Tony Robbins says that the quality of our life is driven to a large degree by the questions that we ask ourselves. “And then what?” is a great question to ask. Let’s explore this.
Bob
Let’s use this tool from the perspective of our life plans. Suppose Bob (fictitious character) decides to go to college. College is a good thing. Yet, let’s ask the question, “and then what?” a few times and see where it leads. So, we ask Bob, “you go to college, and then what?”
Bob might answer, well I’ll get a good job. So we ask again, “you get the good job, and then what?” Bob might answer that he can support a family and retire well. So, let’s ask again, “and then what?” Bob might answer that he’ll be able to relax and do what he enjoys. Let’s ask one more time, “and then what?” At this point Bob might get stuck. He’s not sure what’s next other than, perhaps, death.
Let’s look at this string of events. Bob goes to college, so he can get a good job, have a family and then play until he dies. This type of life really isn’t all that meaningful. Yet, this is what so many of are aspiring toward.
We do this because that’s what we see everyone else doing. Everyone else is doing this and talking about it, so we think they must know something we don’t. Or maybe, we just don’t know what else to do. I mean, what else could there be?
Fred
Let’s consider Fred (also fictitious character). Fred spends some time, effort and money to determine a purpose for his life. Fred decides that with his strengths, and passions, he is going to mentor other men. Fred’s passion is to raise up men to be bold, courageous, leaders at home, at work and in the community.
Fred seeks out people who will mentor him so that he can be as effective as he can be. Fred also attends personal development workshops, reads books, and prays about this regularly.
Fred goes to college too, but it looks pretty different. Let’s ask Fred the question a few times and see where Fred’s life leads. “Fred, you go to college, and then what?” Fred will say that he’s going to college to more effectively mentor people to be leaders. Let’s ask again, “and then what?” Fred will say that these leaders will be people who will make society a more thriving, and meaningful place to live. These leaders will also continue the process and mentor other people.
And finally, we ask again, “and then what?” Fred will say, “so that when I’m done on this planet, I can say that I left it in a better place than I found it. I can be deeply satisfied that I finished well.”
And Then What?
This question, “and then what?” reveals where your life is headed. Where is your life headed? Do you know? If you are unsure, ask yourself the question a few times and see where it leads.
We are meant for far great things than just taking up space. What’s on my heart for you is that you will live with purpose, and intention, and at the end of your life, you will look back and feel deeply satisfied that you finished well.
