The last two articles in this series have helped us build a solid appreciation for the value of using questions to change both our focus and our mindset. We also learned exactly what kind of questions are needed to direct our focus in a positive direction. Now it’s time to consider some specific ways that we can make practical application of this empowering skill and put it to use in our lives.
To fully benefit from the power of questions we need a way to integrate what we have learned into our daily routine. Specifically, we need to develop the habit of intentionally using questions to direct our focus and control our mindset in a constructive manner.
First thing in the morning
Every morning when we wake up it is a natural part of our thinking process to ask ourselves questions about the day, so this is a perfect time to practice. Asking the right questions first thing in the morning will help ensure that our focus is pointed in a productive and empowering direction all day long.
So here’s a list of possible questions that you can start asking yourself every morning beginning tomorrow. These questions are specifically designed to have a positive effect on your levels of joy, commitment and self-esteem.
1) What is there about my life that makes me feel happy right now?
2) What is going on in my life today that I can get excited about?
3) What do I feel truly grateful for right now?
4) What am I really looking forward to today?
5) Who do I love and who loves me?
If you have difficulty answering any of these questions simply insert the word “could” into the question. For example, in question #1 – What is there about my life that could make me feel happy right now?
Take some time to consider these questions as you go about your morning routine. Remember, it’s not the asking of questions that creates results, it’s the answers. As you come up with your own answers to each question, be sure to take a moment and experience how that answer makes you feel.
Do it every day for at least ten days!
By developing a routine of asking yourself questions like these every morning, you will begin to create a pattern. After a while, not only will the questions come automatically, but so will an increased level of appreciation for the answers. The answers to these questions are an important part of what makes life worth living.
Being aware of our blessings first thing in the morning can completely change our entire day. Those questions will follow us throughout the day and we will find ourselves looking for more reasons to feel happy, to get excited and to be grateful. This is a perfect example of the power of simple questions to change our focus, motivation and results in any aspect of our life.
Remember, the whole purpose of this exercise is to take conscious control of what we allow our minds to focus on. So another important point to consider is this: These questions are designed to trigger our minds to think in positive directions and to discover encouraging answers. They are not designed for overanalyzing and scrutinizing our every thought and feeling. So don’t let yourself get too carried away. Know when to quit asking and start answering.
When designing questions always include a positive assumption
When you are designing questions for yourself, make sure that they always include a positive assumption about the answer. For example, all of the questions above assume something. Question #1 assumes that there is something to feel happy about right now just as question #2 assumes there is something to be excited about. These type of assumptions give your mind both direction and motivation.
The mind considers those assumptions to be facts; consequently it will find answers that support those facts. By constructing your own personal questions this way you will empower yourself with the ability to change almost any aspect of your life.
How do you feel about the power of questions now?
Have you found the information in these articles useful?
The lines are open!
This is the 3rd in a series of 3 articles showing how
you can Use Questions to Change Your Mindset
Use questions to Change your Mindset – Part 1
Use questions to Change your Mindset – Part 2
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The mission of this site is to provide you with all the right strategies and resources to promote and encourage positive change in your life. All of the articles, 
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Jonathan, thank you so so much for this 3-part series! I now know that asking the right questions can really change our minds and the way we see things and the results we produce. While I was reading this series I felt butterflies in my stomach because I know this truly works. I have written the questions you suggested and I am formulating some of my own. I am really excited about this! I can’t thank you enough…thanks again!
Hi Paraluman, I am so pleased that these articles resonated with you. It’s wonderful that you have decided to put these suggestions into practice. You won’t be disappointed.
Hi Jonathan,
I really have enjoyed this series.
I love the idea of the 10 day exercise.and will apply it every day for 10 days starting today.
Thank you
Way to take action Bunny. I guess that’s how you earned the title Rocketbunny!
Jonathan, I do ask myself questions every morning, usually in conjunction with a short walk with coffee just after I get up. I find that looking at the stars in winter, or birds flying through the dawn light in summer, puts me in a good frame of mind to ask good questions and come up with good answers.
John Soares recently posted..Time Management and Television- The Real Costs of Watching TV
Hey John, you make a nice point. Our surroundings can have a big influence one the kinds of questions we are likely to ask ourselves. I we choose favorable surroundings that put us in an appreciative state that influence will be a positive one.
Hi Jonathan,
And thanks again for this ’3 part post’. I personally have found it to be very interesting & revealing. Asking the right questions and HOW to ask the right questions is a very positive way to live your day. I must admit to being a little slow in the morn so I tend to be a bit short on the q’s then. I gather pace during the day though. Your 5 questions in the opening section of the post are certainly benchmark questions for all to follow.
Be good to yourself
David
David Stevens recently posted..Is there a Lunatic inside your Head
Hi David, so glad you enjoyed these articles. This is one of those subjects that has managed to hold my attention for many years because there are so many great ways to use questions. They can trigger such a wide variety of responses.
Hi Jonathan,
People must really understand the power of questions. There are no bad answers to an empowering question (e.g. how can I improve my life today?) and no good answers to a disempowering question (e.g. why am I such a loser?). So one must learn how to always ask empowering questions.
A great topic for discussion; thanks
Riley
Riley Harrison´s last amazing blog post ..JUST WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE
So true Riley, we start asking questions at a very young age and keep asking them all our lives. Imagine the impact when we learn how to ask in a way that empowers us. The cumulative results would be amazing,
I like the idea of using questions each morning to focus our intentions in the right direction. Also, adding in the positive assumptions makes all the difference in the world. This series has been awesome!
Nea | Self Improvement Saga recently posted..Inspirational Thoughts- Help for Youth
Hi Nea and thanks for your kind support. A few positive morning rituals can really set the stage for an outstanding day.
Johnathan,
I read an amazing book that relates to this article where the author talks about an appreciation audit. It’s similar to what you’re saying here about asking questions such as “What in my life makes me feel happy right now?” and “What am I truly grateful for?”
The book is “What Happy People Know” by Dan Baker. For the appreciation audit, he suggest picking one thing you appreciate about your life and dwell on it for at least 5 minutes. Also he suggests coming up with top 5 lists – so top 5 experiences you’ve ever had, top 5 places you’ve ever been, etc. Great stuff!
Dean | Conversation Skills Core recently posted..How to Start a Conversation- Part 3- What to Talk About