Curiosity: Ask questions

Curiosity killed the cat and satisfaction brought it back.  This saying dates back to 1912 and implies that, while curiosity may harm you, the satisfaction of gaining knowledge and finding the truth is worth it. We all deserve the answers to our curiosity, but not at the expense of harm.

When our kids were little, it was not uncommon to hear the response “Why?” after delivering an instruction for them to do something. This innate curiosity would often be the reason that there was a delay in tasks being achieved. Consequently, it became frustrating and arduous. My response was often you don’t need to know right now, I just need you to follow through on the instruction given to you. I wonder now if I should have been more tolerant of the questions of curiosity and listened more to what they were actually asking. Could I have learnt something and become more enlightened myself?

“Curiosity is the journey to discovery”

Curiosity is about asking the questions to satisfy the curiosity. The questions should stimulate responses that help with the following:

·       Understanding

They minimise confrontation, seek out solutions and resolutions

·       Orientation

They bring clarification, perspective, and context. They help people see what they may not be able to see in order to define value

·       Discussion

They create a dialogue of learning so what was not seen can be identified by embracing new knowledge and understanding

·       Thinking

Critical thinking and new ideas and perspectives are activated and can lead into brainstorming

·       Listening

This allows empathy to be displayed by verbalising understanding and affirmation of the communicator and help them to feel valued by you

·       Relationships

New connections are created when people feel invested in and listened to

·       Learning

Enables personal growth and motivation to see change to occur

A healthy curiosity will enable, empower, and equip you to be a better version of yourself and help you to be understood by others. If there is no clarity about your curiosity, be certain about the source of truth you are using.

 My 5 Learnings:

·       Curiosity is a natural response to the discovery of truth

·       Asking why opens up another dimension of perspective

·       I need to ensure that my curiosity will be helpful not harmful

·       I can grow personally by being more curious

·       I need to ensure my source of truth is credible and valid

Being curious is not always a good idea, as there are some situations where we might be put in harm’s way. In these cases, other questions may need to be considered. “Like, is this safe?”

My 3 Questions for you:

·       Is your source of information truthful?

·       What are you curious about?

·       How can you use curiosity to grow personally?

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”

Albert Einstein

 If you need help with Curiosity, or if you have questions, please talk to me. I would be happy to chat with you and help.

Remember daily to, “Find value in your influence”

Written By: Paul Fawcett.