This month we have spent time on reflection and introspection about where we are now. You may have taken the 'where I am in my life now assessment'. You may have answers to questions you have been asking yourself for some time.

 

In the book Human Being, the authors say that answers are wonderful, especially when they relate to our most persistent and deeply felt questions. Yet, they can get in the way.

 

How does this happen?

 

Once you have an answer it's easy to stop looking. You stop learning. In this way you limit your range of possibilities. Say you found in your assessment that you are stuck in a situation you don't like, but seem unable to change. Say, again, that you also found that your readiness to do something about it is very low, about 3 out of 10. You may say to yourself, "I now know how come I am not getting out of this situation. I am not ready". It is the first answer to come to mind It 'explains' your situation, so you latch onto it, and leave it at that.

 

What would happen if you looked for more?  

You would ask yourself why you are not ready, what you can do to get ready, and what 'being ready' means...so many more questions. So many more possibilities!

 

However, not all questions are beneficial. If, for example,  you have received news that your project proposal was rejected, you may immediately start on "why does this always happen to me?" Then you end up with an answer such as 'nimerogwa' (I am jinxed). Such questions and the presumptive answers do not empower you.

 

Rather, ask yourself, "What can I do differently to boost my chances of success next time?" you will have a vastly more empowering response. And don't stop at the first response. Who knows what you might uncover?

 

"When we look for more answers a new world of possibilities opens up. We uncover fresh possibilities for thinking, feeling, and behaving".