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Asking questions is one of the most basic ways that we all learn and grow. The questions we ask other people, and even more importantly, the questions we ask ourselves, can have a dramatic impact on our self improvement, success and happiness.

There are times when we find ourselves with problems, in difficult situations, or even in a position where we feel completely overwhelmed. It can be very easy to say 'what have I done to deserve this?' or 'why does this always happen to me?'

However, these questions are destructive and only serve to prepare us for future disappointments. In fact, they can actually guarantee it! The questions we ask ourselves reflect our state of mind, reinforce our beliefs and have a huge impact on our results.

We all need to make a concerted effort to ask ourselves empowering questions that encourage and promote positive thoughts, rather than destructive questions that reinforce negative thought patterns and behaviour.

We all experience events that seem just too much for us to deal with, but in almost any situation, no matter how bad it may seem, there is usually something positive that can be found. Actively looking for positives and asking the right questions can make all the difference.

Actually asking the question 'what can I learn from this?' is a great starting point, even if you only learn what not to do in the future. But you can go much further. It has often been said that when one door closes another opens; and that in every setback lies opportunity. Things usually happen for a reason. When something happens that may seem like the worst possible outcome, very often it turns out to be just the opposite.

Many people have achieved their greatest successes as a direct result of events that seemed like disasters at the time. Don't just stare at the closed door - why not try asking yourself what opportunities are now available, or what doors have just opened for you? Try approaching the situation from a completely different angle and actively look for viewpoints you hadn't considered. You may be amazed what you come up with. At the very least, it will improve your state of mind, start you thinking more positively and creatively, and may just change you life.

"A major stimulant to creative thinking is focused questions. There is something about a well-worded question that often penetrates to the heart of the matter and triggers new ideas and insights." - Brian Tracy