When all around is changing (and it is – you can feel, it sense it, I’m sure because 2026 certainly is about change), and sometimes that change feels unwanted or out of control, it is natural to be bombarded by ‘self-questions.’
That is true whether the change is being foisted upon us as a result of external shifts, or whether we are initiating the change to improve, to create something better in some aspect of our lives and businesses.
One of the traits of highly successful people is their ability to ask questions of themselves. And the quality of those questions determines the level of growth and the changes to make.
Over the years, I have discovered that the specific words we use when we ask these questions is crucial.
And in particular the inclusion of the word “True”.
There’s a difference in the impact of a question like:
“What do I want to be True in 25 years/ 3 years/ 3 months/ 7 days/ end of today?”
as opposed to simply asking “What do I want to achieve in 25 years/ 3 months/ 7 days/ today?”
The answers to the “Truth question” create an authenticity, a congruence that is far more motivating, compelling, and value-driven. It’s about what you are experiencing rather than acquiring. What you are being rather than just having.
There’s also a genuine reality, a compelling reason, a true desire, rather than mere day-dreaming.
So, when you ask yourself, “Looking back, what do I want to be True by the end of the year?” there is a sense of being there at the end of the year and looking at what fulfils you, rather than just looking for things to achieve or acquire.
Over the years, I’ve written lots on how to set up the day, how to set goals, how to be focused. And yet, until a few years back, I had never shared this little secret.
Every morning, in my journal, I write down the answers to 3 questions. I call this my 3×3.
And so, here is My Morning 3×3:
- What 3 things am I most grateful for today?
- What 3 new things do I want to be True at the end of today?
- What are my 3 action-achievement goals today?
The wording of these questions is very carefully chosen, as you might imagine. The answers must be instant.
It might be easy to think, at first, that questions 2 and 3 are essentially the same, and that the answers will be the same. But that’s not so… look at them again. Try it out for yourself, and then you’ll see. Feel that difference? Why not give it a go for a week and enjoy the results…
Every Success.
