Go AHEAD … Do it
Better questions, like better friends produce a better life.
We all want a better life, don’t we? Yes – Absolutely!
The questions we ask ourselves refine our thinking. We all want better thoughts – therefore paying attention to the questions we ask ourselves makes a massive difference in their benevolence.
The best question asks our mind for answers that help us go where we want to go.
Here is a fun example.
- How can I get to breakfast in plenty of time to be well prepared for class?
NOTICE that the answers help us get something we want. In this case a few things – nutrition, preparation, and punctuality. Additionally, it is specific. Specificity is a key characteristic of a great question.
So, what happens next? For most people their mind begins producing answers to the question. Often the answers start appearing like luggage in the airport carrousel following a flight.
- Set an alarm
- Go with a friend
- Pack a book bag before going to sleep
These ideas, like most, are easy to incorporate as habits. And, voila! We show up for class well fed, on time, and on task. Fantastic!
Better to ask “HOW can I?” questions rather than “WHY did I?” questions.
The worst questions are vague, negative, and destructive.
Here is a classic example. When we make a mistake (which we all do), it is easy to follow a simple error with a question like…¿why did I do that?
It seems harmless – but what happens?
We go into production mode. Our mind generates many answers to the question. In my experience most of these answers are not flattering. In fact, they are usually discouraging or destructive. Sometimes this negativity starts to feed on itself. Think death spiral.
What to do? Ask a better question.
In the next few weeks we will be reviewing the best possible questions to ask ourselves. I hope you will join us and more importantly utilize the questions to make your life the way you want it to be.