Ask Bigger Questions, Unlock Bigger Breakthroughs

James McPartland
Aug 28
3 min read

Updated: Aug 29

"Am I waiting for permission to do what I believe I am supposed to do?"— James McPartland

We spend so much time chasing answers, trying to figure out life’s big questions. But what if we’ve got it backwards? What if the real magic happens when we start asking ourselves the right questions?

Think about it. How often do you hit pause and really dig into what’s happening in your life? I’m talking about those questions that make you squirm a little, the ones that force you to confront the stuff you’ve been avoiding. But those are often the very questions that lead to growth and transformation.

What’s holding you back from making the changes that could totally transform your life and the lives of the people you love? What’s that one thing you could let go of that would help you chase your dreams at lightning speed?

And what about your work? What if you could do something so bold, so out there, that it would skyrocket the impact you have on others? I’m talking about the kind of leap that feels risky, but could change everything.

At work and in life, breakthroughs rarely come from playing it safe. They come from doing something bold, something that feels risky, maybe even a little scary. It’s like stepping out onto a skinny branch, unsure if it will hold, but realizing that the view from out there is where you feel most alive. That’s where impact and momentum are born.

Here’s the truth: no one is going to hand you permission to grow. You can wait for the green light forever, or you can choose to take the reins and trust your gut. It’s uncomfortable. It’s uncertain. But that’s where the magic happens—on the other side of your comfort zone.

Of course, none of us can do it alone. Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s wisdom. The right people have a way of showing up when you open yourself to them, often just when you need it most.

Still, at the end of the day, the only person who can truly change your life is you. You can’t force someone else to think differently or live differently. All you can do is commit to your own growth, your own courage, your own breakthrough.

Remember, the biggest gifts in life are often hiding behind our deepest fears. So don’t be afraid to ask yourself the tough questions, to confront the things that scare you. Because that’s where the real treasure lies.

So maybe it’s time to stop chasing answers and start asking yourself the questions that truly matter. Here are a few to consider, and trust that the answers will come, even if they’re not what you expect:

What’s the question you’ve been avoiding asking yourself?
What belief about yourself might be holding you back?
What’s stopping you from making the changes that could transform your life and the lives of those you love?
What’s the one thing you could let go of today that would accelerate you closer to your dreams?
If fear wasn’t part of the equation, what bold move would you make tomorrow?
Who would benefit most if you stepped fully into your potential?
What project or idea are you sitting on because you’re waiting for permission?
Who’s someone you can lean on or learn from right now?
Do you have someone who inspires you, a place you’re excited to go, and a dream you’re chasing?