Okay, now that we that have begun to build an appreciation for the value of using questions to change both our focus and our mindset, there are a couple of things we need to consider.
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The first point we want to examine is this - How can we develop the pattern of intentionally using questions to direct our focus and control our mindset?
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As with anything else, when we want to develop a pattern we need to practice that activity. That means that we need to practice intentionally using questions that direct our minds and emotions in a constructive manner.
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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 good 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.
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So here’s a list of possible questions that you can begin asking yourself every morning. These questions are designed to have an effect on your levels of joy, commitment and self-esteem.
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1) What is there about my life that makes me feel happy right now?
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2) What is going on in my life today that I can get excited about?
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3) What do I feel truly grateful for right now?
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4) What am I really looking forward to today?
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5) Who do I love and who loves me?
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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?
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Take some time to consider these questions as you go about your morning routine. Remember, it’s not asking questions that creates results, it’s the answers. So as you answer each question take a moment to experience how that answer makes you feel.
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By developing a routine of asking yourselves questions like these in the morning, you will begin to create a pattern. After a while, not only will the questions come automatically, so will your level of appreciation for the answers. The answers to these questions are an important part of what makes life worth living.
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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 an example of the power of simple questions to change the focus, motivation and results in any aspect of our life.
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Remember, the whole purpose of this exercise is to take conscious control of what we allow our minds to focus on. So a second important point to consider is this. These questions are designed to trigger our minds to think in positive directions and discover encouraging answers. They are not designed to over analyze or scrutinize our every thought and feeling. So don’t let yourself get too carried away. Know when to quit asking and start answering.
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When you design questions for yourself make sure that they 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.
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The mind considers those assumptions to be fact; consequently it will find answers that support that fact. By constructing your own personal questions this way you will empower yourself with the ability to change your life.
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Use Questions to Change Your Mindset – part 1
Use Questions to Change Your Mindset – Part 2
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