Check
this out:
James
E. Ryan is the dean of the Harvard
Graduate School of Education. His latest
book is Wait, What? And Life’s Other Essential Questions. In the
book, he discusses 5 major questions we can use to help ourselves in our lives–
1 – Wait, what?
Spoken
or unspoken, this question asks our busy selves to stop and think. We need to
slow down and make sure we are understanding what is attempting to be communicated.
Are we rushing to judgment before truly understanding and considering the
subject at hand? Clear communication allows us to prevent needless conflicts. Invite
in-depth conversation by asking good questions and allowing others to tell
their stories. This creates deep bonding.
2 – I wonder (why)… OR I
wonder if…
Instead
of assuming, and continuing with old thought patterns, keep your curiosity
active by asking why. Pause to appreciate something mysterious or
miraculous. Keeping a child-like curiosity and listening to your inner
urges to understand things helps you open to possibilities.
3 – Couldn’t we at least…?
Finding
common ground and focusing on forward movement, even without perfection, can
lead us to more progress and more joy. This question can help us overcome
initial inertia and get started on solving issues or problems. Once the
ball is rolling, answers tend to show up. Pick a small, reachable goal;
have some success; then tackle bigger goals.
4 – How can I help?
Helping
others is noble and welcomed if it truly fits someone’s needs. Asking
“How can I help?” and then truly listening allows the other person to guide you
in how you can be of best service. This helps you form a connection with
the other person while allowing them to feel respected. Asking “how” can
also help bring better solutions. Slow down, be sincere, and allow magic
to happen.
5 – What truly matters?
Ask
yourself this question on a daily basis in respect to big plans and small
things in your life. What is most important to you and how can you best
achieve that? Break that down into various aspects and determine the specific steps
of action you need take.
I read James E. Ryan's interview transcript in which he talks about his book and these five questions. He goes into much more detail and gives examples of how each of the questions could be used and why they are so important to our daily lives. As I was reading over the questions, they all resonated with me, but #5 in particular really spoke to me.
There is a lot of substance in each of these questions and I think it would be beneficial to take some time and reflect on each one and what they mean to us and how we can incorporate them into our lives every day. Making use of these questions regularly in our lives will help us greatly on our path towards mastery!
Michele Ward
