Are you Asking Yourself the Right Questions?
By Russell Hunter

The one thing we are never without is our thoughts - even when we are asleep! But how often do we think about the quality of our thinking?

Effective thinking - managing the mental dimension of managing our energy - is a process driven by how well we ask and answer questions. Let's face it - most of us ask ourselves lousy questions from time to time that cripple our performance. Lousy questions can unintentionally turn our focus away from what we want and towards more of what we are trying to avoid. And since we ask and answer questions every day, our questions wield great power over our performance and results.

The difference between an average leader and an extraordinary one is often their ability to ask themselves good questions. The right questions lead to the heart of what is most important moment by moment.

Here are some examples of personal questions we ask ourselves:

1. When facing an unfamiliar social situation:
   
   
   • Weak: How can I avoid looking like an idiot? What should I talk about? How can I keep from being too nervous or shy? How did I get myself into this situation? Can I get out of going?
     
     
   • Strong: Won't it be fun to meet some interesting new people? If I see someone there who's a bit shy, what can I do to make him/her feel more comfortable? What can I expect others at this event to have in common with me?
   
   
2. When feeling anxious, or otherwise negative:
   
   
   • Weak: Why do I feel so down? Why can't I be happy? How come I never get any time to myself?
     
     
   • Strong: What can I do to energize myself right now? Who can I talk to that would help cheer me up? What can I read or listen to that would inspire me? Are these emotions trying to tell me something? What core value of mine am I neglecting right now or feel is being trampled on?
   
   
3. When contemplating exercise and feeling unmotivated:
   
   
   • Weak: Is it too hot/cold to exercise? Can I skip it for today? What difference will it make if I just skip a day? Don't I deserve a day off?
     
     
   • Strong: Why is my health important to my ability to lead my team effectively? Won't it feel great to have an energy boost afterwards? What could I enjoy listening to while I workout? Won't it be wonderful to achieve my fitness goals? How can I make this session more fun?
   
   
4. When considering how to become a more strategic eater:
   
   
   • Weak: What foods am I going to have to give up? How am I going to deal with the deprivation? Am I going to have to eat like this forever?
     
     
   • Strong: Why have I not been able to do this before - what got in the way? What foods will I get to eat more of? What new foods can I experiment with? What will having more physical energy enable me to do? When I succeed at this, how much more energy will I have for my family as well?
   
   
5. When nearing mid-afternoon of the workday:
   
   
   • Weak: Have I done enough that I can justify quitting for the day? Is this a good time to stop? Can I finish this tomorrow?
     
     
   • Strong: What does my body need right now to recharge? When was the last time I did some strategic movement? What one task is most important to complete before I leave today?

Ultimately the way out of any potentially negative situation is changing the way we frame it. Weak questions leads us in circles. Powerful thinking leads to action.

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TAKING ACTION THIS MONTH:
When you find your emotional energy starting to shift from positive to negative, pay attention to the quality of the questions you are asking yourself. Are you asking strong or weak questions? What is the one question that could begin to shift your energy in the other direction again?

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