Reinventing Life: The Power of Thought-Provoking Questions
Life is a journey filled with critical moments that shape our destinies. Among these moments, the questions we ask ourselves can be pivotal. In this article, we will explore some of the most important and powerful questions that can change our lives for the better.
What Would Jesus Have Me Do?
Back in the 90s, a popular question was, 'What would Jesus do?' However, a pastor challenged this by suggesting a better question: 'What would Jesus have me do?' This question, often asked by myself, has become a guiding force in my life. It is about honoring and aligning my actions with the values of Jesus, reflecting on how I can make a positive impact and contribute to the greater good.
The Direction of Life
A significant moment in my life was realizing where my life was heading. I woke up one day and decided to change course, leading to a life-altering decision. This experience showed me that sometimes, our instincts can lead us to paths that we may regret later. It highlighted the importance of conscious decision-making and the value of introspection to ensure we are moving in the right direction.
Optimism vs. Pessimism: Which is More Beneficial?
Another philosophical debate that captured my attention was whether one should be optimistic or pessimistic in life. According to Stephen West's podcast 'Philosophise This', the podcast tackled the notion of optimism and pessimism. The episode concluded that optimism is more beneficial when dealing with personal life, while pessimism serves a role in collective organizations like government, as it helps in taking preventive actions. What struck me was why pessimism is useful but sometimes not when it discourages action. This led me to the question: 'The purpose of thinking is to do something in a better way. How often do we lose our purpose of doing it in the process of trying to do it better?'
Transforming a Life Desperate for Change
During a critical period, a financial crisis forced my family and I to sell all our personal assets to repay debts and interests. The struggle lasted for years, leading to immense pain and suffering. To address our challenges, we decided to ask ourselves a series of questions. The pivotal realization came when we rephrased our inquiry from 'How do we earn and what do we do to pay the next month's dues?' to 'What do we do to earn based on our talent and potential?' This question sparked a brainstorming session that led to numerous ideas, including the pursuit of an advanced management program. I was fortunate to receive a scholarship and join an intensive program, which dramatically changed our lives. Within a couple of years, we were able to fully repay all our debts with interest.
The rephrasing of our question from a reactive stance to a proactive one enabled us to find a way out of our financial struggles. This experience taught us that the right question can lead to the right answers, and this principle holds true even today. When faced with challenging situations, we continue to ask ourselves questions from multiple angles, ensuring that the questions we ask are aligned with the solution we seek.
In conclusion, the questions we pose to ourselves have the power to transform our lives. Whether it's reflecting on our values, making conscious decisions, or finding the right mindset, the questions we ask can be the catalyst for positive change. As we navigate through life's challenges, let us remember the power of thoughtful and meaningful questions.