Don’t ask why! Part 1
There are basically two types of questions that we can ask ourselves on a daily basis. And today’s post will focus on the first type.
This first category of questions weakens our ability to think effectively and, at the same time, makes us feel inadequate and incapable as we lose ourselves within our excuses and complaints.
The second category of questions helps to strengthen our resolve, willpower and persistent nature. (to be discussed next week!)
It’s always a choice!
Where on this spectrum of weak and strong you choose to ask your questions (and thus focus your thoughts) will essentially determine
- what you have,
- what you will accomplish,
- what you will experience, and
- what you will feel.
So… the first category is Weakening Questions like “Why?”
These are questions that make you feel sorry for yourself, your predicament and circumstances, questions that seek sympathy from others because they come from a state of weakness. Don’t get in the habit of asking useless why questions that will break your spirit and paralyze your motivations.
Here are some why questions to avoid at all costs because you will always find answers to the questions you consistently and persistently ask yourself on a daily basis!
- Why do I have such rotten luck?
- Why should I even try?
- Why does this always happen to me?
- Why am I so inadequate and incapable?
- Why do I always say the wrong thing?
- Why doesn’t life ever seem to be working for me?
Do you really want to find answers to those questions?
After all, our mind will find or make up some answers, whether they be true or untrue!
How we question ourselves, others, circumstances and the world around us, is intrinsically connected to the experiences and emotions we tend to attract into our lives.
If we stay unaware when making these choices about our lives, if we just settle on this pattern of asking unresourceful, problem-centered questions, then our lives will reflect this ineffective thought process.
P.S. Join me next week as we explore the strengthening questions we can ask ourselves that will help us overcome any obstacle and challenge that confronts us.
2 Comments
Hmm. I’m really, really interested in knowing next week’s manner of questioning.
Your list of ‘unhelpful why’ questions begs for a list of ‘helpful why’ questions. (and maybe that’s where you’re going with this….) I tend to ask myself, for instance, ‘why am I making so many mistakes in this task?’ with the goal of finding out what I need to change. Maybe it’s not enough sleep, or too stressed about political stuff or my cat’s illness, or a disagreement with a friend that I need to mend. Then I can change that thing (take a nap, get off the internet, call the vet, talk with my friend) and resolve the issue of so many mistakes.
So here I am, playing devil’s advocate again. I’m looking forward to next week’s post, Pat!
Questions just keep showing up, don’t they? Sometimes the question is why so many. Those are the days I choose to ask for guidance — which answer do I pursue today? When I do that, darned if a seemingly unrelated one gets answered.ine not to reason why, I guess.
Maybe next week’s post will shed some light. Until then, I work on what is mine to do now.