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Learn to ask quality questions

Madeira, beach, quality of life, Shannon Skinner

Madeira

The quality of questions you ask yourself determines the quality of your life.

Newton is said to have discovered gravity by observing an apple falling from a branch of a tree while at the same time noticing the moon hanging in the sky. He wondered why the apple fell and not the moon. A remarkable question that lead to a greater understanding of our universe.

Okay, so not everyone is Newton asking questions that will help us understand universal laws, but we can learn to ask quality questions to do something that inspires us, get ourselves out of a pickle – or transform our lives and ultimately live an extraordinary life.

The difference between a quality question and a regular question lies in where it comes from: your heart. Zeroing-in on what is truly important in your heart to create, whether it is personal, business or other, is the first step. Then you ask yourself questions that are derived from or connected to your values.

We all live with a set of values. Some of those values are more important than others. For instance, an entrepreneur will have a high value on business and will spend a lot of time learning and growing in that area. A health expert will have a high value on wellness and will spend considerable time focussed on having a healthy lifestyle, whatever that takes. A mom will have a high value on her children, and she will put much time and energy into raising her kids, such as their education, food and clothing. An investor will put an enormous time and energy into understanding finances, the markets, etc.

For me, I have a high value in higher learning, travel, writing and media. There are other areas that are important to me, such as health and relationships, of course, and the priorities change, depending on what is going on in my life and the world around me. Right now, travel is not possible, so that area has been replaced by learning in other subjects that interest me, and other things.

One thing I know for certain that to live an extraordinary life begins with a) getting clear on your values and then b) asking quality questions.

Here are some examples of how you can turn a general question into a quality question:

  1. How can I earn more money?

Quality question: How can I make more money than every by doing what I love and getting paid handsomely for it?

  1. How do I stop making the same mistake?

Quality question: How is this (fill in the blank) helping me get what I deeply desire?

  1. Why am I failing at xx?

Quality question: How is this setback helping me reach my goals in the bigger picture?

The bottomline is to link your questions with your highest values and turn the question into a way of moving you forward and finding answers that will inspire you, help with clarity, and overall living a quality life.

The quality of questions you ask yourself determines the quality of your life. So ask quality questions – of yourself and of others.

*Photo: Madeira beach

**This blog post is an excerpt from my book, The Whispering Heart: Your Inner Guide to Creativity. All rights reserved. No copying or reuse permitted.

This is the second part of my How to live an extraordinary life series.

Shannon Skinner is a broadcaster, speaker, writer and author of The Whispering Heart, Your Inner Guide to Creativity and host/producer of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com. She speaks around the world about her message: follow your heart, not matter what.

 

 

 

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2 weeks ago

Shannon Skinner
I am hosting a tour of India for extraordinary women, in partnership with Sunspots Holidays, this September 2024.Join me as we explore India's stunning architecture, such as the renowned Taj Mahal, royal palaces and ancient forts. Discover Indian culinary delights, cultural places, authentic textiles and learn about everyday way of life of Indians, including yoga, through a female lens.We will explore 5 cities, as well as India's breathtaking desert region, Rajasthan. As well, we are now offering an *optional* tour extension of Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world and the spiritual capital of India, after the completion of our main tour, adding a 6th city to our itinerary.I am excited to share with you the India I fell in love with. Join me!🔸women's tour🔸Sept. 16-27, 2024🔸12 days/11 nights - 5 cities🔸Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur🔸Optional Varanasi tour extension post-tour (2 days/1 night)🔸small group Presented by: Extraordinary Women TV. Book this exclusive offer now.For details, visit: ShannonSkinner.com.Contact: info@shannonskinner.com. *Tour can only be purchased with Sunspots Holidays (TICO registration 1030981).#shannonskinner #extraordinarywomentv #travel #india #toursforwomen #shannontravels ... See MoreSee Less
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I recently had the opportunity to speak at a travel industry event, “Evolving Tourism Landscape in India,” hosted by the India High Commissioner in Ottawa and India's Consul General in Toronto.I spoke about my northeast India travels and why a Bengal Tiger is calling me back.Photo: Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (thank you) ... See MoreSee Less
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4 weeks ago

Shannon Skinner
India is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Take it from me, a travel writer.This September, I am hosting a guided tour of India for extraordinary women, in partnership with Sunspots Holidays. Join me as we explore India's stunning architecture, such as the renowned Taj Mahal, royal palaces and ancient forts. Discover Indian culinary delights, cultural places, authentic textiles and learn about everyday way of life of Indians, including yoga, through a female lens.We will explore 5 cities, as well as India's breathtaking desert region, Rajasthan.I am excited to share with you the India I fell in love with. Join me!🔸women's tour🔸Sept. 16-27, 2024🔸12 days/11 nights - 5 cities🔸Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur🔸small group Presented by: Extraordinary Women TV. Book this exclusive offer now.For details, visit: ShannonSkinner.com.Contact: info@shannonskinner.com. *Tour can only be purchased with Sunspots Holidays (TICO registration 1030981).#shannonskinner #extraordinarywomentv #travel #india #toursforwomen #shannontravels ... See MoreSee Less
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