Wishing You a Very Curious Year

“Curiosity killed the cat” was an often-cited proverb by our elders during our childhood whenever we got too inquisitive or pried into the lives of others. Or when faced with a barrage of seemingly innocent questions, our enthusiasm was curbed by teachers who were finding it hard to manage a class of many.

Could that be the reason why many of us lost the sense of being curious. Did we misunderstand being curious as being nosy and not what it really stands for; a genuine desire to learn, to know and to understand new things.

An inquisitive mind with power of curiosity can transform everyday moments into interesting and enjoyable experiences. This trait infuses excitement in unfamiliar experience and enables one to experience moments with intense joy.

I believe that we can use curiosity to intentionally create wonder and intrigue while we interact with others and derive more meaning out of the conversation. You may not be born curious, but curiosity can also be nurtured and developed by sheer practice.

It’s good to be curious and here are a few solid reasons why this is so.

Sign of Intelligence

Curiosity is an important trait of a genius. Thomas Edison, Leonardo da Vinci and Albert Einstein were all curious characters. High levels of curiosity in adults are linked to greater analytical ability, problem-solving skills and overall intelligence. Hence cultivating more curiosity in your daily life is likely to make you smarter.

Social Relationships

It is far easier to maintain satisfying relationships when you demonstrate an attitude of openness and are genuinely interested to know more about others.

Curious people are enthusiastic, confident and humorous and are inclined to act in ways that allow relationships to blossom more easily. Curious people probe with questions and keep interactions interesting and engaging. This approach paves the path for developing good relationships and helps you grow by leaps and bounds as a person.

Purpose in Life

By cultivating curiosity and remaining open to new experiences, we increase our likelihood of finding a “purpose or calling in life”. This moment unleashes a turning point where you recognize the sources that add meaning and value to life. This eureka movement gives shape to your interests, hobbies and passions.

The best way to acknowledge the power of curiosity is to start exercising it more consciously in your daily experiences.

Ask Questions

There is no shame in not knowing something and the only way to learn is by asking questions to gather more information. Be on a mission of discovery and ask the never ending ‘whys.’ When we ask questions, we create an opportunity to discover more, spark fresh ideas and expand our vision. Questioning allows us to gain more insight.

Learn something that is unfamiliar

Stepping out of the comfort zone paves way to break boundaries and experience the new. Tap into entirely a different subject such as coffee brewing and this would equip you with new knowledge and skills. Grab good books and dive into concepts and practices never known before. Watch a documentary on a topic you don’t know anything about. Take a different route to the office to better explore the vicinity and facilities around. The key is to avoid stagnation by feeding your mind with something new.

Broaden your network outside of work

New environments, new experiences, and exposure to new groups of people can all spark curiosity. Join executive networking circles and interact with people from different cultures, background and industries. This is an easy way to gather new business perspectives and tap into a reservoir of global information.

Now that you know the significance of curiosity and ways to develop curiosity, I wish you a yearful of adventures with curiosity.