Personal Development for Smart People^TM Forums

straysweeper · 11-30-2008, 01:59 AM

Anthony Robbins speaks a lot about the power of questions, so I was wanting to ask people what questions they continually ask themselves. I'm looking for strong ones, ones that help make you conscious and aware. That are creative, and mind opening.

Some examples
How can I create more value? How can I create more value in less time, energy or effort.
What do I have to believe in order to feel this way?

Personal Examples
How can I make this more efficient?
How can I make this better?
How this be made more effective?
What is the right thing to do? (This is one of my underlying questions, which can be improved)
How would _______ view this situation, problem or idea?
In the grand scheme of my life, where does this fit?

I'm sure there are a lot more, so what questions do you ask?

jtracy · 11-30-2008, 01:10 PM

How can I provide the greatest value to the most people?

The NorthStar of Hope · 11-30-2008, 01:51 PM

Great idea you got there ..

I try to keep all my "constantly repeated questions" to be as positive & motivating as possible .. However, I'll mention the three ones that come acorss my mind so frequently .
Am I on course?
Am I giving people just about enough?
Am I ever being judgmental? or excessively full criticism ?.

But generally, I worry most about being off course ..

Regards.

Dorothy Lite · 11-30-2008, 03:34 PM

I don't think that questions about more efficiency really make a person more conscious and aware. One can be really effective and uncunscious at the same time when one is efficent in the wrong things, things that are only done because others say one should do them. In my opinion one first has to ask oneself the following questions:

What do I really want in life? What is most important to me? How many of my actions are influenced by what others think I should want and do?
What would a person who really wants what I think I want do? Am I willing to do what it would take to achive my true goals?

Being on course, is important, too.

Stressless · 11-30-2008, 03:36 PM

Hi straysweeper,

Some more questions:

What can I do to make the world a better place?
What should I do achieve self realization?
What should I do to reduce anger?
What should I do to be a better human being?
What should I do to evolve spiritually?

seeker5 · 12-01-2008, 02:59 AM

Since I read the OP, I've been paying attention to what good questions I'm asking myself. Here's one I've caught myself asking when there's something I don't want to do:

"Am I scared of doing it?"

If the answer is "yes", then I know I must go ahead and do it. I consciously realized I asked myself that once today, and once yesterday, and both times I answered "yes", so I automatically went ahead and did (or volunteered to do) what I feared.

As Steve said, paraphrased: "If you fear it, you must do it". Since I'm on a mission to eliminate all fears from my life this is something that is helpful to me to ask myself.

Looking back at the last few weeks, I've done a number of things because of this questions, things I wouldn't have done, but have done precisely because I know that if the answer is "yes" to the question of "Am I scared of doing it", then I must go ahead and do it. It's helped spiced up my life a little bit

.

There are times though the fear is too great for me to go ahead and do it, but that's ok. I'm working up on it, so this question is still helpful as it helps build my muscles to go ahead and do what I fear.

allen080105 · 12-01-2008, 03:33 AM

What can this situation(good or bad) teach me? Is this aligned with my purpose?

dice · 12-01-2008, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by straysweeper

Anthony Robbins speaks a lot about the power of questions, so I was wanting to ask people what questions they continually ask themselves. I'm looking for strong ones, ones that help make you conscious and aware. That are creative, and mind opening.

Some examples
How can I create more value? How can I create more value in less time, energy or effort.
What do I have to believe in order to feel this way?

Personal Examples
How can I make this more efficient?
How can I make this better?
How this be made more effective?
What is the right thing to do? (This is one of my underlying questions, which can be improved)
How would _______ view this situation, problem or idea?
In the grand scheme of my life, where does this fit?

I'm sure there are a lot more, so what questions do you ask?

HUGE ONE:

"What do I want to read/hear/watch?"

Specificially when I'm trying to make something new.

I believe Quentin Tarantino was asking this when he put together "Pulp Fiction", and Seth Rogen definitely said he'd ask himself what HE wants to see in a movie before making "Pineapple Express".

seeker5 · 12-01-2008, 05:43 AM

From Steve's book: Which path has the heart?.

Hmmm, there's a wallpaper with that question, I should go ahead and put it on my background to remind myself.

Another one that I've asked a few times with great results: What would I love to do? by "love", it means out of love, what would I connect most with, and comes from the heart.

straysweeper · 12-01-2008, 06:21 AM

These are all great everyone, thank you! Helped me change my state right now!

How do I turn this negative into a positive?
What one thing done or started today would have greatest impact on my life 1 year from now?

More as I think of them!
Please Keep them coming!

PetraPortland · 12-01-2008, 07:29 AM

some more questions...

What am I most grateful for today?

What do I love more about my partner than yesterday?

How can I do _____ task faster / more efficiently?

