We rush around trying to get things done—meet a deadline, finalize a deal, or respond to an email. We go from day to day rushing around like little automatons.
After awhile, this becomes our lives. We get into our daily routine and before you know it the day is gone.
This happens day after day and we often forget to stop and reflect.
Losing the ability to reflect on things prevents us from growing as individuals and appreciating the daily occurrences in life—the “small wins” that make a difference in our lives.
Up until a few of months ago, I was as guilty as anyone of doing this. But then I stumbled upon something that’s changed my life.
I do it every chance I get and it’s had a profound influence on my life.
I’ve done it so often it’s now a habit with Ivy & I.
3 Simple Questions
I was introduced to this concept by a buddy of mine, Jim Sheils.
Jim’s the co-founder of BoardMeetings.com — an organization that strengthens the relationships parents have with their children through unique educational experiences.
This was also recommended to me by a few EO members like Greg Parsons.
Then most recently, I noticed the trend when having dinner with Jay Firestone. He also told me the exact same thing!
Here’s how it works, and how I’ve customized it for myself:
When you ask people how their day was or how they’ve been doing they respond with a simple “fine” or “good.” They really don’t think about their responses.
You’ve probably done this yourself a thousand times. I know have… and sometimes I still do it!
Next time you talk to someone you care about, try this instead. Ask him or her any or all of these simple questions:
- What was the best part of your day today?
- What was the worst part of your day today?
- What is the one thing you learn today?
That’s all there is to it. You’ll be surprised that when someone really stops to reflect on their day how much more you’ll learn about them. I do it every chance I get and it’s had a profound influence on my life.
Encourage People To Reflect
Asking any of these three questions stops people in their tracks. More importantly, it makes them to think. That’s because they can’t give you a routine answer to either question.
They have to think and reflect about the whole day. That’s what you want.
I’ve been doing it for a few months now with Ivy & I.
Every day she asks me those questions. And I ask them back. It gets us to really think about what happened during the day and to appreciate the “small wins” that occur.
I can’t wait to apply it with my daughter Carly, when she gets older.
The best part about this is you can use this idea in many other situations. Be creative.
Seeing how well it has been going I’m looking forward to integrating this with close friends, colleagues and business partners.
