In a world where cynicism rules, from anonymous cyber jabs to humor laced with insincerity and sarcasm, I only wish we could convert this energy drain to a characteristic that is actually life giving, intelligence-enhancing, and youthful, even anti-aging. Yet the magic attribute does exist, we just sometimes forget how important it is – CURIOSITY. By definition, curiosity is an eager desire to know or inquisitiveness, deriving from the Latin word meaning ‘to care.’ With curiosity, we can see a new solution to a perplexing problem or conundrum. With curiosity, we can hear another’s viewpoint and seek to understand with respect their core values and allow a free interchange of ideas. With curiosity, the investor will look beyond the immediate P&L and witness the entrepreneur’s passion, enthusiasm, and persistence to actualize his new venture. With curiosity, the entrepreneur gets to know more about the investor beyond their own immediate financial needs for their company. With curiosity, an executive gets to truly understand their consumer – beyond demographics and statistics, to truly understanding who they are and how to create meaningful engagement beyond the number of likes. With curiosity, there is the excitement to learn through the lens of personal experience (of self and others) free of self-doubt.
Try this Curiosity Initiator and let me know how you feel afterwards:
- Take a walk at lunchtime, spot 10 objects you never saw before, admire them;
- Listen to classical music and name 5 different instruments you can hear;
- Engage in a conversation with a stranger and learn about their childhood;
- At work, ask 3 team members about their favorite food and why;
- Send me back your favorite Curiosity Initiator to share with others to include in our next newsletter with your Curiosity Story.
Regain your youthful vigor, your eagerness to dream big, your desire to care and help. Curiosity makes life exciting. It is extremely difficult to remain cynical when emanating curiosity. Even Einstein said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.” Here’s to the curious. Those who dream big. Ask questions. And also ask for forgiveness later.
My dear friend, Blessing Horowytz reminded me recently how important it is to be curious about others. Thank you for the inspiration, my friend. Let’s all pay it forward and instigate curiosity!
Gillian