Curiosity is often seen as a trait that comes naturally, but this isn’t the case. In fact, curiosity can be developed over time, just as it can be lost over time. If you’re interested in becoming more inquisitive or renewing the curiosity you once had, there are lots of ways to start. As you build your overall interest in the world around you and begin to inquire about the nature of your surroundings, you’ll notice there are many benefits to nurturing the spirit of curiosity.
Perks of Being Inquisitive
Aside from the fact that curiosity leads us to a greater understanding of our environment, it’s also a major element of our growth. You may be curious about the way your supply chain functions, how a tree struck by lightning can start a fire, or why your muscles get sore. No matter your question, the urge to learn and understand is beneficial to more than just finding answers.
Curiosity boosts our achievement levels and is a good motivator! It also aids in the way we connect with others. It causes us to think about the different circumstances that people face in their day-to-day lives. When a team member seems less enthusiastic than they usually are, we ask ourselves, “I wonder if something bad happened to them this morning.” These questions raise our awareness of others’ moods and cause us to be more careful with our words and actions. This sympathy helps us maintain our relationships with others.
Having a sense of wonder also allows us to be more passionate in our involvements. When you constantly wonder about the inner workings of something like your own business, you search for answers almost unknowingly. You may even find yourself thinking about the development of your business during your free time. You’ll eventually gain a deep desire to grow and learn more.
5 Ways to Promote Curiosity
- Expand your tastes. Try reading, listening to, and watching content you don’t regularly consume.
- Fully engage in conversation. Devote your attention to whomever you’re speaking with. Listen closely and write notes if you must.
- Ask questions. Whenever you can ask a question, do it!
- Find an expert. If you’re interested in a topic, find an expert to learn more about it!
- Browse a library. You’ll be surprised by how many books are written on very specific and intriguing subject matters!
Curiosity's Correlation with Success
Even after seeing all the benefits that go along with becoming more curious, you might be wondering why you should be more curious. The answer is simple: Success and curiosity are linked.
Curious individuals may not initially know how to do something, but they’ll undoubtedly figure it out one way or another. Who does this remind you of in your own life? Just about every successful individual has the urge to question common practices and challenge the way something is currently done. If they aren’t asking “why,” they’re probably asking one of the other four w’s: who, what, when, and where. Or, they’re wondering “how?” Curiosity is often one of the characteristics of innovative minds. This characteristic is one that you should encourage yourself to build on, because it may be one of the key predictors of success.
Curiosity can be dangerous (it did kill the cat, after all), but it often leads us to answers that bring about necessary and welcome change. One could argue that modern society would never have become what it is today without curiosity. Do you want your world to stay the same, or do you want to see just how amazing you can make it?
