Two Questions Can Help People Choose Their Own Path

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  Ira Bedzow, an associate professor at Emory University School of Medicine and executive director of the Emory Purpose Project, says two questions can help people consider who should determine how they live.

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  The questions are: “¿De quién es la vida que estás viviendo?” and “¿Quién debería determinar cómo vives?”

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  Bedzow says people may find it easier to follow a path presented as correct by parents, friends or society than to work out their own direction.

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  A systematic review and meta-analysis by Sezer and colleagues found that people who pursue goals aligned with their values and interests tend to make more effort, make greater progress and experience more well-being.

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  Bedzow says taking responsibility for decisions involves reflecting on the reasons behind them, considering alternatives and learning from results.

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  The article also notes that asking others for advice need not mean giving them control over personal decisions.

Who

Ira Bedzow, associate professor at Emory University School of Medicine and executive director of the Emory Purpose Project.

What

Two questions intended to help people make choices based on personal values rather than simply following others’ expectations.

When

Not stated

Where

Emory University in the United States; the questions were discussed with participants at a talk.

Why

To help people reflect on who should guide their choices and whether their goals are worth pursuing.

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