How do you balance being a mom and a CEO?
Business leaders offer the questions and mindsets that help them stay focused and reach their goals.
Self-reflection and daily questioning can be powerful tools for personal and business growth, so we’ve gathered insights from a diverse group of professionals, including CEOs and business growth consultants on what they find themselves musing over most days. From asking yourself, “What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?” to “Have my goals shifted?” explore the 15 introspective questions these experts ask themselves to foster continuous development.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?
Did I accomplish my three priorities for the day?
Am I allocating my time and resources to their highest and best use?
Am I focused on what matters?
How can I?
What has to be completed today?
Is what I’m focusing on serving my higher purpose?
Is my team staying ahead while maintaining the authenticity and faith that we’ve established?
What didn’t go so well today, and what can I learn from that experience?
What did I improve today, and where are there areas for improvement?
How can I be 1% better than yesterday?
What’s the unconventional approach here?
What value can I provide today?
What would a version of me that’s 10 years older do right now?
Have my goals shifted?
Did I accomplish my three priorities for the day?
Did I accomplish my three priorities for the day? Before I begin my workday, I write down three things I need to accomplish. For example, it could be finishing a report, responding to important emails, and preparing for a meeting. I enjoy feeling a sense of accomplishment and being energized to move on to the other items on my list.
I’ve been asking myself this question for years and creating my top three priorities list. I determine these priorities based on their urgency, importance, and impact on my overall goals. Once I finish those tasks, I move on to the rest of the list.
If I don’t list a few items that are a priority, as I go on with my day, other items will try to compete with the priority list and change my focus or make me lose sight of what needs to be done.
It also significantly affects how I feel at the end of the workday if I don’t accomplish those three goals. The feeling of unfulfillment and the knowledge that I could have done better can be quite discouraging for an achiever.
This question has helped me avoid procrastination because the longer I put off a task, the more it will stay on my mind and impact my growth. A short priority list also brings a sense of fulfillment as it helps me finish my day feeling accomplished. It’s a great way to pat yourself on the back because you achieve three daily goals.
It’s a simple but very effective exercise because it puts you in
control of your schedule and tasks, whether you work for yourself or
a company.
Ana Goehner
Career Well-being Strategist, Digital Butterfly Communications, LLC
Am I allocating my time and resources to their highest and best use?
If you’re lucky, you get to live 72 summers on average. When you think about it, that’s not a lot of time. Every day, I ask myself: “Am I allocating my time and resources to their highest and best use?”
In the current business landscape, with increased competition and roadblocks, efficient use of time and resources is no longer optional—it’s essential for survival. This question has transformed how I approach both personal and business activities. For instance, by prioritizing quality time with my family over less meaningful engagements, I strengthened my relationships and found greater balance in my life.
In business, I implemented a data-driven decision-making process that identified underperforming products, allowing us to reallocate resources to high-growth areas. This shift increased our annual revenue by 35% and positioned us as market leaders. This practice encourages long-term thinking and value creation, leading to continuous personal growth and strategic business success. For others, adopting this mindset can help maximize productivity and achieve significant, lasting results.
Remember, the bad news is that time flies. The good news is that you’re the pilot. —Michael Altshuler
Erica William
Strategic Advisor, Harvard Business Review
Am I focused on what matters?
My personal journey at 48 years old is rooted in a “work harder, figure-it-out” mindset. I was born with a disability (no right hand), and that grit got me a long way and set me back in so many ways for too many years. For years, I thought I wasn’t enough, so I worked harder than everyone to prove myself—and anyone else who doubted me—wrong. Now, I ask myself daily, not if I’m working hard enough but, “Am I focused on what matters?” It took three decades of entrepreneurship to understand that caring for everyone in the community is more important to success than any number of hours, emails, texts, calls, and messages.
How has asking this question helped with my personal or business growth? My life as a founder and CEO is a roller coaster. However, I
do my best to avoid leaving a wake of stress and anxiety behind me. Instead, I focus on the actions that deliver a feeling of appreciation and support. My wife of 25 years reminds me of what’s important.
Our kids are good humans, our family is going to be just fine, and the daily, “Am I focused on what matters?” question reminds me to close the computer, leave the phone, and say yes to, “Do you want to play
a game, Dad?” Always remember the work will still be there in
the morning.
Michael Zalle
Founder and CEO, YellowBird
How can I?
Every day, I start my morning with the question, “How can I?” It may seem simple, but this question packs a punch. It keeps me focused
on what’s in my control, and while that’s often only less than 5%
of what’s at play, over time, I’ve realized that’s sufficient to turn
the tide.
I remember one particularly challenging project where everything seemed to be falling apart. Deadlines were tight, resources were limited, and team morale was low. It was a perfect storm of obstacles.
Instead of succumbing to the pressure, I asked myself, “How can I...?” This question shifted my focus from the problems to potential solutions. Our leadership team put our heads together. We brainstormed ways to reallocate resources, streamline processes,
and boost team motivation.
One idea was to implement a flexible schedule that allowed the team to work during their most productive hours, which significantly improved both efficiency and morale.
The result? We not only met our deadlines but also exceeded our customer’s expectations.
This experience reinforced my belief in the power of “How can I?”
It’s a mindset that opens doors to creativity and resilience, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
In both personal and professional settings, this question keeps me proactive and solutions oriented. It’s been a cornerstone of my
journey as a leader and a continuous learner.
So, whenever you face a challenge, ask yourself, “How can I?” and
see how it transforms your approach and outcomes.
Wandia Chiuri
CEO, Reactionpower
What has to be completed today?
The one question I ask myself every day is, “What has to be completed today?” It helps me prioritize tasks and reduce any noise that may try to divert my attention. By consistently asking myself this question each morning, I am able to reduce stress and maintain steady progress on my larger workload. On days where multiple things need to be completed, I prioritize the harder tasks, as I’ve found those are easier to complete earlier in the day, while saving some of the more menial tasks for later in the afternoon.
Alex Warner
Director of Paid Search, collystring
Is what I’m focusing on serving my higher purpose?
I try to ask myself every day if what I’m focusing on is serving my higher purpose, which is to inspire and empower. This question helps me understand whether I’m truly aligned with my goals or simply getting distracted. It’s been instrumental in ensuring that my mental and physical energy is directed toward what genuinely matters to me, both personally and professionally. This daily check-in also helps me reassess and adjust my goals, keeping them relevant and aligned with my evolving vision. It keeps me grounded and intentional in my actions and not just slogging through the motions.
Alana Sparrow
Chief Branding Officer and Cofounder, The Foundry for Art Design + Culture
Is my team staying ahead while maintaining the authenticity and faith that we’ve established?
I ask myself every day, “Is my team staying ahead of the wildly evolving gaming industry while maintaining the authenticity and faith that we’ve established with our customers since the company was
a startup?”
Our “For Gamers, by Gamers” ethos established the basis of our innovation and authentic relationship with gamers. As gamers ourselves, we constantly evolve our products to be ahead of players’ changing needs. Our pro gaming keyboard, pro wireless mouse, and the 240Hz OLED display on our latest gaming laptops were purpose-designed for competitive first-person shooter players, allowing a true in-game advantage. In fact, we’ve segmented our PC gaming peripherals into an “immersive” line, which provides the most stunning surround environment and feature set, and a “performance” line focusing on pure performance for competitive players.
The marketing and sales team runs at an epic pace to keep up with our innovation. We constantly strive to anticipate where our customers need us and seek innovation to better connect our purpose-built products to the exact customer they were built for.
We see artificial intelligence (AI) not just as a technology for productivity but as a transformative consumer engagement tool to make it easier to perfectly match a player with the right tool. We are embracing these advancements as they offer the ability to deliver a customer experience that is in line with our innovative products. For example, keyword searches such as “best gaming keyboard” will be replaced by natural language queries that allow a gamer to express a personal need such as “fastest rapid trigger keyboard for counter-strafing in Valorant.”
Questioning how we drive innovation while maintaining authenticity has been instrumental in the company’s growth. This line of thinking forces us to remain agile and proactive—all while ensuring we listen to our customers’ feedback and anticipate their needs. This mindset has not only kept us at the forefront of the gaming industry for many years but has fostered a company culture of continuous improvement.
My recommendation is to never lose sight of your brand identity and to continuously drive innovation by listening and responding to your customers. Understand their needs and be prepared to adapt to new technologies and trends.
Bob Ohlweiler
Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, Razer
What didn’t go so well today, and what can I learn from that experience?
I ask myself, what didn’t go so well today, and what can I learn from that experience?
Like many business professionals, I have a tendency to be very
future-oriented. I’m constantly planning, setting goals, and going after those goals. But this process is never smooth and easy. There are many bumps along the way—obstacles, setbacks, disappointments. And if I’m not careful, I’ll start looking at those challenges in a negative light.
Asking myself this question forces me to look for the good in the bad. It enables me to find the hidden lessons that will make me stronger and give me a better perspective. And very often, this process helps me find better ideas and approaches to meeting my goals. Challenges and setbacks are there to guide us. We get to choose whether they’ll discourage us or teach us a valuable lesson.
Ed Gandia
Founder, High-Income Business Writing
What did I improve today, and where are there areas for improvement?
Every evening, I take a few minutes to reflect on the day. I ask
myself, “What did I improve today, and where are there areas for improvement?” This question helps me break down my long-term goals into small, actionable steps. It’s so easy to get stuck on what
is not working, but this approach helps build a sense of gratitude. It
also provides me with the opportunity to pause and appreciate the progress I’ve made, even though there’s still a long journey ahead.
It is a constant reminder that growth is a continuous process, and each step, no matter how minor, is a step forward.
Lissa Appiah
Founder, Career Strategist, and Personal Branding Consultant, WeApply Canada Inc.
How can I be 1% better than yesterday?
