The Power of Being Genuinely Curious
(and How to Make It Work for You)
When was the last time you let curiosity lead the way? Not the type of curiosity that keeps you doom-scrolling on Facebook, but the deep, genuine kind that makes you ask âWhy?â or âWhatâs next?â without worrying about what youâll find.
My friend Vic and I met through our RV camping adventures. Sheâs more laid-back and, while friendly, often reserved in conversations. Iâm the oppositeâI need to know all the details. Where people come from, what they do, their families, their fun, and more.
Vic often turns to me with questions about new faces at the campgroundâwho they are, their story, or just random facts. I always know the answers, and she laughs, saying, âOf course you do.â
For me, itâs about more than just curiosity. Itâs about understanding where someone comes from.
In my recent article, The Power of Being Genuinely Curious, I go deeper into why curiosity is my underrated superpower. One takeaway? By asking questions and being genuinely curious, it opens doors to information you didnât know.
Curiosity is often overlooked in the hustle of day-to-day life. Weâre busy checking off to-dos and chasing outcomes, leaving little room for exploration. But curiosity isnât just for dreamers. Itâs a powerful tool for solopreneurs, side hustlers, and anyone feeling stuck or uninspired.
Why? Because curiosity is the thing that keeps us moving forward. It drives innovation, fosters connection, and helps you see outcomes to challenges in new ways.
Letâs explore how you can harness the power of genuine curiosity and make it your secret weapon in life and business.
1. Cultivate a Curiosity Mindset
We often approach problems or new opportunities with a fixed mindset, thinking, I should already know this, or What if I mess this up? But curiosity can lead to possibility.
Why it matters:
A curious mindset helps you not to need all the answers and replaces it with the drive of discovery. Itâs about shifting from âI need to get this rightâ to âWhat can I learn here?â
How to do it:
Practice a beginnerâs mind. Imagine youâre encountering a situation for the first time. What would you notice? What would you ask? This approach helps you break free from what you assume and see a fresh perspective.
Ask open-ended questions. Swap out âWhat went wrong?â for âWhy do you think that?â or âWhat else could this mean?â The more you practice asking, the more curious youâll naturally become.
Capture your questions. Jot down one or two things that made you take a second look at something. Donât worry about finding answers right away. The goal is to stay open.
2. Be Curious About People
Whether itâs your audience, clients, or the people you meet at a local coffee shop, genuine curiosity about others opens doors you didnât even know existed.
Why it matters:
You build trust and connection when you show interest in peopleâs stories. And in business, understanding what makes people tick helps you create better solutions, services, or conversations.
How to do it:
Ask better questions. Go beyond the surface with prompts like, âWhatâs been on your radar lately?â or âWhatâs something youâve been exploring but havenât shared yet?â
Practice deep listening. When someone speaks, listen with intent. Instead of planning your next response, focus entirely on what they say. Notice whatâs unspokenâtone, hesitations, enthusiasm, body language.
Embrace different perspectives. Seek out conversations with people outside your bubble. The best ideas often come from unexpected places.
3. Follow Curiosity as a Compass
Sometimes, trying to unravel new ideas feels like wading through thick mud. You might think, Whatâs the point if it doesnât lead anywhere? But thatâs the beauty of itâit doesnât have to have a clear end game to create value.
Why it matters:
Itâs how breakthroughs happenânot by following a strict plan, but by exploring what intrigues you and seeing where it leads.
How to do it:
Start with âWhat if?â Ask yourself: What if I challenged one of the assumptions Iâve always held about my business? What if I learned a new skill just for fun? These questions spark ideas that might surprise you.
Experiment without pressure. Treat projects as experiments. Try a new marketing strategy, explore a creative hobby, or test an idea because it excites you.
Document your discoveries. Keep track of what you learn, even if it feels unrelated to your current goals. You never know when it might connect to something bigger.
Explore More
Being open to exploration isnât just a traitâitâs a choice you can make daily. Itâs a mindset that keeps you moving forward, even when the path feels unclear. The spark transforms small questions into big ideas, casual conversations into meaningful connections, and obstacles into opportunities.
So, whatâs one idea or possibility thatâs caught your attention lately? And how will you explore it?
Embrace the journey of discovery. You might just be surprised where it takes you.
Now, be curious and ask the questions that are on your mind!