6 Good Reasons to Keep Asking Questions Like You Did When You Were a Kid

Have you become more inhibited about asking for explanations as you got older? These are 6 good reasons to hold onto that sense of inquisitiveness. Read on to discover some key questions to ask about your relationships, career and other aspects of your life.
6 Benefits of Asking Questions Like Kids Do
1.  Learn more. Kids are always trying to get explanations for how and why things work the way they do. The Socratic Method is a powerful teaching tool at any age. Seek the truth and push yourself to get to the bottom of things.
2.  Become more observant. Just formulating questions will broaden your horizons. You’ll become more in tune with what’s going on around you and notice patterns.
3.  Engage in critical thinking. It’s easy to feel bombarded by loads of information and advertising in the Internet age. Some healthy skepticism is needed to sort out fact from fiction.
4.  Welcome innovation. Challenging the status quo and old assumptions opens us up to positive change. You may discover new ways to trim your grocery budget or spend more time with your family.
5.  Develop confidence. Maybe you feel foolish asking questions or assume you’re supposed to know everything. Taking risks by opening up to others can actually make you feel more self assured.
6.  Communicate better. Consulting with others demonstrates your interest and respect for their knowledge and opinions. That opens the way to improved dialogue.
Key Questions About Your Relationships
1.   Assess your compatibility. Before you get engaged, clarify if you’re on the same page about important issues. Do you both want kids? Can you accept each other’s weaknesses?
2.  Connect more deeply. It’s easy to talk at a superficial level but stronger bonds form when you probe further. Talk about your core beliefs and greatest challenges.
3.  Foster growth. Use the knowledge you gather about yourselves and each other to support each other. Work on improving yourselves, your relationship and your community.
Key Questions About Your Career
1.  Determine what you like to do. Interview yourself. Take an inventory of your leisure activities to identify how you like to spend your time and what gives you the greatest sense of satisfaction.
2.  Evaluate what you are good at. Explore how you can make a career out of doing what you love. Reach out to others to invite additional suggestions and feedback.
3.  Look ahead. Examine your resume. Does it demonstrate a clear career path or are you drifting from one job to the next? Consider the training and experience you’ll need to move closer to your goals.
Key Questions About Other Aspects of Your Life
1.  Define a meaningful life. Draft your own statement of what you want to get out of life and what makes you happy. Others can provide helpful input, but you’re the only one who can answer such questions.
2.  Count your blessings. Make a regular drill out of quizzing yourself about the things you’re grateful for, like your health, family and natural beauty. Keeping your blessings fresh in your mind will elevate your mood, lower your stress and make all your activities feel more effortless.
3.  Find ways to help others. Helping others is one of the most effective sources of lasting gratification. Ask how you can contribute to creating a better world. Remind yourself how much better you feel when you work for the common good instead of focusing on yourself alone.
Keep asking questions just like you did when you were a kid. Becoming more inquisitive will make life more interesting and rewarding. You may even become a better citizen, friend and employee. In any case, you’ll find life more fulfilling when you ask questions.