What health giving foods am I eating today to fuel my body & mind?

How can I be more patient & understanding?

How can I be more loving?

What can I do today that I have never done before?

cnwoods · 12-01-2008, 09:07 AM

My favourite question to delve deeper is simply "why?"
When I get to the point that it becomes meaningless, I know I've connected with something true for me.

eg "I feel like reading tonight"
Why?
Because I don't want to get started on my paperwork
Why?
Because I don't like doing it
Why?
... (you get the picture)

The NorthStar of Hope · 12-01-2008, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seeker5

Since I read the OP, I've been paying attention to what good questions I'm asking myself. Here's one I've caught myself asking when there's something I don't want to do:

"Am I scared of doing it?"

If the answer is "yes", then I know I must go ahead and do it. I consciously realized I asked myself that once today, and once yesterday, and both times I answered "yes", so I automatically went ahead and did (or volunteered to do) what I feared.

As Steve said, paraphrased: "If you fear it, you must do it". Since I'm on a mission to eliminate all fears from my life this is something that is helpful to me to ask myself.

Looking back at the last few weeks, I've done a number of things because of this questions, things I wouldn't have done, but have done precisely because I know that if the answer is "yes" to the question of "Am I scared of doing it", then I must go ahead and do it. It's helped spiced up my life a little bit

.

There are times though the fear is too great for me to go ahead and do it, but that's ok. I'm working up on it, so this question is still helpful as it helps build my muscles to go ahead and do what I fear.

Great philosophy!!. Liked & will start doing it ..
But may I ask?. What if "those" things that I fear are worthy of being feared .
I mean there ARE things that with doing & not actually fearing, we would be considered reckless, wouldn't we?. & even more importantly there are things that we are afraid of doing, because of their effect on our reputation ..

Would like to know more of what you think about this..

Regards.

straysweeper · 12-02-2008, 05:40 PM

"Right question at right time can change a life."

Link with a lot of questions.
The Power of Questions

Anichels · 12-03-2008, 01:27 PM

Where is the most beautiful place on Earth?
What is beauty? -What is beautiful?
What is consciousness?
How will I ever get into another dimension?
Why are some people not intelligent?
What goes through your head?
When will I ever learn something interesting?

chineerat · 12-03-2008, 06:44 PM

How can do the one thing I love (music) and touch the world?
How can I communicate better?
How can I integrate and combine my various skills to create something of value?

MagicalRealist · 12-03-2008, 08:19 PM

"How does this thing/person/situation/feeling/desire serve you? Is it in alignment with what you really want, and the person you are becoming?"

Most of the time, when I ask that question, I see that whatever it is isn't serving me at all, and I can then immediately drop it. It might be the need to control a situation, or frustration at another person's slowness, or resistance to clearing clutter in my house, or not wanting to release a bad relationship.

But sometimes, I still can't quite let go, so I ask:

"If I let go of this thing/person/situation/feeling/desire, what's the worst thing that could happen?"

This question forces me to identify whatever anxiety I might be having about the situation, which for me is usually fear of lack of control, or fear of not being able to get what I need in the future. And these are almost always irrational fears, but if I just let them remain in a nebulous state in my head they still have power. By identifying them, and as specifically as possible, I can see them for exactly what they are--it's like turning on the light and seeing that the monster in the closet is really just a shabby old coat I forgot to get rid of.

But sometimes I'm not yet ready to let go (especially of objects or old grudges) for one reason or another, even though I know I really should. So I just ask:

"If I'm not ready to let go of this thing/person/situation/feeling/desire, am I willing to become ready at a later time? And if so, when?"

The amazing thing about these last two questions is that even if I say "next month" or "next year," I still end up letting go of whatever it is in a very short time--sometimes by the end of the day. Or I'll realize a week or two later that I've already let it go, without really thinking about it. So I can then donate the object, or do some sort of clearing process about the person I was once so angry at, and it's done.

Other questions I use a lot:

"Is this getting you where you want to go?"
"How does this reflect the person you are becoming?"
"What is okay in this situation? What is there to be grateful for?" also, "Can you be happy right now?" (I used these last Wednesday while sitting alongside I-5 waiting for a tow truck after my car's clutch gave out. They worked.

)

In fact, "Can you be happy right now?" is one of my favorite questions--it helps me cut through a lot of negative BS. And if my answer is "No," I can then use the three questions I described in detail above until the answer is "Yes."

openyourize · 12-04-2008, 05:45 AM

i like the "am i scared?" and the simple "why?" If you keep asking why you will find yourself face to face with your root fear and say AHA! its like you found your fear in its vulnerable spot and it is then powerless over you.

im in a bad mood
why? am i scared?
yes. because I don't want to lose my job.
why? am i scared?
yes because then i would be a failure.
why? am i scared?
yes because then i would be a disgrace.
why? am i scared?
yes because then i wouldnt be worthy of love.
why? am i scared?
yes because then i would be all alone.

then i when i get to the root of it, i usually can see that my worry or anxiety is just my imagination. unless i get to the root and it is "because i might die" well, then my fear has merit.

heres more though

Am I really happy?
How long can I put up with this? (rule of thumb, if i have to ask this question 3 times about the same thing, I don't put up with it anymore.)

