Courtesy of Micky
Asking yourself good motivating questions and then answering them can boost your productivity and increase your happiness according to studies conducted by psychologists in recent years.
That’s why I always ask and answer…
My Two Morning Motivating Questions
I got the idea for asking morning questions from an audio tape I checked out of the library back when I lived on Kaua’i in the late 1990s. (Author lost to the mists of time.)
I answer them as I’m taking the first sips of my morning coffee, often while I’m outside looking at the stars or the sunrise, and it only takes a minute or two to do. The answers really motivate me in all areas of my life and they help me focus on what I really need to do that day.
Here they are:
1. “What is Good About My Life?”
This question helps me focus on why I’m glad to be alive and it puts me in a good frame of mind.
Another version of this question I frequently use: “What am I grateful for?”
2. “What Are the Most Important Things I Need to Do Today?”
This question helps me focus on my main priorities for the day. My improved mental state from answering the first question motivates me to get going on what I really need to do.
Important Points about Motivating Morning Questions
I ask “What is good about my life?” first because it improves my mood. Then, when I ask myself “What are the most important things I need to do today?” I’m in a better frame of mind to both determine what needs to be done and to actually get those things done.
Your Take
Do you ask yourself motivating questions? What are they? When do you ask them? How do they help you? Share with us!
{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: @allcolores
Great questions! I would add giving yourself credit for what you did well yesterday, to support your confidence in making today a great day too, or to find the opportunities in the challenges you face today.
Ayelet – All Colores recently posted…Meet a Local: Sabina, a Middle East Solo Female Traveler from Connecticut, USA
That’s a good idea Ayelet.
I actually ask that question right after I turn out the lights at night: “What were the highlights of today?”
My answers usually involve being with people or being outside; they’re rarely about work.
John Soares recently posted…50 Ways to Beat Writer’s Block and Procrastination: A Free Special Report
Twitter: @writererinraub
Love this, John! Another little something to add to my morning routine. The current schedule includes coffee, a crossword or brain teaser, and social network perusal. I think these questions would be perfect just before I sit down to actually work.
I agree with Ayelet, too, that giving yourself a pat on a back for past work well done is a good idea, too. It’s like checking off todo items – it makes you feel accomplished, which in turn makes you want to accomplish more.
Erin recently posted…Are You Committing These 5 Deadly Sins of Business Blogging?
Erin, I like how you warm up your mind with crosswords and brain teasers before getting to work. I’ll have to try that.
John Soares recently posted…When Is the Best Time for You to Write?
Twitter: @zoeyclark
I forget to do it every morning, but I have one question and a word. The question is “How soon do you want to make your dreams come true?” and the word is “California.” California represents my travel plans, my love for warm weather and dream lifestyle. So the word and the question are connected.
I should ask/think this daily.
Pinar Tarhan recently posted…10 Reasons Writers Should Watch TNT’s Perception starring Eric McCormack
Pinar, that question links to a very important goal, getting to California, and that can motivate you to do all the things large and small you need to do to make that happen.
Since you mentioned warm weather, I assume you’re thinking of southern California. I suggest the San Diego area, not Los Angeles.
John Soares recently posted…Are Your Sleep Habits Hurting Your Writing Career?
Twitter: @zoeyclark
I’ve been to L.A. only in the summer and liked it. How is it the rest of the year? I definitely have San Diego in mind too…
Pinar Tarhan recently posted…10 Reasons Writers Should Watch TNT’s Perception starring Eric McCormack
I’ve only been to L.A. 3-4 times in my life, but I think winter temps are often in the 60s. Weather.com and other sites have climate data for most major cities.
John Soares recently posted…Freelancers, Would You Use This E-Mail Auto-Response?
Twitter: @zoeyclark
Thanks, John. I’ve been checking those sites for a while, and just wanted to compare with “insider” info. Thanks. : )
Pinar Tarhan recently posted…10 Reasons Writers Should Watch TNT’s Perception starring Eric McCormack
I actually grew up and lived most of my life at the very north and very rural end of California. Southern California was long, long ways away.
John Soares recently posted…My Criteria for Keeping a Print Book
Twitter: @millercathy
I love getting up early when it is quiet and the day is full of possibilities. My one question is how can I keep it simple? That can apply to both my life and my work.
I love how you always make me think, John. I thank you for that.
Cathy Miller recently posted…Your “Where Did January Go” Business Strategy
“How can I keep it simple?” Great question Cathy!
Thanks for sharing it.
John Soares recently posted…50 Ways to Beat Writer’s Block and Procrastination: A Free Special Report
Oops I have a different mindset. My first question when I wake up is “Is it raining?” and then “What outerwear do I need to put on to walk the dogs?”
Cheryl Rhodes recently posted…Playing at the Clova from January 18 to 24, 2013
Hah!
I had two golden retrievers over a 14-year span, so I know exactly what you mean!
John Soares recently posted…Freelancers, Would You Use This E-Mail Auto-Response?
Twitter: @shurleyhall
I share regular gratitude lists with a couple of pals, John, so that first question really appeals to me. I also spend five minutes going over the good things about the day with my daughter each evening.
I keep a running task list, segmented by date, so I usually have a handle on what I need to do each day. Still, I usually pause for a minute or so to decide how to prioritize them.
Sharon Hurley Hall recently posted…Your Writing Business – How to Rekindle the Romance
Sharon, I think it’s great that you spend time with your daughter every evening discussing the good things that happened that day. What a great way to help your daughter and yourself.
