask yourself about your profession and career.
- Which is worse, failing or never trying?
- Do you worry more about doing things right or doing the right thing?
- In your professional life, what are deal breakers?
- What career advice would you give yourself 3, 5, 10 years ago?
- Where do you see your career 3, 5, and 10 years and how do you get there from here?
- Do you feel that you make your professional decisions or others? If so, why?
- What was your biggest “failure” that changed the course of your career for the better?
- Describe a tough challenge you faced professionally and how you overcame it? What were the lessons you learned that could apply to any similar problem in your current life?
- If you were to chase your dreams, what do you have to lose? So, how could you figure out a win/win?
- What is one thing you would like to change in your life, and what are the daily habits you can do to make it happen?
Keep centered with more questions to ask for life and career.
More questions to ask for greater clarity.
- When was the last time you were at your happiest? And who was with you?
- If you had less than a year to live, what would you do with your remaining days? Further, with whom would you spend it?
- Knowing that you will die, how do you choose to live?
- What is your biggest fear in life?
- What do you think you are on this earth to accomplish and do, and are you doing it?
© 2020 Wayne Elsey. All Rights Reserved.