To start making dramatic changes in your life, transform
way you use questions that begin with "why." IBM Founder Thomas Watson, Sr. is quoted as saying "the ability to ask
right question is more than half
battle of finding
answer." "Why" questions are uniquely powerful in that they already contain an answer themselves.Implicit in every "why" question is a statement of fact. For example, consider
question "why is
sky blue?" You agree
sky is blue. You're merely seeking
explanation of what makes it so. As much as you try, you'll never change
color of
sky. Hidden in each "why" question is an affirmative statement.
If not used effectively, "why" questions keep you stuck. I used to have trouble getting out of bed in
morning. I'd ask myself "why do I stay in bed when it's time to get up?" Each time I asked, I always returned to
*fact* that I didn't get out of bed when it was time. My "why" question affirmed that I stayed in bed when it was time to get up, and it kept me stuck in that pattern.
Begin looking at
"why" questions you ask yourself. If you're chronically late for appointments, maybe you ask: "why am I always late?"
If you experience financial lack, maybe you ask: "why am I always broke?"
If you seem to lack enough time, perhaps you ask: "why is there never enough time in my day?"
If you don't feel so confident, maybe you ask: "why am I such a loser?"
Wherever you experience undesired results, look at
"why" questions you may be asking yourself in that area.
Transform your "why" questions into "how can I" questions. Instead of asking "why am I always late?" Try "how can I be on time for all my appointments?"
Instead of asking "why am I always broke?" Try "how can I earn/save/have more money?"