The Power of Questions: How Curiosity Shapes Your Brain and Your Life

The Power of Questions

Our brains are designed to learn and change, a process called neuroplasticity. One of the ways we form new thoughts and take new steps is to ask questions. Time spent in self-reflected questioning and in coaching sessions can catalyze our brains to grow new neuronal connections and move us forward.

Questions put the whole brain to work! When a question is asked, serotonin is released. This hormone encourages the brain to relax, and a relaxed brain can gather information from all areas, allowing for greater insight and clarity. 

In a moment of insight, the brain fires up and starts uncovering solutions to the question. We call it the ah-ha moment; it's a great feeling, energizing and motivating. The answer may also be scary and require hard work, so the original energy burst from solving this query can be short-lived. This is where coaching is effective, as it immediately identifies the action step supporting the revelation.

To effectively use the power of questions, consider how you state your questions: are they open-ended, solution-focused, forward-moving, and solvable?

When Questions Work Against You

Questions like, "Why am I such a failure? and "What's wrong with me?" will challenge your brain to find the answer! And trust me, it'll go to work, digging up all the past information it can find to answer your question. Repeatedly asking these questions won't promote the energy or outcomes you desire. It's like driving in a circle and asking why you’re not getting anywhere. 

If this is the pattern you've developed in trying to grow or improve an area of your life, working with a coach can help you to “mind your brain.” I often tell my clients this is when they need support, as I don’t want them running around unsupervised in their heads!

Another group of questions that can get us in trouble are the esoteric, unsolvable questions, like, “What's my purpose?” and “Why should I exist?” which can create an existential crisis. Large, unanswerable questions roll around and can leave us feeling stuck. 

Should we avoid asking these types of questions altogether? Of course not, and sometimes setbacks, large life changes, aging, loss, and discontentment with the current direction requires a deep dive into what gives life meaning and oomph. But how you structure these questions can either cause circling around or provide the map forward. 

"How can I be purposeful today?" and "What's a meaningful step toward my goal?" are inquiries that allow you to hook into meaning and direct your brain to develop something concrete.

I've seen that the complex, unsolvable questions centred around our existence and the meaning of life are best answered with lifestyle fixes, such as getting sunshine, exercising, seeing friends and engaging in a hobby. The big questions about the purpose of life are often answered by improving our well-being and engaging in the present moment.

Understanding Your Brain’s Response

When a question is posed, a mental reflex called instinctive elaboration takes over the brain’s thought process. As your brain thinks about the answer to a question, it can’t contemplate anything else.

Remembering this is essential when brainstorming, trying to solve a problem or asking your kids a question. Avoid asking fourteen questions at once, and know that the last question is the only topic the brain will go to work on. 

Give Your Brain Space to Work

Multitasking is impossible! If you want your brain to work on a solution, don’t pile on the questions; instead, take some space and time after you pose one question. Go for a walk, journal, and let your brain gather the information needed for a breakthrough.

If you want to learn how the power of questions can change your mind to change your life, contact me today and we can schedule your free consultation.

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If we haven’t met before, I’m Shawna Campbell, a Life Coach on a mission to help you change your mind to change your life. Learn more about me and what I do at www.shawnacampbell.com

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