Curiosity: can you reclaim your inner spark?
Do you find yourself reacting internally in a slightly defensive manner with ‘how do you know I’ve even lost my spark’! Or somewhat apathetically with ‘yeah – life crushed it’.
What’s the buzz? What’s the big deal?
Well... the opposite of curiosity is fear.... so that’s kind of BIG and it could be holding you back from your full potential.
How often do you finish someone’s story or statement before they have?
Do you realise you’re possibly making unhelpful assumptions....
How often do you respond lackadaisically when you hear another say ‘did you see/hear/know/notice that?’
Are you aware you’re possibly missing moments of awe and wonder, but most importantly bids for connection.
What does it mean to be curious
Let’s explore together…
The Merriam-Webster dictionary gives us this definition; 'a desire to know'
inquisitiveness in others' concerns
interest leading to inquiry
undue nicety or fastidiousness
one that arouses interest especially for uncommon or exotic characteristics
an unusual knickknack; The antique shop was full of curiosities.
a trait or aspect; Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions.
Mitch Anthony takes a dive into what is the opposite of fear, here is a taste of what they discover. Curiosity implies a willingness to be empathetic, to learn, to understand, to provide a safe space in which we can share any part of ourselves, our mistakes, our messiness without judgement, ridicule, or shame.
It’s this kind of support & safe space you will find within the YTM community that I have built since 2013, a collective that is filled with curiosity – lead in a gentle nurturing style and regularly encouraging us to ask questions and search for answers strengthening our critical thinking skills and keeping our minds active.
Curiosity is a necessary tool for effective collaboration and teamwork
By asking others about their motives, passions and needs, we can inspire new ideas and bring diverse perspectives together to create solid solutions and more open-minded approaches.
A culture of curiosity needs to be fostered. Humanities capacity for it seems to be dwindling. Yes, it can and it does drive innovation, improve outcomes, and achieve goals more effectively. It is a powerful force that has driven human progress for centuries. It often compels us to seek new knowledge, explore uncharted territories, and discover the secrets of the universe. It leads us to question the status quo and imagine improved ways of doing things. It fuels scientific discovery and technological advancement, leading us to new breakthroughs and solutions to the world's most pressing problems.
Curiosity is a core human instinct
Children are naturally curious; this drive to understand the world and our place in it is what sets the foundation for our learning and growth as individuals. However, as we age, many of us lose this vital component. It’s partly due to the demands of being forced to ‘fit-in’ to mould ourselves as ‘expected’ or as ‘required’. This is tough to undo.
The most direct and immediate way to reignite this spark is to gently ask genuinely curious questions of all humans we have the fortune of being in connection with, and allow time and space for conversation to flow, or stumble – as the case maybe. Curiosity is not always valued and encouraged in our society. In many cases, it is seen as a distraction, silly, a waste of time, or simply unimportant. Your wonderful curious questions may lead to some very stilted moments, often simply pausing when this occurs is wise, and naming the sensed stiffness can help too ‘oh this is awkward’...
Brene Brown – one of the world’s top thought-leaders affirms the likelihood of ‘the stumble’. In Atlas of the Heart, she says ‘Choosing to be curious is choosing to be vulnerable because it requires us to surrender to uncertainty. We have to ask questions, admit not knowing, risk being told that we shouldn’t be asking, and sometimes, make discoveries that lead to discomfort’. After compiling her research gathered over decades and spending years analysing the data, she says ‘Curiosity is recognizing a gap in our knowledge... and becoming emotionally and cognitively invested in closing that gap through exploration and learning’.
What is key here, is ‘recognizing a gap’, if we cannot engage our humility and embrace that we will never know ‘all’ and recognize this as a gift – then we are not going to get very far in this journey of re-sparking our ‘desire to know’.
3 ways to Nurture Curiosity
There is a multitude of paths to nurturing your curiosity;
1. Seek out challenging experiences:
Travel, try new foods, attend events, workshops, short courses, partake in uncharted activities. It requires stepping out of your comfort zone, this will look very different for each person. Most importantly, wherever you go, and with all who you meet - listen deeply, especially to those who seem the most different to you.
2. Choose to consume content to expand your thinking. Read books, watch documentaries, listen to audiobooks, view Netflix shows that are a little left of your centre. Given our modern age – most humans have the capacity to devour a feast of podcasts, there is something that is very neutralizing about listening – without having a visual, it helps us to quell our ingrained ‘judgyness’ – give it a go!
3. Engage in gutsy conversations. Explore topics and go beyond surface level banter with a variety of people , recognise that ever person has wisdom to share and by sharing thoughts , experiences and vulnerabilities see how synergies and opportunities can present themselves from unexpected places.
In conclusion, curiosity is vital to human connection, human connection is vital for us – as a species and as individuals to thrive. So, enjoy when you notice a ‘gap’, delight in exploring the unknown, and celebrate being a life-long-learner!
Please share your fave curiosity booster strategies!
Here’s mine: Brene Brown in a curious conversation with Domee Shi
Hello, I am Kerryn Powell, The Network Catalyst and founder of Your Time Matters and podcast host of Conversations and connections to amplify and inspire. and am a connection strategist, conversation starter and network catalyst who thrives on building communities and creating the right connections for those seeking strategic allies to make a positive impact through connection, contribution and community.
I draw on my diverse career portfolio, experience, skills and knowledge to encourage, support and empower business owners, professionals, teams and individuals to create true connection through authentic conversations that build real relationships, boost confidence and generate business and opportunities.
Since 2013, I have provided opportunity for more than 3000 business owners to engage in real life and online events through her business, Your Time Matters. BOOK a discovery call TODAY, and let’s have a conversation to see how I can help you find , start or improve your business networking,