The Question Method

Image by Sigurd Decroos

In this article I will remind you of a solution to any problem which you already know. In fact, it’s simple and effective, but we so often forget to use it. That’s what I call the question method.

The power of questioning yourself

Have you noticed how little psychologists talk during a session? They listen to your thoughts and emotions and ask you questions. Step by step, by finding the answers, you start understanding why you were feeling like you did before you went to the session. You feel reborn and relaxed, all thanks to a few questions.

But to ask yourself some questions, you don’t really need a personal psychologist, do you?

How to apply the question method for happiness

So you’re in a bad mood, you feel stressed and grumpy. The feelings are not going to go away by themselves – you need to take action and change your mood to positive.

1. What am I feeling? Could be stress, depression, boredom, disappointment…
2. Why am I feeling this? Maybe because of the argument with my boss today…
3. Do I need to feel this? Actually, no. This negative feelings will not get me anywhere.
4. What can I do to change this? I’ll have a talk with the boss tomorrow and tell him that I want less criticism and more advice from him.
5. How do I feel now? Much, much better. Actually, I feel relieved.

Did you notice how the more questions I ask, the more precise the answers become?

How to apply the question method for motivation

Here’s another example of using questions to clarify your thoughts and understand or change your current emotions.

Let’s say that I need more motivation to finally start exercising.

1. What do I want to do? Exercise.
2. Why do I want to do it? Because I will be more fit, I’ll feel and look much better.
3. How will it help me? It will give me more self-confidence and it will make me more attractive to others.

After I’ve given myself some reasons, I’m motivated. Now it’s time to start getting fit.

Just ask!

Lay down on your bed. It’s best to be alone. Close your eyes and realize what you’re thinking and feeling – understand what’s attracting your mental attention.

Start asking yourself any question you can think of. Write it down. Write down the answers. They don’t have to make a lot of sence. Simply get them out of your mind so that you can finally get some rest.

Do this trick as often as possible and see as you become your own psychologist, motivation mentor and anything else you can possibly think of.