One day last week, I was waiting at the traffic lights for the green light. While I was in no particular hurry, I wasn't in 'dawdle' mode either. However, the driver in front of me must have been. The light was green but he was going nowhere fast, or even slow for that matter. After a polite moment, I bipped my horn to prompt him into action. He ‘awoke' as if from a trance, waved me ‘thanks' and tootled off. What was he doing I wondered? This is no place for a snooze! By Saturday, I may have got the answer. You be the judge.
At this time of year, parents, partners, friends and children are all asking the same question. ‘What do you want for Christmas?' It is a time of giving and receiving and the shops are packed full of people as they respond to this question.
Last Saturday I attended training workshop with Michael Oliver, (www.naturalselling.com ) who specializes in a particular approach to sales training. The key is the use of questions and if you use the principles as suggested, you can take the fear of rejection completely out of the sales equation.
As a coach, I am used to asking all kinds of questions, so I appreciate the deep value of questions.
Michael is an accredited trainer with Deepak Chopra ( www.chopra.com ) and this background comes out in his manner and style. He told a story involving three of the most important questions you can ever ask (of yourself).
Questions create an internal tension: you cannot pose a question without an answer existing ....somewhere. The mind always seeks answers or resolution to a question, which is one of the reasons why questions are so powerful. They force the mind into action. Frequently we use our logical and creative minds to solve questions that puzzle us, which is part of their job description anyway.
But the path to peacefulness is not always helped by our active minds and imaginations. Often it just gets in the way and causes more pain, frustration and angst.
Now, while I still struggle with some answers to the question, ‘What shall I buy …… for Christmas?' (hey I've still got 4 days of shopping to go!), these three questions go somewhat deeper.
So, here are the three deep and meaningful questions to ask of yourself:
- Who am I?
- What do I want?
- Why am I here?
In addition, here is what Deepak suggested as a solution to finding the answers.
‘Don't answer the questions directly with what you think you know. Let the answers come to you in the quietness of your mind.'
And here's a final (paraphrased) tip from Deepak.
‘Ask these questions often. Close your eyes, go inside in stillness, ask the question and patiently wait. The answer will surely come. The world will always remind you of the things you need to do. When can you do this activity? On a bus, in a plane…. or even at the traffic lights. Someone behind you will remind you to move on back into the world!'
Now I know what that driver had been doing… and I was his unwitting reminder! So be it then! Where will you find me this holiday? I'll be ‘Ohmming' at the traffic lights... maybe at a set near you!
In any case, I wish you a happy, safe and very Merry Christmas! And may 2007 be full of wonderment, new horizons, fresh dreams and abundant joy!
