The title of this article makes a big claim—that there exists a single technique that could improve just about everything in your life. Such a big claim deserves a logical argument to back it up, and that’s what I hope to provide. The best, most universal way I know to better get across any number of dimensions of life is to approach them with intentionality.
I take it as a given that anything done with deliberate and purposeful action is more likely to succeed. But what exactly does being intentional mean? To be intentional requires reflection, thoughtfulness, and conscious choice. This is opposed to our default mode, which is often impulsive and without much consideration beyond surface-level concerns.
For me, the fastest way to switch from my default mode to my intentional mode is by asking myself a series of simple but probing questions and attempting to give satisfactory answers. This approach has its roots in the teaching method of the Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates. The Socratic method, as it’s become known, typically involves two or more people having a friendly, cooperative, but argumentative dialogue.
One person gently but directly challenges the other with questions, with the mutual goal of deeper understanding and the pursuit of truth. You can stack these questions, for example, by asking “why” multiple times to reveal the deeper reasons or assumptions behind your thoughts. The Socratic method works similarly to talking through a problem or decision .