3 Daily Questions That Reveal Your True Self: A Practical Guide

We all have untapped potential waiting to be discovered. Often, the difference between those who achieve their goals and those who remain stuck lies in the questions we ask ourselves daily. In this article, we'll share three transformative questions inspired by Terry Crews, Jeff Bezos, and Viola Davis that will help you unlock your true potential and live a more fulfilling life.

These questions aren't simple mental exercises; they're powerful tools for self-reflection that can change your perspective about yourself and reveal capabilities you might not have known you possessed.

First Question: The Power of Self-Worth

Terry Crews, renowned actor, artist, and former NFL player, shared this transformative question: "If someone were to pay me a million dollars to do this task, how would I do it?"

This simple question reveals a fundamental truth: we all have the capacity to perform any task with excellence, but we frequently choose not to. When Crews worked as a janitor after his NFL career, he used this question to combat depression and maintain his high standards.

How can you apply this question in your daily life?

At work: Imagine how you would perform your tasks if each one were evaluated for a significant raise
At home: Think about how you would clean, cook, or care for your space if you were paid to do it perfectly
In your personal development: Visualize how you would study, exercise, or practice a skill if there were a substantial financial reward

The most valuable aspect of this question is that it reveals your true potential. It demonstrates that you have the capacity to achieve excellence—you simply need to access it.

Second Question: Minimizing Regrets

Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, developed what he calls the "regret minimization framework." The central question is: "When I'm 80 years old, will I regret not having done this?"

This question helps you:

Overcome immediate obstacles that might discourage you
Connect with what you truly desire in your heart
Distinguish between temporary fears and lasting values

As Bezos points out, "our biggest regrets are usually acts of omission, paths not taken." When we make decisions thinking about how we'll feel decades later, we free ourselves from the pressures and fears of the present.

Apply it to your important decisions

When facing a vital crossroads, whether changing careers, starting a project, or modifying a relationship, mentally project yourself at age 80. From that perspective, the right decision often becomes surprisingly clear.

Most notably: we rarely regret the risks we take, even when we fail. The pride in having tried surpasses any disappointment in the outcome.

Third Question: Self-Love as a Foundation

Oscar winner Viola Davis shared this profound daily question: "Who's going to be the love of my life today?" And the answer should be: "Yourself."

This question redirects your attention to the most fundamental relationship in your life: your relationship with yourself. As Davis explains, "when you start with yourself, loving yourself, creating boundaries, standing up for yourself, and being honest with yourself... everything grows from there."

Self-love isn't narcissism or selfishness. It's:

Treating yourself with the same kindness you would show a loved one
Establishing healthy boundaries in all your relationships
Prioritizing your physical and mental well-being
Rejecting relationships that don't adequately value you

This question is transformative because it establishes a new standard for all your relationships, beginning with the most important one.

How to Integrate These Questions into Your Daily Routine

To get the maximum benefit from these three questions, incorporate them into your daily routine:

In the morning: Ask yourself Viola Davis's question: "Who will be the love of my life today?" Remember to treat yourself with compassion and establish healthy boundaries.
During the day: When facing difficult or tedious tasks, use Terry Crews's question: "How would I do this if I were paid a million dollars?" Notice how your level of commitment changes.
When making important decisions: Turn to Jeff Bezos's question: "Will I regret not doing this when I'm 80 years old?" Let this long-term perspective guide you.

These three questions aren't simple reflection tools; they're keys that open doors to more authentic and powerful versions of yourself. By incorporating them into your daily life, you'll discover capabilities that have always been within you, waiting to be activated.

Remember: there's a level of excellence you haven't yet reached. These questions can help you find it.