Don’t Fall for Trap Questions: The Art of Avoiding Distractions
Many of us have fallen victim to trap questions at some point in our lives. Unlike trick questions designed to mislead us, trap questions can completely halt our progress and productivity.
Trap questions demand answers that can paralyze us and divert our attention from the task at hand. Questions like, “How many followers does your brand have on Instagram?” or “Are you sure you’re prepared enough for the talk next week?” are classic examples of trap questions that trigger feelings of perfectionism or shame.
It’s important to recognize trap questions and learn to ignore, avoid, or prioritize them as “not a priority.” Time wasted on trap questions is time we’ll never get back.
Here’s a simple trick question to lighten the mood. Can you guess which of the following was a world boxing champion?
- Lyndon Johnson
- Ronald Reagan
- Jimmy Carter
- Franklin Delano
- Abraham Lincoln
- Pat Paulsen
- None of the above
Still pondering the answer? Take your time and have fun with it!