Written By
Angel Hernandez
May 21, 2023 9:00pm PDT
Founder of Get Sharp Coaching and life and career coach
In our world there are a million tools used for coaching, yet one stands out from the rest.
Its simplicity often makes it overlooked. For it not only allows us to explore our thoughts and emotions, but it causes us to change neurologically and biologically.
Now, what is this tool and how can you use it?
Simple, ask open ended questions.
Here are five reasons why asking open ended questions can lead you to drastically enhancing your self-coaching and personal development routine, along with a list of questions to help get you started.
1. Reflection
Unlike closed-ended questions that yield simple responses, open-ended questions engage the brains default mode network promoting self reflection and deeper levels of understanding. Leading to greater levels of self-awareness and personal growth.
By asking open-ended questions, we create a space for robust answers and allow individuals to tap into their inner wisdom and insights.
Causing people to use more of the right side of their brains (creative/emotional) to find answers as opposed to the left side (rational /logical).
"A question opens the mind and statements close the mind."
-Robert Kiyosaki
2. Connection
Open-ended questions serve as bridges that connect us on a deeper level.
By engaging in meaningful conversations, both with ourselves and others, we establish rapport and trust. When we genuinely ask about others experiences, dreams, and challenges, we foster empathy and understanding.
This connection enables us to build stronger relationships and a supportive network for both ourselves and others.
"Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each others eyes for an instant?"
-Henry David Thoreau
3. Problem-Solving
The art of asking open-ended questions is invaluable when it comes to decision-making and problem-solving.
By encouraging individuals to explore different angles, consider other alternatives, and weigh out the pros and cons, open-ended questions help us make more informed choices.
They enable us to navigate uncharted territories and complex situations as well as help us find innovative solutions to those challenges.
"To solve any problem, here are the three questions to ask yourself. First, what could I do? Second, what could I read? And third, who could I ask?"
-Jim Rohn
4. Curiosity
Effectively using open-ended questions, cultivates the skills of active listening and genuine curiosity within us.
The more curious we are the more curious we often tend to become.
Engaging in conversations with an open mind, leads us to embracing diverse points of views. Enabling us to learn more than we ever would have on our own.
"Be curious. Read widely.Try new things. What people call intelligence just boils down to curiosity?"
-Aaron Swartz
5. Optimization
Open ended questions activate multiple brain regions including the prefrontal cortex (for critical thinking), the temporal lobes (for language comprehension), the parietal lobes (for working memory), the anterior cingulate cortex (for cognitive control), and the insula (for self-awareness and emotional processing).
Their's a growing body of evidence suggesting that engaging in mentally stimulating activities, including asking questions, may contribute to optimizing cognitive health and potentially even reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
"No man really becomes a fool until he stops asking questions."
-Charles Proteus Steinmetz
- What is the meaning of life?
- What does success mean to you, and how do you measure it in your life?
[Forbes Article on Success]
- How would you envision an ideal society, and what steps can we take to move closer to that vision?
[Medium Article on Ideal Society]
- If you could have a conversation with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
- What would you ask or discuss with them?
- How do you approach personal growth and self-improvement in your life?
[James Clear Article]
- What are your goals?
[Positive Psychology Article on Goal Setting]
- What steps are you taking to achieve them?
- How do you define happiness?
[Time Magazine Link To Life Changing Issue]
- What habits contribute to your overall sense of well-being?
As you embark on your journey of personal mastery, remember the power open-ended questions has had on your life.
By harnessing the art of asking open-ended questions, you can:
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Unlock Insights
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Build Connections
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Find Solutions
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Cultivate Curiosity
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Optimize Cognition
Here comes the most important question!
How do you plan on applying open-ended questions to take charge of mastering your life today?
