Good questions have the power to make you think in a deeper way about things that really matter to you, and decide what you need to do to shift your ways. Ponder the following 10 questions to unravel what you need in your life right now, to feel more vibrant and alive.

1.    What is the one achievement in your life that you're most proud of completing? Why this one?

Often we chase achievements and successes in our lives to prove to others we are good enough or worthy. Self-satisfaction and contentment, however, come from achievements that have special meaning to us -- that bring us joy for a reason that is uniquely about us. For example, the achievement may have been significant because it was something you were never been able to do before, because your dad has passed away and you know he would have been oh so proud of that particular thing, or because that achievement triggered a big turning point in your life.

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2.    What situations make your soul ache with joy?

Happiness is more available to us in each moment than we usually take advantage of. There are numerous small day-to-day things that can give you a deep sense of joy if you take the opportunity -- waking half an hour early to watch the sun rise over the ocean; playing peekaboo with your new niece as she giggles disarmingly; hanging out with your girlfriends eating cheese and drinking champagne. It’s the simple things when we stop and reflect that really bring the greatest joy to our lives. Are you filling your life with these joyous moments?

3.    How do you make a difference in people’s lives just by being you?

It is amazing how many people I coach that want to find a career that makes a difference or become a millionaire so they can give to others. Sure, these are great goals. But you actually don’t need to change careers or make more money to make a difference to people’s lives. Just being you is enough, when you understand your beautiful, unique qualities. Perhaps you’re the person at work that makes everyone laugh, the quiet one in the corner that everyone feels safe to talk to and be heard, or perhaps you’re the role model parent that others gain guidance from.) Focus on how you can make a difference in other’s lives just by being your best you, now!

4.    What are you putting up with in your life that drains and depletes you?

As humans, we often tolerate things in our lives that don’t serve us well because it feels easier to just put up with it than actually do something about it -- like eating unhealthy food that leave us with no energy; being disorganised; hanging out with people who put us down or never have anything nice to say; staying in a job we hate;  or the little things that need to be done that never make the cut like cleaning out the garage. Make a list of the things in your life that drain and deplete you and get moving to do something about it. You’ll feel so much better!

5.    What one thing if you did every day for the next three months would improve your life?

You do not have to make drastic changes in your life in order to improve it. Research shows that the most effective way to create lasting change is by taking small baby steps toward your goals. For example, in order to be more productive at work you could start delegating one new piece of work each day to a staff member. Instead of trying to lose 10 kilo’s by going on a strict lemon detox diet you could make the commitment to eat no desert after dinner for three months. In order to stop engaging in so much worry, you could give yourself a “positive 20” every day at say 9am where you only allow yourself to say and think positive things for that whole 20mins. Get creative, think of one thing right now you can do for the next three months that would make a difference to your life.

6.    How can you ask for help?

Yes, I know it feels uncomfortable to ask others to do something for you but hey, think of it as a gift! Especially if you’re someone that is not used to asking for help, others will feel proud that you cared to ask them, you need them and you believe they can actually help you. Also, if they often ask you for help, they will feel good that they can finally return the favour. We all receive joy from giving so by allowing someone else to help you – guess what you’re doing – allowing them to receive more joy. On the other hand, when you don’t ask for help you often end up feeling resentment that you always have to do everything yourself, get burnt out or ill, and become more of a burden on others.

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7.    Who can you forgive in this moment?

Forgiveness robs you of happiness. Mistakenly, you feel that you are somehow punishing the other person by holding a grudge, but the only person you’re hurting is you. In order to forgive, you do not need to continue having a relationship with that person or putting up with behaviour that is unacceptable. Forgiveness sets you free by allowing you to let go of the emotion you have attached to the situation. Resentment is draining, and unhealthy. If you have wounds and hurts, you carry them around with you into other situations. By forgiving you let that hurt go. You do not forget what the person did, you simply let go of it continuing to cause you pain.

8.    What are your true priorities in life and are you living by them?

We all know that we should prioritise and focus on the important things in life, but for most of us, it’s hard to stay focused on our true priorities when life is busy. In order to live by our priorities, we have to take regular moments to reconnect with what they are. Why not do so right now?

9.    How can you love yourself more?

Loving yourself more is the greatest gift you can bring to the world around you. When you love yourself you become less needy of others to make you feel good about yourself, so they are free to get on with their own lives. When you love yourself you are less likely to pull others down, and more likely to help others love themselves too. You have more energy to give and more confidence to share. At work, when you love yourself more you have more confidence to take on responsibilities, to connect with your colleagues and staff, and to be proactive at getting things done that matter instead of things that will get you validation. What would help you love yourself just a little more today?

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10.   What one dream have you put off for too long that you could start following today?

Have you always wanted to learn to play guitar, climb Kilimanjaro, or do volunteer work with disadvantaged kids? What are you waiting for? You do not need time to start your dream; you need to make it a priority. Our dreams give us passion, make us feel good and are the door to personal happiness. “Don't die with your music still inside you. Listen to your intuitive inner voice and find what passion stirs your soul”- Wayne Dyer

What one question has helped you change your life?

Author of De-stress Your Success: Get More of What You Want with Less Time, Stress and Effort, Sacha Crouch is a business, executive and life coach who helps people create the work and lives they love. For other free lifestyle resources visit www.activ8change.com.au and www.de-stressyoursuccess.com