In problem solving you will find some business leaders suggesting a technique called “The Five Whys”.  When you find that you have a problem you’ll be inclined to ask why the problem is there.  You’ll see an answer to that question.  But don’t stop there.  Ask why (up to) five times.  It often leads to the real problem.  If you stop early you’ll get to a problem source, but you need to dig deep and be honest.

This works for business, sure, but it also has real-life, personal implications.  If adulthood is (in part) about honestly looking at what’s around you and facing it honestly, then asking an honest series of why’s is important.  I’ve been dealing with various stresses this year (and every year prior) but it wasn’t until recently that I started to consider the five whys and looking at their implications on my own needs and opportunities.

Why not ask why more often, more deeply, and more honestly?