The Magic Questions

In both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), there is an important idea: not every thought needs to be believed, argued with, or fixed. Thoughts are events in the mind—not always facts, and not always helpful.

Some thoughts show up loudly and confidently. They sound true. They feel true. Because of that, they can take over an entire day. CBT and ACT remind us that the goal is not to get rid of thoughts, but to change how we relate to them.

That’s where the Magic Questions come in.

Pause Instead of Arguing

When a difficult thought shows up, there is no need to fight it or prove it wrong. Instead, pause for a moment and gently ask:

• Is this thought helpful right now?

• Does this thought help me become the person I want to be?

• Does this thought support the life I want to build?

These questions don’t judge the thought. They simply help create space.

A Simple Example

Imagine the thought: “I’m going to fail.”Instead of getting pulled into it, try asking:

• Is this helping right now?

• Is this thought moving life forward or holding it back?

Often, the answer becomes clear without forcing anything.

Like a Flashlight in the Dark

The Magic Questions work like a small flashlight in a dark room. Thoughts that once felt heavy begin to look different. Some shrink. Some lose their power. Some fade into the background.

Small Moments Create Big Shifts

There’s no need for long worksheets or complicated steps.Just three questions.Just one pause.Just one moment of awareness.

And sometimes, that small moment is enough to change the direction of the day.

A Gentle Reminder

The goal is not to think perfectly. It’s to live more fully.The Magic Questions help guide choices toward values, peace, and forward movement—one thought at a time.