The Adventure of a Great Question

This is the time of year when  people are making resolutions for the New Year or have already broken them.  Most of the focus is on things we don’t like about our lives or ourselves and want to change – or think we should.  Research indicates a small percentage of people actually carry out what they resolve at the dawn of a new year.  I don’t say this to be a downer but to suggest that perhaps our attention is misplaced.

Instead of focusing on what you don’t like and want to fix about your life, what if your New Year’s “resolution” was a good, juicy, and (at the very least) slightly scary question?  A question that expands the intent of your resolution to create a wider view.  Something you could live with over a period of time and see what you learn about yourself.

There are years that ask questions and years that answer.  –Zora Neale Hurston

Creativity always starts with a question.  A good question goes beyond the easy, immediate answers to uncover and invite new possibilities.  It takes you somewhere unexpected and surprising.  A good question provides the spaciousness to explore, discover and generate what you desire in ways not previously considered, that are unique to you.

A few examples of questions that led to breakthrough innovation or new discoveries: How can I get reliable overnight mail delivery? What would the universe look like if I were riding on a light beam at the speed of light? How can I avoid the continual morning battle of getting my ADD child dressed for school? (answers at the end of this post*)

Fourteen years ago I said “adios” to the 9-5 and became “the boss of me”.  For over a year prior to that leap of faith I lived with this question:

“What would it look like if I had work that I loved where I could fully express myself, all the time I desired for my family, and made a good living?”

Because I didn’t have a specific job in mind, I enjoyed a luscious state of exploration where everything that came my way was a possibility to be considered. In addition to my juicy question, I had a plan of action to surface possibilities and a list of criteria to assess what showed up.  My criteria was focused on the quality of experience and contribution I would be making rather than just a list of benefits.  If the opportunity didn’t meet the criteria, I said “no, thanks” and moved on.

At no time did I consider the three elements of my question to be mutually exclusive.  Granted there were dismal days and moments when I was tempted to chuck it all.  Since I wasn’t looking for instant gratification, I stayed engaged and trusted that the right opportunity would come.

The Universe conspires to support the dreamer.  –Paulo Coehlo

What I ultimately found was a career I hadn’t even heard of that was the perfect synthesis of my vision and creative expression.  It has been an adventure far, far beyond my wildest dreams and continues to evolve as I do.  I have thrived in terrific projects with wonderful clients, generated a great livelihood and enjoyed a rich family life.  International travel was a bonus that was not on my initial list of criteria nor was it my intention to be self-employed.  I didn’t know how to do either of those before they showed up but when they did, so did the resources to walk me through it.

I had no idea when I set out on this adventure with my question what was in store for me.  Simply put, it transformed my life.  Somehow I don’t think that a New Year’s resolution to “find a new job” would have been half as much fun or fruitful.

*Answers to the creativity questions:   FedEx, Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity, put her to bed dressed for the next day

PRACTICE

Take whatever it is you desire for yourself this year and craft it into a question.  Post it where you see it and “live with” that question for the next year.  Periodically review it to see what has evolved.  Make any adjustments needed.  Re-engage when necessary.

Some examples:

How would it feel to choose health in all my activities?

What would it look like to allow time in my day for meditation/reflection?

What are new possibilities for additional income I have not considered?

What would my relationships be like if I practiced more forgiveness and compassion?

4 Responses to “The Adventure of a Great Question”

1. KATHI GONZALES says:

   January 6, 2012 at 7:08 am

   PRACTICING LIFE WITH THE POSITIVE DOESN’T SEEM SO HEAVY AND NOT TANGIBLE. EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE AND DO ABLE. THE MASTERY IS IN DOING THE WORK AND FEELING THE WONDERFUL SENSATION OF BEING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THAT WORK. THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT. IT’S ALL IN DOING THE WORK, ONCE I HAVE WRITTEN DOWN MY PLAN, TAKE THE STEPS, DO THE WORK, I’M ON MY WAY. NOTE THE JOURNEY IN GETTING TO WHERE YOU WANT TO BE IS JOYFUL AND EXCITING AS WELL AS GETTING TO YOUR GOAL.

   Reply
2. Delaney Rinker says:

   February 21, 2012 at 3:13 am

   Really enjoyed this article post. Want more.

   Reply
   • Mary Corrigan says:

     February 21, 2012 at 2:46 pm

     Thanks, Delaney. Will do my best to keep ’em coming. Enjoy!

     Reply
3. Jaime Pfeffer says:

   March 17, 2014 at 3:59 am

   Great article!!!! I love the examples of the questions!

   Reply