Three questions for an extraordinary year
The year 2025 is now one month old. What will it take to make it an extraordinary one? A new impetus for success helps us to ask the right questions.
There are those days when everything runs like clockwork. Decisions are easy, conversations are productive and you feel that you have really made a difference. And then there are the other days: busy, but without tangible results in the end.
Why this difference? It is often not due to external circumstances, but to our focus. And this focus is decisively shaped by the questions we ask ourselves. Questions are more powerful than answers - they guide our thoughts and influence our actions. This is particularly important for managers, as they not only set the course for themselves, but also for their team.
Three questions will help make this year exceptional.
1. how do you sustainably improve your mental health?
Mental strength is the key to clarity and stamina. It determines whether you make smart decisions and remain productive in the long term - or whether you burn out. But mental strength doesn't develop on its own.
First of all, make sure you have a stable physical basis: sleep, exercise and nutrition are essential. Choose your environment consciously, because the people around you have a significant impact on your energy. And reduce unnecessary decisions by creating clear routines. This will keep your mind free for the really important things.
The question is: What do you do to specifically promote your mental strength?
2. how are you making the world a better place this year?
This question is aimed at your influence in your immediate environment - be it in the team, in the company or in the family. Many people underestimate how much they can achieve. Yet it is often the small things that make the biggest difference.
Do you manage your people so that they can grow with their tasks? Do you optimize processes to make work more efficient and enjoyable for everyone? Or do you often give honest feedback that will be remembered for a long time? Your contribution counts, even if it seems inconspicuous at first glance.
3. what are you no longer putting off?
Everyone has things that they put off: an unpleasant conversation, a difficult decision or even the tax return. But procrastination robs us of energy and prevents us from moving forward.
This is often due to perfectionism or fears - of conflict, change or uncertainty. But as soon as you take the first step, you immediately feel relieved. What is the one thing you have been putting off for a long time? And how will your year change when you finally tackle it?
Conclusion
The right questions direct your focus and therefore your results. Reflect regularly on these three questions and you will create the basis for an exceptional year - for yourself and those around you.
To the author:
Volkmar Völzke is a success maximizer. Book author. Consultant. Coach. Speaker. www.volkmarvoelzke.ch