The Importance Of Curiosity

As children, we are naturally curious: Asking countless questions with the intent of gaining information and understanding. And for many of us, we may remember at some point, an adult saying to us "You sure do ask a lot of questions!". Maybe it even felt a little negative at the time or made you want to stop looking for answers, but the reality is that our naturally inquisitive nature should be celebrated and fostered.

Why is it important to rekindle our curiosity and reignite our inquisitive nature as adults?

1. Curiosity drives learning and facilitates understanding by providing more information beyond a superficial level.
2. Curiosity leads to the exploration of new ideas and perspectives, which can be crucial for problem-solving and pave the way for creativity and innovation.
3. Curiosity encourages personal growth, increased self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of oneself and others.
4. Curiosity can improve interpersonal relationships by encouraging communication and fostering connection.
5. Curiosity paves the way for empathy and builds our emotional intelligence muscle.

What gets in the way of staying curious?

While curiosity is a vital trait that contributes to individual growth, learning and relationships, our inquisitive nature sometimes needs to be reignited as adults.

As we age and gain information and understanding, that playful desire to learn and grow can significantly decline. As adults, we've created our mental models or lens of the world where we naturally categorize things. We're also more aware of societal expectations and norms, and often fear judgment when we do ask questions. For these reasons, our tendency to be curious is suppressed and we simply don't ask as many questions.

How can we embrace curiosity?

--> Ask more questions. Don't be afraid to inquire about things you don't understand or want to know more about. Encourage yourself to seek deeper insights. The more we ask, the easier it becomes.

--> Practice active listening. Ask open-ended questions to encourage responses beyond 'yes' and 'no'. Specifically in relationships, listen not only to the words spoken but also to the meaning behind the words.

--> Embrace a growth mindset. Seek out new concepts and focus on learning new information rather than how we are perceived.

--> Challenge your assumptions. Not everything we believe is true. Conditioning, expectations and societal norms have all played into the lens in which we view the world. Question when judgment enters the picture.

Cultivating and nurturing curiosity can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life and have a positive impact on the world around us. However the greatest impact will always be felt in the relationships we're creating around us. When we stay in curiosity, we ask questions, probe for more information and increase our understanding of the other person's perspective and emotions. In return, they feel seen, heard and understood which builds connection within that relationship.

So while staying curious and asking questions is essential for personal growth and development, being inquisitive will positively impact the relationships around us at home and at work. By reigniting our naturally inquisitive nature, we can experience all the benefits that come from asking questions.

Stay curious my friends!

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