Memorable Questions With Real Impact
Posted on February 18, 2023 by Bryan Yates, One of Thousands of Performance Coaches on Noomii.
A well-timed and well-spoken question has the power to change lives. I'm talking about the kinds of questions that take a cosmic jackhammer to our ...
“There’s a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets.”— Leonard Cohen
A well-timed and well-spoken question has the power to change lives. It’s miraculous how a few words, spoken at just the right time, can create monumental, permanent change and growth. I’m not talking about questions like “where do you see yourself in a year” or “how much money do you want to make” or “what are your professional values.” I’m talking about the kinds of questions that take a cosmic jackhammer to our psychic foundations.
These are the kinds of that come along maybe only a few of times in a lifetime. They are so rare and personally profound that we’re forced to integrate them into our sense of self. I’ve been gifted with this kind of question … twice.
1. “Are you DONE yet?” This is one that can’t be italicized and underlined enough to emphasize its potency. It forced me to honestly, for the first time, say “please help me,” which was quickly followed by “I am scared.” My over-reliance on self-will had completely run its course. As someone who’s used to doing hard things in business and endurance sports, it demanded a surrender that ultimately opened all the doors and windows for opportunity.
Some may not like that this a closed question. It can only be answered with “yes” or “no.” There’s not even room for a “maybe.” Sometimes we must have our choices limited to make the changes of a lifetime.
2. “Who are you becoming?” Wow, this came from Rich Roll by way of our friend Chris Uettwiller. There’s a kinetic energy to this question that is always filled with fresh possibility. It’s an ongoing and ever-evolving question that grows with us.
If you’ve never experienced this kind of question, I wish you that gift. If you have, what’s the most powerful question you’ve been asked?
Want to hear the full song? There’s a gorgeous performance of it on YouTube.
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