The Courage to Stay Curious – Part 3

Over the last two weeks, we’ve talked about what curiosity is and how it shows up in our lives. But the truth is, curiosity doesn’t always stay alive. Sometimes it gets shut down quietly; by fear, routine, or even the comfort of being “right.” This week, we are uncovering those barriers and choosing growth instead.

What Quietly Shuts Down Curiosity?

Several things can quietly shut down curiosity. Fear is often the biggest barrier; fear of looking uninformed, of being judged, or of being wrong. Cultural conditioning can also play a role, especially if we were raised to believe that questioning is disrespectful or unnecessary.

My Personal Curiosity Block

For a long time, I thought I had to have all the answers and didn’t need to ask questions. That showed up not only at work but also in my personal relationships. Even when I cared deeply, I held back from asking questions because I didn’t want to be perceived as snooping or being in someone’s business. But a recent personal audit helped me confront the fear of being seen as an imposter at work and the fear of being misunderstood in my relationships, and weigh both against the value of growth.

Now, I choose growth over being right. I choose to maintain a culture of active learning, and a culture of letting the people in my life know that I ask because I care, because I’m genuinely interested in learning about them.

Other Curiosity Killers

In addition, time pressure, overconfidence, and the comfort of routine can all dull our instinct to explore. And sometimes, we simply stop being curious because we assume we already know enough. Recognising these barriers is the first step to moving past them and reclaiming curiosity as a way of living.

Reflection

Before we close, ask yourself:

What’s one fear or habit that’s holding back your curiosity?

What can you do this week to move past it?

Remember: curiosity is a choice, and every choice nudges you toward growth.

Your Turn

Look back at the insights from all three posts, what small steps will you take this week to stay curious?

Share your reflections or discoveries; the best way to grow curiosity is to practice it out loud.

🥂Cheers to being curious. May it always lead you somewhere new.

P.S. If you are on the other end of the spectrum (hello, negative curiosity), now’s a great time to adjust the dial. Add it to your New Year’s resolutions. It’s only January… you’ve still got 11 months to get it right.

Yours,

Tobi