Clarity Before Tactics: 5 Meta-Questions Every Founder Should Ask Themselves

Question 1: What would you like?

People often distort their response to this question with considerations of what they think they can have, what they think they ought to settle for, or what they think is acceptable according to another authority.

That distortion is significant because if what we state we want isn’t actually what we want, we are destined for dissatisfaction. Therefore, we must inquire using a proper frame or sequence so we can get to the heart of your goals and intentions. Read on.

Question 2: What will having that do for you? (regarding your answer to first question)

This is a way of going "meta" to your outcome, helping you distinguish the process you think you have to follow to get your outcome versus the true outcome.

For example, let's say your initial outcome is "I want to buy a car." Ask yourself question two, "So, what will having a car do for you?" Your response might be, "I'll feel free to travel to the places I want to go to with ease." (true outcome).

Notice that you can get to places with ease in a number of other ways that don't require you owning a car, such as car pooling, taking an Uber, or renting a Getaround.

Question 3: How will you know when you have it?(regarding your answer to the first question)

In technical terms, this question is referred to as "evidence procedure." The question forces our minds to imagine having the outcome we want in the future, but now. More importantly, it forces our brain to create pictures, sounds, and feelings (even tastes and smells) that prove to us we have gotten what we wanted.

The evidence-procedure creates a sensory-rich representation that our brains can use to discover a match for our outcome in the world around us.

Question 4: Where, when and with whom will you be, when you have what you want? (regarding your answer to the first question)

This question helps our brain contextualize our outcome appropriately. For example, suppose you want to feel more energized and focused. Without context we don't know if your outcome is appropriately contextualized. Because at night, after a long day of work, you might want to relax and sleep soundly rather than feel energized and focused.

So, perhaps you want to feel more energized and focused during the waking hours of the day, in your office, and with your peers/colleagues.

Question 5: What might you lose that you value, when you have what you want?

This is known as an ecology check because no human being is an island, we are part of a greater system. Suppose you grew up in a family of doctors and your outcome is to study creative arts and become a world renown impressionist. Imagine how this will impact your capacity to relate with your family members during dinner or at a family gathering?

Without satisfying and respectfully considering the system we are a part of, it is hard for us to imagine how we will successfully navigate the journey from A to B. By considering ecology, we can prepare ourselves for any challenges that arise and resource ourselves sufficiently to navigate them.

In the example I gave, perhaps there are family friends who have a secret passion for art. Or, perhaps another family member is curious enough and supportive enough that your interests would be accommodated for and celebrated during group gatherings.