I am not sure at what age it happens, it’s probably different for each of us, but eventually, we lose our childlike wonderment and curiosity about the world. This makes sense since we have a pretty good idea of who we are and what we want by adulthood.
There is something to be said about keeping a bit of curiosity alive, though. It opens us up to new people, places, and experiences. It can keep us feeling young and better prepared to deal with a changing world. If you want to learn how to cultivate more curiosity in your life, try these nine tips.
1 – Embrace the Unknown
Many of us fear the unknown, or at least have no interest in “digging deeper.” One of the best ways to cultivate your curiosity is to embrace the things you don’t know. If you take the time to learn about the things you don’t know, you will be surprised by some of the things you learn.
2 – Ask More Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask people more questions. This is not only one of the best ways to learn, but it’s also a great way to stay curious. When you ask the right questions (why, who, how) it will lead you down paths you never thought of before.
3 – Read More Often
If you aren’t an avid reader, strive to become one. Start small if you have to. Try to read a new book every month. You don’t have to focus on learning either. Quite often, a good fiction novel will capture your attention in unique ways that help foster curiosity.
4 – Stop Saying “I’m Bored”
Do you ever say “I’m bored” out loud? If so – next time catch yourself. Instead of saying you are bored, take in your surroundings and see if you can focus your attention on something else. Simply grabbing a pamphlet in a waiting room might inspire you in unexpected ways.
5 – Be More Present
Try to be more mindful of the world around you and your place in it. Instead of worrying about the future, fretting about the past, multitasking, or checking your phone – just let yourself be. When you are more aware of your surrounding, you will find yourself more curious about them.
6 – Listen More Than You Speak
Listening to others is one of the best ways to spark your curiosity. You never know which tidbit is going to catch your attention and lead you down paths unknown. When you speak too much, you miss out on these types of opportunities.
7 – Learn Something New
Is there anything you have wanted to learn but never bothered? There has never been a better time to learn about something new. With almost all Universities offering online learning and websites like Udemy, there is no lack of ways to learn something new.
8 – Start Taking Notes
You would be surprised how much you notice about the world around you when you keep notes. Things you might notice in the moment, then normally forget later, can be captured forever by taking notes. Nothing beats an actual notebook, but there are plenty of phone apps that ensure you can jot down your thoughts anytime.
9 – Forget Your Fears
We let fear take control far too often. You won’t ever experience something new if you are too scared to take a chance. It would be best if you also stopped worrying about the thoughts of others. If something interests you, go for it – don’t fear the judgment of others.
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Actionable Steps
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Think about a topic that you have a casual interest in but never really explored. Start an internet search about it, and dive in. Don’t worry if you go down another tangent – that’s curiosity! | Make a “to-read” list. Search an online bookstore and find some titles that speak to you or capture your interest. Try to find at least 12. This will give you a manageable list to conquer in a year. | Commit to learning something new. It can be a new skill or just a topic that interests you. Find an online course (there is probably a free or cheap option!) and sign up. |
