Dearest Darling Friends,

When I find myself facing an overwhelming problem, I fall back on the following 5 questions for directions. These 5 questions have unfailingly helped me to break free from the usual and offer smart solutions by doing four things.

1. Go to the core of the matter 🎯
2. Make the best use of time and other resources ⏰
3. Uncover delightful off beat solutions 🤔
4. Have lots of fun in the process. 🤣

Here is the list of those 5 questions with a simple brief explanation.

1. Am I solving the right problem, or just the first one I noticed? 💧

Imagine trying to mop up water from a flooded floor without noticing the leaky tap causing it. Focusing only on the puddles won’t solve the issue; you need to fix the source. Similarly, the first problem we notice might just be a symptom. Digging deeper helps identify the root cause, allowing for more effective solutions. Addressing the core issue prevents recurring problems, just like fixing the tap stops the floor from getting wet again.

2. What would I do if I was fearless? (ah. I know. You have heard this one) 🦁

Think of a bird perched on a branch. It’s not afraid of the branch breaking because its confidence lies in its wings, not the branch. When we remove fear, we realise our potential to soar beyond perceived limits. This question encourages us to explore bold, innovative solutions we might usually avoid. It helps us tap into our inner strength, freeing us to chase opportunities without the weight of self-doubt or fear of failure.

3. How would my boss, with her vast experience, solve this?♟️

Picture a chess grandmaster analysing the board. They don’t just focus on the next move but anticipate several moves ahead. Considering how a boss would solve a problem shifts our viewpoint to a strategic, bigger-picture mindset. It helps us detach from emotional reactions and focus on the critical goals and overall impact—like playing chess with foresight rather than reacting to each piece in isolation.

4. Am I trying to untie something I could just cut through? 👑

Recall the legend of the Gordian Knot, an intricate knot that seemed impossible to untie until Alexander the Great simply sliced through it with his sword. Sometimes, we waste effort trying to unravel complexities when a straightforward, decisive action would suffice. This question challenges us to find efficient, decisive solutions, avoiding the trap of over analysis. It’s about recognising when simplicity is the smartest path forward.

5. If this were someone else’s problem, what advice would I give them? 🦉

Imagine giving directions to a friend lost in a maze while watching from above. From that vantage point, the path seems clearer because you’re not inside the maze. When we approach our own problems as if they belong to someone else, we gain that outsider’s clarity. This question helps us step back, detach emotionally, and offer objective, practical advice to ourselves—just as we’d do for a friend.

The answers we seek are often found when we think see using different lens (perspective). These questions have helped me countless times to do exactly that!

Do let me know if they sound helpful to you too.

💡 Each week I share real insights from 26+ years of mentoring experience.

🛠 They are always light to read, maybe too simple, absolutely practical and sometimes profound too.

If you 👍 like this one, your comment (even if it is a short one) will make my day.

👇 What spinach was for Popeye, your comments are to me. They keep me strong and boost my energy!

With love, prayers and best wishes,