As human beings, we all have dreams, desires, and goals that we aspire to achieve in life. However, many of us struggle with defining and pursuing these aspirations. We often get caught up in the day-to-day routine of life, which can be very distracting and can sometimes cause us to lose sight of our true priorities.
This is where George Kinder’s “three questions” come in. By answering these questions, we can sharpen our minds and gain clarity about what we truly want from life.
George Kinder is a renowned financial planner, writer, and teacher who has helped thousands of people to achieve financial freedom and live fulfilling lives. His approach is based on the belief that financial planning should not only focus on the practical aspects of managing money but should also take into account an individual’s emotional and spiritual well-being.
The three questions that Kinder developed are a powerful tool for exploring our deepest aspirations and goals.
They are:
- Imagine that you are financially secure, that you have enough money to take care of your needs, now and in the future. How would you live your life? Would you change anything? What would you do differently?
- Now imagine that you visit your doctor who tells you that you have only 5-10 years left to live. You won’t ever feel sick, but you will have no notice of the moment of your death. What will you do in the time you have remaining? Will you change your life and how will you do it?
- Finally, imagine that your doctor shocks you with the news that you only have 24 hours to live. What feelings arise as you confront your very real mortality? Ask yourself: What did you miss? Who did you not get to be? What did you not get to do?
These questions may seem simple, but they are incredibly powerful. They force us to confront the reality of our lives and to consider what really matters to us. By answering them honestly, we can gain a new perspective on our lives and begin to see things in a different light.
The first question asks us to imagine that we are financially secure and to consider how we would live our lives if we didn’t have to worry about money. This is a powerful exercise because it allows us to explore our true desires and priorities without being limited by financial constraints. Many people find that when they answer this question, they realize that they are not living the life they truly want to live. They may be stuck in a job they don’t enjoy or living in a place they don’t like. This question allows us to explore what we really want from life and to begin taking steps towards making those desires a reality.
The second question asks us to consider what we would do if we only had a limited amount of time left to live. This is a sobering question, but it can also be incredibly liberating. When we realize that our time on this earth is limited, we begin to see the world in a different way. We may start to focus on the things that truly matter to us and let go of the things that don’t. This question can be a powerful motivator for change and can help us to prioritize our lives in a more meaningful way.
The third question asks us to consider what we would do if we only had 24 hours left to live. This question is particularly powerful because it forces us to confront our own mortality. When we realize that our time on this earth is limited, we begin to see the world in a different light. We may begin to appreciate the people and experiences in our lives in a way that we never have before. This question can help us to let go of any regrets we may have and to live our lives in a more meaningful way.
By answering these three questions, we can gain clarity about what we truly want from life and seriously consider what we want from a life truly and authentically well lived.