Five Questions for Reflection and Growth
Well-timed powerful questions can have an incredible impact. It’s one of the main reasons why I love coaching. Coaches can evoke new client awareness by using insightful questions that draw out new understanding from coachees.
Here are five questions I often use in coaching conversations. Take time to reflect on each question, and you’ll be amazed at what you learn about yourself and what you want for the future.
How do you want things to be different in 3-6 months?
Success doesn’t happen accidentally. To accomplish your most important goals, you must have an idea of where you want to go and a plan for how to get there. This question helps you consider what short-term progress you would like to achieve. Think about what physical, mental, spiritual, relational, financial, and professional growth you desire in the next few months.
Possible answers:
“In three months, I hope I'm going to the gym three days a week for 30 minutes each time.”
“In six months, I would like to have $1,000 in a savings account for emergencies.”
“In six months, I want to be halfway done writing my book.”
What could change about you that would change your situation?
Each problem, issue, or challenge provides an opportunity for personal growth. Sometimes the best way to address a situation is to consider what attribute or quality we need to develop inside ourselves. For example, imagine you’re having trouble starting a new habit or maintaining motivation to finish a project. What could change about you that would change the situation? Your answer to this question can be a massive catalyst for personal development.
Possible answers:
“My spouse and I fight often. Things could improve if I could become a better listener and see the situation from her perspective.”
“I want to get up early, but I have a habit of hitting the snooze button on my alarm several times each morning. Waking up would be easier if I went to bed at the same time each evening and had a clear plan for the morning.”
“I’m always responding to the concerns of others rather than choosing for myself how I would spend my time. If I had a clearer picture of my long-term goals and a better awareness of my values, it would be easier to decide which requests to turn down.”
What’s the best possible outcome?
Give yourself permission to dream. What if everything turns out perfectly? What if you experience extra luck or good fortune along the way? Even if the best possible outcome is not the most likely result, it still helps to know what you’re targeting. Imagine the best possible outcome for a specific goal, task, or project you’re working on and see what you can learn about how to move toward success.
Possible answers:
“The best possible outcome for my family is that we can clear space in our schedule to spend more time together.”
“The best possible outcome for my career is that I can find a flexible job in a field where I can use my strongest talents.
“The best possible outcome for my physical health is to stop eating dessert every night and exercise 2-3 days a week after work.”
What action is big enough to make a difference but small enough to be doable?
I once heard this question in a coaching class and absolutely loved it. Once you know where you’re going, you may struggle to act because you can’t decide how to move forward. All the possible actions either seem too difficult or too insignificant. This question helps you brainstorm possible steps that are both meaningful and attainable.
Possible answers:
“I want to write a book, and I could start by writing 100 words daily.”
“I want to declutter my house, and I could start by focusing on one room per week.”
“I want to start a photography business, and I could start by asking three friends if I could take pictures of their family.”
How will you hold yourself accountable?
Most assume accountability must involve another person, but accountability can come from various sources. Perhaps you’re motivated by the possibility of receiving a reward, or maybe the thought of avoiding a negative consequence inspires you to act. Choose a form of accountability that helps you lock in the step or action to move you toward your goal.
Possible answers:
“After I finish ten runs, I’ll reward myself with a new pair of running shoes.”
“Until I write the first chapter of my book, I won’t watch any more Netflix.”
“Once I complete my first class, I will schedule a night out with friends to celebrate.”
Want to dig deeper into one of these questions?
Visit my Calendly link to schedule your free 30-minute coaching session. You’ll develop deeper awareness of yourself and your situation and walk away with clear action steps to put your new learning into practice.
