I’m curious about many things… especially humans!!!
Why people do the things they do, what motivates them, what makes people so different, what makes people “tick”. Everything about human behaviour fascinates me.
Each and everyone of us is special – with unique story, perspectives, and strengths. We all have a story to tell. We all have a need to feel heard.
But we don’t seem to take the time to listen to one another anymore. All too often, we spend so much time and energy thinking about ourselves. We forget others and their struggles.
I enjoy listening to people and hearing their stories. I gain a better understanding of others and see the world from new perspectives.
After all, I’m a small part of the world… not the centre of the universe.
Curiosity has served me well. It has transformed my life, including career. There is always something new to explore and discover. Curiosity makes me feel alive. I’m very comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity. I have grown and learned so much from uncomfortable and unfamiliar experiences.
Curiosity starts within. I’m curious about myself and my internal experience first. What’s going on with me internally? I use my senses. I question, listen, and observe. Am I bored? What needs to change? What else might be possible? I ask myself “what if” questions. I examine myself from different perspectives. And I’m not afraid to say, “I don’t know”.
I learn through my day-to-day activities and interactions. Just spontaneously chatting with a stranger makes me feel more connected. Often, I feel inspired and uplifted when I’ve had a meaningful interaction with someone I don’t know.
As I grow older, I find myself being more and more curious. Over the years, I’ve read thousands of books, but I want to know more. And I realise just how little I know.
People who are curious are more likely to take risks to explore new opportunities. They tend to be more open-minded, resilient and happier too.
Curiosity is a great leadership skill as well.
Big companies and business leaders around the world are looking for ways to stay ahead and remain competitive. There are many leaders who think they know everything, but when you delve in a bit deeper, maybe they don’t know as much as they think they do. Having a culture of curiosity cultivates empowerment, problem solving, creative thinking, and collaboration. I often encourage leaders to share and model curiosity. We can learn so much from each other.
Sadly, as we become adults, we tend to lose our curiosity. And mobile devises aren’t helping us to have true, meaningful connections with others.
Authentic, real-life human connection doesn’t come from a digital device.
So, I encourage you to be curious. Be curious about yourself. Be curious about the world around you.
Don’t underestimate the power of curiosity!!!
Eila Mikkonen
Counsellor, Coach & Mental Fitness Facilitator