Knowing what to ask.

I get lots of great emails and letters every day (thank you) but one I received this morning really brought a smile to my face. I thought I’d share it with you. I’ve re-printed it exactly as I received it.

Subject: Thank you from Morocco

Dear Craig,

I’ve been reading your blog regularly since a long time (I can’t even remember how long it’s been), and it brought a lot to my life.

If I was to send you that mail two years ago, it would have been full of whining and complaining and a sort of quiet attempt to gather some compliments and encouragement.. I wouldn’t refuse some compliments and a little encouragement right now, but let’s say I grew up since then and I can write to you without waiting for anything in return… simply to say how thankful I am for the help you gave me and to let you know I am a big member of the Craig Harper fan club

I really enjoy reading your posts, they are witty, fun and very inspiring (you’ve been already told this… but still). I don’t always do the homework you assign, but I stick close to the recommendation you give, try to get my own opinion and live by my values…

You do some really remarkable work, and I owe you a lot (of good humor, wise advice, motivation…). If you ever come by to Morocco, you’ve got a disciple… euuh I mean a friend here. And by the way, my birthday is next Monday, so if you’re coming by, don’t bother with a gift, a little red mini cooper will do it :p

Sincerely yours

Houda

Thanks Houda, if they have cheesecake in Morocco I’m on my way! The Mini Cooper is in the post – it was a bitch to wrap! And don’t even talk to me about licking all those stamps. I hope I continue to inspire you and make you laugh. ( )

On with today’s post..

I’ve spoken before about the importance of asking ourselves the right type of questions, so thought it might be time to develop that discussion a little more and share with you from my own experience.

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” - Albert Einstein

Sometimes success or failure, joy or misery, answers or problems, productivity or stagnation, excitement or frustration, learning or regression, pain or pleasure all comes back to the questions we ask ourselves. So often the key to creating positive change and better outcomes in our lives simply comes down to asking the right questions. And the right type of questions. The quality questions. The questions which lead us to self-improvement and self-discovery rather than self-pity. The “what can I learn from this” rather than the “why does this always happen to me” questions.

The tallest (and richest) man in motivation, Tony Robbins, preaches that “quality questions create a quality life.” Sound advice from the big fella.

Today I thought I would share with you my all-time fave state-changing, reality-changing, result-producing questions. Feel free to use them. They have served me well. Here we go…

1. What can I learn from this experience?

2. What are my core values (standards, beliefs, principles) and do I live a life consistent with those values?

3. What will I do different next time? (How will I create a better result next time?)

4. How do others perceive me?

5. What can I learn from the experience of others?

6. How do I need to communicate with this person in this situation to create the best outcome?

7. How can I be more effective and less emotional?

8. What is stopping me from using more of my potential and creating better results in my life?

9. What are my non-negotiable behaviours?

10. How can I be a positive influence in the lives of others?

11. What is the best investment of my time, energy and skills right now?

12. What am I grateful for?

13. What do I believe? What is my truth?

14. What am I scared of?

15. How did I contribute to this problem?

I hope these questions prove to be as valuable for you as they have been for me. Ask them, answer them and take some action and you might just change your life.

Click on the comment thingy and share with us the one question that gives you a reality check and kicks you back into action.

Ciao.

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