How can I be 1% better than yesterday? This is the question I write down in my journal every morning.
Looking back, my biggest growth moments happened when I paused to assess where I used to be, where I am now, and where I want
to be.
That gap between the “now” and the desired situation can be scary, hindering, and disheartening for many. I get it—it used to be for
me too.
But everything changes when you realize that the gap is your roadmap and not your reason to stop pursuing your goals.
I found out that reflecting on how you can improve daily, even by just 1%, is the most sustainable way to stay committed to following your plan. This worked for me, and I hope it can help others too.
Beatrice Vladut
Personal Brand Strategist, B Branded
What’s the unconventional approach here?
What’s the unconventional approach here? I’ve found that this question allows me to break free from traditional thinking—in other words, find unconventional or often overlooked solutions.
In marketing, the conventional path usually leads to predictable outcomes (and rarely works). By looking for unconventional angles,
I’m able to see what others don’t and capitalize on those insights.
In my personal life, this question helps keep life interesting. It encourages me to explore new perspectives and challenge my assumptions, which is one of the values I hold dear. It’s also led to richer experiences and unexpected opportunities.
At the end of the day, this question is really about creativity and curiosity, which is what I’m all about.
Drew Brucker
3x Saas Marketing Leader/AI Creative Direction, brainchild
What Value Can I Provide Today?
One question I ask myself every day is, “What value can I provide today?” This simple yet powerful question has significantly impacted both my personal and business growth.
In my personal life, it helps me stay focused on meaningful interactions and activities that enrich my relationships and well-being. By considering how I can add value to others’ lives, I foster stronger connections and cultivate a supportive network of friends and family.
In my business, this question drives my approach to client management and service delivery. It prompts me to continuously seek ways to enhance the value I offer to my clients, whether through improving service efficiency, providing insightful advice, or staying ahead of industry trends. This focus on value has led to a 200% growth in client profiles within the first month, demonstrating the tangible impact of this mindset.
Overall, this daily question keeps me aligned with my goals, motivates me to innovate, and ensures that my actions are purposeful and impactful. It’s a simple practice that yields significant results.
Hana Sirco
Marketing and Sales, solution404
What would a version of me that’s 10 years older do right now?
Visualizing the future and asking myself, especially on the days that I don’t feel motivated, “What would a version of me that’s 10 years older do right now?” causes the biggest switch in my behavior.
It helps me detach myself from the current situation and realize that what I’m feeling right now will pass, but the results of the actions I’ll take will stay. Everything I will do and every step I’ll take, no matter how stressful or boring, will bring results my way and shape my life—like a butterfly effect.
Ever since asking these questions, I noticed a consistent shift in my personal and business growth, pushing me to do more than I originally planned or felt like doing. I always used to compare my progress to other accounts and creators I see online, but we all have different long-term goals that we’re working toward. Not comparing yourself to others is easier said than done, but ever since I became focused on what a version of me that’s 10 years older could be doing, it has helped me concentrate on what I want my future to look like and how I can get there.
No matter what your life looks like right now, writing down what you want it to look like, detaching yourself from reality, and reminding yourself of it every day will help you take steps relevant to your future. Whether it’s working with a business, collaborating with a certain brand, or publishing a specific type of content on social media—the thought of who you want to become will help you decide what to pursue, and that’s what you should focus on: the long-term picture.
Anna Michalak
Cofounder and Social Media Manager, Vision Marketing
Have my goals shifted?
The one question I ask myself every day is whether my goals
have shifted.
When you’re running a business, nothing is ever static. You always have to be reassessing, pivoting, and adjusting course. The same actions you took yesterday might not move you toward today’s goals.
If you don’t stop and consciously think about whether those goals have changed for your personal, professional, or financial life, that’s when it becomes really easy to stagnate or plateau in your work.
Liz Heflin
Freelance Writer, Community Founder, Inkwell
Note: This article was created by Featured.
©2024 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Ad Choices FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. S&P Index data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. Terms & Conditions. Powered and implemented by Interactive Data Managed Solutions.
Featured is a knowledge sharing platform that connects subject matter experts with publishers to create Q&A content.
What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?
The question I ask myself every day is: What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?
By asking myself this question, it helps me acknowledge my successes from the previous day, and it helps me identify what I could be doing better in the future.
Personal development comes from a deep desire of wanting to be more and do more every day. I have never been the type of person to sit back and accept the status quo. I have always been driven to be better and do better and set my own high expectations for the future.
Has it been a struggle? Yes. Has it been rewarding? Absolutely. Having a strong mindset is the single most important thing you can work
on and continue to work on daily. With a strong mind, you can accomplish all that you set your mind to, and you can pull yourself out of dark places when you need to as well.
From a business-building perspective, asking myself daily what I can do better than I did yesterday and acting on it is my driving force. If you are not willing to work on your business and build your business, who is going to do it for you? Who wants your business to succeed more than you? No one! So you need to identify what you need to
do differently today that is going to bring you the greatest reward tomorrow.
Be a forward-thinking and strategic thinker. Make time to think. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and ask yourself, what can I do differently today that will make me a better person and business owner tomorrow, and watch the magic happen.
Tina Collura Business Growth Consultant, See Your Business Grow
What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?
The question I ask myself every day is: What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?
By asking myself this question, it helps me acknowledge my successes from the previous day, and it helps me identify what I could be doing better in the future.
Personal development comes from a deep desire of wanting to be more and do more every day. I have never been the type of person to sit back and accept the status quo. I have always been driven to be better and do better and set my own high expectations for the future.
Has it been a struggle? Yes. Has it been rewarding? Absolutely. Having a strong mindset is the single most important thing you can work
on and continue to work on daily. With a strong mind, you can accomplish all that you set your mind to, and you can pull yourself out of dark places when you need to as well.
From a business-building perspective, asking myself daily what I can do better than I did yesterday and acting on it is my driving force. If you are not willing to work on your business and build your business, who is going to do it for you? Who wants your business to succeed more than you? No one! So you need to identify what you need to
do differently today that is going to bring you the greatest reward tomorrow.
Be a forward-thinking and strategic thinker. Make time to think. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and ask yourself, what can I do differently today that will make me a better person and business owner tomorrow, and watch the magic happen.
Tina Collura Business Growth Consultant, See Your Business Grow
Navigating the world of investing can be daunting, but the right advice can make all the difference. Here, 12 seasoned entrepreneurs and investment experts offer the single best piece of investing wisdom they ever received.
• Prioritize reinvestment for growth
• Invest in yourself to fuel growth
• Invest in familiar industries
• Adopt a “just keep buying” strategy
• Embrace patience in investing
• Seek long-term value over valuation
• Invest in solutions for real needs
• Continuously learn as an investor
• Understand the power of compounding
• Respect market knowledge, avoid fads
• Never cease to network
• Diversify savings for future security
Prioritize reinvestment for growth
The best investing advice I’ve ever gotten is to focus on reinvestment.
I run an agency alongside other digital ventures and even some traditional businesses. No matter which one brings in money, I prioritize putting it back to work. Whether it’s expanding an existing project or starting something entirely new, reinvesting keeps the money growing and creates a snowball effect. Constantly reinvesting keeps the money flowing and growing instead of letting it
sit idle.
Scott Gabdullin
CEO & Founder, Authority Factors
Invest in yourself to fuel growth
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned about investing came from my entrepreneurial journey: Invest in yourself. Despite the success of our first product, securing outside investment proved impossible. Instead, we reinvested every dollar into the company to fuel our growth.
This commitment to self-investment has paid off tremendously! Today, with three successful products and a valuation of $1 billion, we’ve achieved this milestone without relying on external funding.
It’s a testament to the power of believing in yourself and your vision.
Nenad Milanović
Founder & CEO, CAKE.com
Invest in familiar industries
The best investing advice I’ve ever received was to invest in what I know. I used to focus my resources on picks that were hot in the market, only to get burned because I didn’t understand what I was putting my money into. Now, I try to focus on what I know. As a digital marketer and content creator, I use and research a number of products and services as part of my work. So, I’ve developed a degree of expertise across a narrow range of industries and specific companies. When I notice trends in these areas, I can make a more informed decision on how I choose to invest, and it tends to work out much better than just following what everyone else is doing.
Dennis Consorte
Digital Marketing and Leadership Consultant for Startups,
Snackable Solutions
Adopt a ‘just keep buying’ strategy
Nick Maggiulli’s book is titled Just Keep Buying, and that title is the best advice I’ve ever received because it reminds me that I should not time the market and that my investments should be automated. This idea further reinforces Charlie Munger’s quote, which says, “The first rule of compounding is to never interrupt it unnecessarily.” If you just keep buying, you’ll be surprised at just how much you can compound your investments over time.
Joel Polanco
Senior Product Manager, Intel
Embrace patience in investing
For me, the best investing advice I’ve ever received is to be patient. This was the first and best piece of advice I got, and it still holds true. The real money is made not in the frequent buying and selling but in the waiting.
Many people are too anxious; they worry too much. Success in investing comes from being patient but also being ready to act aggressively when the right time comes. This is because even if you’re dedicated and work hard, finding great investment opportunities isn’t easy. You shouldn’t rush into things. It’s better to continue your diligent search until you discover an investment that truly feels right, rather than jumping on a shaky profit opportunity just to claim a
quick win.
I believe that my success has come not from constant activity but from patience.
Eric Croak, CFP
President, Croak Capital
Seek long-term value over valuation
There is one piece of investment advice that I have ever gotten, and it is to look for value, not just valuations. Indeed, early on in my journey as an investor, a wizened pundit of investment opined, “While market trends and numbers are important, the true value of an investment rests on the potential it carries to make a big difference and deliver lasting benefits.” That philosophy has guided investments at my company to be fundamentally driven toward growth and sustainability in the long term, rather than gaining short-term profits. It has helped us to be resilient in the face of the ups and downs of different market cycles and to keep delivering value to all our stakeholders.
