Years ago, people used to stop by my office at least once a day and the conversation would start with, “Michael, do you have a minute? I’ve got a quick question.”
It’s not so much the questions I get asked that prompted this message today, as much as the thought of what questions we’re actually asking ourselves… our self-imposed questions.
It’s my observation that, more times than not, we aren’t conscious of the questions that we’re asking ourselves.
Self-imposed questions are very powerful, in fact, I encourage conscious, purposeful use of them.
When used consciously and constructively, self-imposed questions can lead us to new learning, new growth and new discoveries… all the while working on expanding our perspectives.
Think about it…
You may know of someone or perhaps you are one such person whose life has been transformed all because a good counselor, spiritual coach, friend or family member asked you a question you hadn’t considered.
The power in their question caused you to stop in your tracks, change your perspective and allowed you to consider new possibilities.
These questions usually start with the words: “what”, “how” or “have you ever considered.”
They engage our minds in seeking potential solutions versus focusing on or rehashing the problem itself.
However, there’s usually another side to the same coin, isn’t there.
The other side to this coin – the self-imposed question coin – relates to those questions we ask ourselves which are either unconscious, destructive or self-defeating.
Either way, the mind is a goal seeking device (among other things) and will move in the direction of finding answers to our dominate thoughts.
So if our self-imposed questions are aimed towards seeking solutions, they will positively enable us to move forward in a constructive manner.
On the other hand, if our dominate thoughts are focused solely on our problems, the mind will work towards rationalizing the issue, and in many cases, placing blame, all the while leaving us void of potential solutions.
On more than one occasion when I’ve been coaching and guiding others, I’ve found myself offering the following advice:
“If you want to find better answers to your current challenges, you can start by asking yourself better questions.”
In other words, the quality of answers we find – to any situation in our lives – is in direct relationship to the quality of questions we ask.
The answers don’t have to come immediately, and in fact, to some of the larger issues we face, they usually don’t.
So be patient…
But the quality of the question sets the intention in the right direction.
This is where we can choose to call on and tap into the unseen forces (the Universe, God, and Spirit) to help guide us to the information and experiences we’re looking for.
No one ever said that we have to figure everything out all by ourselves, so why try to go it alone?
So the next time you come face-to-face with a challenge, problem or issue, I encourage you to stop, breath and be very conscious of your self-imposed questions… then call on divine guidance to lead the way.
I always wish you the highest and best on your spiritual journey. Let me know if you need any guidance along the way.
Much Love to you my friends. Peace 🙂
Michael