Three Word Power Question

Lately, I’ve been learning to ask a question that’s helped me cut through noise, trends, and pressure:

“To what end?”

It’s simple, but it’s been a game-changer.

I don’t ask it in a cynical way. Or to be dismissive. I am trying to practice it as a clarifying pause before I internalize something as truth or advice.

Because here’s the thing—there’s a lot of advice out there. About how we should live, what we should care about, what we should look like, how we should spend our time, how we should vote, speak, rest, hustle, parent, eat, think.

But much of that advice skips a step. It tells us what to do, without always asking why. Or more specifically, to what end?

“Dress for your body type.”

To what end?

Is it to feel confident? To fit into a beauty standard? To avoid critique? To express my style? Depending on the answer, I might take it—or I might leave it.

“You should optimize your life.”

To what end?

Is it to free up time for what matters most? Or is it just another hustle-language trap?

“You should be more political.”

To what end?

Is it to be informed and engaged? To show solidarity? Or to perform for the algorithm?

The power of “To what end?” isn’t that it always leads me to reject something. In fact, sometimes it helps me adopt something more intentionally. I realize, “Yes, that is the end I want. That’s worth pursuing.”

But it also helps me walk away without guilt when I realize that end is not my end.

It’s not about being contrarian. It’s about being conscious and conscientious about my choices.