Marshall Goldsmith is paid $100k+ (per session!) to coach Fortune 100 CEOs.

He has a simple 3-minute exercise to support the world’s greatest leaders.

The world’s best leaders are introspective.

Often what makes them different is their willingness to regularly engage with great questions.

Marshall’s “Daily Questions” exercise is exactly that.

6 questions. Each day. Reflecting on the past 24 hours. No hiding from the truth.

All you need is a simple spreadsheet to log your answers.

Here’s what mine looks like:

Here are the questions:

1. On a scale of 1-10, Did you do your best to Set Clear Goals?

Did you start the day with your ideal outcome or did the demands of others wash over you?

Whether they show up on a post it or in a digital system, we know when we have been clear on what a great day looks like. 

If it was one of those days where you looked at your phone too early and nothing intentional got planned then it gets a 1 and you move on. If you nailed outlining a clear vision for the day, then it gets a 10.

2. On a scale of 1-10, Did you do your best to MAKE PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING THOSE GOALS?

Setting goals is only the first step; progress is what propels us forward. 

Sometimes the goals were clear but we didn’t get far. 

This question decouples clarity from effective action. Give yourself an honest score.

3. On a scale of 1-10, Did you do your best to Find Meaning?

Finding meaning in our work is vital for maintaining motivation and fulfillment. 

By asking ourselves if we did our best to find meaning, we challenge ourselves to connect with the broader purpose behind our tasks. 

This question helps us reflect on whether we took any time to connect our contributions to something bigger than ourselves, which is critical to sustaining passion and enthusiasm.

4. On a scale of 1-10, Did you do your best to Be Happy?

Happiness is not merely a byproduct of success; it is a fundamental ingredient for sustained performance. 

Especially as leaders, Goldsmith’s point with this question is to remind us that there are choices we can make to be more or less happy. 

It acknowledges the importance of self-care, balance, and emotional well-being. 

5. On a scale of 1-10, Did you do your best to BUILD POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS?

The quality of our relationships profoundly impacts our personal and professional lives. 

By asking ourselves if we did our best to build positive relationships, we become more conscious of our interactions with others. 

This question encourages us to practice active listening, empathy, and appreciation, fostering collaboration and connection.

6. On a scale of 1-10, Did you do your best to BE FULLY ENGAGED AND PRESENT DURING THE DAY?

This question requires you to give a report card on distraction.

In a world where our attention is under attack, being fully present is a skill worth honing. 

By evaluating our ability to be present, we acknowledge the importance of mindfulness and focus. 

A Daily Cold Plunge of Accountability

The daily questions are like a cold plunge of accountability for your last 24 hours. 

Facing the questions honestly can feel as harsh as cold water sometimes.

But just give an honest numerical score to each question. It literally takes 3 minutes. 

The truth inspires growth. 

You don’t need to spend $100k per session with a coach to become a world-class leader. Give this short exercise a try and see what you notice. 

The questions are free, but the insights are invaluable.