The Take 2 Test is a new program we are developing for the purposeful contemplation of our business [and lives].  It is an evaluation program that is applicable to all that we are engaged in – from business to family to friendships to all activities and relationships.

All too often we fail to recognize, evaluate, and appreciate the impact the most significant aspects of our business have [on us].  The Take 2 Test gives us a propitious pause and leads us to identify and consider the most compelling factors that influence and motivate us most persuasively.   

The simple Take 2 Test starts by having us determine the two most appropriate answers to each query and then challenges why they are indeed the top two attestations.  Next, we thoughtfully consider how things would be if those top two conclusions no longer existed.  

That’s the Take 2 Test, and the beauty of it is that each test should only take two minutes [but, keep in mind, it might keep you ruminating for hours – or days – or months or …].

For example:

1. What are your two most important products?
   If you are in business, it would be beneficial to take a moment to consider your two most important products or services.  Once again, you should challenge your criteria, and the answer may not be as easy or as evident as you first thought.

   Once you have arrived at your answer, imagine what it would be like without those two products or services in your business.  What impact would that have on your business?  How would it change things?

   This exercise will help you to recognize, evaluate, and appreciate the impact that these two products or services have on your business for better or for worse – and it will help you consider more options for all that you do [and rely on].
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2. Who are the two people that you work the most with?  
   Give this query some thoughtful contemplation.  You should challenge your criteria, and the answer may not be as easy or as evident as you first thought.  
   
   Once you have arrived at your answer, imagine what it would be like without those two people in your business [or life].  What impact would that have on you?  How would it change things?
   
   This exercise will help you to recognize, evaluate, and appreciate the impact that these two people have on you for better or for worse – and it will help you consider more options for all that you do [and rely on].
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3. Who are the two most helpful people in your business [or in your life]?
   Take a moment to consider the two most helpful people in your life or business.  Once again, you should challenge your criteria, and the answer may not be as easy or as evident as you first thought.  
   
   Once you have arrived at your answer, imagine what it would be like without those two people.  What impact would that have on your business or your life?  How would it change things?
   
   This exercise will help you to recognize, evaluate, and appreciate the impact that these two people have on you or your business for better or for worse – and it will help you consider more options for all that you do [and rely on].
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4. Who are the two most damaging people in your business [or in your life]?
   Take a moment to consider the two most damaging people in your life or business.  Once again, you should challenge your criteria, and the answer may not be as easy or as evident as you first thought.  
   
   Once you have arrived at your answer, imagine what it would be like without those two people.  What impact would that have on your life or your business?  How would it change things?
   
   This exercise will help you to recognize, evaluate, and appreciate the impact that these two people have on you for better or for worse – and it will help you consider more options for all that you do [and rely on].
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5. What are your two biggest strengths or competitive advantages?
   Take a moment to consider the two biggest strengths in your life or business.  Once again, you should challenge your criteria, and the answer may not be as easy or as evident as you first thought.  
   
   Once you have arrived at your answer, imagine what it would be like without those two strengths.  What impact would that have on your life or your business?  How would it change things?
   
   This exercise will help you to recognize, evaluate, and appreciate the impact that these two strengths have on you for better or for worse – and it will help you consider more options for all that you do [and rely on].
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6. What are your two biggest weaknesses or competitive disadvantages?
   Take a moment to consider the two biggest weaknesses in your life or business.  Once again, you should challenge your criteria, and the answer may not be as easy or as evident as you first thought.  
   
   Once you have arrived at your answer, imagine what it would be like without those two weaknesses.  What impact would that have on your life or your business?  How would it change things?
   
   This exercise will help you to recognize, evaluate, and appreciate the impact that these two weaknesses have on you for better or for worse – and it will help you consider more options for all that you do [and rely on].

Start with these 6 examples and then take the Take 2 Test to wherever you want to go for some thoughtful pondering.  

Who are our two most significant competitors?  Who are two most important suppliers?  Who are the two people I love most?  What are the two best decisions I ever made?  What are the two worst decisions I ever made?  Who are the two smartest people in my life?  Who are the two biggest assholes in my life?  Who are the two people I spend too much time with?  What are my two favorite things?  What are the two things I enjoy doing the most?  What are the two things I enjoy doing the least?  What are the two worst things I eat?  Who are the two people I would like to …?  What the two most important things I ever learned?

Let me know how it goes.  

We will be soon developing a full Take 2 Test program with an app to help activate and accelerate the process.