Questions for a better life.

I liked this article by Oliver Burkeman - https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jan/04/asking-yourself-a-simple-question-can-transform-the-way-you-think-about-your-life-oliver-burkeman

I like the idea that if I can ask the right questions my life can be better, do those questions act as incantations and could I just invoke that betterness without the self reflection?

Here are some questions from the article.

General Questions:

1. “What have we here?”

• Encourages engagement with the reality in front of you rather than fantasizing about ideal scenarios.

• Example: Instead of fantasizing about a perfect fitness routine, ask what small, realistic action you could take today, like a brisk walk.

2. “Is the path I’m on, or the path I’m proposing to take, one that enlarges or diminishes me?”

• Helps evaluate whether a choice promotes personal growth or avoidance.

3. “What would you do if money were no object?”

• A thought experiment to explore passions and priorities without financial constraints.

4. “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”

• Encourages setting aside fear temporarily to identify deeper desires or aspirations.

Practical Applications:

5. “How much time am I truly willing to give this each day?”

• Example: When struggling with anxiety or procrastination, find a realistic starting point, even as little as 15 minutes.

Philosophical Questions:

6. Rainer Maria Rilke’s quote:

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue.”

• Encourages living with unanswered questions and letting life unfold gradually.

These questions emphasize self-reflection, practicality, and embracing uncertainty, providing a framework for personal growth based on your unique context.