The Spark Factory: 10 Move-You-Forward Questions for Endings and Beginnings

Susan Bishop

This week I was inspired by an article titled, When to Quit Your Job and Become an Entrepreneur. It took me back eight years – to the time when I made the leap from working at an ad agency to launching my own business.

Making the initial decision to leave advertising wasn’t easy and, even after I committed, I stayed stuck for almost three months.

What it took to get me going toward my dream was NOT a big dose of courage (because I was definitely scared). It was NOT making a plan (because I didn’t make one). And it was NOT the loving support of my family and friends (even though it sure was nice to have that).

It was one simple question asked by my coach:

If not now, when?

Deciding to stop doing what you’ve been doing for a long time and move on to something new is no easy task – and all the pros and cons lists in the world do little to move most of us forward.

What does seem to make a difference, though, are the simple, but powerful questions we ask ourselves, or are asked by others, that allow for quick and deep gut checks, monumental perspective shifts and swift saboteur management.

Here are 10 Move-You-Forward Questions for Endings and Beginnings (starting with my coach’s) that have helped me and my clients get inspired and in motion when it was time to close one door and open another:

If not now, when?

What do I know – FOR SURE?

Where am I selling myself short?

What do I need to stop believing in order to move forward?

What part of myself will I get to honor in this new venture?

What part of myself do I choose to back burner – even if it’s just for now?

What am I celebrating about the now-ending phase of my life?

What will I be celebrating one year from now?

What’s NOT important?

What’s the first step?

AND ONE FINAL SIMPLE YES OR NO QUESTION:

Am I willing to give up the life I have to get the life that’s waiting for me?

Susan B.

Unlocked Box – coaching for risk-takers, box-breakers and wannabe’s. Sign up for the eZine Guts at UnlockedBox.com and get the 10 Un-Rules of Creativity.