The answers are in your questions

If the answers are in your questions, then how do you know if you are asking the right questions?

Consistently asking the same question is a sign you are not ready to take decisive action or you do not like the answer. Think of a question you consistently ask.

 I continue to ask  . . . .

If persistent questioning does not result in answers, the answer is probably no. If the answers received are not satisfying, then perhaps the wrong question has been posed. How do you know if you are asking the right questions? 

The question I should be asking is . . . . . .

Asking the right questions takes practice so practice framing your questions using answers. For example:

Will pursuing ____ help me fulfill my dream of  ____?

Relevant questions should focus on values, relationships, and deeper spiritual and philosophical meaning. If life is just not working for you lately, then maybe what you are doing is not what matters most. The key is to balance what works in your life with what matters most. Take caution and ask the right questions to help discern that just because something works does not necessarily mean it matters. You are asking the right question when the answer requires you to participate in your experience instead of being a spectator. Either way, ask “does it matter?”

Below are some thought provoking questions to practice asking yourself (or start by asking them others):

What do you think about most often?

What occupies your thoughts and time?

Why do you get up in the morning?

What are you willing to do to get what you really want?

What do you desire more than anything?  

At what point in your life did you feel invincible, full of energy, focused, and determined?

What are you passionate about that creates a "fire in your belly"?

If you only had one year left to live, what would be the greatest gift you would give?

If you were guaranteed that anything you did would be successful, what would you do?

If the response to any of the questions is “I don't know,” then follow up with, “Well, if I DID know, then what would the answer be?” Force yourself to answer with the first thing that comes to mind. I don't know is not an allowable response in this exercise.

In summary, if you want better answers, you need to ask better questions.The following are some of my favorite questions I ask myself:

What one great wish would you dare dream to dream if you knew you could not fail?

If you had complete certainty you would succeed, what actions would you take to pursue your dream?

What obstacles prevent you from achieving you dreams right now?

If you received what you asked for, what would you receive? 

Are you ready for it right now?