Roman Shauk
Founder & CEO, EducateMe
Invest in solutions for real needs
Focus on investing in people and companies that are solving real needs. Ensure that the problem they are solving will continue to exist in the future so that you are truly “investing” and not just trading shares for a quick buck. The real value of an investment is generated over time, not based on short-lived trends.
Nils Lange
Nordic Scouting Lead, Antler
Continuously learn as an investor
The best investing advice I received is to always keep learning. The financial markets are continuously evolving, and investor sentiment is constantly shifting. What has worked today may not work tomorrow or the day after. As investors, we always have to be on our toes, looking out for these changes and staying humble.
Geetu Sharma
Founder & Investment Manager, AlphasFuture LLC
Understand the power of compounding
I’m a longtime marketer in the fintech space. After spending years working with finance experts, I’m pretty confident that some investment advice I got as a kid is the best advice there is.
The takeaway: Compounding interest is the eighth wonder of
the world.
The advice: When I was a kid, my dad sat me down and calculated what would happen if I started investing $100 a month from the time
I turned 18 until the time I turned 68. It blew my mind that a 7% interest rate would turn my $1,200 a year into $500,000. By following his advice to be frugal enough to always save at least a little, I’ve gotten to a place I’m really happy with. And I recently taught my kids the same lesson. When we were done, I told them, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world”—and gave credit to my dad (instead of its true author, Albert Einstein).
Elliott Brown
Marketing Leader, Cache Financials
Respect market knowledge, avoid fads
Assume everyone knows more than you. It’s very easy to fall victim to the Dunning-Kruger effect and think you know a “sure bet.” Spending my early career in finance quickly taught me how all knowledge of the market is absorbed into stock prices rapidly (sometimes in as quick as a trillionth of a second). With that in mind, I learned that if I wanted to invest successfully, it wasn’t about jumping on the latest fad or believing in a “secret stock tip”—instead, it’s about trusting the fundamentals, understanding how businesses grow profitably over time, and how to take the long-term view. It might not be the fanciest approach ... but then again, smart investing shouldn’t be—it should be positively boring.
Patrick Ward
Founder, NanoGlobals
Never cease to network
Never. Stop. Networking. This advice is something I was given early
on in my career, and it’s probably the one that has stuck with me
the most. Even as an established business professional or entrepreneur, deciding to stop networking can lead to stagnation
and isolation in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Without these continuous connections, you risk missing out on new opportunities
for collaborations, partnerships, and innovation. You may become disconnected from industry trends, emerging technologies, and
shifts in consumer behavior, making it difficult to adapt and
stay competitive.
And from a more personal point of view, networking forces you out of your comfort zone, allowing you to develop essential skills such as communication, negotiation, and relationship-building. These skills are not only beneficial for your business but also for personal growth and development and can help you to always have a circle of trusted people around.
Entrepreneurship can also be very challenging, and having a strong support system is essential. Networking allows you to connect with like-minded individuals who understand the journey you are on and can provide valuable support, advice, and encouragement. Ceasing any additional communication, or not checking in with your already-established network, is a slippery slope that could lead to you being left behind.
Renan Ferreira
Head of Communications & Director of Sales, RealCraft
Diversify savings for future security
Something I never really grasped until just a few years ago is that letting your money pile up in your main bank account isn’t wise. My savings account’s APY was 0.03%! Luckily, I already had a 401(k) going, but it wasn’t until I was almost 28 that I got advice to set up a Roth IRA with investments and a high-yield savings account with a 4.25% APY. Now that I’ve got these three streams going, I’ve figured out an easy, free way to stretch my income to help me later in life.
Sarah Blocksidge
Marketing Director, Sixth City Marketing
Featured is a knowledge sharing platform that connects subject matter experts with publishers to create Q&A content.
BACK TO HOME
©2024 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Ad Choices FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. S&P Index data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. Terms & Conditions. Powered and implemented by Interactive Data Managed Solutions.
Featured is a knowledge sharing platform that connects subject matter experts with publishers to create Q&A content.
What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?
Did I accomplish my three priorities for the day?
Am I allocating my time and resources to their highest and best use?
Am I focused on what matters?
How can I?
What has to be completed today?
Is what I’m focusing on serving my higher purpose?
Is my team staying ahead while maintaining the authenticity and faith that we’ve established?
What didn’t go so well today, and what can I learn from that experience?
What did I improve today, and where are there areas for improvement?
How can I be 1% better than yesterday?
What’s the unconventional approach here?
What value can I provide today?
What would a version of me that’s 10 years older do right now?
Have my goals shifted?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Business leaders offer the questions and mindsets that help them stay focused and reach their goals.
Self-reflection and daily questioning can be powerful tools for personal and business growth, so we’ve gathered insights from a diverse group of professionals, including CEOs and business growth consultants on what they find themselves musing over most days. From asking yourself, “What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?” to “Have my goals shifted?” explore the 15 introspective questions these experts ask themselves to foster continuous development.
Note: This article was created by Featured.
Am I allocating my time and resources to their highest and best use?
If you’re lucky, you get to live 72 summers on average. When you think about it, that’s not a lot of time. Every day, I ask myself: “Am I allocating my time and resources to their highest and best use?”
In the current business landscape, with increased competition and roadblocks, efficient use of time and resources is no longer optional—it’s essential for survival. This question has transformed how I approach both personal and business activities. For instance, by prioritizing quality time with my family over less meaningful engagements, I strengthened my relationships and found greater balance in my life.
In business, I implemented a data-driven decision-making process that identified underperforming products, allowing us to reallocate resources to high-growth areas. This shift increased our annual revenue by 35% and positioned us as market leaders.
This practice encourages long-term thinking and value creation, leading to continuous personal growth and strategic business success. For others, adopting this mindset can help maximize productivity and achieve significant, lasting results.
Remember, the bad news is that time flies. The good news is that you’re the pilot. —Michael Altshuler
Erica William
Strategic Advisor, Harvard Business Review
How can I?
Every day, I start my morning with the question, “How can I?” It may seem simple, but this question packs a punch. It keeps me focused on what’s in my control, and while that’s often only less than 5% of what’s at play, over time, I’ve realized that’s sufficient to turn the tide.
I remember one particularly challenging project where everything seemed to be falling apart. Deadlines were tight, resources were limited, and team morale was low. It was a perfect storm of obstacles.
Instead of succumbing to the pressure, I asked myself, “How can I...?” This question shifted my focus from the problems to potential solutions. Our leadership team put our heads together. We brainstormed ways to reallocate resources, streamline processes, and boost team motivation.
One idea was to implement a flexible schedule that allowed the team to work during their most productive hours, which significantly improved both efficiency and morale.
The result? We not only met our deadlines but also exceeded our customer’s expectations.
This experience reinforced my belief in the power of “How can I?” It’s a mindset that opens doors to creativity and resilience, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
In both personal and professional settings, this question keeps me proactive and solutions oriented. It’s been a cornerstone of my journey as a leader and a continuous learner.
So, whenever you face a challenge,
ask yourself, “How can I?” and see
how it transforms your approach and outcomes.
Wandia Chiuri
CEO, Reactionpower
What has to be completed today?
The one question I ask myself every day is, “What has to be completed today?” It helps me prioritize tasks and reduce any noise that may try to divert my attention. By consistently asking myself this question each morning, I am able to reduce stress and maintain steady progress on my larger workload. On days where multiple things need to be completed, I prioritize the harder tasks, as I’ve found those are easier to complete earlier in the day, while saving some
of the more menial tasks for later in the afternoon.
Alex Warner
Director of Paid Search, collystring
Is what I’m focusing on Serving my higher purpose?
I try to ask myself every day if what
I’m focusing on is serving my higher purpose, which is to inspire and empower. This question helps me understand whether I’m truly aligned with my goals or simply getting distracted. It’s been instrumental in ensuring that my mental and physical energy is directed toward what genuinely matters to me, both personally and professionally. This daily check-in also helps me reassess and adjust my goals, keeping them relevant and aligned with my evolving vision. It keeps me grounded and intentional in my actions and not just slogging through the motions.
Alana Sparrow
Chief Branding Officer and Cofounder, The Foundry for Art Design + Culture
Is my team staying ahead while maintaining the authenticity and faith that we’ve established?
I ask myself every day, “Is my team staying ahead of the wildly evolving gaming industry while maintaining the authenticity and faith that we’ve established with our customers since the company was a startup?”
Our “For Gamers, by Gamers” ethos established the basis of our innovation and authentic relationship with gamers. As gamers ourselves, we constantly evolve our products to be ahead of players’ changing needs. Our pro gaming keyboard, pro wireless mouse, and the 240Hz OLED display on our latest gaming laptops were purpose-designed for competitive first-person shooter players, allowing a true in-game advantage. In fact, we’ve segmented our PC gaming peripherals into an “immersive” line, which provides the most stunning surround environment and feature set, and a “performance” line focusing on pure performance for competitive players.
The marketing and sales team runs at an epic pace to keep up with our innovation. We constantly strive to anticipate where our customers need us and seek innovation to better connect our purpose-built products to the exact customer they were built for.
We see artificial intelligence (AI) not just as a technology for productivity but as a transformative consumer engagement tool to make it easier to perfectly match a player with the right tool. We are embracing these advancements as they offer the ability to deliver a customer experience that is in line with our innovative products. For example, keyword searches such as “best gaming keyboard” will be replaced by natural language queries that allow a gamer to express a personal need such as “fastest rapid trigger keyboard for counter-strafing in Valorant.”
Questioning how we drive innovation while maintaining authenticity has been instrumental in the company’s growth. This line of thinking forces us to remain agile and proactive—all while ensuring we listen to our customers’ feedback and anticipate their needs. This mindset has not only kept us at the forefront of the gaming industry for many years but has fostered a company culture of continuous improvement.
