Takeaways from the book "Wait, What?"

Wait, What?: And Life's Other Essential Questions

by James E. Ryan

   A short book about six important questions that may lead us to become more conscious, to improve our relationships with people, and to identify the matters that are most important in our life. Right questioning is important. It provides clarity and a better understanding. Asking the right questions from ourselves and the others is a first step to get the right answers. I recommend reading this book.

   My brief lessons from this book and thoughts are:

   1. The question "Wait, what?" provides an understanding and clarification of the situation. It is essential to ask this question before making conclusions and it is helpful in extreme situations to be aware of the details of the process and make sure that everything is under the control.

   2. "I wonder why ... ?" and "I wonder if ... ?" opens the doors of knowledge and wisdom. "I wonder why" defines curiosity, and it helps to grasp a lot more insights into the things around us. "I wonder if" might be a start point of progressive action and it provides an ability to improve the situation, to do more and better way.

   3. "Could we at least ... ?" may change the course in a positive direction. When we face difficult situations, "Could we at least ... " may help us to improve the situation. This question may lead us to think about workable plans for this particular case. 

   4. "How can I help you?" builds a good relationship with the people. Asking "What can I help you?" provides a positive impression on people. It shows our humbleness and cares toward the other people.

   5. "What truly matters?" identifies our priority in work, family, relationship, and other walks of life. This question helps us to find out top priorities and tasks in our lives and to eliminates other distractions. It is also beneficial in goal settings and the planning of long-term resolutions.

   6. Finally, "Even so, did you get what you wanted from this life?" is a conclusive question. No matter what, could you achieve what you wanted to have or be at the end of the day?


Thank you for reading!