But Why?

Remember when we were all five years old? We laughed, felt BIG emotions, pretended we were pirates, took naps, but most importantly we asked questions. Everything around us was shrouded in mystery. The world was bright and shiny, and nothing was in our way. We did not accept the unexplainable, we simply would say but why.

Between when we were five and now, we lived life and learn that sometimes it is not all that we imagined it to be. Naivety is not all it is cracked up to be, but I want us all to look at our surroundings in wonder. In Forbes, they mention that we find it so much easier to live as the expert, rather than the student who grows. In more than one instance in just that last week, I have come across things that I did not know the answer to. But I stayed in my comfort zone as a resident “expert.” When I think about what in just the last week of how much information I missed, I cannot even fathom how much I could have known throughout the entirety of my life if I had simply asked why.

It is important to really break down, this “loss of curiosity.” What it really boils down to is ego. When we ask questions, we are praised, well for the five times. But then after that sixth one, that praise morphs into an ugly beast called annoyance. Consequently, we are afraid of asking more questions after that. Our ego takes a hit, and we would rather sit in confusion than move into an uncomfortable space for growth. The feeling of uncertainty should be more awkward than asking a question. Think about these questions and ask yourself if they apply to you.

What if we decided to put aside our insecurity, and allowed our curiosity to shine through? I am not saying to let your invasive thoughts win, and you stick your finger in a cigarette lighter. Pay attention to things you never have before, discuss with people that hold different views than you, try something new, but most importantly, ask why.

Throughout the next few weeks, I want us to be mindful of the information that we take in, or do not. Thinking about what we could have learned and taken the time to really foster our curiosity. Old dogs can learn new tricks, and what we know today does not need to be all that we know for tomorrow. To learn more about curiosity, and how maybe we can encourage that in our daily lives, read Christy Geiger’s Forbes article, you really won’t regret it.

Suggested Forbes article.