My recommendation is to never lose sight of your brand identity and to continuously drive innovation by listening and responding to your customers. Understand their needs and be prepared to adapt to new technologies and trends.
Bob Ohlweiler
Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, Razer
What did I improve today, and where are there areas for improvement?
Every evening, I take a few minutes to reflect on the day. I ask myself, “What did I improve today, and where are there areas for improvement?” This question helps me break down my long-term goals into small, actionable steps. It’s so easy to get stuck on what is not working, but this approach helps build a sense of gratitude. It also provides me with the opportunity to pause and appreciate the progress I’ve made, even though there’s still a long journey ahead. It is a constant reminder that growth is a continuous process, and each step, no matter how minor, is a step forward.
Lissa Appiah
Founder, Career Strategist, and Personal Branding Consultant,
WeApply Canada Inc.
How can I be 1% better
than yesterday?
How can I be 1% better than yesterday? This is the question I write down in my journal every morning.
Looking back, my biggest growth moments happened when I paused to assess where I used to be, where I am now, and where I want to be.
That gap between the “now” and the desired situation can be scary, hindering, and disheartening for many. I get it—it used to be for me too.
But everything changes when you realize that the gap is your roadmap and not your reason to stop pursuing your goals.
I found out that reflecting on how you can improve daily, even by just 1%, is the most sustainable way to stay committed to following your plan. This worked for me, and I hope it can help others too.
Beatrice Vladut
Personal Brand Strategist, B Branded
What’s the unconventional approach here?
What’s the unconventional approach here? I’ve found that this question allows me to break free from traditional thinking—in other words, find unconventional or often overlooked solutions.
In marketing, the conventional path usually leads to predictable outcomes (and rarely works). By looking for unconventional angles, I’m able to see what others don’t and capitalize on those insights.
In my personal life, this question helps keep life interesting. It encourages me to explore new perspectives and challenge my assumptions, which is one of the values I hold dear. It’s also led to richer experiences and unexpected opportunities.
At the end of the day, this question is really about creativity and curiosity, which is what I’m all about.
Drew Brucker
3x Saas Marketing Leader/AI Creative Direction, brainchild
What Value Can I Provide Today?
One question I ask myself every day
is, “What value can I provide today?” This simple yet powerful question
has significantly impacted both my personal and business growth.
In my personal life, it helps me stay focused on meaningful interactions and activities that enrich my relationships and well-being. By considering how I can add value to others’ lives, I foster stronger connections and cultivate a supportive network of friends and family.
In my business, this question drives my approach to client management and service delivery. It prompts me to continuously seek ways to enhance the value I offer to my clients, whether through improving service efficiency, providing insightful advice, or staying ahead of industry trends. This focus
on value has led to a 200% growth in client profiles within the first month, demonstrating the tangible impact of this mindset.
Overall, this daily question keeps me aligned with my goals, motivates me to innovate, and ensures that my actions are purposeful and impactful. It’s a simple practice that yields significant results.
Hana Sirco
Marketing and Sales, solution404
Have my goals shifted?
The one question I ask myself every day is whether my goals have shifted.
When you’re running a business, nothing is ever static. You always have to be reassessing, pivoting, and adjusting course. The same actions you took yesterday might not move you toward today’s goals.
If you don’t stop and consciously think about whether those goals have changed for your personal, professional, or financial life, that’s when it becomes really easy to stagnate or plateau in your work.
Liz Heflin
Freelance Writer, Community Founder, Inkwell
What would a version of me that’s 10 years older do right now?
Visualizing the future and asking myself, especially on the days that I don’t feel motivated, “What would a version of me that’s 10 years older do right now?” causes the biggest switch in my behavior.
It helps me detach myself from the current situation and realize that what I’m feeling right now will pass, but the results of the actions I’ll take will stay. Everything I will do and every step I’ll take, no matter how stressful or boring, will bring results my way and shape my life—like a butterfly effect.
Ever since asking these questions, I noticed a consistent shift in my personal and business growth, pushing me to do more than I originally planned or felt like doing. I always used to compare my progress to other accounts and creators I see online, but we all have different long-term goals that we’re working toward. Not comparing yourself to others is easier said than done, but ever since I became focused on what a version of me that’s 10 years older could be doing, it has helped me concentrate on what I want my future to look like and how I can get there.
No matter what your life looks like right now, writing down what you want it to look like, detaching yourself from reality, and reminding yourself of it every day will help you take steps relevant to your future. Whether it’s working with a business, collaborating with a certain brand, or publishing a specific type of content on social media—the thought of who you want to become will help you decide what to pursue, and that’s what you should focus on: the long-term picture.
Anna Michalak
Cofounder and Social Media Manager, Vision Marketing
What didn’t go so well today, and what can I learn from that experience?
I ask myself, what didn’t go so well today, and what can I learn from that experience?
Like many business professionals, I have a tendency to be very future-oriented. I’m constantly planning, setting goals, and going after those goals. But this process is never smooth and easy. There are many bumps along the way—obstacles, setbacks, disappointments. And if I’m not careful, I’ll start looking at those challenges in a negative light.
Asking myself this question forces me to look for the good in the bad. It enables me to find the hidden lessons that will make me stronger and give me a better perspective. And very often, this process helps me find better ideas and approaches to meeting my goals. Challenges and setbacks are there to guide us. We get to choose whether they’ll discourage us or teach us a valuable lesson.
Ed Gandia
Founder, High-Income Business Writing
Did I accomplish my three priorities for the day?
Did I accomplish my three priorities for the day? Before I begin my workday, I write down three things I need to accomplish. For example, it could be finishing a report, responding to important emails, and preparing for a meeting. I enjoy feeling a sense of accomplishment and being energized to move on to the other items on my list.
I’ve been asking myself this question for years and creating my top three priorities list. I determine these priorities based on their urgency, importance, and impact on my overall goals. Once I finish those tasks, I move on to the rest of the list.
If I don’t list a few items that are a priority, as I go on with my day, other items will try to compete with the priority list and change my focus or make me lose sight of what needs to be done.
It also significantly affects how I feel at the end of the workday if I don’t accomplish those three goals. The feeling of unfulfillment and the knowledge that I could have done better can be quite discouraging for an achiever.
This question has helped me avoid procrastination because the longer I put off a task, the more it will stay on my mind and impact my growth. A short priority list also brings a sense of fulfillment as it helps me finish my day feeling accomplished. It’s a great way to pat yourself on the back because you achieve three daily goals.
It’s a simple but very effective exercise because it puts you in control of your schedule and tasks, whether you work for yourself or a company.
Ana Goehner
Career Well-being Strategist, Digital Butterfly Communications, LLC
Am I focused on what matters?
My personal journey at 48 years old is rooted in a “work harder, figure-it-out” mindset. I was born with a disability
(no right hand), and that grit got me a long way and set me back in so many ways for too many years. For years, I thought I wasn’t enough, so I worked harder than everyone to prove myself—and anyone else who doubted me—wrong. Now, I ask myself daily, not if
I’m working hard enough but, “Am I focused on what matters?” It took three decades of entrepreneurship to understand that caring for everyone in the community is more important to success than any number of hours, emails, texts, calls, and messages.
How has asking this question helped with my personal or business growth? My life as a founder and CEO is a roller coaster. However, I do my best to avoid leaving a wake of stress and anxiety behind me. Instead, I focus on the actions that deliver a feeling of appreciation and support. My wife of
25 years reminds me of what’s important. Our kids are good humans, our family is going to be just fine, and the daily, “Am I focused on what matters?” question reminds me to close the computer, leave the phone, and say yes to, “Do you want to play
a game, Dad?” Always remember the work will still be there in
the morning.
Michael Zalle
Founder and CEO, YellowBird
Business leaders offer the questions and mindsets that help them stay focused and reach their goals.
Self-reflection and daily questioning can be powerful tools for personal and business growth, so we’ve gathered insights from a diverse group of professionals, including CEOs and business growth consultants on what they find themselves musing over most days. From asking yourself, “What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?” to “Have my goals shifted?” explore the 15 introspective questions these experts ask themselves to foster continuous development.
● What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?
● Did I accomplish my three priorities for the day?
● Am I allocating my time and resources to their highest and best use?
● Am I focused on what matters?
● How can I?
● What has to be completed today?
● Is what I’m focusing on serving my higher purpose?
● Is my team staying ahead while maintaining the authenticity and faith that we’ve established?
● What didn’t go so well today, and what can I learn from that experience?
● What did I improve today, and where are there areas for improvement?
● How can I be 1% better than yesterday?
● What’s the unconventional approach here?
● What value can I provide today?
● What would a version of me that’s 10 years older do right now?
● Have my goals shifted?
What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?
The question I ask myself every day is: What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?
By asking myself this question, it helps me acknowledge my successes from the previous day, and it helps me identify what I could be doing better in the future.
Personal development comes from a deep desire of wanting to be more and do more every day. I have never been the type of person to sit back and accept the status quo. I have always been driven to be better and do better and set my own high expectations for the future.
Has it been a struggle? Yes. Has it been rewarding? Absolutely. Having a strong mindset is the single most important thing you can work on and continue to work on daily. With a strong mind, you can accomplish all that you set your mind to, and you can pull yourself out of dark places when you need to as well.
From a business-building perspective, asking myself daily what I can do better than I did yesterday and acting on it is my driving force. If you are not willing to work on your business and build your business, who is going to do it for you? Who wants your business to succeed more than you? No one! So you need to identify what you need to do differently today that is going to bring you the greatest reward tomorrow.
Be a forward-thinking and strategic thinker. Make time to think. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and ask yourself, what can I do differently today that will make me a better person and business owner tomorrow, and watch the magic happen.
