The 3 Most Important Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Make Your Next Decision
- Oct 2, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 4, 2022
Written by: Tracey Sofra, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
We live in a world with so many options and so many choices it gets confusing and stressful most of the time. I find myself going around and around in circles, not sure what to choose or which way to go, even with the simplest of decisions. Sound familiar?
When you know who you are, what you stand for, and what your not negotiables are, confusion is never a problem but how do you get to that place of certainty?
How do you know deep down inside you have remained true to yourself and your values?
Well, there it is, the opening line to the 3 questions you need to answer before you achieve the privilege of being at ease with yourself and having the ability to make decisions that not only feel right but are right for you!!!
What are the 3 questions you need to answer before you arrive at the pinnacle of self-discovery:
Who am I?
What do I want?
Why do I want it?
Sound simple, yeah, I thought so too until I sat down and tried to answer them. You would think that by the time you get to my age you would know who the hell you are and what you want, but no like most of you I am guessing we go through life doing the do, being the be, and keeping everyone else happy and content other than ourselves.
As women, we naturally care for others and are always there for everyone. Whilst this is an admirable trait it hinders our ability to understand ourselves on a deeper level. We need the space and time to just “BE” and feel the emotions we are experiencing. In order to do this, we need to be still in almost a meditative space to truly understand and feel what lies within, did I hit a nerve?
Do you find yourself being pulled towards things that don’t matter?
Are you influenced by the shiny stuff that is constantly being pushed down your throat?
Has social media got you in a fluster?
Are you sick of the constant bombardment of messaging and options promising the world with little or no substance?
Welcome to the 21st century full of likes, followers, influencers, and people who have no skill or knowledge influencing millions of people about what? Sounds crazy right? It really is a false sense of identity and fulfillment; it doesn’t ring true to the heart and soul of humanity and why we are here.
So, let’s talk about the three questions and why they are so important.
Who am I? Understand your values
“Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values” ‒ Dalai Lama
Your values are kind of like your navigation system. Knowing what your values are, helps to keep you on track. They guide you into creating a life that is congruent with your true self and is a great tool in helping you take action on things that are important to you. The essential help keeps you on the right path.
Without knowing your values, it is easy to create a vision that doesn’t serve your highest purpose … and often, that can lead an unfulfilling life. Understanding your value system can often be challenging, and it is important to know that it can change over time.
For a more detailed discussion on discovering your values download my “Clarity Workbook”
What do I want? Challenge your limiting beliefs
From the age of 0 – 7, most of your beliefs about the world have been formed. At this age, we look for meaning in almost everything because we are naturally inquisitive. It is at this time that our experiences of the world mould our beliefs.
A belief is something we consider to be a fact; we assume it to be true. We use our beliefs to understand and navigate this world. Once formed, our beliefs run on autopilot in our subconscious mind. They tend to shape our behaviour, thoughts, and emotions.
Limiting beliefs are those beliefs that constrain us in some way. Just by believing them, we tend to think, say and do things that are congruent with these beliefs. In doing so we inhibit our greatest potential.
By identifying your limiting beliefs, you can choose to let go of them and fly to greater heights.
Some of the more common limiting beliefs include:
“I don’t have enough money”
“I am too old/young”
“I am not smart/funny/pretty/knowledgeable/good enough”
“I don’t have the motivation”
Once you have identified what some of your limiting beliefs may be, you can CHOOSE to create a vision that is uninhibited.
For a more detailed discussion on discovering what you want from life download my “Vision Workbook”
Why do I want it? Finding Purpose
Simply put purpose is the reason for thinking, doing, or believing something.
Purpose is incredibly powerful for us as individuals. Its power comes from the fact that human beings are meaning-driven creatures. MRI scans have shown that our brains light up across both hemispheres and at a special level of vibration when we gain deep insights ‒ in other words when we find meaning in something.
As individuals purpose is the reason for our own existence and prompts questions like;
“Why am I here?”
“What is it I am meant to do with my life?”
“What can I do to make a difference?”
You may have already asked yourself these questions.
For a more detailed discussion on discovering your why download my “Purpose Workbook”
The road to self-discovery is infinite and definitely a journey. I have come to understand as I get older, the more in tune I am with who I am, what I stand for, and what are my not-negotiables the happier I am. I can stand in my own conviction and state it without hesitation, guilt, or regret, that’s liberating and free.
I'm Tracey Sofra and I believe women should take control of their money and create the financial independence they deserve to live a life of choice. If you are ready to take the next step in your journey to living a life of choice, take the Financial Confidence Quiz and find out how you score to move forward in your financial life.
Tracey Sofra is Australia’s leading Financial Advisor specialising in Women’s Financial Confidence. As a Business Leader, Mentor, Financial Advisor, Author, Speaker, and Mum, for over three decades Tracey has shared her proven method for shifting mindsets and the limits to financial success for thousands of women. Her passion for financial freedom is infectious leaving you inspired to challenge the status quo, build confidence and create change. To enquire about her working with you or your organisation please contact us at info@wowwomen.com.au
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info!
Tracey Sofra, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Tracey Sofra, is Australia’s leading Financial Advisor specialising in Women’s Financial Confidence. As a Business Leader, Mentor, Financial Advisor, Author, Speaker and Mum, for over three decades Tracey has shared her proven method for shifting mindsets and the limits to financial success for thousands of women. Her passion around financial freedom is infectious leaving you inspired to challenge the status quo, build confidence and create change. Tracey is dedicated to Investing in Women's Empowerment across the globe as part of a greater social impact across the UN Sustainability Goals.
