One of the things I have realised over time is that part of the reason I love learning is that I am extremely curious. Even when I was young, I can remember asking the question “Why?” many times. This is one of the skills I encourage clients to use when they are developing greater awareness about themselves. Subsequently, in this post I wanted to share more about curiosity and what it is.
What is Curiosity?
As you may have guessed, there are many definitions on curiosity including –
- “an eager wish to know or learn about something” ~ Cambridge Dictionary
- “desire to know” ~ Merriam-Webster
- “A desire to know or learn” ~ the Free Dictionary
- “the desire to learn or know about anything; inquisitiveness” ~ Dictionary.com
If you want to read a more in-depth analysis of curiosity, click here.
What’s It Like to Be Curious?
In his book Curious, Todd Kashdan writes –
“When we are curious we exploit these moments by being there, sensitive to what is happening regardless of how it diverges from what it looked like before (past) or what we expect it to be (future). We are engaged and alive to what is happening. We are energised. We are open and receptive to finding opportunities, making discoveries and adding to the meaning of life. To reiterate, it is not about being attentive: it’s about the quality of our attention” (p. 4).
I can definite resonate with this. I also see it as having a beginner’s mind, which is a term used a lot in mindfulness and self-compassion,
3 Ways to Cultivate Curiosity…
There are many ways to cultivate curiosity in life. 3 ways include –
1. Asking Questions:
When you are speaking to someone, show a genuine interest in the conversation. Some questions, that can be useful include –
- “Tell me more…”
- “What do you think …. could look like?”
- “Take me through your thought process as you were creating this.”
“Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.” ~ Voltaire
2. Try New Interests or Hobbies
When was the last time you tried something new? Remember when you were a child and you had that interest in trying new things? Is there some time you can create to try a new interest or hobby in your? If so, when can you action it?
“Curiosity is the engine of achievement.” ~ Ken Robinson
3. Foster a Growth Mindset
In her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
Dr Dweck points out that people with a fixed mindset believe that intelligence is static, whilst someone with a growth mindset believes that intelligence can be developed. You can read more about Growth Mindset here.
“I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Over to You…
Do you think curiosity could be useful in your life? If so, how could you cultivate more curiosity? Feel free to share your responses or questions below.
Also, if you are ready to reclaim your courage and take the next step towards freedom and opening your heart, why not join our Toolkit?
Reference –
Kashdan, T. (2009). Curious?: discover the missing ingredient to a fulfilling life. New York, USA: William Morrow.
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