Questions That Shape the Future Far and Near

Happy Christmas Eve for those who celebrate. Happy Wednesday to everyone else.

I’ve been doing media and podcast conversations as the launch of my new book gets closer. One thing that keeps showing up is how powerful the right question can be at the right moment.

The other day, I was asked two questions that stuck with me.

How do you define success today?
What’s the most critical leadership trait?

Before reading on, it’s worth answering those for yourself.

Here’s where I landed.

I think success is achieving what you set out to do while being the person you want to be.

And I think the most critical leadership trait is helping each person become more of who they can be while still moving toward shared goals.

Those conversations were a good reminder that perspectives evolve, especially as you grow. That’s why Start With What If: Weekly Questions to Spark Immediate Change and Growth is built around questions rather than advice.

Here are a few example questions from the 52 in the book.

* What if this week, you embraced something about yourself?
* What if this week, you didn’t respond when you felt compelled to?
* What if this week, you told someone how much they mean to you?
* What if this week, you moved forward without having it all figured out?
* What if this week, you said no to something you’d usually say yes to?

This week is a bridge between the year that was and what comes next.

You don’t need a plan yet.
Just a clearer perspective.

That’s often where real change starts.

A clearer perspective now shapes the days ahead. May they be meaningful and memorable.

PS: Start With What If launches in 13 days. Download an excerpt here.