We live in an unprecedented age of uncertainty.
Our once-steadfast pillars of existence, be it politics, economy, relationships, or society as a whole, are trembling under the weight of political polarization, social fragmentation, and ceaseless technological advancements.
The future is so uncertain that “planning” is now obsolete. No one knows what’s going to happen in the next 5 weeks let alone the next 5 years. Preparing for an unknown future seems like a futile endeavor.
Setting goals, that were so central to the very idea of productivity now feels like a relic of another time. Who can commit to reaching any particular goal when so much lies outside our control?
But this doesn’t mean that we have to throw up our hands in defeat. It doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do to influence our future.
What it means, is we have to make a shift. Rather than leading with goals, we now need to lead with questions.
By focusing on inquiry rather than rigid objectives, we open ourselves to new possibilities and avenues for growth. We lead with questions.
But the question is, what questions to ask?
Pick any problem and start asking questions.
Dedicate your time and attention to ideas that truly spark your curiosity or make you angry.
Does the way artificial intelligence will integrate into our daily life intrigues you? Ask questions about that.
Does the role social media is playing in changing our society shock you? Ask questions about that.
Is climate change bothering you? Does the war in Ukraine make your blood boil? Does the devastation caused by the personal ambition of certain people make you angry? Ask questions about that.
Ask what is the worst that can happen if things continue the way they are.
Ask what needs to happen so that things can improve.
Ask what can you do to make this world a little better place.
Don’t say, you are a puny individual and have no power to do anything.
Because you are not.
You have more power than you think you do. You just need to claim it. You have the same tools (social media), the same ability to network (internet), and the same access to the power (your words) that negative forces are using to disrupt the norm, be it political leaders or racial hate-mongers.
Prime your subconscious to notice helpful solutions to your biggest challenges in the world around you. Focus your reading and learning where it has the highest chance of making a difference. Attract like-minded people and together focus on problems where you can make a difference.
You don’t have to start with heavy questions.
You can start with yourself.
Remind yourself of the interests that captivated your attention in the past. You might still be interested in them. Start with them. Some of my interests as a child were - reading, writing, and drawing. I didn’t do much with them (other than reading) all my adult life. Now, in my sixties, I have picked them again.
Here are some of my questions:
How can I learn and teach the art and craft of writing in a fun way?
How can I be outrageously productive and still live a balanced life?
How can I help others to unleash their creativity?
How can I make self-expression a second nature?
How can I present conceptual ideas visually?
How can I use the power of social media to raise and find solutions to humanitarian problems?
Notice that these are hard problems without simple answers. The truth is, they aren’t designed to have quick and definitive answers. They are long-term quests, something I will continue to work on for years to come.
Questions keep me focused and give direction to my quest. They also give me some control and some power over uncertainty.
Here are some prompts to help you identify your interest/ problems:
What common themes or patterns do you notice emerging in your life repeatedly?
What pursuits do you find fun and engaging but others consider challenging?
What does your mind wander to in the “in-between moments” of your day?
What are the longest-running hobbies you’ve had in your life?
What were you obsessed with as a child or teenager?
What are your most pressing problems currently?
Once you have an idea of your long-term interests/ problems, phrase them as questions. Begin them with “How…” and “What…” Keep them open-ended so that they can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” They should invite more subtle, complex answers based on deeper reflection.
Here is a simple framework to frame your questions:
How do I…?
How can I…?
How might we…?
How does X relate to Y?
How can I help others to…?
How can my team/organization…?
What would have to be true to…?
What would be possible if…?
What does it look like to…?
What would happen if…?
What do I want with…?
What would I do if…?
We possess the power to shape our future. It simply requires a shift in perspective—from being goal-oriented to embracing the power of questions.
My writing was not getting anywhere until I learned to copywrite. I used to think copywriting was selling. I thought, if I kept writing the way I did, I will make an impact one day with my honesty.
But I didn’t.
So, I listened (to those who obviously knew more than me) and learned the art of copywriting. I found it wasn’t hard. And it wasn’t selling.
It boiled down to 21 Rules. I created a mini-guide 21 Copywriting Rules That Will Improve Your Writing Dramatically. You can download it here for FREE.
For the next seven weeks, I am on holiday in US and Canada. This means you will hear about my adventures, on and off, when I get time to write them and have a Wifi connection to post them.
That’s all from me this week.
Neera Mahajan
Whenever you are ready, there are three ways I can help you.
enjoy your travels Neera, I look forward to hearing about them.
I've come to the same conclusions. We have to trust in the universe. We are pioneers on paths that others have not led us on.