To expect a change, we need to have curiosity. We need to have the urge to learn new things, unfold new concepts, and expand our understanding. And this is possible only when we have an attitude that says – “I don’t know, but I want to find out.” We have to let go of the fear of failure, discomfort, and embarrassment. We will talk all about it.

So, what curiosity is?

Curiosity starts with a desire to know the unknown. Of course, we have learned it since childhood, but as we grew, we started (or pretended) to become more satisfied with the answers we have about specific situations or questions or sometimes people. Ohh yes. I said, people. Sometimes, people are the most difficult to decode, making them full of surprises.

If we awaken the child within us and continue to be curious all the time, then we will be surprised to see the scope of learning we are surrounded with. Every moment is an opportunity to learn and grow. Whether learning about a new subject or discovering a new path that we have never traveled on before, meeting new people or understanding why they behave how they behave – each day is filled with such moments.

Choosing to be curious means choosing to be vulnerable

Choosing to be curious means choosing to be vulnerable. It takes courage to surrender ourselves to something unknown. Surrender may sound like a harsh word, but when we get curious about something, we admit that we don’t know it. Here are two other characteristics of being curious. First is asking questions, and the second is understanding that discovering something new may lead to discomfort.

When we accept that we don’t know something, that’s when we open the doors to something new. And asking questions is the best way to learn. Questions present us with alternatives and help us lay a strong foundation for what we want to know. As kids, we learned about most of the unknowns through questions. Then we started to see asking questions as something that would lower our self-esteem. Our brain is conditioned, so it makes us think that as grow-ups, if we ask questions, it will be a sign of lack of knowledge or clarity. But the truth is asking questions makes us wiser, more knowledgeable, and more intelligent.

While you are getting your answers to your curiosity, some new discoveries may cause you some discomfort. Curiosity breaks your old pattern of thoughts and beliefs. We may be surprised by the discovery and may be uncomfortable to us. You have to be prepared for it as it is part and parcel of the process of discovering something new. But the end result will be enriching.

So, don’t worry about your age, ask good questions. And they will answer your curiosity.

Curiosity is a strong fire, and once ignited, it is not easily put off.