Asking the right questions is often the answer.
In a recent email newsletter I wrote, “Calm your mind today. Don’t just think outside the box; think like there is no box.”
And to my surprise, 97 people quoted that line and responded with the same general question: “How?”
I’ve spent the morning thinking about how to answer their collective question in the most universal way possible, and I’ve decided that the simplest explanation I can give is this: Ask yourself better questions — questions that focus your thoughts and filter out the excess 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 and moments of self-refection. Let these questions shift your perspective and guide you gracefully forward…
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Please share the questions above with others who you think will benefit from them. And as always, please share your thoughts with Marc and me in the comments section below. If you’re up to it, we would love to read your response to the very first question: In one sentence, who are you?
(Also note that many of these photo-illustrated questions were initially created for our sister site, Thought Questions, but since we rarely update that site we decided to share the questions with you here instead. Finally, many of these questions have also been published in the guided journal, “The Good Morning Journal”, which was published by Penguin last year.)
For photo credits please refer to ThoughtQuestions.com
Tokovia says
Who am I?
I am complex enchanted simplicity.
A loner who adores people.
I’m quiet courage.
I am strength.
Barbara Kelly says
I’m 74 years old and still learning and evolving in life .
Bryce says
What an awesome idea for an article! Asking ourselves thought-provoking questions like these can be very powerful.
#28 reminded me that I’m no longer afraid of failing to live up to other people’s expectations for me. It took me a long time to realize that most of my unhappiness and anxiety came from the fear or letting other people down. Life certainly becomes a lot easier and more enjoyable when you become indifferent to what other people think of you.
Oh, and I saw that note at the bottom of the post about your new Good Morning Journal. I’m going to get myself a copy of that for sure. Looking forward to using it for morning reflection in the weeks ahead.
Gracie says
To answer your question: I am a work in progress!
And thank you for these inspiring questions.
Jordyn says
Yes, like Bryce said above it’s great that you put these questions in a journal too, Marc and Angel. These surely make such awesome writing prompts. THANKS!
Crystal says
Absolutely love this article.
Love all the inspiring questions and the challenge to think without a “box”
I am all that God created me to be.
Weak in moments of failure yet stronger and courageous afterwards.
I am the total sum of all my mistakes that equals a wonderful discovery that I can overcome and rise above anything with God as my compass.
I am forgiven, redeemed and set free from strongholds that held me captive.
I am created on purpose with purpose for purpose.
I am a blessing (and so are you).
Kathy says
I’m a retired wife, mother and grandmother trying to make positive memories and progress for the rest of my life.
Linda Kallok says
I am a sponge, soaking up all of life’s experiences, day by day.
Kingsley Arah says
I am the culmination of all my decisions from the start of my life until right now that I write this.
I am neither good nor bad entirely.
I am a work in progress.
Don Owens says
I really-really liked the questions! As a former history teacher and coach they were quite thought provoking!
Very good for self reflection! Thank you!
#1 I am a man on my own unique mission!
Michelle McCreary says
I think this may be the best blog post I have read this year! Thank you for writing this and sharing it. Every question is thought provoking and commands attention to not only things that need improvement, but also things that give us joy and remind us of why we face each day and fight the good fight. You have a new fan in me and I look forward to reading new content going forward.
Thank you!
Connie says
I’m a spiritual being having a human experience.
Eva M. says
I am human. A woman. A daughter, sister, lover and mother of a dog named Jake.
Was it supposed to be one word? Definitely not succinct.
Loquacious?
I enjoyed the exercise. Thank you!
Jeff L Fenton says
And if people can’t answer question 1. Question 2 should be who are you becoming?
SHUBHANGI says
I am joy, bliss ..I am space..I am this..I exist everywhere
Terie G says
I am a woman who loves God, her husband, her children, her grandchild, and helping people.
These questions were quite thought-provoking and a few were not easily answered. I have never asked myself or even thought about who I am.
Diane Wadsworth Gray says
Who are you? The first question. My first thought was “I am a child of the most high God.”
Mohamad Abdullah says
I am a blessed Malay man going to be 80 this year with 6 good children though one has passed away, retired , healthy and still has plenty to learn.
Hap Happy says
I am a very enthusiastic, unusual guy who joufully brings a lot of happiness to many people each day, and the world gives me back great joy!
Teddie Jane says
I am love graced with a smile.
Stevie says
I am a recovering alcoholic who just recently told the truths about myself.
I find your articles extremely helpful.