Judge a person by their questions, rather than their answers … because asking the right questions is the answer.

In a recent ‘subscribers only’ email (subscribe here) I wrote: “Quiet your mind. Don’t think outside the box of negativity. Think like there is no box.”

To my surprise, over 200 people quoted this short line and responded with the same general question: “How?”

I’ve thought about it for a little while this morning, and I’ve decided that the simplest and most universal explanation I can give is this: Ask yourself better questions – questions that focus your thoughts and filter out all the nonsensical 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. Let these questions shift your perspective and guide you.

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Please share this post with others who you think will benefit from it, and, as always, share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. If you’re up to it, I’d love to read your response to the very first question: In one sentence, who are you?

Also, check out our sister site, Thought Questions, for more photo-illustrated questions like these, and check out our book if you’re interested in reading even more thought-provoking questions and related life lessons.

For photo credits please refer to ThoughtQuestions.com