In the 1950s, as you may know, The Soviets and America were in a space race.

Astronauts had to record their experiences but both programs ran into the problem that ball point pens didn't function in weightlessness. Ink just wouldnt flow downward, as it does so compliantly on Earth.

Legend has it that NASA invested a ton of money, but even more importantly, delayed its first manned space flight partly because of this challenge. They were stuck asking Can we get a ballpoint pen to write in space?

Meanwhile, Russian scientists reportedly asked a different question: How can we enable astronauts to record their experiences if a pen doesn't work in weightlessness?

Answer: Use a pencil.

So, for mere pennies or I suppose kopeks, this vexing problem was solved.

Most of us waste time and energy asking the wrong question.

For example, if you go to your attorney or accountant and you ask: Can X be done? youll generally evoke a non-creative, knee jerk response, no matter how intelligent that person is.

Often, youll literally hear a yes or no.

But change that question slightly, to How can X be done? and youll tap their potential creativity.

I believe most advances in our world have come from How questions, which are functional and utilitarian and forward looking, instead of Can we questions, which tend to be authoritarian, backward looking, and permission seeking.

Ask Can people fly? and youll get a correct answer: No, people cannot fly.

Change that you How can people fly? and youll get planes and space exploration.

So, choose your questions well!