Finding Questions to Ask
Whether a job, media interview or marketing piece identifying key questions to ask can make all the difference in a great or mediocre piece. Finding questions to ask will help discover what you should do or where you should go next.
The answers to these questions have the potential to give you a much better gauge than looking aimlessly for some sign that will appear in the clouds or a providential event. Here, we will look at five key questions to ask at the halftime (or anytime!) of your life.
1- What is Your End Goal?
Do you want to give your time to an organization to really make a difference in people’s lives? Do you want to give money? Do you want to write more or create more product?
I like to think of the single phrase put on my tombstone. What significant thing do I want it to say? I guarantee it will be simple! With that perspective, how can you do more toward making your end goal a reality? A great book to read right now is Michael Hyatt’s The Vision Driven Leader
2- Who are You Presently Impacting the Most?
Who would you like to impact the most? This can be your family (grandchildren, relatives…) acquaintances in your social groups, church, political & business leaders…
Then, what can you do to create more impact? Some ideas: write articles, editorials, time with family, calls to family, leadership roles in local social groups, lead a non-profit. (See: The Market Value of Your Strengths at Halftime)
3- How's Your Mindset?
When reaching the halftime of life, we’ve done many things the same way for many years. Change is hard! Patience with a younger generation that doesn’t work on the same timetable or with the same set of base values is tough! Taking away the all about me focus will help you immensely. I know how hard it is when our pride gets in the way. We’ve studied so hard and have so much experience! However, becoming more flexible is possible with the right mindset!
How can you adjust your mindset? Define a couple ways that will work for you. Some ideas are meditation, prayer, or working with a coach. Spirituality is very important—we’re not here forever. We are all on the same train! Take some time to define your beliefs and find some peace within those beliefs! (See: Five Principles for Intentional Living & Purpose at Halftime)
4- What is the Priority of Your Relationships?
If still married, your spouse should be at the top of your list. With as many years as my husband and I have been married, I definitely don’t want to start over! But kidding aside, my love and commitment have grown through the years and Greg is a real priority in my life.
There are changes ahead when you reach the halftime of life. We went through some physical changes. My husband had what I call The year of the toe as a former athlete. (you can read this in Women at Halftime, chapter 6, pg. 107-9) We are looking to encourage each other at this time of life. At halftime, your body changes, your goals change, your life changes! So schedule those special trips and times away. Be creative, it doesn’t need to cost a whole lot of money to make each other feel special, whether a spouse or a close friend.
5- How's Your Health?
Don’t disregard this step. Most Type A personalities are used to running hard and fast. You can still do this but also listen to your body! Here are three main areas that are important for your health, especially at the halftime of life.
Get your exercise. Add in weight-bearing exercise for strength. This is especially important at halftime. Walk more and enjoy the outdoors all you can. If you’re in an area to enjoy the mountains or the ocean, don’t miss the opportunity to be outside!
Diet. You may not need as much food at this time of your life. Those pounds get harder to come off—I know! Find a good balanced diet with lots of fruits & veggies. Even though there are many programs that claim they are the best, look up the Mediterranean Diet for a good basic to start as it contains a lot of natural foods. You don’t need to skip meals to lose weight but calories still count!
Sleep. There are more and more studies documenting how important sleep is. You may find your body is changing and you have trouble sleeping! So watch what you eat and create a good routine before bed. I like to read. For some reason, it really calms me down and makes my eyes heavy and I’m out! Many studies document how devices can interrupt your sleep if they’re used right before retiring, so be aware of that. Also, if you’re one for intense movies, that may be a factor in restlessness. Personally, I don’t like a T.V. in our bedroom, so we don’t have one in that room!
Putting all the Questions to Ask Together
All five areas, including defining your end goal, who or what you want to impact, your mindset, relationships and health are a good basic guide for the questions to ask at halftime and any time.
If facing a job interview, ask yourself if it will create the type of lifestyle you desire. When at the grocery store, purchase what will be good for your health. Make your personal questions simple, then regroup when needed. Most of all, realize that halftime is a great time of life! Have fun and enjoy every moment you can!
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