Children are constantly curious. They ask questions and appreciate the newness of everything. Why is the sky blue? Why is water wet? As we age, we stop asking questions for fear of looking stupid, and we stop seeking feedback because we don’t want to be vulnerable to criticism. This can lead us to make uninformed assumptions about ourselves and the world, especially ones that are comfortable or convenient for us and don’t challenge us to see things in a different way.
Curiosity is an integral part of our growth and has tremendous advantages in all areas of our lives. Here are 3 benefits of being curious about life:
1. Curiosity helps us get in touch with ourselves and our desires.
We tend to think we know ourselves pretty well, and that assumption stops us from growing in meaningful ways. Some of the most harmful assumptions we make are about our own value or odds of success. If we don’t get a promotion, we might assume that we aren’t good at our job. We might assume someone will turn us down before we even ask them out, so we don’t even try. We get stuck in our preferred stories, and they are usually negative.
People sometimes get to a point in their lives where they are no longer satisfied with the things that used to satisfy them. This can be frustrating or upsetting, but it is actually a great opportunity to become more curious about themselves and who they are meant to become. It’s a chance to shake off the assumptions about themselves and start seeing the possibilities.
Start getting curious about who you could be and how you could change things in your life. What are the other ways you could react in a situation, even if it seems out of character? You may surprise yourself and set yourself on a path towards changing for the better.
2. Curiosity opens us up to new solutions and possibilities.
We sometimes see the problems or obstacles in our lives and feel completely helpless. It can seem like there is no possible way forward. The idea that things cannot be made better is an assumption that can hold us back. There is always a solution, always something we can do to make a situation a little bit better.
Curiosity about life is what opens us up to greater possibilities. Things may not work out exactly the way we planned, but sometimes that is for the better! The great and exciting experiences are the ones we don’t see coming. Curiosity leads you to new places, and that can sometimes be scary. But if you shy away, you will miss out on so many great experiences.
Curiosity is a subtle shift in the way we think. It is a choice to find meaning and new perspective. We can experience a life shakeup and choose to see it as the end of the world or as something that is interesting that we want to learn more about. It doesn’t change what happens, but it does change the way we see and feel about it.
3. Curiosity helps build strong and growing relationships.
The assumptions we make are often a great barrier to creating thriving relationships. Curiosity is what pierces through those assumptions. Just like we tend to make assumptions about ourselves, we tend to jump to conclusions and assume that our partners want or like something without checking in with them. We assume we know them so well that we don’t give them the space to change. Just because it was this way in the past doesn’t mean it still is this way. Just even asking questions shows curiosity and interest that creates growth.
When one partner is asking for attention or connection, you can either turn towards them by asking questions, engaging with them, and showing interest, or you can turn away from them by ignoring them, placating them, or cutting them down. Turning towards them with curiosity creates a connection and appreciation. As busy as our lives are, we can always choose to prioritize this if we care about our partners and the health of our relationship.
Curiosity is about getting excited about the limitless possibilities ahead of you and the opportunity to learn more about yourself and those around you. It is a choice we can make every day to seek out answers and new ways of seeing. It helps us put harmful assumptions to rest, discover our potential, and build thriving relationships. It is the path to finding lasting fulfillment. Stop assuming and start wondering, questioning, and searching.