Tina Collura Business Growth Consultant, See Your Business Grow
Did I accomplish my three priorities for the day?
Did I accomplish my three priorities for the day? Before I begin my workday, I write down three things I need to accomplish. For example, it could be finishing a report, responding to important emails, and preparing for a meeting. I enjoy feeling a sense of accomplishment and being energized to move on to the other items on my list.
I’ve been asking myself this question for years and creating my top three priorities list. I determine these priorities based on their urgency, importance, and impact on my overall goals. Once I finish those tasks, I move on to the rest of the list.
If I don’t list a few items that are a priority, as I go on with my day, other items will try to compete with the priority list and change my focus or make me lose sight of what needs to be done.
It also significantly affects how I feel at the end of the workday if I don’t accomplish those three goals. The feeling of unfulfillment and the knowledge that I could have done better can be quite discouraging for an achiever.
This question has helped me avoid procrastination because the longer I put off a task, the more it will stay on my mind and impact my growth. A short priority list also brings a sense of fulfillment as it helps me finish my day feeling accomplished. It’s a great way to pat yourself on the back because you achieve three daily goals.
It’s a simple but very effective exercise because it puts you in control of your schedule and tasks, whether you work for yourself or a company.
Ana Goehner
Career Well-being Strategist, Digital Butterfly Communications, LLC
Am I allocating my time and resources to their highest and best use?
If you’re lucky, you get to live 72 summers on average. When you think about it, that’s not a lot of time. Every day, I ask myself: “Am I allocating my time and resources to their highest and best use?”
In the current business landscape, with increased competition and roadblocks, efficient use of time and resources is no longer optional—it’s essential for survival. This question has transformed how I approach both personal and business activities. For instance, by prioritizing quality time with my family over less meaningful engagements, I strengthened my relationships and found greater balance in my life.
In business, I implemented a data-driven decision-making process that identified underperforming products, allowing us to reallocate resources to high-growth areas. This shift increased our annual revenue by 35% and positioned us as market leaders. This practice encourages long-term thinking and value creation, leading to continuous personal growth and strategic business success. For others, adopting this mindset can help maximize productivity and achieve significant, lasting results.
Remember, the bad news is that time flies. The good news is that you’re the pilot. —Michael Altshuler
Erica William
Strategic Advisor, Harvard Business Review
Am I focused on what matters?
My personal journey at 48 years old is rooted in a “work harder, figure-it-out” mindset. I was born with a disability (no right hand), and that grit got me a long way and set me back in so many ways for too many years. For years, I thought I wasn’t enough, so I worked harder than everyone to prove myself—and anyone else who doubted me—wrong. Now, I ask myself daily, not if I’m working hard enough but, “Am I focused on what matters?” It took three decades of entrepreneurship to understand that caring for everyone in the community is more important to success than any number of hours, emails, texts, calls, and messages.
How has asking this question helped with my personal or business growth? My life as a founder and CEO is a roller coaster. However, I do my best to avoid leaving a wake of stress and anxiety behind me. Instead, I focus on the actions that deliver a feeling of appreciation and support. My wife of 25 years reminds me of what’s important. Our kids are good humans, our family is going to be just fine, and the daily, “Am I focused on what matters?” question reminds me to close the computer, leave the phone, and say yes to, “Do you want to play a game, Dad?” Always remember the work will still be there in the morning.
Michael Zalle
Founder and CEO, YellowBird
How can I?
Every day, I start my morning with the question, “How can I?” It may seem simple, but this question packs a punch. It keeps me focused on what’s in my control, and while that’s often only less than 5% of what’s at play, over time, I’ve realized that’s sufficient to turn the tide.
I remember one particularly challenging project where everything seemed to be falling apart. Deadlines were tight, resources were limited, and team morale was low. It was a perfect storm of obstacles.
Instead of succumbing to the pressure, I asked myself, “How can I...?” This question shifted my focus from the problems to potential solutions. Our leadership team put our heads together. We brainstormed ways to reallocate resources, streamline processes, and boost team motivation.
One idea was to implement a flexible schedule that allowed the team to work during their most productive hours, which significantly improved both efficiency and morale.
The result? We not only met our deadlines but also exceeded our customer’s expectations.
This experience reinforced my belief in the power of “How can I?” It’s a mindset that opens doors to creativity and resilience, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
In both personal and professional settings, this question keeps me proactive and solutions oriented. It’s been a cornerstone of my journey as a leader and a continuous learner.
So, whenever you face a challenge, ask yourself, “How can I?” and see how it transforms your approach and outcomes.
Wandia Chiuri
CEO, Reactionpower
What has to be completed today?
The one question I ask myself every day is, “What has to be completed today?” It helps me prioritize tasks and reduce any noise that may try to divert my attention. By consistently asking myself this question each morning, I am able to reduce stress and maintain steady progress on my larger workload. On days where multiple things need to be completed, I prioritize the harder tasks, as I’ve found those are easier to complete earlier in the day, while saving some of the more menial tasks for later in the afternoon.
Alex Warner
Director of Paid Search, collystring
Is what I’m focusing on Serving my higher purpose?
I try to ask myself every day if what I’m focusing on is serving my higher purpose, which is to inspire and empower. This question helps me understand whether I’m truly aligned with my goals or simply getting distracted. It’s been instrumental in ensuring that my mental and physical energy is directed toward what genuinely matters to me, both personally and professionally. This daily check-in also helps me reassess and adjust my goals, keeping them relevant and aligned with my evolving vision. It keeps me grounded and intentional in my actions and not just slogging through the motions.
Alana Sparrow
Chief Branding Officer and Cofounder, The Foundry for Art Design + Culture
Is my team staying ahead while maintaining the authenticity and faith that we’ve established?
I ask myself every day, “Is my team staying ahead of the wildly evolving gaming industry while maintaining the authenticity and faith that we’ve established with our customers since the company was a startup?”
Our “For Gamers, by Gamers” ethos established the basis of our innovation and authentic relationship with gamers. As gamers ourselves, we constantly evolve our products to be ahead of players’ changing needs. Our pro gaming keyboard, pro wireless mouse, and the 240Hz OLED display on our latest gaming laptops were purpose-designed for competitive first-person shooter players, allowing a true in-game advantage. In fact, we’ve segmented our PC gaming peripherals into an “immersive” line, which provides the most stunning surround environment and feature set, and a “performance” line focusing on pure performance for competitive players.
The marketing and sales team runs at an epic pace to keep up with our innovation. We constantly strive to anticipate where our customers need us and seek innovation to better connect our purpose-built products to the exact customer they were built for.
We see artificial intelligence (AI) not just as a technology for productivity but as a transformative consumer engagement tool to make it easier to perfectly match a player with the right tool. We are embracing these advancements as they offer the ability to deliver a customer experience that is in line with our innovative products. For example, keyword searches such as “best gaming keyboard” will be replaced by natural language queries that allow a gamer to express a personal need such as “fastest rapid trigger keyboard for counter-strafing in Valorant.”
Questioning how we drive innovation while maintaining authenticity has been instrumental in the company’s growth. This line of thinking forces us to remain agile and proactive—all while ensuring we listen to our customers’ feedback and anticipate their needs. This mindset has not only kept us at the forefront of the gaming industry for many years but has fostered a company culture of continuous improvement.
My recommendation is to never lose sight of your brand identity and to continuously drive innovation by listening and responding to your customers. Understand their needs and be prepared to adapt to new technologies and trends.
Bob Ohlweiler
Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, Razer
What didn’t go so well today, and what can I learn from that experience?
I ask myself, what didn’t go so well today, and what can I learn from that experience?
Like many business professionals, I have a tendency to be very future-oriented. I’m constantly planning, setting goals, and going after those goals. But this process is never smooth and easy. There are many bumps along the way—obstacles, setbacks, disappointments. And if I’m not careful, I’ll start looking at those challenges in a negative light.
Asking myself this question forces me to look for the good in the bad. It enables me to find the hidden lessons that will make me stronger and give me a better perspective. And very often, this process helps me find better ideas and approaches to meeting my goals. Challenges and setbacks are there to guide us. We get to choose whether they’ll discourage us or teach us a valuable lesson.
Ed Gandia
Founder, High-Income Business Writing
What did I improve today, and where are there areas for improvement?
Every evening, I take a few minutes to reflect on the day. I ask myself, “What did I improve today, and where are there areas for improvement?” This question helps me break down my long-term goals into small, actionable steps. It’s so easy to get stuck on what is not working, but this approach helps build a sense of gratitude. It also provides me with the opportunity to pause and appreciate the progress I’ve made, even though there’s still a long journey ahead. It is a constant reminder that growth is a continuous process, and each step, no matter how minor, is a step forward.
Lissa Appiah
Founder, Career Strategist, and Personal Branding Consultant, WeApply Canada Inc.
How can I be 1% better than yesterday?
How can I be 1% better than yesterday? This is the question I write down in my journal every morning.
Looking back, my biggest growth moments happened when I paused to assess where I used to be, where I am now, and where I want to be.
That gap between the “now” and the desired situation can be scary, hindering, and disheartening for many. I get it—it used to be for me too.
But everything changes when you realize that the gap is your roadmap and not your reason to stop pursuing your goals.
I found out that reflecting on how you can improve daily, even by just 1%, is the most sustainable way to stay committed to following your plan. This worked for me, and I hope it can help others too.
Beatrice Vladut
Personal Brand Strategist, B Branded
What’s the unconventional approach here?
What’s the unconventional approach here? I’ve found that this question allows me to break free from traditional thinking—in other words, find unconventional or often overlooked solutions.
In marketing, the conventional path usually leads to predictable outcomes (and rarely works). By looking for unconventional angles, I’m able to see what others don’t and capitalize on those insights.
In my personal life, this question helps keep life interesting. It encourages me to explore new perspectives and challenge my assumptions, which is one of the values I hold dear. It’s also led to richer experiences and unexpected opportunities.
