Judge a person by their questions, rather than their answers … because asking the right questions is the answer.
In a recent ‘subscribers only’ email (subscribe here) I wrote: “Quiet your mind. Don’t think outside the box of negativity. Think like there is no box.”
To my surprise, over 200 people quoted this short line and responded with the same general question: “How?”
I’ve thought about it for a little while this morning, and I’ve decided that the simplest and most universal explanation I can give is this: Ask yourself better questions – questions that focus your thoughts and filter out all the nonsensical noise that’s been cluttering your mind.
The calming and healing power of a positive imagination is unleashed by constraining your focus. Constraints drive creativity and force mindful thinking. It may sound counterintuitive at first but, in a backwards way, you break out of the box by stepping into the right shackles.
And that’s exactly what the questions below can help you with – shackling the noise in your head by channeling your focus into meaningful thoughts. Let these questions shift your perspective and guide you.
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Please share this post with others who you think will benefit from it, and, as always, share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. If you’re up to it, I’d love to read your response to the very first question: In one sentence, who are you?
Also, check out our sister site, Thought Questions, for more photo-illustrated questions like these, and check out our book if you’re interested in reading even more thought-provoking questions and related life lessons.
For photo credits please refer to ThoughtQuestions.com
Renee says
I Am who I Am.
Brenda says
I am eternal spirit – as we all are. We are all One.
Out of ignorance, we forget this and suffer as a result.
I am not my body. It is an instrument for my use.The pursuit of Wisdom, leads me to use the instrument well.
Love (unconditional) and happiness is my natural state. Whenever we experience something else, it is not Self.
Harry says
Once you realize this, nobody can take it away from you. The challenge is to remain in that state…
Balviyn Saihal says
I am love?
Rev. Takawira says
I am who I am!!!
Sumit Sureka says
I think, thus I am.
Raand says
You are, that is why you think!
Alissa says
I love this post, among many others that you both have posted. My answer to the first question was a subconscious thought that popped into my head which at first surprised me but then made me smile. I have been wondering who I truly am for the past few months and this greatly helped me.
My answer was: I am a passionate and kind innovator that loves the world.
Lauren says
I am always striving to be a better version of myself.
Nonna says
I find it really hard to answer the first question. I’m going through getting over being cheated on by my husband but really more on getting over why I’m letting him treat me that way. I don’t know myself anymore. Is it possible that you cannot really describe who u are. I guess my best answer to the question is I am my own worst enemy. 🙁
Bel says
We all make mistakes, don’t judge yourself too hard. Try to find your answers, but try even harder to shape you and your life to what you wish it to be.
desiree says
It sounds like you know you deserve better but maybe you’re scared going out and getting it. It’s scary to walk away from something that’s familiar even if it’s bad for you.
Lauren says
It’s often harder to stay and forgive than to give up and leave. You are stronger than you know.
Dannie says
Wow. That really made me think deeper than what I usually do on a regular basis! I’m going to write this down and keep it so that I can read it to assure myself when I ever get to a low point in life. Loved it!
Maria says
Thank you – this is PHENOMENAL – and just what I needed. My response to the first question, by the way, is:
“I am a feminist writer and speaker who wants to change the world for girls and women, and who has a passion for travel.”
Sandy says
I am an extension of Creative Energy/Mind.
Dan Western says
Great idea for an article Angel! These questions really are powerful. I think my favorite is: “What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?”
Thanks again,
Dan
Jane says
Who am I in a sentence?:
I’m a child of God.
denise says
Thank you for posting these thoughtful questions. I do not spend enough time in the moment. Always planning, working, catching up on responsibilities. I read this at the right time. I am deeper than I realize.
Marc Chernoff says
Although no one seems to need an individual response today, I wanted to jump in and say:
THANK YOU, ALL OF YOU.
Angel and I just read through all of your replies, and your answers to question #1 are truly moving. 🙂
Gigi says
You nailed this Angel. Excellent questions that simply amaze me you came up with for the article’s purpose. #1 for me is also “A child of God.” I realized from my answers my faith in God is a big part of who I am, how I live, what’s and what’s not important to me and so much more. I am grateful to have this faith or I fear I would be lost in this world that makes no sense a lot of the time. I see the big picture as we have a short time on earth and will be rewarded in the afterlife depending om how we use our earthly time. Completely changes your mindset on what matters here. Hope I’m correct!!!
suzie says
I am incomplete.
Otis says
I am an explorer through space and time. Seeking adventure, wisdom and understanding and the opportunity to share these gifts with those seeking the same.
Gracie says
I am a work in progress!
Carrie says
I am a kind, generous young woman who follows her heart and enjoys making lives better with her art, writing, and helping others.
Ari says
I’ve read every single blog post you’ve write, for the last year, but this is my favorite one. I have no words to express my admiration for you. I think I didn’t find myself yet, I’m working to get the best version of myself…
Craig says
I am a good person.
francis says
I am a CHAMPION!
