For the last few centuries, the United States economy has been dependent upon a few different things. One of those is innovation, for without it, no growth would be possible. One of the things that has always pushed the American system forward is a spirit that promoted and demanded innovation at the same time.

People used their creative juices to create things that would benefit society and from there, we have grown to a point where new innovations are almost elementary. The abstract definition of innovation has to do with simply taking what we currently have and improving it to better benefit society. There are quite a few examples of this where gifted individuals have taken steps to empowering an entire industry.

At this time most people are too busy with their lives to pay much attention to national or global issues. However, we have already begun to enter the phase of growing global crises. As rising energy and food prices send shocks through the global economy, more and more people will begin to ask questions. As the crises worsen people will increasingly look for alternative political and economic solutions. At this point, if positive solutions and good leaders exist, rapid constructive change is possible.

The situation is similar to that of Europe in the late 1930s. Before the Second World War, people were busy working, fixing up their houses, planning vacations and saving for their children’s education and their retirement. There were many warnings that war was coming, but they were dismissed by mainstream politicians. As a result, when war broke out in 1939, it came as a shock to most people.

So you want to write a book. You envision it setting cozily atop the bestseller lists, reviewed with gusto by Time and the New Yorker, perhaps Esquire or Playboy.

Or perhaps it’s a movie you have in mind. You’re going to write the screenplay, wield the camera, sign a few B-list actors to play the parts and earn a best picture nomination at the Oscars. But wait; you don’t know how to write.

You don’t know anything about lighting, cinematography, make-up, cutting film. You can’t even hold your digital camera straight and steady.

Marilee Adams’ second edition of her bestselling work explores further the concept of questions and knowing the right questions to ask at the right times. However, Some of the questions we all ask prove to be more detrimental than helpful.

Consider these five questions that you should avoid asking yourself at all times, even though they may still seem natural and familiar. All of these questions have built-in assumptions that can prevent the question asker from being successful or satisfied.

As you go through your day, listen to the questions you’re asking yourself and then wonder whether the inherent assumptions serve you. Sometimes you’ll find that you can be more successful and satisfied by changing your questions.