Questions Each Day

Each and every one of us has been given tremendous potential for greatness by our Creator. How do transform that potential into reality?

One thing is for sure: we can't do it unless we spend some time each day thinking about who we really are and what we are doing with our life. The start and end of each day are the two times most conducive to this kind of introspective thinking.

The best tool for this is questions. Questions are powerful. Questions get us to focus. That is why wise people ask themselves questions early in the day. With the right questions we make a statement of our positive intentions for that day. And at the end of the day there is an ancient tradition of taking stock of what we have done that day and what we can do to improve.

Regularly asking yourself the following questions at the start and end of each day will have a major impact on your entire life. Think about your answers to these questions for at least 30 days. Take note of the benefits. You will be on the path of reaching your highest aspirations.

QUESTIONS TO START THE DAY

1. What are my goals for today?
2. What are the 5 most important things for me to do today? What is their order of importance?
3. What new knowledge can I gain today?
4. What acts of kindness can I do today?
5. What one trait would I like to excel in today?
6. What challenges might I face today? What is the best way to handle them?
7. If today were the last day of my life, what would I make certain to do?
8. What would I like written on my tombstone? What can I do today in that area?
9. What is important for me to remember today?
10. What thoughts, words, and actions will make today a great day?

QUESTIONS TO END THE DAY

1. What was my greatest moment today?
2. What am I grateful for about today?
3. What have I done to further my major goals?
4. What new knowledge did I gain today? (Or reviewed)
5. What acts of kindness did I do today?
6. What positive traits did I express today?
7. What have I done today for self-improvement?
8. If I could live today over again, what would I have done better? Visualize the better way vividly for the future.
9. What positive self-suggestions can I tell myself as I am falling asleep? (ex.: "I will choose great thoughts, words, & actions.")

Based on Rabbi Pliskin's book, "Gateway to Self-knowledge"

(7) Anonymous, May 14, 2004 12:00 AM

thank you for the reminder about what's really important.

I am a medical student and am approaching exams. I spend a significant amount of time studying or attempting to study for the course. Thank-you for giving me an active way to help me grow and learn, and realise why I'm studying and what life is all about.

(6) Anonymous, April 7, 2004 12:00 AM

helpfull

i find this to be a great help in my daily life.. i have learned to grow and be a better person. This has touched me in ways that I can not express

(5) Anonymous, March 16, 2004 12:00 AM

Toda, Rabbi Pliskin!

Thank you so very much for reminding me of practices which I had let slip. Thank you for your Jewish soul.

(4) Anonymous, March 14, 2004 12:00 AM

great job!

(3) raye, March 8, 2004 12:00 AM

Challenging questions

Thank you for reminding me about the little chapbook of poetry I had created to help me get through each day.Whether it was an experience at work that was troubling me, whether it was coming home to an apartment full of clutter, or just preparing my soul for Shabbat, I wrote what would clarify each situation, never dreaming that they would see the light of day outside of myself. When a friend of mine offered me money to print these poems and disseminate them, with fear and trepidation I chose twelve and sent them to friends and relatives around the world. I thank you again for reminding me that I have the answers to your questions right here at home.

(2) Renee Steele, March 8, 2004 12:00 AM

Your website is part of my treasured library

Thank you for being a reliable, up-to-date, thoughtful and accessible source of enriching information. I look forward to receiving your email every week.

(1) Tamar, March 7, 2004 12:00 AM

The most difficult thing to know

The most difficult thing to know is what to ask. Thank you for sharing questions of the day, I have been personally feeling stuck in my growth as a whole individual because I have not been able to find better questions for my daily life.