A S K I N G P OW E R F U L Q U E S T I O N S
p169
percent or We need to increase market share, ask, How can we increase market share? or say, I wonder how we can increase market share. Feel the difference. Notice what happens. Instead of stating, Exercise five times a week, or I need to exercise five times a week, ask, What five ways can I exercise this week? or say, I wonder how I can exercise this week. Feel the difference. See what happens.
7. Ask your questions often. The more frequently you ask yourself your questions, the sooner you begin to seek the answers and initiate action. In addition, your brain becomes focused on noticing the answers to your questions. Ask Put questions in your tool kit to your questions the first thing in have ready for the times your thinking may be challenged. the morning and before you sleep so that your conscious and unconscious minds seek the answers. Put questions in your tool kit to have ready for the times your thinking may be challenged. Exhale deeply, then take a deep breath and ask the question immediately before a situation that pertains to your questions. For example, if my intention is vibrant health, as I am standing at the all-you-can-eat buffet, I can ask myself, Which healthy foods can I choose to eat right now? If my intention is a work environment that fosters great communication, before I go into a meeting, write an e-mail, or make a phone call, I can ask myself, What questions can I ask to learn the team members’ perspectives? What can I do that gives them the experience of being listened to? How can I communicate my expectations? When we are continually mindful of our intentions and ask questions that move us another step toward the achievement of our intentions, we achieve significant results. The next exercise provides practice in developing powerful questions.