Curiosity: Tapping Into Your Inner Child to Reach New Heights

It can often feel like we’re all on the constant pursuit to grow older, wiser, and more experienced - no matter our job title, salary, or life experience.?

But what if the answer to reaching the next level, in work or our personal lives, wasn’t in the never-ending journey toward wisdom - but actually in rediscovering our youth??

You’ve probably heard about the idea of an “inner child.” In popular psychology, it refers to the childlike aspect of a person. Because hey, we all secretly feel like a kid sometimes, right??

There’s more to it than simply feeling forever young. As kids, we're all curious. It's one of the best parts about being a kid. Heck, it’s what makes us kids. Losing some of that curiosity happens as we mature into adulthood.?

But it shouldn’t.

In business, tapping into your inner child is really about getting back in touch with a childlike sense of curiosity, of wonder, enthusiasm, and an openness to new ideas. Curiosity is what allows us to think outside the box. Curiosity unlocks new levels of greatness - in all respects.?

Curiosity should be a constant state?

In my experience, curiosity should be a funnel, not a bucket. That is to say: you can't fill curiosity, because it's never-ending; a constant flow of exploration and discovery. In doing so, you’re by default in a constant state of development and self-improvement - all simply by being more curious.?

One of the reasons I've been able to achieve success on my professional path is through being curious. I know that while some decisions are black and white, there are other areas in which we can press the status quo with curiosity - and achieve a far better outcome as a result.?

Achievements through embracing your inner child?

Curiosity leads directly to innovation. After years of being curious, one can accrue enough new information to develop new tools, services, or products. After all, once you ask questions which haven’t been asked before, you answer with surprising, unique solutions, too.?

The biggest obstacle to curiosity?

If there’s one phrase I have encountered over my career that I think is the most untrue, it’s: “It can’t be done” or “That’s the way we’ve always done it.”?Not only is this not helpful when innovating or improving efficiency, but to me, it’s a perfect example of a lack of curiosity. There’s no need to challenge the status quo when you presume something is impossible.

Curiosity, however, makes even the most game-changing ideas possible.?

Next time an idea gets dismissed as impossible, ask yourself instead, "How could we make this happen?" and "How would your inner child tackle this challenge?"?

In fact, you have probably heard the contrary for this one, but hear me out. What if 'what if' questions are actually a great way to reframe our minds? "What if it was like this?" or "what if it could…" you get the picture.

Try using a 'what if' analogy the next time you approach an obstacle and challenge yourself to think outside the box. Trust me, your inner child has great ideas.

How have you seen a child-like curiosity impact business for the better? What success would you or your company not have achieved without being curious?

About G:

Gaurav Patel (G) is a seasoned entrepreneur, restaurateur, business consultant, and 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry of Raleigh, NC. He enjoys advising growing start-ups in the local community and mentoring young minds.

Today, G serves as a Senior Advisor at CityPlat, combining his multi-dimensional experience across several leading industries with his passion for development. Together, they continue to change the landscape of commercial real estate in the Triangle.

In 2015, G was presented with a 40 Under 40 Award from the Triangle Business Journal and was most recently recognized as the 2018 Restaurateur of the Year by North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association.

G's work endeavors would not be possible without the support of his loving wife, Julie, and their children, daughter Zara and son Azil.

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