Life happens.
Sometimes it just keeps happening.
Actually, it always keeps happening. That’s not the problem. The problem is that we too often think it is happening to us instead of in us.
And if we are not aware and intentional in our responses, our typical default is either to lash out or retreat.
I’d like to offer a more strategic response: When life happens, ask better questions.
You see, the problem is not that we ask questions; it is that we ask unhelpful questions. “Why me? Why now? Whose fault is it? What’s wrong? What if I fail?”
When life happens, our questions can either be our quicksand to bog us down further or our springboard into deeper discovery and new horizons.
I’d like to offer 10 springboard questions (plus one bonus question) that can lead us into better choices.
1. What’s the worst thing that could happen? This question can help us rein in our imaginations. Most situations are not nearly as earth-shattering as we first imagine.
Most situations are not nearly as earth-shattering as we first imagine. Click To Tweet
2. What’s the likelihood that the worst thing that COULD happen WILL happen? Hello! Reality check.
3. If the worst thing that could happen does happen, how bad is it really? Unless the worst thing is death or permanent disability, we’ll probably get through this.
4. What does this make possible? Even a temporary setback could be an opportunity to regroup, re-strategize, and start something new.
5. What can I learn from this? No situation is wasted if we learn something that helps us live more effectively.
6. How is God going to reveal His glory? I know that not everyone will be interested in asking this question, but it is important to me. It reminds me that my life is connected to a higher purpose and calling.
“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)
7. What character can I demonstrate through this? In situations that we can’t control, we may actually increase our influence by demonstrating depth of character.
In situations that we can’t control, we may actually increase our influence by demonstrating depth of character. Click To Tweet
8. What’s the best thing that could happen? Isn’t it funny that we easily imagine the negative, but fail to imagine the positive?
9. What adjustments do I need to make? This reminds us that there are things we can do to prevent the worst and move toward the best.
10. What’s the next best thing that I can do? We never reach our destination in a single step. We never even approach our destination without taking the first step.
We never reach our destination in a single step. We never even approach our destination without taking the first step. Click To Tweet
BONUS QUESTION: What happens if I succeed? I think some of us fear success as much as we fear failure. We prefer the safety of the status quo. We prefer the comfort zone where we have mastered the art of survival.
Better questions lead to deeper discovery. Of God. Of ourselves. Of our possibilities.
Your life matters.
Be amazing, my friend.