John Soares recently posted…How to Get More Freelance Writing Assignments
Twitter: @cajuncopy
Hey Sharon,
I love this, too! My wife started asking our 5 year old every evening, “What’s your favorite part of the day?” I think his favorite part of the day has become answering this question. Me too!
By the way, he’s not allowed to answer, “Watching TV.”
We keep all his answers in a journal. When he’s 18, we won’t have to wonder where the time went. We’ll have a record of it.
Jesse recently posted…Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Guide to Excellence
This is such a great thing to do with kids.
And as I said in a comment above, I end each by asking myself what were the best things that happened to me that day.
John Soares recently posted…Why You Are So Slow Finishing That Freelance Writing Project
Twitter: @shurleyhall
Ooh, a journal is a great idea, Jesse. You’d think, as a writer, I’d have thought of that.
Sharon Hurley Hall recently posted…Your Writing Business – How to Rekindle the Romance
Twitter: @cajuncopy
Ha!
I think of “journaling” differently than most, though. We jot down moments of our lives that we want to remember. For example, when the kids say something funny or accomplish something new in school.
It’s not really a writing exercise. Most entries are a sentence or two. Just to jot down the memory so we’ll never lose it. Sometimes we attach a picture. Sometimes not. Very informal. Very short. Capture the memory. Jot down the moment.
Something cool will happen, and my wife or I will look at each other and shout, “Journal that!” That just means, “Write that down before you forget it.”
I guess that’s not really a “journal” as most would consider it.
Jesse recently posted…Warning: Don’t Tweet, Send, or Publish Until You Read This
Twitter: @shurleyhall
I used to do that when she was little – tracking her early words etc. A great idea to do it for other memorable moments.
Sharon Hurley Hall recently posted…Your Writing Business – How to Rekindle the Romance
Twitter: @cajuncopy
Hi John,
This is probably my favorite topic in the universe. I learned about the power of questions from Tony Robbins back in the ’80′s. (Maybe that’s what you were thinking about?)
His “Morning Power Questions” were:
1. What am I happy about? What about that makes me happy?
2. What am I excited about? What about that makes me excited?
3. What am I grateful for? What about that makes me grateful?
4. What am I proud of? What about that makes me proud?
5. What am I enjoying most about my life right now? What about that am I enjoying?
6. What am I committed to most? What about that makes me committed?
7. Who do I love? Who loves me?
And his “Evening power questions”:
1. What did I learn today?
2. What did I give/contribute today?
3. How did today improve the quality of my life?
And his “Problem solving questions” to ask yourself each time you face a challenge:
1. What’s great about this?
2. What’s not perfect yet? (Notice the “yet?”)
3. What am I willing to do to make it the way I want it?
4. What am I no longer willing to do to make it the way I want it?
5. How can I enjoy the process?
The personal favorites I use:
What’s my favorite thing that happened today?
Who knows how to do this (thing that I’m trying to figure out), that I can ask?
How does this (option I’m considering or thing I’m spending my time on) contribute to a goal I’ve set that really matters?
I could go on all day…questions can instantly change the dynamic of your whole situation and unleash your creativity.
Jesse recently posted…You’re 3 Questions Away From Your Best Year Ever
Thanks for sharing these Jesse. I’m glad we both see the power and importance of asking and answering the right questions.
I’m aware of Tony Robbins and his questions, but he wasn’t the source for the ones I mentioned in the post.
John Soares recently posted…50 Ways to Beat Writer’s Block and Procrastination: A Free Special Report
Twitter: @annewayman
hmmm… think I’m going to try emailing my adult daughter two or three great things – love that.
I regularly remember to be grateful… that’s a practice in itself.
But honestly? My real first question is ‘where’s the coffee!’ Haven’t yet convinced my cats they should make coffee.
A regular meditation practice seems to help too.
A
Anne Wayman recently posted…How To Center And Clear Your Mind For Writing – Ask Anne
Twitter: @cajuncopy
Hi Anne,
I have to admit that my first question in the morning is the same: “Where’s the coffee?”
Jesse recently posted…Warning: Don’t Tweet, Send, or Publish Until You Read This
For me it’s actually “Where’s the light switch?”
John Soares recently posted…50 Ways to Beat Writer’s Block and Procrastination: A Free Special Report
Twitter: @RF_RebeccaFrank
My two motivating morning questions – 1) Can I open my eyes? Yes! Great, I am not dead. 2) What good can I do today. Then I make my tea, give my husband a kiss, let the dogs out for their morning romp.
Very good questions Becky! Thanks for sharing them.
John Soares recently posted…50 Ways to Beat Writer’s Block and Procrastination: A Free Special Report
Great questions! Another little something to add to my morning routine. The current schedule includes coffee, a crossword or brain teaser, and social network perusal.Thanks for sharing it.
Taswir Haider recently posted…Theme Check: WordPress Theme Checker Plugin
Twitter: @LoriWidmer
Simple, great questions, John. The first one is one I tend to forget to ask myself. Thanks for the reminder.
Twitter: @javiermorenouk
This two questions do help you to put you in the right frame of mind for the day. Anyone can adapt this questions to their own circumstances. Personally I find that doing 10 minutes of meditation at the start of the day is really helpful.
Javier recently posted…Choosing a good wedding Photographer