Reverse the question

Sunday morning started out rainy. After it stopped, the only real decision in front of me was whether to order a breakfast sandwich, waffles, or the orange chia loaf at the coffee shop on the corner. The Americano was already a given — that decision made itself. I went with the breakfast sandwich.

The shop had paper and a question posted for customers to answer while they waited for their coffee. Today’s question: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you?

I set my bag down and started to think — but then something stopped me. There’s something off with that question. First, I don’t want to be stranded on a deserted island. And if I’m picking items to help me enjoy my stay, I’m essentially accepting that I’m not leaving. That didn’t sit right with me.

So I adjusted my answer. I would need three things to help me get off the island: a flare gun, a satellite phone, and something to keep me alive until rescue arrived.

If I were truly stranded, I’d be too anxious to read a novel or listen to music. I’d need to get out. I’m not sure whether the person who wrote the question wanted a literal answer or something more metaphorical — but either way, I couldn’t just answer it at face value.

And that’s the lesson: take time to consider and reflect on the question being asked. Ask questions about the question. Then give your answer.