At the end of the day, this question is really about creativity and curiosity, which is what I’m all about.
Drew Brucker
3x Saas Marketing Leader/AI Creative Direction, brainchild
What Value Can I Provide Today?
One question I ask myself every day is, “What value can I provide today?” This simple yet powerful question has significantly impacted both my personal and business growth.
In my personal life, it helps me stay focused on meaningful interactions and activities that enrich my relationships and well-being. By considering how I can add value to others’ lives, I foster stronger connections and cultivate a supportive network of friends and family.
In my business, this question drives my approach to client management and service delivery. It prompts me to continuously seek ways to enhance the value I offer to my clients, whether through improving service efficiency, providing insightful advice, or staying ahead of industry trends. This focus on value has led to a 200% growth in client profiles within the first month, demonstrating the tangible impact of this mindset.
Overall, this daily question keeps me aligned with my goals, motivates me to innovate, and ensures that my actions are purposeful and impactful. It’s a simple practice that yields significant results.
Hana Sirco
Marketing and Sales, solution404
What would a version of me that’s 10 years older do right now?
Visualizing the future and asking myself, especially on the days that I don’t feel motivated, “What would a version of me that’s 10 years older do right now?” causes the biggest switch in my behavior.
It helps me detach myself from the current situation and realize that what I’m feeling right now will pass, but the results of the actions I’ll take will stay. Everything I will do and every step I’ll take, no matter how stressful or boring, will bring results my way and shape my life—like a butterfly effect.
Ever since asking these questions, I noticed a consistent shift in my personal and business growth, pushing me to do more than I originally planned or felt like doing. I always used to compare my progress to other accounts and creators I see online, but we all have different long-term goals that we’re working toward. Not comparing yourself to others is easier said than done, but ever since I became focused on what a version of me that’s 10 years older could be doing, it has helped me concentrate on what I want my future to look like and how I can get there.
No matter what your life looks like right now, writing down what you want it to look like, detaching yourself from reality, and reminding yourself of it every day will help you take steps relevant to your future. Whether it’s working with a business, collaborating with a certain brand, or publishing a specific type of content on social media—the thought of who you want to become will help you decide what to pursue, and that’s what you should focus on: the long-term picture.
Anna Michalak
Cofounder and Social Media Manager, Vision Marketing
Have my goals shifted?
The one question I ask myself every day is whether my goals have shifted.
When you’re running a business, nothing is ever static. You always have to be reassessing, pivoting, and adjusting course. The same actions you took yesterday might not move you toward today’s goals.
If you don’t stop and consciously think about whether those goals have changed for your personal, professional, or financial life, that’s when it becomes really easy to stagnate or plateau in your work.
Liz Heflin
Freelance Writer, Community Founder, Inkwell
Note: This article was created by Featured.
Navigating the world of investing can be daunting, but the right advice can make all the difference. Here, 12 seasoned entrepreneurs and investment experts offer the single best piece of investing wisdom they ever received.
• Prioritize reinvestment for growth
• Invest in yourself to fuel growth
• Invest in familiar industries
• Adopt a “just keep buying” strategy
• Embrace patience in investing
• Seek long-term value over valuation
• Invest in solutions for real needs
• Continuously learn as an investor
• Understand the power of compounding
• Respect market knowledge, avoid fads
• Never cease to network
• Diversify savings for future security
Prioritize reinvestment for growth
The best investing advice I’ve ever gotten is to focus on reinvestment.
I run an agency alongside other digital ventures and even some traditional businesses. No matter which one brings in money, I prioritize putting it back to work. Whether it’s expanding an existing project or starting something entirely new, reinvesting keeps the money growing and creates a snowball effect. Constantly reinvesting keeps the money flowing and growing instead of letting it
sit idle.
Scott Gabdullin
CEO & Founder, Authority Factors
Invest in yourself to fuel growth
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned about investing came from my entrepreneurial journey: Invest in yourself. Despite the success of our first product, securing outside investment proved impossible. Instead, we reinvested every dollar into the company to fuel our growth.
This commitment to self-investment has paid off tremendously! Today, with three successful products and a valuation of $1 billion, we’ve achieved this milestone without relying on external funding.
It’s a testament to the power of believing in yourself and your vision.
Nenad Milanović
Founder & CEO, CAKE.com
Invest in familiar industries
The best investing advice I’ve ever received was to invest in what I know. I used to focus my resources on picks that were hot in the market, only to get burned because I didn’t understand what I was putting my money into. Now, I try to focus on what I know. As a digital marketer and content creator, I use and research a number of products and services as part of my work. So, I’ve developed a degree of expertise across a narrow range of industries and specific companies. When I notice trends in these areas, I can make a more informed decision on how I choose to invest, and it tends to work out much better than just following what everyone else is doing.
Dennis Consorte
Digital Marketing and Leadership Consultant for Startups,
Snackable Solutions
Adopt a ‘just keep buying’ strategy
Nick Maggiulli’s book is titled Just Keep Buying, and that title is the best advice I’ve ever received because it reminds me that I should not time the market and that my investments should be automated. This idea further reinforces Charlie Munger’s quote, which says, “The first rule of compounding is to never interrupt it unnecessarily.” If you just keep buying, you’ll be surprised at just how much you can compound your investments over time.
Joel Polanco
Senior Product Manager, Intel
Embrace patience in investing
For me, the best investing advice I’ve ever received is to be patient. This was the first and best piece of advice I got, and it still holds true. The real money is made not in the frequent buying and selling but in the waiting.
Many people are too anxious; they worry too much. Success in investing comes from being patient but also being ready to act aggressively when the right time comes. This is because even if you’re dedicated and work hard, finding great investment opportunities isn’t easy. You shouldn’t rush into things. It’s better to continue your diligent search until you discover an investment that truly feels right, rather than jumping on a shaky profit opportunity just to claim a
quick win.
I believe that my success has come not from constant activity but from patience.
Eric Croak, CFP
President, Croak Capital
Seek long-term value over valuation
There is one piece of investment advice that I have ever gotten, and it is to look for value, not just valuations. Indeed, early on in my journey as an investor, a wizened pundit of investment opined, “While market trends and numbers are important, the true value of an investment rests on the potential it carries to make a big difference and deliver lasting benefits.” That philosophy has guided investments at my company to be fundamentally driven toward growth and sustainability in the long term, rather than gaining short-term profits. It has helped us to be resilient in the face of the ups and downs of different market cycles and to keep delivering value to all our stakeholders.
Roman Shauk
Founder & CEO, EducateMe
Invest in solutions for real needs
Focus on investing in people and companies that are solving real needs. Ensure that the problem they are solving will continue to exist in the future so that you are truly “investing” and not just trading shares for a quick buck. The real value of an investment is generated over time, not based on short-lived trends.
Nils Lange
Nordic Scouting Lead, Antler
Continuously learn as an investor
The best investing advice I received is to always keep learning. The financial markets are continuously evolving, and investor sentiment is constantly shifting. What has worked today may not work tomorrow or the day after. As investors, we always have to be on our toes, looking out for these changes and staying humble.
Geetu Sharma
Founder & Investment Manager, AlphasFuture LLC
Understand the power of compounding
I’m a longtime marketer in the fintech space. After spending years working with finance experts, I’m pretty confident that some investment advice I got as a kid is the best advice there is.
The takeaway: Compounding interest is the eighth wonder of
the world.
The advice: When I was a kid, my dad sat me down and calculated what would happen if I started investing $100 a month from the time
I turned 18 until the time I turned 68. It blew my mind that a 7% interest rate would turn my $1,200 a year into $500,000. By following his advice to be frugal enough to always save at least a little, I’ve gotten to a place I’m really happy with. And I recently taught my kids the same lesson. When we were done, I told them, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world”—and gave credit to my dad (instead of its true author, Albert Einstein).
Elliott Brown
Marketing Leader, Cache Financials
Respect market knowledge, avoid fads
Assume everyone knows more than you. It’s very easy to fall victim to the Dunning-Kruger effect and think you know a “sure bet.” Spending my early career in finance quickly taught me how all knowledge of the market is absorbed into stock prices rapidly (sometimes in as quick as a trillionth of a second). With that in mind, I learned that if I wanted to invest successfully, it wasn’t about jumping on the latest fad or believing in a “secret stock tip”—instead, it’s about trusting the fundamentals, understanding how businesses grow profitably over time, and how to take the long-term view. It might not be the fanciest approach ... but then again, smart investing shouldn’t be—it should be positively boring.
Patrick Ward
Founder, NanoGlobals
Never cease to network
Never. Stop. Networking. This advice is something I was given early
on in my career, and it’s probably the one that has stuck with me
the most. Even as an established business professional or entrepreneur, deciding to stop networking can lead to stagnation
and isolation in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Without these continuous connections, you risk missing out on new opportunities
for collaborations, partnerships, and innovation. You may become disconnected from industry trends, emerging technologies, and
shifts in consumer behavior, making it difficult to adapt and
stay competitive.
And from a more personal point of view, networking forces you out of your comfort zone, allowing you to develop essential skills such as communication, negotiation, and relationship-building. These skills are not only beneficial for your business but also for personal growth and development and can help you to always have a circle of trusted people around.
Entrepreneurship can also be very challenging, and having a strong support system is essential. Networking allows you to connect with like-minded individuals who understand the journey you are on and can provide valuable support, advice, and encouragement. Ceasing any additional communication, or not checking in with your already-established network, is a slippery slope that could lead to you being left behind.
Renan Ferreira
Head of Communications & Director of Sales, RealCraft
Diversify savings for future security
Something I never really grasped until just a few years ago is that letting your money pile up in your main bank account isn’t wise. My savings account’s APY was 0.03%! Luckily, I already had a 401(k) going, but it wasn’t until I was almost 28 that I got advice to set up a Roth IRA with investments and a high-yield savings account with a 4.25% APY. Now that I’ve got these three streams going, I’ve figured out an easy, free way to stretch my income to help me later in life.
