The beginning of a new year is often regarded as a fresh opportunity to break old habits and create new and better ones. We determine to take action that will make our lives better and fuller in the days ahead. We want to improve our lives, relationships, and our planning.

At Wealth Impact Partners, we believe that the most productive relationships and plans allow for honest reflection and meaningful conversation. The opening banner of our website affirms this idea: The journey begins with conversation, reflection and understanding, bringing new possibility and purpose into view for your life and legacy.

That’s why Seth Godin’s recent observation that he is “often stunned by the lack of questions that adults are prepared to ask” struck a nerve with me.

Questions are indeed at the heart of true reflection and conversation. How else can we expect to understand ourselves or each other, if we do not go beyond surface thoughts or impressions to explore the deeper issues and concerns that motivate us?

Perhaps we’re reluctant to ask questions because we doubt or fear the answers. As a result, we can be robbed of the depth and richness that emerges from the kind of authentic reflection and conversation that enhances our relationships, our plans, and our lives.

What are the questions that will take us deeper? Here are just a few that we ask to help people better identify specifically what matters most to them: Who are the people most important to you? What values do you attempt to live by? Which values do you hope to instill into your children and grandchildren? What are you passionate about? What brings you joy? What makes you angry? What makes you sad? What do you hope to accomplish in life? How would you like to be remembered?

When people take the time necessary to reflect on questions like these – not just once, but over time – and when they begin building a plan around their various answers, they’re empowered to be more proactive and make decisions that more accurately reflect who they are and what they want to do.

Achieving such clarity about life and purpose is a compelling outcome, yet many people still hold back – restrained by that fear of questions. Let Seth’s words provoke you: “Is the weather the only thing you can think to ask about? A great question is one you can ask yourself, one that disturbs your status quo and scares you a little bit.”

If you’ve been hesitant to make decisions about your life plans, resolve to make this the year you use questions to go deeper in reflection and conversation. Resolve to affirm what matters most to you and then to do more about it.

Peace,

Ron Ware