The Courage to Stay Curious – Part 2

Curiosity exists on a spectrum. It can be as harmless as googling why it snows… or as unproductive as asking questions simply to snoop or gossip. That’s why the kind of curiosity we cultivate matters.

Curiosity begins with openness; to the world, and to ourselves.

The emphasis here is on positive curiosity, a state of intentional, respectful, open-minded exploration that seeks understanding rather than judgment or gossip, connection rather than intrusion.

Recently, I started paying attention to how I personally practice curiosity. I realised I’m quick to research things I don’t know. I’ll read, search, dig, and do everything I can to learn. But I noticed something missing: I wasn’t asking enough questions.

When we rely solely on ourselves to satisfy our curiosity, we sometimes miss the bigger picture. We fail to see patterns. And most importantly, we miss opportunities to build connection.

So, I’ve challenged myself to ask more and to seek clarity even when I think I already know the answer. I ask because there’s always a chance that I’ll learn more than I thought I knew.

So how do we actually live this out?

How do we live with curiosity in our personal lives?

Living with curiosity personally means choosing to stay open to new ideas, new experiences, and even new versions of ourselves. It’s the willingness to ask why instead of settling. It shows up in small, everyday ways like trying a new route home, reading about something unfamiliar, questioning long held assumptions, or allowing ourselves to explore interests without needing a practical reason.

Personal curiosity keeps our inner world alive. It stretches our thinking, deepens our self-awareness, and helps us grow beyond the limits we quietly place on ourselves. It also means being curious about our own thoughts especially when they don’t align with our values or beliefs.

Instead of reacting automatically, we pause and ask: Why am I thinking this? Where is it coming from? This kind of inner curiosity invites reflection over reactivity.

How do we live with curiosity in our professional lives?

Professionally, curiosity is one of the most underrated skills. It pushes us to understand the “why” behind decisions, to learn new tools, to ask better questions, and to stay adaptable in a world that refuses to stand still. Curiosity helps us see patterns, anticipate change, and innovate rather than simply react. It also strengthens relationships at work as being curious about colleagues, their perspectives, and their motivations helps to builds trust and collaboration.

Reflection

This week, pick one way to practice curiosity in either your personal or professional life. Ask a question, explore an idea, or try something unfamiliar. Your curiosity is a superpower, use it.

Coming soon: The final part will uncover the hidden barriers to curiosity, and how you can overcome them to keep growing every day. Don’t miss it, your curiosity might thank you.

Until then, stay curious; with yourself and with the world around you. Growth often begins with a single question.

Yours,

Tobi