Ask better questions

Lately, I’ve been wondering how much our mind can expand by asking better questions.

We often focus on finding better answers because answers are what get us better grades and success in the world. But what if asking the right questions is even more important?

"Don’t listen to the person who has the answers; listen to the person who has the questions."
Albert Einstein

In life, certain questions seem to be asked for us automatically, and it’s our job to only come up with our “unique” answer: "What do you do?" "Where are you from?" "How much do you earn?”

Even though it is socially acceptable to ask these questions and even answer them for ourselves, I wonder if there is a better way to live life. Are we limiting ourselves by letting a handful of questions define us?

What if, instead, you asked “When was the last time you felt happy?” “What gets you out of bed in the morning?”

I understand that these types of questions might not make you the life of the party, and they aren't something you'd bring up during a quick elevator ride. But if the true purpose of communication is to connect and understand one another, why don’t we dare to ask questions that go deeper, questions that people rarely hear?

I like the image of somebody allowing you to get inside their mind and give you a glimpse of themselves, how they see the world.

I also appreciate these questions because they challenge us to think, reflect and maybe change our responses over time. There have been moments when a question from someone close to me lingered for days, even weeks, making me reconsider my initial response. It feels far more meaningful than simply saying, "Yeah, it’s cold—winter is coming.”

This approach isn’t restricted to communication with other people only. Asking yourself these open-ended questions and giving space for the answers to emerge is a powerful practice I encourage everyone to try regularly.

What does happiness mean to you? If you didn’t have to earn more money, how will you like to spend your time? What movie or book would you like to experience for the first time again? Why?