Curiosity…
When it comes to life satisfaction, curiosity is a golden ticket. Used to your advantage, it is the perfect happy medium between disinterest and noisiness. 😉
Let me peak your interest:
- What if you got a credible tip that there could be a treasure map somewhere near your home?
- What if you won 10 million dollars?
- What if you were given a 5-year grant to research anything you wanted?
- What if you sat next to Queen Elizabeth on a plane and she asked your opinion on important matters? Or Mother Tereasa (yeah, we know she’s no longer alive – use your imagination)? Or some else you admire?
Happiness flourishes when your mind is “on fire with interest” according to positive psychologists. The exploring mind literally lights up with excitement and life improves.
Science-backed Reasons to be Curious:
- Being actively curious builds a sense of possibilities thereby increasing hope, perspective and creativity.
- “Maintaining a sense of wonder is crucial to creativity and innovation,” says Francesca Gino of Harvard Business Review and author of Sidetracked: Why Our Decisions Get Derailed, and How We Can Stick to the Plan. Gino says, too often we stifle curiosity. Allowing for open problem solving time sets creative thoughts free, deliberately. At our core, we are intensely curious. How many of Aespo’s fables revolve around such matter? And those were compiled in 620-564 BCE.
- Curiosity in relationships enhances closeness by keeping things exciting and new.
- Exploration with a sense of wonder increases courage by helping you embrace uncertainty and newness head on. You got this!
- Being deeply curious gives you a chance to explore your sense of meaning in life.
- “Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.” – Golda Meir
Spend time this week making a habit out of chasing those flames. Seek novelty. Appreciate exploring. Learn about something interesting. Grow your imagination.
Key Tips for Fostering Curiosity as Happiness Trait:
- Make time for “Why?”, “What if?” and “How might I?” thoughts.
- Hold “invention sessions” either with yourself, loved ones or colleagues. Ask great questions of each other to help great minds pull together and solve a nagging conundrum.
- Ask questions. Period!
- Ask a friend follow up questions when they share good news so you can keep the positive feelings alive longer.
- Actively explore or question your every day routines or surroundings. Stop and notice something new.
- Look up facts and trivia; take a moment to ponder what you learn. Caution: Limit yourself to one or two clicks when looking up facts so you don’t get lost down the internet rabbit hole.
- Be curious about yourself and ask why you think you do x, y or z.
- Try a new trail, new route to walk or a new route to any of your favorite places.
- Play a game in a park; choose a new game or a new place to play it.
- Expand your knowledge on a subject you absolutely love.
- Learn something new about an old friend.
- Listen to a new podcast, book, or radio program.
- Try new food.
- Learn more about the history of your neighborhood or community.
- Start a curiosity journal and make note of all the things that spark your interest.
- Go somewhere new, do something you’ve never done before – this is your moment!
“The mind that opens to a new idea, never returns to its original size.” – Albert Einstein
Bottom line… For greater life satisfaction, and with long summer days at hand…
Explore…
Wander…
Awaken and Engage!
See you on the PATH Ahead,
Gillian and The PATH Team
(Gillian, Shevonne, Amy and Ashley)
tomypath.com
vehi.org