Questions are a powerful tool. We can learn so much from asking questions but at the same time, we are often shy or do not have the courage to ask. We therefore are left not fully understanding or making wild assumptions based on our limited world view.
Asking for Knowledge and Understanding
From a young age, we know we should be willing to stick our hand up in class. Sometimes we don't because of our on inhibitions. Younger children don't have that problem and hey continuously ask questions, "but why?" They ask because they want to learn and understand more.
Asking questions is the key to understanding more, so don't stop asking.
"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning."
Albert Einstein
Asking to Build Relationships
Many disappointments and arguments happen in relationships because one side didn't understand the perspective of the other. Perspectives are so important. We see the world through spectacles that have been shaped by our unique experiences. Our upbringing, location, culture, religion and so many other factors will change our perception of reality. However, everyone thinks that they personally are right.
So when we have differences of opinions, let's not immediately be judgemental or dismissive but try to understand different viewpoints based on the perceptions others have, based on their unique experiences.
By asking questions, we can understand first before taking impulsive action. This will help to build any relationship. Most people don't need to know everyone agrees with them but rather they want to know that their viewpoint has been considered. You never know, their rich experience in life might change your own perceptions.
"Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood"
Stephen Covey
Asking to Empower Ourselves
It is also important to ask the right type of questions that are going to drive positive outcomes. Asking the right questions is important in a relationship but is also important for empowering ourselves.
Let's assume that you have just failed in a task you were eager to master. Do not ask yourself questions like, "why am I always such a failure?"
This type of question will immediately trigger your mind to come with all the negative points it can come up with as to why you are not able to do the task. These negative style questions will reinforce negative feelings and may even result in us giving up with the task altogether.
Consider instead asking, "what can I do better next time?" This question is a positive question and will make us think of areas that we can improve. It is a may even encourage us to try again sooner if we realise there is something important we missed previously.
“Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.”
Anthony Robbins
Don't stop asking the right questions
So asking questions, and asking the right questions, is extremely powerful. It keeps us learning, it helps us to build stronger relationships and will help keep our minds positive.