The sixth of ten initial mindware tools - that kick-start you to ‘become the best possible version of you.’
Curiosity did not kill the cat. It gave her nine lives. And dramatically enhances our lives, as well.
Keywords: Curiosity, Best Me, Innovation, Creativity, Personal Growth, Adaptability ,Professional Development , Emotional Well-Being, Psychological Studies , Empathy, Lifelong Learning, Go for gold
Go for gold and make curiosity your daily habit
Part One: Embrace curiosity as your catalyst for personal and professional growth
Go for Gold!
The STEEP Renaissance team is committed to four BIG goals. The first of these is to drip-feed you guides that empower and inspire you to ‘Go for Gold,’ and to become the best versions of you…To truly become the 'Best Possible Me!’
As a foundation member of STEEP Renaissance, you have already committed to do this. That is, to become the best versions of you - progressively day by day, in every possible way. Or you soon will, as you receive weekly Insights of ‘how to…’ in your email box.
How come? Well, one of the multiple reasons you, we, and all of us exist on planet earth - is to self-actualise, to strive to discover the gold of our vast, untapped potential…and achieve it. To make actual the best possible version of us. Then to transcend that.
AND, amazingly, we live in an era where new information, new science, new psychology, and new ‘mindware,’ give us the tools, techniques, technologies to: ‘grow our brains out,’ develop our potential to the full, and become the best versions of us… in ways not possible at any other time in human history.
Now we can all Go for Gold. And get gold! Gold in many, many forms, of course, Which is why the STEEP Renaissance team commits to sharing these many tools with you.
A new introduction to the human race
Dr Jean Houston, a global leader in human potential, has spent a lifetime developing these golden tools. She says , “With the present convergence of the findings of anthropology, cross cultural studies, psycho-physical research, and studies into the nature and function of brain, we are beginning to have in hand a perspective on human potential as profound as it is provocative.
“This perspective allows us to turn the corner of our humanity, exploring and experiencing the astonishing complexity and variety of the world of the possible human. It is virtually a new introduction to the human race.”
How curious…
If her words don’t grab you with awe. And give you big shake of wonder and curiosity to know and experience far more… And to be far more…. I am not sure what will.
Curiosity is one key that opens the locked gates to this amazing evolutionary journey. Curiosity’s an innate talent we already possess. However, you nurturing, and expanding, your innate curiosity, is a crucial step in you transforming yourself into a New You - an Enhanced Being. A fully human You.
Soundly squashed
“Preschoolers ask an average of 26 questions an hour at home, but less than two per hour at school.” - Perry Zurn, professor of philosophy and author , How to keep kids curious.
Here’s the rub, as Shakespeare had Hamlet say. The natural curiosity you had as a child has almost certainly been soundly squashed. Squashed, but not annihilated, by factors like schooling, parenting, life and work’s insistent demands, your mobile phone, and your social media use. This is the source of the claim, “Society is dumbing down .”
But never fear! You will discover in this two-part Insight, there are huge benefits in you reviving your inbuilt, natural, child-like, curiosity. And in making it your daily habit.
In Part One, we overview together the research and benefits of your doing this . In Part Two you learn how to become super-curious once more.
- Albert Einstein: "I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious."
- Dr. Carol Dweck: "In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. They offer a chance to grow."
- Walt Disney: "We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."
- Eleanor Roosevelt: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams and are willing to explore new horizons."
- Marie Curie: "Be less curious about people, and more curious about ideas."
- A #Nevilleism: “Be curious about everyone, everything, and everywhere.”
Your vitality fuel
Contrary to the saying "curiosity killed the cat," your inquisitiveness digs down deep into your soul, and fuels your vitality. It gives you the equivalent of nine lives.
Curiosity isn't only about seeking knowledge and ideas. It's also a powerful tool of staggering flexibility. When you couple your questioning curiosity with search engines, generative Artificial Intelligence, and multiple face-to-face conversations… you navigate, focus and harness the vast sea of cascading information… you access life-changing tools…and you gain abundant, productive outcomes.
