Leadership with heart, mind, and soul

The Central Question

Added on by Sam Davidson.

What is the central question of your day? Having a core question that you try to answer each day will make you more productive, more attentive, and well on your way to doing something great. Think about it - what gets you up in the morning (other than an alarm clock, a dog licking your face, or a child demanding breakfast)? Why do you do what you do?

Anchoring your day - and life - with a core question will keep you focused and centered throughout all that needs to be accomplished on any given day. When you are stuck in traffic, are lost in a boring meeting, get that post-lunch lull, or feel beat up after a full day at work, a central question will remind you what's in all of this for you. A central question will keep you resolved to doing what's necessary so that you can be on your way towards great things.

Here are ten ideas to help you shape your central question:

  • Who can I help today?
  • What can I learn today?
  • What can I do today that will impact others positively?
  • Who can I meet today?
  • What will be different today because I was a part of it?
  • Where can I find beauty today?
  • What can I create today?
  • What can I explore today?
  • Where can I find inspiration today?
  • What will make me laugh today?

None of these questions have to do with making money, bossing people around, or keeping up with some status quo. These questions above apply to you, no matter how old you are or what your job is. They are as valid on weekends as they are during the week.

At the end of each day, revisit your central question to see what happened. If you remind yourself where you saw beauty or that you helped someone or that you learned something new, you'll begin to remember each day more favorably. You may even impress yourself with how great your day was, remembering that the main point wasn't just to work a job but rather to explore, create, and laugh.

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