Four Transformative Questions to Ask Yourself This Passover

The Passover story isn’t just a historical moment to remember; you’re meant to see yourself as personally leaving Egypt.

How are you supposed to feel that way when this event took place so long ago?

The Hebrew word for Egypt, Mitzrayim, also means constriction. Leaving Egypt represents leaning behind whatever constraints or fears you have and breaking free once and for all.

In addition to the four questions asked at the Passover Seder, here are four questions to help you break free from whatever is holding you back in life.

1. Who are you when you think no one is looking?

How do you behave when no one is watching? The answer helps reveal who you really are.

To some degree, we all act differently in private than in public, but bridging that gap is essential to achieving true authenticity.

When I was in high school, there was an auditorium that we had to walk through to get to another wing of the school. One day, as I was walking through the empty auditorium I spotted another student, Mark. He had no idea that I was there but I witnessed him bend down to pick up a piece of garbage to put it into the trashcan before exiting. I stole a glimpse of Mark’s true character.

Reputation is concerned about: What does everyone think of me? Integrity is about: What do I think of me? Your self-esteem isn’t dependent on what others think or say about you. Your inner confidence comes from knowing who you are deep down and living in sync with your values.

No one can take away your integrity from you.

2. Who are you NOT to do great things?

My mother was the first person to suggest that I write a book. I chuckled at the suggestion and shrugged her off. “Yeah, sure mom, I’ll just write a book in my spare time between changing diapers and driving carpool.”

And that's exactly what I did. I edited my writings in waiting rooms and standing in line at the grocery store.

I initially scoffed at my mother’s suggestion because I didn’t think I could do it. What I was really saying was, who am I to do such a thing?

A better question to ask yourself is: “Who am I NOT to do great things?”

You have a unique purpose and mission, an inner greatness that only you can bring into the world. Don’t sell yourself short. God knows what you’re capable of doing.

3. What’s strong with you?

A Fitbit commercial asks a poignant question: What’s strong with you?

That’s a far more productive question to ask yourself, than “What’s wrong with you?”

Focus on your inner strengths and don’t obsess about your weaknesses.

There is something inside of you greater than any obstacle. That’s what is strong within you. And that strength is a piece of God, an indestructible soul that yearns for greatness and meaning.

4. What would you do if you weren't afraid?

I ask myself this question when I’m faced with a decision and fear is holding me back.

I first saw this question in Michal Oshman’s book, What Would You Do if You Weren't Afraid? She saw it on a poster on the wall in the breakroom while working at Facebook and incorporating the question in her daily life has altered her life’s trajectory.

Removing fear from the equation is the secret ingredient to success. How many times have you found yourself wanting to send that email or make that call, and you hesitate or procrastinate instead.

Pushing through fear and pressing forward is life changing. A great quote I have framed in my office says: “Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it.”

You don’t have to be perfect. You simply have to act, knowing that God has your back. Do something that intimidates you! Say “Yes.” Commit. Decide that you want change more than you fear it and watch yourself rise to success.