Paul Lyons* suggests some questions for people to ask themselves during those times when they feel wrung-out and uninspired.
I’m usually a pretty positive and driven person, but for a few months late last year I hit the wall. I was tired, grumpy and uninspired.
I couldn’t muster any creative juices so turned to the work of Susie Moore, a life and confidence coach.
Ms Moore recommends that we look beyond the distractions of daily life and focus on who we really are to rediscover ourselves and what inspires us.
I used 10 of her questions to kick-start my thinking which could also work for you if you also need some inspiration.
If money were no object, what would I do all day?
Believe it or not, even rich people need to work to stay stimulated (just look at Oprah Winfrey and Richard Branson).
They just do what they want to do. Now that’s freedom. What would you do in this same position?
Would you write, teach scuba diving, give dating advice?
Work that you would do for free strongly implies what activities you enjoy most and what probably comes pretty easily to you.
If I could be anyone for a week, who would it be?
Who we admire is a huge indicator of who we secretly would like to become? Review who you obsess over, it’s a bright, shining clue.
What conversation topic can I get lost in for hours?
Is it real estate, investing, travel, animals, cars, fashion, fitness? Your most dominant chat topics are a crucial sign of what excites you.
If I walk into a bookstore, which section am I drawn to?
This also applies to an online search or even your preference for websites and blogs.
What types of information do you most love to consume? What sites have your bookmarked? Which types of writers sit on your bookshelf?
At this point, some solid dots might already be connecting for you. Embrace this.
Who do I love to spend time with and why?
Who’s part of your ‘tribe’? Do you like analytical thinkers, creative people, entrepreneurs, artists?
Often, we are drawn to people like us and we are usually a reflection of our peer group.
Who are your preferred friends — the ones who most energise you?
If you asked my partner/mother/best friend what I’m best at doing, what would they say?
Would there be a common thread throughout the answers?
Are you a great motivator, an incredible listener, an organiser, a storyteller, a go-getter in business, or an explorer?
Let people who you love and trust tell you who you are. It’s an eye-opening and fun experiment — and a confidence boost.
Who was I as a child?
Let your inner child (who never leaves you) resurface in your thoughts.
Look at a childhood photo of yourself. If you were true to this person, what would you be doing to make sure you don’t let him or her down?
Trust me, the little you is begging to be heard and can be called to attention in an instant.
What do people come to me for?
Resume advice, helping to fix things at home, interior design tips?
This can point you toward the gifts and talents that you might not recognise in yourself.
Writer, Derek Sivers says it best: “What’s easy for you is amazing to others.”
What do I feel least insecure about?
Human beings are funny. We are inordinately hard on ourselves.
We’re quick to point out our flaws and have a much harder time recognising our skills.
I once coached a very high-achieving chief executive, and getting her to share her leadership strengths with me was like pulling teeth.
If this sounds like you, instead of thinking which qualities you most value in yourself, ask: “What parts of me do I dislike the least?”
Allow yourself to remember past accomplishments or times where you’ve really helped others.
Let the parts of you that you might secretly feel proud of truly shine.
What’s pure and simple fun for me?
Ain’t nothin’ like a consistent hobby that can reveal an awesome hustle idea.
The only difference between a hustle and a hobby is that a hustle pays — meaning it provides a service for others.
Take note: If you love to paint as a hobby purely for your own pleasure, great!
That might not be a hustle idea, but if you’d also love to paint for other people and have your work in other people’s homes/offices/beach houses, you may just be sitting on a jackpot.
What do you love to do that you are really good at and can be paid for?
*Paul Lyons is an experienced business leader, adviser and coach enjoying a diverse career across Australia and Asia. He can be contacted at [email protected].
This article first appeared on the Mental Toughness blogsite.