Sarah Blocksidge
Marketing Director, Sixth City Marketing
Featured is a knowledge sharing platform that connects subject matter experts with publishers to create Q&A content.
BACK TO HOME
©2024 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Ad Choices FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. S&P Index data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. Terms & Conditions. Powered and implemented by Interactive Data Managed Solutions.
Featured is a knowledge sharing platform that connects subject matter experts with publishers to create Q&A content.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Business leaders offer the questions and mindsets that help them stay focused and reach their goals.
Self-reflection and daily questioning can be powerful tools for personal and business growth, so we’ve gathered insights from a diverse group of professionals, including CEOs and business growth consultants on what they find themselves musing over most days. From asking yourself, “What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?” to “Have my goals shifted?” explore the 15 introspective questions these experts ask themselves to foster continuous development.
Note: This article was created by Featured.
What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?
Did I accomplish my three priorities for the day?
Am I allocating my time and resources to their highest and best use?
Am I focused on what matters?
How can I?
What has to be completed today?
Is what I’m focusing on serving my higher purpose?
Is my team staying ahead while maintaining the authenticity and faith that we’ve established?
What didn’t go so well today, and what can I learn from that experience?
What did I improve today, and where are there areas for improvement?
How can I be 1% better than yesterday?
What’s the unconventional approach here?
What value can I provide today?
What would a version of me that’s 10 years older do right now?
Have my goals shifted?
What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?
Did I accomplish my three priorities for the day?
Am I allocating my time and resources to their highest and best use?
Am I focused on what matters?
How can I?
What has to be completed today?
Is what I’m focusing on serving my higher purpose?
Is my team staying ahead while maintaining the authenticity and faith that we’ve established?
What didn’t go so well today, and what can I learn from that experience?
What did I improve today, and where are there areas for improvement?
How can I be 1% better than yesterday?
What’s the unconventional approach here?
What value can I provide today?
What would a version of me that’s 10 years older do right now?
Have my goals shifted?
Business leaders offer the questions and mindsets that help them stay focused and reach their goals.
Self-reflection and daily questioning can be powerful tools for personal and business growth, so we’ve gathered insights from a diverse group of professionals, including CEOs and business growth consultants on what they find themselves musing over most days. From asking yourself, “What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?” to “Have my goals shifted?” explore the 15 introspective questions these experts ask themselves to foster continuous development.
Am I allocating my time and resources to their highest and best use?
If you’re lucky, you get to live 72 summers on average. When you think about it, that’s not a lot of time. Every day, I ask myself: “Am I allocating my time and resources to their highest and best use?”
In the current business landscape, with increased competition and roadblocks, efficient use of time and resources is no longer optional—it’s essential for survival. This question has transformed how I approach both personal and business activities. For instance, by prioritizing quality time with my family over less meaningful engagements, I strengthened my relationships and found greater balance in my life.
In business, I implemented a data-driven decision-making process that identified underperforming products, allowing us to reallocate resources to high-growth areas. This shift increased our annual revenue by 35% and positioned us as market leaders.
This practice encourages long-term thinking and value creation, leading to continuous personal growth and strategic business success. For others, adopting this mindset can help maximize productivity and achieve significant, lasting results.
Remember, the bad news is that time flies. The good news is that you’re the pilot. —Michael Altshuler
Erica William
Strategic Advisor, Harvard Business Review
How can I?
Every day, I start my morning with the question, “How can I?” It may seem simple, but this question packs a punch. It keeps me focused on what’s in my control, and while that’s often only less than 5% of what’s at play, over time, I’ve realized that’s sufficient to turn the tide.
I remember one particularly challenging project where everything seemed to be falling apart. Deadlines were tight, resources were limited, and team morale was low. It was a perfect storm of obstacles.
Instead of succumbing to the pressure, I asked myself, “How can I...?” This question shifted my focus from the problems to potential solutions. Our leadership team put our heads together. We brainstormed ways to reallocate resources, streamline processes, and boost team motivation.
One idea was to implement a flexible schedule that allowed the team to work during their most productive hours, which significantly improved both efficiency and morale.
The result? We not only met our deadlines but also exceeded our customer’s expectations.
This experience reinforced my belief in the power of “How can I?” It’s a mindset that opens doors to creativity and resilience, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
In both personal and professional settings, this question keeps me proactive and solutions oriented. It’s been a cornerstone of my journey as a leader and a continuous learner.
So, whenever you face a challenge,
ask yourself, “How can I?” and see
how it transforms your approach and outcomes.
Wandia Chiuri
CEO, Reactionpower
What has to be completed today?
The one question I ask myself every day is, “What has to be completed today?” It helps me prioritize tasks and reduce any noise that may try to divert my attention. By consistently asking myself this question each morning, I am able to reduce stress and maintain steady progress on my larger workload. On days where multiple things need to be completed, I prioritize the harder tasks, as I’ve found those are easier to complete earlier in the day, while saving some
of the more menial tasks for later in the afternoon.
Alex Warner
Director of Paid Search, collystring
Is what I’m focusing on Serving my higher purpose?
I try to ask myself every day if what
I’m focusing on is serving my higher purpose, which is to inspire and empower. This question helps me understand whether I’m truly aligned with my goals or simply getting distracted. It’s been instrumental in ensuring that my mental and physical energy is directed toward what genuinely matters to me, both personally and professionally. This daily check-in also helps me reassess and adjust my goals, keeping them relevant and aligned with my evolving vision. It keeps me grounded and intentional in my actions and not just slogging through the motions.
Alana Sparrow
Chief Branding Officer and Cofounder, The Foundry for Art Design + Culture
Is my team staying ahead while maintaining the authenticity and faith that we’ve established?
I ask myself every day, “Is my team staying ahead of the wildly evolving gaming industry while maintaining the authenticity and faith that we’ve established with our customers since the company was a startup?”
Our “For Gamers, by Gamers” ethos established the basis of our innovation and authentic relationship with gamers. As gamers ourselves, we constantly evolve our products to be ahead of players’ changing needs. Our pro gaming keyboard, pro wireless mouse, and the 240Hz OLED display on our latest gaming laptops were purpose-designed for competitive first-person shooter players, allowing a true in-game advantage. In fact, we’ve segmented our PC gaming peripherals into an “immersive” line, which provides the most stunning surround environment and feature set, and a “performance” line focusing on pure performance for competitive players.
The marketing and sales team runs at an epic pace to keep up with our innovation. We constantly strive to anticipate where our customers need us and seek innovation to better connect our purpose-built products to the exact customer they were built for.
We see artificial intelligence (AI) not just as a technology for productivity but as a transformative consumer engagement tool to make it easier to perfectly match a player with the right tool. We are embracing these advancements as they offer the ability to deliver a customer experience that is in line with our innovative products. For example, keyword searches such as “best gaming keyboard” will be replaced by natural language queries that allow a gamer to express a personal need such as “fastest rapid trigger keyboard for counter-strafing in Valorant.”
Questioning how we drive innovation while maintaining authenticity has been instrumental in the company’s growth. This line of thinking forces us to remain agile and proactive—all while ensuring we listen to our customers’ feedback and anticipate their needs. This mindset has not only kept us at the forefront of the gaming industry for many years but has fostered a company culture of continuous improvement.
My recommendation is to never lose sight of your brand identity and to continuously drive innovation by listening and responding to your customers. Understand their needs and be prepared to adapt to new technologies and trends.
Bob Ohlweiler
Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, Razer
What did I improve today, and where are there areas for improvement?
Every evening, I take a few minutes to reflect on the day. I ask myself, “What did I improve today, and where are there areas for improvement?” This question helps me break down my long-term goals into small, actionable steps. It’s so easy to get stuck on what is not working, but this approach helps build a sense of gratitude. It also provides me with the opportunity to pause and appreciate the progress I’ve made, even though there’s still a long journey ahead. It is a constant reminder that growth is a continuous process, and each step, no matter how minor, is a step forward.
Lissa Appiah
Founder, Career Strategist, and Personal Branding Consultant,
WeApply Canada Inc.
How can I be 1% better
than yesterday?
How can I be 1% better than yesterday? This is the question I write down in my journal every morning.
Looking back, my biggest growth moments happened when I paused to assess where I used to be, where I am now, and where I want to be.
That gap between the “now” and the desired situation can be scary, hindering, and disheartening for many. I get it—it used to be for me too.
But everything changes when you realize that the gap is your roadmap and not your reason to stop pursuing your goals.
I found out that reflecting on how you can improve daily, even by just 1%, is the most sustainable way to stay committed to following your plan. This worked for me, and I hope it can help others too.
Beatrice Vladut
Personal Brand Strategist, B Branded
What’s the unconventional approach here?
What’s the unconventional approach here? I’ve found that this question allows me to break free from traditional thinking—in other words, find unconventional or often overlooked solutions.
In marketing, the conventional path usually leads to predictable outcomes (and rarely works). By looking for unconventional angles, I’m able to see what others don’t and capitalize on those insights.
In my personal life, this question helps keep life interesting. It encourages me to explore new perspectives and challenge my assumptions, which is one of the values I hold dear. It’s also led to richer experiences and unexpected opportunities.
At the end of the day, this question is really about creativity and curiosity, which is what I’m all about.
Drew Brucker
3x Saas Marketing Leader/AI Creative Direction, brainchild
What Value Can I Provide Today?
One question I ask myself every day
is, “What value can I provide today?” This simple yet powerful question
has significantly impacted both my personal and business growth.
In my personal life, it helps me stay focused on meaningful interactions and activities that enrich my relationships and well-being. By considering how I can add value to others’ lives, I foster stronger connections and cultivate a supportive network of friends and family.
