Principle 3 — The Principle of Questions
Questions Shape the Way We See the World—and How We Act
Human Thinking Is Guided by the Questions We Ask
When you ask yourself:
“Why does nothing work out?”
your mind immediately searches for proof that things are failing.
But if you instead ask:
“How can I improve this?”
your mind begins scanning for solutions.
A question is not neutral.
A question directs attention, and attention determines the next action.
This is why MLS regards questions as one of the most powerful cognitive tools we possess.
The Calendar Provides “Today’s Question”
One of the distinguishing features of MLS is the idea that the calendar offers a question appropriate for each day.
For example:
- What perspective should I take today?
- What should I pay attention to in order to avoid unnecessary friction?
- Which strengths will be most effective today?
- What should I refrain from to stay balanced?
By following these “daily questions,” your thinking becomes clearer, and your actions become more intentional.
The calendar is not merely symbolic—it acts as a daily cognitive guide.
Good Questions Produce Better Actions
When your attention is stuck on your weaknesses, a shift in the question can change your emotional state and your behavior:
- Instead of “What is wrong with me today?”
→ “What strength can I rely on today?”
When you notice yourself rushing:
- Instead of “Why am I so unfocused?”
→ “What can I handle more carefully today?”
Questions have the power to gently redirect thinking in ways that willpower alone often cannot.
They reshape the cognitive pathway that leads to action.
Summary
- Our thinking—and therefore our behavior—is guided by the questions we ask
- The Tzolkin calendar provides a structured way to adopt “the right question for the day”
- Changing the question changes the interpretation, which changes the action
- Better questions lead to clearer decisions and more stable behavior