Tony Robbins is synonymous with personal development. He’s helped millions of people all over the world change their lives through his books, programs and seminars. Personally, I think his earlier work was some of his best, and would highly recommend anyone interested in changing their lives pick up his “Get the Edge” program or read either Awaken the Giant Within or Personal Power.
One thing he often talks about the importance of asking ourselves better questions. “Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.” To illustrate this, he uses the example of people wanting to lose weight with great effect.
Most people ask themselves, “Why can’t I lose weight?” The answer their brain comes up with any number of answers such as
– “It runs in the family.”
– “Because you’re lazy.”
– “Because you like eating.”
– “You’ve always been big.”
Those who successfully lose weight, ask themselves a similar question, but one that elicits a completely different set of answers – “How can I lose weight?”
– “I could join a gym.”
– “I could join the local basketball team.”
– “I could start jogging.”
– “I could hire a trainer.”
– “I could change my diet.”
– “I could stop drinking Coke.”
Our mind is an incredible tool, but like any tool it can be used for good or bad. The minute you are ask yourself a question, it goes to work on finding an answer. However, as you can see from the example above, you’ve got to ask yourself empowering questions.
As a productivity consultant, I’m all about finding ways to do things faster, better and easier. Questions are a tool I do employ with clients and corporations as it forces them to rethink their strategies.
If you’re reading this article, you most likely clicked over because you want to make a change in your life. Maybe it’s due to your work, your lack of free time, your desire to make more money or to look better, regardless, these 13 questions will help.
1. What am I grateful for?
Start with gratitude. Write a list of everything you’re grateful for and read it every day. You’ll be surprised how this one simple exercise can change your life.
2 What do I REALLY want?
a. Most people never ask themselves what they want. They just know they want to change.
3. Am I willing to do WHATEVER it takes to do it?
a. If you can’t respond with a resounding “Yes” to this question, then you’re fooling yourself.
4. What should I read to find answers?
a. There is a book on everything from how to make money to how to lose weight. Books are great place to start if you’re looking for answers.
5. Are there any courses available I could take?
6. What podcasts could I listen to help me?
7. Do I know anyone who has done what I want to do?
8. Who could work with me?
a. It can be lonely on the path to wherever it is you’re going.
9. Can I find the time? (Hint, the answer is yes)
a. As Jim Rohn used to say, “If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”
10. Am I willing to stick it out?
a. No matter how hard you try, things never go according to plan. That’s just the nature of things so you’ve got to be willing to keep going no matter how hard it gets.
11. What tough decisions will I have to make?
a. Are you willing to give up alcohol, stop smoking, or exercise daily?
12. How much time am I willing to invest in seeing it through?
a. Anything worth doing will take time. Raising a family, getting in shape, becoming wealthy.
13. How will I change on my journey?
a. Your journey of change will result in a new you, likely with new friends.
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Adrian Shepherd started his career as an ESL teacher in Japan, but today focuses on consulting with individuals and companies on productivity. His background in education helped him develop The One-Bite Time Management System (TMS), a revolutionary new system based entirely around simplicity: small bites that people can digest easily. He is based in Osaka, Japan. Learn more about Adrian at adrianshepherd.com.