Lisa says
I am…nothing. I have a dozen roles; I have at least as many defined ideas of I should be, must be, could be. But at the small, still center, where it’s quiet, where the true self hides, I find…nothing. It’s empty. She’s vanished. Over the course of nearly 20 years, I have become a shell built by the expectations of others. And the realization of that makes me remarkably sad, mourning the person who used to be. I used to Be. But I lost myself by inches, not even realizing it had happened.
Sara says
Me too, Lisa
Pam says
Thank you Lisa and Sara….I don’t feel so totally alone now~
Monique says
I am the Beloved of God.
Steffen says
Wow, very powerful questions. You could think about each one for hours.
“In one sentence, who are you?”
I am the only one who can make possible what I dream of.
thatpicturegirl says
Yes!
Chen says
I am a child of God.
Len says
I am my Self. Unlimited potential. I am love. I am you. And you. I am everything and nothing at the same time.
Mac says
I am a student of life a teacher of none, I give all that i can I care for everyone I meet,I am me and still learning.
Michele Grant says
I receive constant inspiration from you both and am very grateful for all of your encouraging words! Thank you! …I am a loving, artistic person whose soon-to-be-accomplished life goal is to succeed on my own terms by running a small business doing what I love from home.
vicoa says
i don’t know who i am right now. i’m sad and i’m sick and i’m confused. i long for love and i hurt and i don’t trust easily. i’m poor and my children don’t speak to me. i’m not a bad mother, they blame me for my choice of their father. they hate him, and rightfully so. i moved into a big house with my dog and cat. i sleep most of the time, i take my medication and i eat once a day. i’ve lost 21 lbs. in 3 weeks, which is a good thing. i’m 300 lbs when i moved here 3 weeks ago and tomorrow i hope to start walking like i used to when i weighed 145 lbs. but i’m so sad. the meds might need adjustment. but i hate taking them. but i do. faithfully. i’m just so sad right now. i have a date tomorrow and i don’t really want to go. too sad. ugh. i hate this.
Brad says
Hm this was a bit of a stumper. I’ve been going through a lot of wondering the answer to that exact question. First I thought I am complicated and that I am very smart and the combination has helped me to manage difficult environments and events (bullying, assault) but today that mind did such a good job, erecting the ultimate defense, that it’s not only hard to take down, it’s not even seen. It’s invisible.. I don’t know what it means to not be me and living with an outdated system that has let fear drive much of my decisions… I got scared. I stayed scared. And with time I didn’t see it as scared, but just as me, and as such not knowing how to change and how to get the drive to change when I’ve kinda lost my motivation cause without developing sexual habits/lifestyle eventually you forget abouit it and you just live without it. Also I said I’m empathetic. When I see someone clearly in pain I feel it too and it makes me go to them to offer what help I can. Although yes I want to help them, it’s partially selfiish, cause now I’m hurting and by helping I’ll hurt less too. The final idea that came up was I really, right now, am having trouble knowing who I am..I mean I know my heart, my passion, my optimism and my joy with the simple things in life, but I feel I’m picking up a message from my environment when I’m high that somehow along my travels I have become someone who is allowed to have his privacyy invaded, and that means that there must be something that happened which has identified me as someone who’s a risk, and since I have no recollection well that would only make it more plausible and concerning for those who have been affected by this disconnected part and not knowing how to heal, get closure, get justice, and feeling probably duped cause the danger came from t =someone who is mentally ill and unaware of this potential. Just tell me. Now I”m thinking it must be some legal matter becausre I’ve asked and I’ve made it clear that there’s no where else. Let’s have people feel safe night and have me be able to not unknowingly be putting this out into the community, this fear. Please that’s not me. And I certainly would like to get some direction and healing too. I think that’s enough. Thanks for this. It mattered big time.
Jordyn says
These would make awesome writing prompts. THANKS!
Priya says
I don’t know why but I can’t seem to answer most of these questions.
Isabelle says
My response to the first question “Who are you ?” is, spontaneously :
JUST ME !
But as Priya, I can’t answer most of questions right away, I must tell.
Thank you.
Christine says
My Quickie first five:
1.Truth seeker 2. Love 3. Relationship 4. The Beloved 5. Ironing naked…
Thank you, Angel, for this awesome article! I am so impressed with you!
Will share on FB.
Molly Haydon says
It would be great if this could be downloaded as some sort of pdf/word doc that you could actually put your answers on and save and reference. I’ve sent this to a number of people and it all looks to daunting to answer as there is no environment to prompt an answer. BUT, it’s brilliant, thought provoking – for all ages.
Siací says
I am she who is always looking.
Georgia says
I am totality. ( Aham Brahmasmi )
Lynn says
I am independent, smart, funny, loving, sometimes judgmental and unconfident…I am me!
Vickie Voisine says
Answer to question 1. I am a mother and a creative person.