Shift Your Thinking with the Power of Questions
I’ve learned how the questions we ask ourselves play a big part in shaping our thinking, which then impacts our emotions and mood. With all the turmoil in our world, I’ve been asking myself a lot of questions. I’ve noticed how it’s easy for me to focus on ones that get me stuck in worry and discouragement. Questions like,
- “When will things get back to normal?”
- “Why can’t people accept each other (and be nice to each other)?”
- “What is the truth and what are the facts that I can trust?”
- “What if things get worse?”
Can you relate?
So I’ve been trying to ask better questions. Instead of just seeing the current challenges as problems, what if we could see this time as a wake-up call? A time to evaluate our life, who we are, and what’s important? Here are some different questions I’ve been thinking about:
- What do I miss because of social distancing that I used to take for granted? What other things am I taking for granted now?
- What has changed for the better?
- What can I learn about myself based on how I’ve reacted to the news and changes in society?
- What do I have control over?
- What am I worrying about that’s outside of my control?
- What’s important to me in my life?
- What kind of life do I want to create for myself?
- What do I want to change in my life to make it better?
- What’s getting in my way of living a better life?
- What kind of person do I want to be?
- What’s getting in my way of being a better me?
- What brings me joy?
- How can I be a light to others?
- How am I judging others?
- How can I be more patient and accepting of others?
- Am I using my time and my days in ways that help me move forward?
- What are the opportunities in this situation?
“We live in the world our questions create.” – David Cooperrider
Notice which ones resonate with you. Consider making a list to post on your bathroom mirror or by your computer. Are there other questions that would help you?