Actually, any question i ask into the wind and then ponder usually gets answered pretty quickly. It's like my prayer to the universe.

TonyToneTone · 12-04-2008, 06:08 AM

If I gave you a magic wand, and you could do anything you want with your life, what would you do?

Also, where do you see yourself in 1, 5, and 10 years from now? How do you want to remembered?

mulbrich · 12-06-2008, 03:33 PM

"Why do I do the things that I superficially want to do when I know that they are keeping me from doing the things that I really want to do?"
What do I want out of life?
Why do I want ___?

11-30-2008, 01:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
straysweeper Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 459	Best Questions Anthony Robbins speaks a lot about the power of questions, so I was wanting to ask people what questions they continually ask themselves. I'm looking for strong ones, ones that help make you conscious and aware. That are creative, and mind opening. Some examples How can I create more value? How can I create more value in less time, energy or effort. What do I have to believe in order to feel this way? Personal Examples How can I make this more efficient? How can I make this better? How this be made more effective? What is the right thing to do? (This is one of my underlying questions, which can be improved) How would _______ view this situation, problem or idea? In the grand scheme of my life, where does this fit? I'm sure there are a lot more, so what questions do you ask?

12-01-2008, 09:07 AM	#12 (permalink)
cnwoods Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 48	The simple things... My favourite question to delve deeper is simply "why?" When I get to the point that it becomes meaningless, I know I've connected with something true for me. eg "I feel like reading tonight" Why? Because I don't want to get started on my paperwork Why? Because I don't like doing it Why? ... (you get the picture)

12-03-2008, 06:44 PM	#16 (permalink)
chineerat Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 17	My questions How can do the one thing I love (music) and touch the world? How can I communicate better? How can I integrate and combine my various skills to create something of value?

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11-30-2008, 01:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
jtracy Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 159	How can I provide the greatest value to the most people?

11-30-2008, 01:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
The NorthStar of Hope Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Holy City of Madina Posts: 77	Great idea you got there .. I try to keep all my "constantly repeated questions" to be as positive & motivating as possible .. However, I'll mention the three ones that come acorss my mind so frequently . Am I on course? Am I giving people just about enough? Am I ever being judgmental? or excessively full criticism ?. But generally, I worry most about being off course .. Regards.

11-30-2008, 03:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
Dorothy Lite Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Berlin, Germany Posts: 15	I don't think that questions about more efficiency really make a person more conscious and aware. One can be really effective and uncunscious at the same time when one is efficent in the wrong things, things that are only done because others say one should do them. In my opinion one first has to ask oneself the following questions: What do I really want in life? What is most important to me? How many of my actions are influenced by what others think I should want and do? What would a person who really wants what I think I want do? Am I willing to do what it would take to achive my true goals? Being on course, is important, too.

11-30-2008, 03:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
Stressless Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 60	Hi straysweeper, Some more questions: What can I do to make the world a better place? What should I do achieve self realization? What should I do to reduce anger? What should I do to be a better human being? What should I do to evolve spiritually?

12-01-2008, 02:59 AM	#6 (permalink)
seeker5 Family Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,606	Since I read the OP, I've been paying attention to what good questions I'm asking myself. Here's one I've caught myself asking when there's something I don't want to do: "Am I scared of doing it?" If the answer is "yes", then I know I must go ahead and do it. I consciously realized I asked myself that once today, and once yesterday, and both times I answered "yes", so I automatically went ahead and did (or volunteered to do) what I feared. As Steve said, paraphrased: "If you fear it, you must do it". Since I'm on a mission to eliminate all fears from my life this is something that is helpful to me to ask myself. Looking back at the last few weeks, I've done a number of things because of this questions, things I wouldn't have done, but have done precisely because I know that if the answer is "yes" to the question of "Am I scared of doing it", then I must go ahead and do it. It's helped spiced up my life a little bit . There are times though the fear is too great for me to go ahead and do it, but that's ok. I'm working up on it, so this question is still helpful as it helps build my muscles to go ahead and do what I fear.

12-01-2008, 03:33 AM	#7 (permalink)
allen080105 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 165	What can this situation(good or bad) teach me? Is this aligned with my purpose?

12-01-2008, 05:43 AM	#9 (permalink)
seeker5 Family Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,606	From Steve's book: Which path has the heart?. Hmmm, there's a wallpaper with that question, I should go ahead and put it on my background to remind myself. Another one that I've asked a few times with great results: What would I love to do? by "love", it means out of love, what would I connect most with, and comes from the heart.

