20 Questions

Normally, I would think of the question and answer game when I hear "Twenty Questions," but from this point forward, I will participate in a different question and answer exercise now that I've been introduced to this set of questions from Marc and Angel.

Marc and Angel recommend that you ask yourself these 20 questions each week to maximize your potential:

1. What Did I Learn Last Week?
2. What Was My Greatest Accomplishment Over the Last Week?
3. Which Moment From the Last Week Was Most Memorable and Why?
4. What's the Number 1 Thing I Need to Accomplish This Week?
5. What Can I Do Right Now To Make This Week Less Stressful?
6. What Have I Struggled With in the Past That Might Also Affect the Upcoming Week?
7. What Was Last Week's Biggest Time Sink?
8. Am I Carrying Any Excess Baggage into The Week That Ca Be Dropped?
9. What Have I Been Avoiding That Needs to Get Done?
10. What Opportunities Are Still on the Table?

Read the remaining ten questions on the original post over at Marc and Angel Hack Life

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40 Words About Me

Here's an exercise you can do with your children or simply on your own. Have them jot down forty positive adjectives that describe their personality. The rules are simple, but there are no exceptions: No less than forty, and nothing negative.

Here are mine (then it's your turn):

Funny Friendly Flirtatious Crazy Cuddly Cute Sensitive Sexy Smart Emotional Exciting Energetic Caring Creative Romantic Intense Dramatic Overwhelming Funky Fabulous Frank Radiant Responsible Rebellious Reflective Philosophical Playful Sharp Stunning Sweet Lovable Charming Talented Outrageous Generous Independent Ambitious Sincere Mature Courageous

After completing this exercise, you and your child will most likely have smiles on your faces from focusing on all of the wonderful traits that make them unique.

Try this with children (or adults) when they've had a bad day, or on your own when you need a little pick me up. It's tough to select forty. When you're having a good day, you might have trouble narrowing it down. On days when you're feeling low, don't stop until you've reached at least forty but keep going if you still need a boost.

With younger children, have them spell out their name and select a word to describe themselves using each letter of their first name. You can continue with their middle and last name if they're willing. This is a fun exercise that young children enjoy doing using the names of their friends or loved ones.

For older children, any time they say something negative about themselves, remind them (and perhaps pull out the list) of the many positive attributes that you love about them.

Update these lists often. It's another great way to encourage yourself or your children.

Lessons for Life

Cultural Anthropologist Angeles Arrien says there are only four rules in life:

1. Show up
2. Pay attention
3. Tell the truth
   
4. Don't be attached to the results.

How I wish this were as easy as it sounds. She offers plenty more thoughts and ideas - found on her website - to get you thinking and reflecting.