Buzz
Curiosity is often viewed as an inherent quality: A characteristic some individuals (and animals) are born with. However, the reality is more nuanced.
Curiosity is also a skill. Like any other skill, it may come more naturally to some than others, but with effort, it can be cultivated over time. If you’re eager to nurture your curiosity—which is also becoming a valuable asset in today's job market—here are some effective strategies to help you do so.
Ways to Cultivate a Stronger Sense of Curiosity
Regardless of whether you see yourself as “naturally” curious, these techniques may help spark that kind of thinking:
Identify what drives you
Alternatively, a more effective approach might be to identify what truly excites you, or brings you a sense of happiness or fulfillment. Is there something that causes you to lose all track of time because you find it so captivating? If so, dive deeper into it and make a conscious effort to learn something new. In theory, this should trigger the sensation of curiosity, and help you understand how you arrived at that state.
Pose questions
If asking questions isn’t part of your regular routine for sparking conversation, it may feel awkward or intrusive initially—even if the questions aren't about anything personal. So, when the setting is right, make a point to ask someone questions aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of something. Keep the questions open-ended, and explore the subject more by asking “why.”
Go on an adventure
Being trapped in a routine leaves little space for curiosity. It’s all too easy for our minds to slip into autopilot mode, blocking out new ideas. Luckily, there are ways to break free from this.
One option is to tune in (instead of tuning out) during parts of your routine, like your daily commute. Instead of listening to a podcast, try focusing on the things passing by you. Take note of what you’ve never seen before. If something catches your attention, you may become curious about its history or why it’s there.
Another approach is to mix things up—take a different route to work, for example. Pay attention to your surroundings, and you might encounter something interesting that encourages you to learn more. Over time, as you train yourself to observe and discover new things, this curiosity may become second nature.