Enriches and enlivens
Your enlivened curiosity enriches your life in countless ways, both personally and professionally. As you will discover in a moment, multiple research studies indicate curiosity drives your innovation, fosters your creativity, grows your brains out, builds your relationships, activates your networks, and opens doors to new opportunities.
So, right now, with this special Insight 0006, we delve together into curiosity, supported by psychological studies and expert perspectives. As you review this research, one thing becomes abundantly clear: Cultivating your curiosity daily, transforms your life, loves, work and health.
So, it’s well worth your while, to take the time now, with us, to discover how you make curiosity your daily habit and revel in its incredible benefits.
What is curiosity?
“Curiosity questions the entire cosmos: Asks why is it so? How might it be better? And what if we…?” - a #Nevilleism.
Curiosity is an innate, personal asset. It is hardwired into all of us in the womb. It's also a mindset, a skill set, and a set of practices that yields significant rewards.
- "Children are born with an innate curiosity and a love for learning." - Ken Robinson
- "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." - Albert Einstein
- "Curiosity is a delicate little plant that, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom." - Albert Einstein
Many benefits
Among many benefits, when you actively nurture your curiosity, you develop a sense of wonder and a persistent desire to explore and discover.
- "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." - Dorothy Parker
- "Curiosity is the engine of achievement." - Ken Robinson
- "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." - Carl Sagan
- "Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will." - James Stephens
By reactivating your natural, born-with curiosity, you metaphorically ‘Grow your brains out.’ And that has wondrous consequences.
- "The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size." - Albert Einstein
- "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss
So, what do the expert researchers say about curiosity?
Susan Engel
Susan Engel (UK), is a psychologist and educator. Her research focuses on the development of curiosity in children. She observes that children's natural inquisitiveness - why, why, why? - diminishes due to factors like using mobile phones, schooling, and parenting styles. Engel advocates encouraging children's unique styles of curiosity. And she emphasizes the importance of nurturing this trait throughout all our lives. ( World Economic Forum).
Todd Kashdan
Todd Kashdan (USA), a psychologist and professor at George Mason University, has written extensively about the benefits of curiosity. He maintains that curiosity not only fosters professional success… It also enhances psychological well-being and social relationships. Kashdan suggests curious individuals are more adaptable, creative, and better at managing stress and anxiety. ( Positive Psychology News).
Kou Murayama
Kou Murayama (Japan), is an eminent psychologist known for his work on motivation and curiosity. He evidences that curiosity is a mechanism for achieving and maintaining high levels of well-being and meaning in life. Kou Murayama explores how curiosity contributes to learning, academic, and work performance. He highlights that curiosity-driven learning can lead to deeper understanding and long-term retention of information. Murayama's research underscores the significance of curiosity as a motivational factor that can enhance learning outcomes at any age. ( SpringerLink)
Emily J. Campbell
Emily J. Campbell (USA), is a researcher associated with the Greater Good Science Centre at UC Berkeley. She has explored how curiosity impacts both children and adults. Her work highlights the psychological and social benefits of curiosity, including increased happiness, better empathy, and stronger relationships. Campbell notes that curiosity drives us to seek new experiences and knowledge, which can improve our mental health and overall life satisfaction. ( Greater Good).
Paul Silvia
Paul Silvia (Canada), is a professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He has extensively studied the psychological mechanisms behind curiosity. He differentiates between "interest curiosity" and "deprivation curiosity," explaining how both can motivate individuals to seek new knowledge and experiences. His work emphasizes the importance of curiosity in fostering intellectual engagement and creative thinking. ( SpringerLink).
Nicole Whiting
Nicole Whiting (New Zealand), is a clinically trained (e)Motion coach and Ph.D. student in Developmental Coaching. She has explored the profound effects of curiosity and wonder on well-being. Whiting emphasizes that curiosity is not just an emotional state but a cognitive drive that leads to deeper understanding and connection with others. Her work suggests that fostering curiosity can enhance empathy, reduce stress, and increase life satisfaction. She also highlights practical strategies for cultivating curiosity, such as asking open-ended questions and pursuing new experiences. ( Psychology Today).
