Hi Friends,
This week, I want to provide a new model of thinking I've been experimenting within my own life.
Ask three more questions.
A part of human nature is to take by default the simplest path forward, also known as the path of least resistance. As soon as we feel we have an answer and feel it suffice, we move forward. It's a great instinct but doesn't always serve us well.
In an attempt to be flexible, this is a mental model I try with any new endeavor in life, business, or relationship: ask 3 more questions.
They don't have to be profound or argumentative questions. They don't have to be questions of if it's worth it or not, or if you can find it cheaper somewhere else. No... Rather, they are additional questions to explore alternative ways of thinking.
I am most fascinated by how we think. Not just what we think. And this helps to further develop cognitive flexibility & recognition of patterns that may or may not serve you.
Here are a few examples of questions you can ask:
- Why?: This is a great question - as we all know - that children love. This question is important to discover your personal drives and decision-making. I've heard it said that mankind, in a default, unconscious state will make decisions from a place of either seeking safety (reduce risk) or creating security (maximize gains). When we become aware of our drivers, we can make more decisions out of a place we deliberately choose (out of kindness, love, generosity, hope, win-win scenarios, etc).
- What if?: What if it worked much better than we expected. What if it was easy? What if it was enjoyable? The what if question allows you to question examples or situations that may be highly unlikely but help to understand the core shape, if you will, of your decision-making process.
- What if the exact opposite happened? This question isn't to drive pessimism or skepticism but it helps to address what is truly at stake for you. In the process of buying a new vehicle, you think you absolutely need and love? Well, in this thought experiment, what if the exact opposite happened? It's actually not a great vehicle, it's unreliable, and the company is giving you a hard time about it... In this example, you may be disappointed by the investment you made into the vehicle. Or, you may actually be disappointed by the time you lost working that paid for the vehicle. This understanding helps to bring to light what's at stake in the decision and you can possibly reduce the risk by knowing what's at stake and find more joy in the experience because you clearly see what you have gained by this decision (to purchase a vehicle).
"Think deeply about simple things."
In this process, you may come to discover a few things about yourself that you never thought possible. You may discover a few alternatives that you often never considered.
My favorite finds this week
- Currently reading Power vs Force by David Hawkins. | I'm really enjoying this book and looking forward to sharing more about it in the coming weeks.
- Quote: **"**Many people are addicted to the chemical cortisol, which is stress. If they aren’t feeling stressed, they get uneasy and do things to create more stress in their lives." From Personality Isn't Permanent by Benjamin Hardy
All in,
David
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By David Iskander
I'm David, a search specialist, and beginner YouTuber from Orange County, CA. My motto is: Whatever you do, do it beautifully. I enjoy making YouTube videos about website design, tech, productivity, and faith.
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