12-01-2008, 06:21 AM	#10 (permalink)
straysweeper Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 459	These are all great everyone, thank you! Helped me change my state right now! How do I turn this negative into a positive? What one thing done or started today would have greatest impact on my life 1 year from now? More as I think of them! Please Keep them coming!

12-01-2008, 07:29 AM	#11 (permalink)
PetraPortland Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New Zealand is home Posts: 41	some more questions... What am I most grateful for today? What do I love more about my partner than yesterday? How can I do _____ task faster / more efficiently? What health giving foods am I eating today to fuel my body & mind? How can I be more patient & understanding? How can I be more loving? What can I do today that I have never done before?

12-02-2008, 05:40 PM	#14 (permalink)
straysweeper Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 459	"Right question at right time can change a life." Link with a lot of questions. The Power of Questions

12-03-2008, 01:27 PM	#15 (permalink)
Anichels Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 12	Where is the most beautiful place on Earth? What is beauty? -What is beautiful? What is consciousness? How will I ever get into another dimension? Why are some people not intelligent? What goes through your head? When will I ever learn something interesting?

12-03-2008, 08:19 PM	#17 (permalink)
MagicalRealist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 342	"How does this thing/person/situation/feeling/desire serve you? Is it in alignment with what you really want, and the person you are becoming?" Most of the time, when I ask that question, I see that whatever it is isn't serving me at all, and I can then immediately drop it. It might be the need to control a situation, or frustration at another person's slowness, or resistance to clearing clutter in my house, or not wanting to release a bad relationship. But sometimes, I still can't quite let go, so I ask: "If I let go of this thing/person/situation/feeling/desire, what's the worst thing that could happen?" This question forces me to identify whatever anxiety I might be having about the situation, which for me is usually fear of lack of control, or fear of not being able to get what I need in the future. And these are almost always irrational fears, but if I just let them remain in a nebulous state in my head they still have power. By identifying them, and as specifically as possible, I can see them for exactly what they are--it's like turning on the light and seeing that the monster in the closet is really just a shabby old coat I forgot to get rid of. But sometimes I'm not yet ready to let go (especially of objects or old grudges) for one reason or another, even though I know I really should. So I just ask: "If I'm not ready to let go of this thing/person/situation/feeling/desire, am I willing to become ready at a later time? And if so, when?" The amazing thing about these last two questions is that even if I say "next month" or "next year," I still end up letting go of whatever it is in a very short time--sometimes by the end of the day. Or I'll realize a week or two later that I've already let it go, without really thinking about it. So I can then donate the object, or do some sort of clearing process about the person I was once so angry at, and it's done. Other questions I use a lot: "Is this getting you where you want to go?" "How does this reflect the person you are becoming?" "What is okay in this situation? What is there to be grateful for?" also, "Can you be happy right now?" (I used these last Wednesday while sitting alongside I-5 waiting for a tow truck after my car's clutch gave out. They worked. ) In fact, "Can you be happy right now?" is one of my favorite questions--it helps me cut through a lot of negative BS. And if my answer is "No," I can then use the three questions I described in detail above until the answer is "Yes."

12-04-2008, 05:45 AM	#18 (permalink)
openyourize Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chicago area, IL Posts: 152	i like the "am i scared?" and the simple "why?" If you keep asking why you will find yourself face to face with your root fear and say AHA! its like you found your fear in its vulnerable spot and it is then powerless over you. im in a bad mood why? am i scared? yes. because I don't want to lose my job. why? am i scared? yes because then i would be a failure. why? am i scared? yes because then i would be a disgrace. why? am i scared? yes because then i wouldnt be worthy of love. why? am i scared? yes because then i would be all alone. then i when i get to the root of it, i usually can see that my worry or anxiety is just my imagination. unless i get to the root and it is "because i might die" well, then my fear has merit. heres more though Am I really happy? How long can I put up with this? (rule of thumb, if i have to ask this question 3 times about the same thing, I don't put up with it anymore.) Actually, any question i ask into the wind and then ponder usually gets answered pretty quickly. It's like my prayer to the universe.

12-04-2008, 06:08 AM	#19 (permalink)
TonyToneTone Family Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,040	If I gave you a magic wand, and you could do anything you want with your life, what would you do? Also, where do you see yourself in 1, 5, and 10 years from now? How do you want to remembered?

12-06-2008, 03:33 PM	#20 (permalink)
mulbrich Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 45	"Why do I do the things that I superficially want to do when I know that they are keeping me from doing the things that I really want to do?" What do I want out of life? Why do I want ___?

Personal Development for Smart PeopleTM Forums

Personal Development for Smart People^TM Forums