Sometimes you will find yourself agonizing over something – maybe you are unhappy at work or you think you are going to fail a class. When you get really wrapped up in the stress of a particular situation, you sometimes find yourself faced with a potential solution, only to write it off as “not going to work.” Maybe you tell yourself the elusive they will never listen to you. There is no point in pursuing a solution for the problem, you tell yourself. Things are hopeless.

Ask the question.

Whatever that question is that you think you already know the answer to, ask it anyway and then listen to the answer. Keep an open mind and remember that sometimes both people and situations surprise you. Give this person or this situation an opportunity to surprise you.

Ask the question.