The Four Cartesian Questions are a powerful framework often used when important decisions or choices require more than a simple yes-or-no answer.
The questions help us examine our beliefs, decisions, and assumptions from four different perspectives. They go beyond the thoughts of ‘should or shouldn’t I’ and uncover our fears of potential consequences and unconscious perceptions we may be holding on to.
The Four Cartesian Questions help us discover the benefits and costs of the choices or decisions we are about to make, and what we may be unknowingly preserving.
Every question starts with a clear inquiry: “What am I considering doing or changing?” Then, whether you organize your responses in columns or write them out, work through these four impactful questions:
1. What will happen if I do it?
2. What will happen if I do not do it?
3. What won’t happen if I do it?
4. What won’t happen if I don’t do it?
Let’s use a practical and real example: Imagine you want to stop saying yes to everyone and start prioritizing yourself.
1. What will happen if you continue putting everyone first?
You will feel let down, frustrated, and resentful.
2. What will happen if you stop putting everyone first?
You will have the time to begin a meaningful self-care practice.
3. What won’t happen if you do continue putting everyone first?
You will not create the time and space needed to prioritize yourself, which may contribute to your exhaustion and eventually burnout.
4. What won’t happen if you stop putting everyone first?
You will miss the opportunity and the experience behind the power of saying NO!
The above is one small illustration of how The Four Cartesian Questions can make a real difference in life. But something more critical to keep in mind is that these questions will reveal and uncover what truly matters to you and me.
Now this is something worth reflecting on!
Josette Veltri, a Boca Pointe resident, is a certified educator and coach on loss and transition. Her purpose is to assist clients in healing and moving forward so they can go from I Can’t to I Can, One Step at a time. She can be reached at [email protected] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/josettejveltri/)
