But it’s more than just a commodified asset. Many times when we feel we’ve reached a dead-end, a mindset of curiosity can help us connect new information and new ideas, even when they appear completely at odds. This is powerful.  It stops us from becoming obsolete, fills in our blind spots, and improves our self-awareness.

Curiosity allows you to think more and react less. If you approach situations in life with a framework of curiosity, then you are open to the idea that there are many possible outcomes. This can save you from being stuck in the mindset that there is only one solution to any problem, or that your way is always best, or will work for everyone.

Curiosity asks Who, Where, What, When, Why, How.. it’s looking at the bigger picture around the task or goal. Knowing what you’re doing is great, but learning that you can do it differently can be exciting too. Sometimes we do things the same way because we learned that one way and it’s just the way it is done — then someone comes along and does the same thing in an entirely different way and we’re gobsmacked.

Radical acceptance of new things can be hard. Being open to curiosity can help soften that experience, especially when you’re in an unknown situation. There are known unknowns in our lives, which are risks you are aware of, such as the possibility of a canceled flight, but it’s the unknown unknowns that curiosity can help with the most. These are risks that come from situations that are so unexpected that they would not be considered. Being curious and open to new information is like being in the ready-stance to catch a ball, while everyone else is looking the wrong way.

When it comes to communication with other people, it is most certainly okay to have a different opinion from someone. In this case, rather than making assumptions, you can get curious, ask questions, and find out the details. Maybe your ideas are more similar than you thought, once you realize they stem from neighbouring roots. Whenever opinions differ, however, it is wise to remember the James Baldwin quote:

“We can disagree and still love each other, unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.”

Curiosity is like opening a road map and realizing all the different directions you can take. Curiosity is like learning a new language and suddenly seeing the world from a different perspective. Curiosity is doing the deep-dive versus a surface scan. Curiosity is wanting more, more information, more knowledge, more subtext and super text and footnotes and and and…

If you’d like to get curious with me, reach out for a free 30 minute Discovery Call and lets ask each other some great questions!