In my business, this question drives my approach to client management and service delivery. It prompts me to continuously seek ways to enhance the value I offer to my clients, whether through improving service efficiency, providing insightful advice, or staying ahead of industry trends. This focus
on value has led to a 200% growth in client profiles within the first month, demonstrating the tangible impact of this mindset.
Overall, this daily question keeps me aligned with my goals, motivates me to innovate, and ensures that my actions are purposeful and impactful. It’s a simple practice that yields significant results.
Hana Sirco
Marketing and Sales, solution404
Have my goals shifted?
The one question I ask myself every day is whether my goals have shifted.
When you’re running a business, nothing is ever static. You always have to be reassessing, pivoting, and adjusting course. The same actions you took yesterday might not move you toward today’s goals.
If you don’t stop and consciously think about whether those goals have changed for your personal, professional, or financial life, that’s when it becomes really easy to stagnate or plateau in your work.
Liz Heflin
Freelance Writer, Community Founder, Inkwell
What would a version of me that’s 10 years older do right now?
Visualizing the future and asking myself, especially on the days that I don’t feel motivated, “What would a version of me that’s 10 years older do right now?” causes the biggest switch in my behavior.
It helps me detach myself from the current situation and realize that what I’m feeling right now will pass, but the results of the actions I’ll take will stay. Everything I will do and every step I’ll take, no matter how stressful or boring, will bring results my way and shape my life—like a butterfly effect.
Ever since asking these questions, I noticed a consistent shift in my personal and business growth, pushing me to do more than I originally planned or felt like doing. I always used to compare my progress to other accounts and creators I see online, but we all have different long-term goals that we’re working toward. Not comparing yourself to others is easier said than done, but ever since I became focused on what a version of me that’s 10 years older could be doing, it has helped me concentrate on what I want my future to look like and how I can get there.
No matter what your life looks like right now, writing down what you want it to look like, detaching yourself from reality, and reminding yourself of it every day will help you take steps relevant to your future. Whether it’s working with a business, collaborating with a certain brand, or publishing a specific type of content on social media—the thought of who you want to become will help you decide what to pursue, and that’s what you should focus on: the long-term picture.
Anna Michalak
Cofounder and Social Media Manager, Vision Marketing
What didn’t go so well today, and what can I learn from that experience?
I ask myself, what didn’t go so well today, and what can I learn from that experience?
Like many business professionals, I have a tendency to be very future-oriented. I’m constantly planning, setting goals, and going after those goals. But this process is never smooth and easy. There are many bumps along the way—obstacles, setbacks, disappointments. And if I’m not careful, I’ll start looking at those challenges in a negative light.
Asking myself this question forces me to look for the good in the bad. It enables me to find the hidden lessons that will make me stronger and give me a better perspective. And very often, this process helps me find better ideas and approaches to meeting my goals. Challenges and setbacks are there to guide us. We get to choose whether they’ll discourage us or teach us a valuable lesson.
Ed Gandia
Founder, High-Income Business Writing
Did I accomplish my three priorities for the day?
Did I accomplish my three priorities for the day? Before I begin my workday, I write down three things I need to accomplish. For example, it could be finishing a report, responding to important emails, and preparing for a meeting. I enjoy feeling a sense of accomplishment and being energized to move on to the other items on my list.
I’ve been asking myself this question for years and creating my top three priorities list. I determine these priorities based on their urgency, importance, and impact on my overall goals. Once I finish those tasks, I move on to the rest of the list.
If I don’t list a few items that are a priority, as I go on with my day, other items will try to compete with the priority list and change my focus or make me lose sight of what needs to be done.
It also significantly affects how I feel at the end of the workday if I don’t accomplish those three goals. The feeling of unfulfillment and the knowledge that I could have done better can be quite discouraging for an achiever.
This question has helped me avoid procrastination because the longer I put off a task, the more it will stay on my mind and impact my growth. A short priority list also brings a sense of fulfillment as it helps me finish my day feeling accomplished. It’s a great way to pat yourself on the back because you achieve three daily goals.
It’s a simple but very effective exercise because it puts you in control of your schedule and tasks, whether you work for yourself or a company.
Ana Goehner
Career Well-being Strategist, Digital Butterfly Communications, LLC
Am I focused on what matters?
My personal journey at 48 years old is rooted in a “work harder, figure-it-out” mindset. I was born with a disability
(no right hand), and that grit got me a long way and set me back in so many ways for too many years. For years, I thought I wasn’t enough, so I worked harder than everyone to prove myself—and anyone else who doubted me—wrong. Now, I ask myself daily, not if
I’m working hard enough but, “Am I focused on what matters?” It took three decades of entrepreneurship to understand that caring for everyone in the community is more important to success than any number of hours, emails, texts, calls, and messages.
How has asking this question helped with my personal or business growth? My life as a founder and CEO is a roller coaster. However, I do my best to avoid leaving a wake of stress and anxiety behind me. Instead, I focus on the actions that deliver a feeling of appreciation and support. My wife of
25 years reminds me of what’s important. Our kids are good humans, our family is going to be just fine, and the daily, “Am I focused on what matters?” question reminds me to close the computer, leave the phone, and say yes to, “Do you want to play
a game, Dad?” Always remember the work will still be there in
the morning.
Michael Zalle
Founder and CEO, YellowBird
What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?
The question I ask myself every day is: What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?
By asking myself this question, it helps me acknowledge my successes from the previous day, and it helps me identify what I could be doing better in the future.
Personal development comes from a deep desire of wanting to be more and do more every day. I have never been the type of person to sit back and accept the status quo. I have always been driven to be better and do better and set my own high expectations for the future.
Has it been a struggle? Yes. Has it been rewarding? Absolutely. Having a strong mindset is the single most important thing you can work
on and continue to work on daily. With a strong mind, you can accomplish all that you set your mind to, and you can pull yourself out of dark places when you need to as well.
From a business-building perspective, asking myself daily what I can do better than I did yesterday and acting on it is my driving force. If you are not willing to work on your business and build your business, who is going to do it for you? Who wants your business to succeed more than you? No one! So you need to identify what you need to
do differently today that is going to bring you the greatest reward tomorrow.
Be a forward-thinking and strategic thinker. Make time to think. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and ask yourself, what can I do differently today that will make me a better person and business owner tomorrow, and watch the magic happen.
Tina Collura Business Growth Consultant, See Your Business Grow
What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?
The question I ask myself every day is: What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?
By asking myself this question, it helps me acknowledge my successes from the previous day, and it helps me identify what I could be doing better in the future.
Personal development comes from a deep desire of wanting to be more and do more every day. I have never been the type of person to sit back and accept the status quo. I have always been driven to be better and do better and set my own high expectations for the future.
Has it been a struggle? Yes. Has it been rewarding? Absolutely. Having a strong mindset is the single most important thing you can work
on and continue to work on daily. With a strong mind, you can accomplish all that you set your mind to, and you can pull yourself out of dark places when you need to as well.
From a business-building perspective, asking myself daily what I can do better than I did yesterday and acting on it is my driving force. If you are not willing to work on your business and build your business, who is going to do it for you? Who wants your business to succeed more than you? No one! So you need to identify what you need to
do differently today that is going to bring you the greatest reward tomorrow.
Be a forward-thinking and strategic thinker. Make time to think. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and ask yourself, what can I do differently today that will make me a better person and business owner tomorrow, and watch the magic happen.
Tina Collura Business Growth Consultant, See Your Business Grow
Did I accomplish my three priorities for the day? Before I begin my workday, I write down three things I need to accomplish. For example, it could be finishing a report, responding to important emails, and preparing for a meeting. I enjoy feeling a sense of accomplishment and being energized to move on to the other items on my list.
I’ve been asking myself this question for years and creating my top three priorities list. I determine these priorities based on their urgency, importance, and impact on my overall goals. Once I finish those tasks, I move on to the rest of the list.
If I don’t list a few items that are a priority, as I go on with my day, other items will try to compete with the priority list and change my focus or make me lose sight of what needs to be done.
It also significantly affects how I feel at the end of the workday if I don’t accomplish those three goals. The feeling of unfulfillment and the knowledge that I could have done better can be quite discouraging for an achiever.
This question has helped me avoid procrastination because the longer I put off a task, the more it will stay on my mind and impact my growth. A short priority list also brings a sense of fulfillment as it helps me finish my day feeling accomplished. It’s a great way to pat yourself on the back because you achieve three daily goals.
It’s a simple but very effective exercise because it puts you in control of your schedule and tasks, whether you work for yourself or a company.
Ana Goehner
Career Well-being Strategist, Digital Butterfly Communications, LLC
The question I ask myself every day is: What are you going to do better today that you did not do yesterday?
By asking myself this question, it helps me acknowledge my successes from the previous day, and it helps me identify what I could be doing better in the future.
Personal development comes from a deep desire of wanting to be more and do more every day. I have never been the type of person to sit back and accept the status quo. I have always been driven to be better and do better and set my own high expectations for the future.
Has it been a struggle? Yes. Has it been rewarding? Absolutely. Having a strong mindset is the single most important thing you can work
on and continue to work on daily. With a strong mind, you can accomplish all that you set your mind to, and you can pull yourself out of dark places when you need to as well.
From a business-building perspective, asking myself daily what I can do better than I did yesterday and acting on it is my driving force. If you are not willing to work on your business and build your business, who is going to do it for you? Who wants your business to succeed more than you? No one! So you need to identify what you need to
do differently today that is going to bring you the greatest reward tomorrow.
Be a forward-thinking and strategic thinker. Make time to think. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and ask yourself, what can I do differently today that will make me a better person and business owner tomorrow, and watch the magic happen.
Tina Collura Business Growth Consultant, See Your Business Grow