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The Treasure Within: Creating Space to Ask Yourself Hard Questions

Apr01



"The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek." – Joseph Campbell

As human beings, we all have certain questions that we often avoid asking ourselves. Whether it's because we fear the answers or simply don't want to confront the truth, these questions can hold us back from living our most fulfilling lives. However, creating space to ask ourselves these hard questions can be a transformative experience. As Joseph Campbell famously said, "The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek."

So, what are the questions that we are scared to answer? They can vary from person to person, but some common examples include:

  • Am I truly happy in my career?
  • Am I in the right relationship?
  • Am I living up to my full potential?
  • What is my biggest fear?
  • What would I do if I only had six months to live?

These questions can be uncomfortable to think about, but they can also lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our desires. By taking the time to reflect on them, we can uncover insights and motivations that we may have been ignoring or denying.

Creating space to ask ourselves hard questions can take many forms. Some people may find it helpful to set aside dedicated time for introspection, such as journaling or meditating. Others may find that taking a break from their daily routine, such as going on a solo retreat or backpacking trip, allows them the mental space to reflect.

One example of someone who created space to ask herself hard questions is writer and podcaster Rachel Hollis. In her book Girl, Stop Apologizing, Hollis shares how she took a solo trip to Hawaii to reflect on her life and goals. During this time, she asked herself difficult questions such as "What do I truly want?" and "What am I willing to sacrifice to achieve my dreams?" This introspection led her to make significant changes in her life and career.

While asking ourselves hard questions can be uncomfortable, it can also be a crucial step toward a more fulfilling life. By confronting our fears and desires, we can gain clarity on what truly matters to us and take steps toward achieving our goals. As Joseph Campbell said, the treasure we seek is often found in the cave we fear entering.

By Tony Martignetti

Keywords: Coaching, Leadership, Management

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