Harnessing Curiosity

Introduction

Have you ever noticed that some people are not curious at all, some seem super curious and excited about new projects, but they never actually follow through? On the flip side, there are those who are genuinely curious and always walk the talk, turning their curiosity into action. Let's dive into why this happens and what it says about the difference between seeming curious and being genuinely curious.

Let me start by sharing my belief on why some people aren’t curious at all.

1. Inferiority Complex Mindset/Culture: Some people feel they aren’t smart enough or capable enough to ask questions or explore new ideas. This mindset can stifle curiosity because they doubt their ability to understand or succeed. Cultural Restrictions: In some cultures, questioning authority or established norms is discouraged. People are taught to accept things as they are without asking "Why," leading to a lack of curiosity.

2. Lack of Awareness and Interest: Some people simply don’t pay attention to their surroundings or show interest in observing the world. This lack of awareness can result in a passive attitude toward life, where curiosity is never sparked because they’re not engaging with what’s around them.

3. Regular Nagging and Ridiculing: Growing up in an environment where asking questions or showing curiosity is met with nagging, ridicule, or being labelled as "Hyper" can suppress a person's natural curiosity. Over time, they learn to stay quiet and stop questioning the world around them.

If you are reading this article, I am sure you don’t belong to this group. Let me touch upon the other two types.

The Curious Dabbler vs. The Genuine Explorer

Curious Dabbler: This person jumps from one interest to another, often getting super excited about new ideas or projects. They commit with enthusiasm but rarely see things through.

Genuine Explorer: This person is also curious but takes a different approach. They dive deep into their interests, follow through with their commitments, and make things happen.

Why Do Curious Dabblers Fall Short?

1. Surface-Level Interest: Curious Dabblers often have a broad range of interests but don't delve deep enough into any single one. Their curiosity is more about the thrill of discovering something new rather than a genuine desire to understand or create.

2. Fear of Failure: Committing to something means risking failure. For Curious Dabblers, the fear of not succeeding can be paralyzing, leading them to abandon projects before they can fail.

3. Instant Gratification: Our fast-paced, digital world has conditioned us to crave instant gratification. Curious Dabblers may lose interest quickly if they don't see immediate results or rewards.

4. Overcommitment: In their enthusiasm, Curious Dabblers might take on too many projects at once, making it impossible to focus on and complete any single one.

Why Do Genuine Explorers Succeed?

1. Deep Passion: Genuine Explorers have a deep-rooted passion for their interests. This passion fuels their persistence and drives them to overcome obstacles.

2. Growth Mindset: They see failures and setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow rather than reasons to quit. This mindset helps them stay committed and resilient.

3. Long-Term Vision: Genuine Explorers think long-term. They understand that meaningful accomplishments take time and effort, and they’re willing to put in the work.

4. Selective Focus: Instead of spreading themselves too thin, Genuine Explorers focus on a few key interests or projects. This allows them to dive deep and make significant progress.

You may want to be or already are a Genuine Explorer. I wasn’t one either.

When I was a kid, my primary school teachers would complain to my mother about how I constantly asked "Why" about everything. They often didn't have the answers, and my relentless curiosity was overwhelming. Back then, I was a Curious Dabbler, jumping from one question to another without finding satisfying answers.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve transformed into a Genuine Explorer. Driven by my curiosity, I’ve conducted a weekly live chat consistently for more than a year, regardless of the audience size. This endeavor was fuelled by my desire to explore podcasting. Additionally, I've written an article, like this one, every week for almost a year to fulfil my passion for writing. These activities exemplify my journey from merely being curious to deeply engaging with my interests and consistently seeing projects through.

If are not curious or you find yourself more of a Curious Dabbler but want to become a Genuine Explorer, here are my to 5 tips:

1. Find Your True Passion: Reflect on what genuinely excites and motivates you. Focus on interests that you’re passionate about and that bring you joy.

2. Set Realistic Goals: Break down your projects into manageable steps. Setting achievable goals will help you stay motivated and track your progress.

3. Embrace Failure: Don’t fear failure. See it as a valuable part of the learning process. Each setback is an opportunity to improve and grow.

4. Prioritize: Limit the number of projects you take on. Focus on quality over quantity to ensure you can dedicate the necessary time and effort.

5. Stay Patient: Understand that great things take time. Stay patient and persistent, and remember that consistent effort will lead to success.

Conclusion

In the end, curiosity is a powerful tool, but it’s the approach that makes all the difference. By transforming surface-level curiosity into genuine exploration, you can not only commit to but also fulfill your goals and dreams. So, let’s embrace our inner Genuine Explorer and start walking the talk!

How do want to become genuinely curious and get the best from your life?

Happy reading!