Embracing Curiosity for Growth: How Asking “Why?” Enhances Wellbeing and Performance
Dr Gemma Leigh Roberts
Chartered Psychologist (Wellbeing, Resilience, Mindset) // Podcast Host: Psychology in the Wild // 6m Learners Worldwide (@LinkedIn Learning)
As we age, the question of “Why?” often takes a back seat to the more pressing demands of life - tasks to complete, problems to solve, and goals to achieve.
However, research shows that curiosity is not just for children; it’s also a vital life ingredient for adults. As I share in my latest Mindset Shifts coaching video, curiosity fuels our desire to learn, grow, and connect with others, significantly benefiting our mental health and performance in both a personal and professional capacity.
Research has shown that curiosity is associated with better performance and greater psychological wellbeing. Curiosity helps us approach life’s challenges with an open mind, enhancing our emotional resilience and problem-solving ability. Curious individuals are less likely to get stuck in rigid thinking patterns, instead seeking new information and perspectives that allow them to grow and thrive.
Overall, curiosity fosters deeper engagement with life, enhances our relationships, and encourages us to keep learning and adapting.
How to use curiosity to boost performance and improve wellbeing
Curiosity isn’t just about seeking knowledge - it’s a mindset tool that can enhance how we engage with the world, boosting our personal growth and professional performance. Here are three simple ways to incorporate curiosity into your life.
→ 1) Ask more questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether you’re in a work meeting or chatting with friends. Ask open-ended questions that encourage exploration.
Instead of asking, “What did you do today?” ask, “What was the most interesting part of your day?” This will not only deepen your connections but also open doors to new ideas and insights.
→ 2) Explore new experiences
Curiosity isn’t just about asking questions - it’s also about trying new things. Step outside your comfort zone by trying activities you wouldn’t normally engage in. This could be as simple as taking a class focusing on a topic you know nothing about or visiting a new place.
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The goal isn’t to master something new but to experience it and expand your perspective.
→ 3) Embrace ambiguity and uncertainty
Curiosity thrives in uncertainty. Instead of constantly seeking answers, embrace the unknown and let your curiosity guide you. When faced with a challenge or an unanswered question, instead of rushing to a conclusion, let yourself sit with the uncertainty and explore different angles. This mindset can help you become more adaptable and open to new possibilities.
If you'd like more tips on how to boost curiosity in your life, check out my latest Mindset Shifts coaching video.
Your curiosity journey
Consider how curiosity could elevate your wellbeing and performance. It’s not about having all the answers, but about staying open to the questions that can lead to growth.
What’s something you’ve always been curious about but haven’t explored yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts and how you plan to bring more curiosity into your life. Share in the comments - I’d love to start a conversation.
→ To support your journey towards resilience and career success, explore my Mindset Shifts coaching videos, where you’ll find a wealth of free-to-access resources.
I think curiosity is a superpower - when you stay curious you stay clear from judgement and that is powerful.
Multi-Disciplined Director & Writer I Film & Theatre Producer | Performer | Speaker | Teacher | Fortitude Facilitator #PurposeDriven #DreamBig #FearlessFocus #AgencyInAction
3 周I love this one, Dr Gemma Leigh Roberts. It encourages more supportive responses through improved communication and listening. One thing I became conscious of a while back is avoiding stock responses when people share meaningful stories, like “Wow!” or “That’s crazy.” or “Amazing.” Instead, I try to dig deeper and explore how these experiences made them feel or shaped them. Great piece, Dr. Gemma! In the spirit of being curious... what drew you to writing this recent article?
Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychologist with practical experience in human resource management. Passionate about achieving self-actualization and transcendence.
4 周Thank you for sharing your thoughtful article. I have a question regarding the role of curiosity in driving personal and professional transformation.?Is it truly possible to harness curiosity as a catalyst for meaningful change??If so,?how can individuals leverage the power of curiosity to initiate and sustain such changes? For instance,?how might curiosity help cultivate a sense of urgency or necessity for change—especially in contexts where resistance or complacency exists? Could you elaborate on practical strategies to channel curiosity into actionable steps for growth in both personal and professional domains? Additionally, can curiosity be effectively harnessed within change management processes??If yes,?what mechanisms or frameworks could integrate curiosity to enhance adaptability and innovation during organizational or personal transitions?
founder, at Cynthia love foundation
4 周Greetings from Cynthia love foundation an orphanage foundation in Uganda ????
Virtual Assistant (Self-employed)
1 个月Being curious is like an hunger taste in you, that you can not kill, until you satisfy it, or feed it with answers it will not die. But it’s best we train our mind to be curious in things that is best and positive ??????. To avoid being curious in things that will drain us