{"id":23,"date":"2012-06-13T22:10:29","date_gmt":"2012-06-13T22:10:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/movingforwardwithvalorieburton\/?p=23"},"modified":"2012-06-13T22:10:29","modified_gmt":"2012-06-13T22:10:29","slug":"if-you-knew-the-answer-what-would-it-be","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/movingforwardwithvalorieburton\/2012\/06\/13\/if-you-knew-the-answer-what-would-it-be\/","title":{"rendered":"If you knew the answer, what would it be?"},"content":{"rendered":"

I know you\u2019ve been pondering the answer to your greatest challenge.\u00a0 You\u2019ve been trying to figure it all out \u2013 coming up various scenarios, seeking outside opinions and generally racking your brain to get the right answer.\u00a0 But my question is a simple one:<\/p>\n

If you knew the answer, what would it be?<\/p>\n

Pause.\u00a0 Take a deep breath.\u00a0 And before you read any further (I\u2019m talking to you, the overachieving perfectionist who wants to keep reading because you are sure that I\u2019m about to give you the answer and you don\u2019t to waste any time getting to it!), answer this profound, counterintuitive question.\u00a0 If you knew the answer, what would it be?<\/p>\n

The bottom line is this:\u00a0 You have an inkling.\u00a0 Perhaps your answer leads to more questions.\u00a0 But that\u2019s not necessarily a bad thing because at least now you are on the right path.\u00a0 In my many years of coaching, it never ceases to amaze me that this question always evokes a powerful answer for clients.\u00a0 I think it\u2019s all in how I ask the question. I ask it in a very unassuming way \u2013 light and with a confidence in my voice that communicates I am sure my client will be able to answer the question easily.\u00a0 One client, pondering a major career transition and major long-distance move, was wrought with anxiety about making the right choice. She listed all the cons, what might go wrong, what making the wrong decision might cost her.\u00a0 But when I said casually, \u201cSo, if you knew the answer, what would it be?\u201d, she said without hesitation, \u201cI\u2019d take the job.\u00a0 I\u2019d take the risk.\u00a0 I mean, an opportunity like this doesn\u2019t come around often.\u00a0 I could make sure I plan to visit my friends and family regularly.\u00a0 If I make the wrong decision, I\u2019ll just have to make new plans.\u201d\u00a0 Just like that, she had her answer.\u00a0 She already knew.\u00a0 Her internal compass pointed her in the right direction.\u00a0 It was her fear that rationalized her out of the right answer even before she could acknowledge what she really wanted to do.<\/p>\n

How about you?\u00a0 What\u2019s the question you need an answer to?\u00a0 Are you willing to give voice to your gut instincts?\u00a0 Even if you are not ready to move forward on your answer yet, at least respect your own nudges enough to acknowledge them.\u00a0 You might be surprised that the answer you\u2019ve been searching for is already here.<\/p>\n

My challenge to you:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pay attention to your inklings.<\/p>\n

Coach Yourself:<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you knew the answer, what would it be?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Until next time\u2026<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Valorie Burton is an author of seven books, including her latest,\u00a0 Successful Women Think Differently. She is founder of the Coaching and Positive\u00a0 Psychology (CaPP) Institute and a regular contributor for CNN\u2019s Reclaim Your\u00a0 Career segment. Subscribe to her free e-newsletter at <\/em><\/strong>www.valorieburton.com<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I know you\u2019ve been pondering the answer to your greatest challenge.\u00a0 You\u2019ve been trying to figure it all out \u2013 coming up various scenarios, seeking outside opinions and generally racking your brain to get the right answer.\u00a0 But my question is a simple one: If you knew the answer, what would it be? 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