Questions to ask for a new year, or whenever you are bored

Dave Gerber, who is not related to me, as far as I can tell, posted some insightful questions on LinkedIn for people to ask themselves at that start of a new year.

Dave works as a corporate trainer who is dedicated to helping people with their professional growth, as well as helping companies enhance organizational growth. He proposed the questions as great things to ask ourselves at the start of a new year or, more importantly, whenever we feel bored.

I think that’s a great idea. Why waste several months of what could be a productive and purposeful period just to wait until Jan. 1 rolls around again? As seasoned citizens, we don’t have the luxury of waiting for a new year.

Dave’s questions ranged from specific actions you could take to evaluating the overall direction of your life. Of the 20 questions he posed, here are a few of my favorites:

1. What would be good for me right now? This a wonderful question to ask because there may be habits we need to break or important things we have put off way too long.
2. What is something I have always wanted to do? Many of us keep a bucket list of things we want to do “someday.” Perhaps it is time to dust that off and review the list. If something still tugs at your heart, then don’t delay. Remember, the clock is constantly ticking.
3. Who can I reach out to that might need my help? This is excellent for people who are struggling with identifying a purpose for this stage of their lives. Even if they can’t discern an overall purpose, surely they know someone within their circles of influence who can use help. Providing that assistance will make you feel better right away, but also open your eyes to ways you can be more intentional about helping others.
4. What am I supposed to be doing that I haven’t done yet today? This is a great question to ask, especially when we are bored. We all have lists of things we have wanted to do, and probably should be doing. But, for whatever reason, we are reluctant to take that all-important first step.
5. What am I supposed to be preparing for that I haven’t thought about enough? Outstanding. Those of us over 50 have already lived half our lives. We are literally running out of time to build a legacy or make a difference in the lives of others. Do you need to write a book or at least some letters to people you love? Do you need to capture your important memories or key life lessons before they are lost to eternity?
6. What can I do differently this time so that I can be more successful? This was my favorite question. I have failed more often than I have succeeded. Yet, as long as there is air in my lungs, I can start over. When we fail forward, each failure becomes a learning experience for a better outcome next time. That applies to businesses as well as relationships.

I encourage everyone to print off Dave’s list of questions. You’ll find them on his profile at LinkedIn. Then, find a quiet spot to sit with pen and paper to record your answers. I’ll bet that by the time you are done with this exercise, you will have discovered your purpose or have renewed vision for carrying it out.

The Bible tells us, in Hebrews 12:1, that we should throw off everything that hinders us and run with perseverance the race laid out for us. Another verse, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, encourages us to run in such a way that we get the prize.

Everyone’s prize is different, as is everyone’s race. If you need help identifying a purpose for your life, taking that first step or fine-tuning what you’ve dreamed of doing, I’d welcome an opportunity to connect with you. If you’re a member of the Forward From 50 Facebook group, I’m happy to chat with you one-on-one.

Head over to my Contact page or connect with me at the Forward From 50 Facebook group.