Asking Yourself the Right Questions

Questions are the answer. – Anthony Robbins

An important part of deep practice is introspection. Fixing any problem and improving any passage begins by first analyzing the issue at hand by asking yourself questions. In his book Awaken the Giant Within, Anthony Robbins asserts (with reason) that our questions determine our thoughts and, therefore, our actions. Still according to Robbins, quality questions create a quality life. In the violin studio, this could be translated as “quality questions create a quality practice session.”

The best way to deepen your focus during a practice session is by being fully aware and by maintaining an inquiring mind. By searching for solutions, keeping your inner radar active, and trying to find ways to answer your own questions, you can effectively extend the lesson time into your practice room, acting as your own teacher. To quote Robbins one more time: “Your mental computer is ever ready to serve you, and whatever question you give it, it will surely come up with an answer. They key then, is to develop a pattern of consistent questions that empower you.”

Robbins established for himself a checklist of five problem-solving questions which help him find solutions to his problems and guide his decision making process.