Ian Leslie
Ian Leslie (UK), is the author of, "Curious: The Desire to Know and Why Your Future Depends On It." He delves into how curiosity is a fundamental trait that fuels creativity and innovation. He emphasizes that cultivating curiosity involves asking open-ended questions and embracing the unknown, which can lead to more profound insights and breakthroughs in various fields. ( Book Review).
Anthony D. Fredericks
Anthony D. Fredericks (USA), is Professor Emeritus of Education at York College of Pennsylvania. He is a prolific and award-winning author of more than 170 books. In an article in Psychology Today, he indicates curiosity is in our DNA, and that as we develop our curiosity our creativity flourishes. He indicates that curiosity is propelled by our desire and freedom to ask questions - especially ‘what if’ questions, which he gives examples of. And our creativity is enhanced when we seek answers to divergent and self-initiated questions. ( Psychology Today).
Benefits of Curiosity with Expert Insights
Okay! That review of expert research has shown you the value of reinvigorating your curiosity. Now, we summarise and extend the benefits you gain. We want to make sure you start stimulating your curiosity NOW! No delay…
1. Active Mind and Continuous Learning
Your curiosity drives you to seek out new ideas and experiences. These keep your mind active and facilitate your continuous learning. These, in turn, help you discover unforeseen opportunities and to innovate personally and professionally.
Todd Kashdan, says curiosity enhances your adaptability and resilience by promoting continuous learning and growth, which are crucial for staying relevant in our rapidly changing environments. ( Curiosity).
2. Increased Creativity and Innovation
Your curiosity encourages thinking beyond conventional boundaries. By exploring diverse perspectives, you develop enhanced creative problem-solving skills, which leads to innovative solutions.
Paul Silvia highlights that curiosity, particularly when exploring unfamiliar domains, sparks creative thinking and innovation. ( Curiosity). Albert Einstein also emphasized curiosity as the engine of creativity, and encouraged constant questioning and exploration. ( Psychology Today).
3. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills
Your curious mindset challenges the status quo and inspires a deeper understanding of complex issues. This willingness to explore multiple solutions improves problem-solving abilities.
Susan Engel notes that curiosity-driven enquiry can lead to more profound insights, as it encourages exploring multiple avenues and understanding various aspects of a problem. ( Curiosity in schools).
4. Personal and Professional Growth
Your curiosity is a catalyst for ongoing personal and professional development. It enables you to adapt to changes, enhance your skill sets, and stay updated with new trends and knowledge.
Kou Murayama's research indicates that curiosity-driven learning contributes to long-term retention of knowledge and skills, essential for personal and professional advancement. ( Curiosity and Interest).
5. Emotional and Psychological Well-Being
Your curiosity enhances your emotional and psychological well-being by fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world. It helps you cope with stress and cultivate a positive outlook.
Nicole Whiting from New Zealand emphasizes that curiosity can reduce your stress and improve life satisfaction by promoting cognitive flexibility and a sense of wonder.( Psychology Today) ( Psychology Today).
6. Enhanced Social Connections and Empathy
Being curious means you engage more deeply with others, and seek to understand different perspectives. This deepens empathy and strengthens social bonds.
Emily J. Campbell's work shows that your curiosity expands your empathy, makes you more understanding and connected to others ( Greater Good).
7. Promotion of Lifelong Learning and Adaptability
Your curiosity encourages your lifelong learning and adaptability, and makes you more open to new experiences and changes.
Perry Zurn's studies on curiosity suggest that fostering this trait from a young age can lead to a lifelong habit of learning and adaptability ( World Economic Forum).
Take home?
Convinced that reparenting your child-like curiosity is worth the effort?
Great. In Part Two we examine how you do that.
Normally this second part is available only to paid-up members of STEEP Renaissance. For the moment it’s available free of charge. Enjoy!
Neville D Christie