Discover What Being Curious Does for You

Copyright (c) 2009 Maurine Patten

Positive Psychology defines curiosity as "the active recognition, pursuit, and regulation of one's experience in response to challenging opportunities" (Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification by Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman, 2004). It is believed that curiosity can take basic activities and make them more interesting.

Everyone is curious to some degree. However, there are individual differences in how curious people are in terms of intensity, frequency, duration, and mindset. The words curiosity and interest are often used synonymously. They both initiate and sustain goal-directed behavior.

Recently, Todd Kashadan, a Positive Psychology professor at George Mason University published a new book, Curious? Discover the Missing Ingredient to a Fulfilling Life. He believes curiosity has been under valued as a strength and is committed to helping people realize its value. In addition, he believes it is an extremely effective "back-door" way to manage anxiety and conflict.

Research studies indicate cultivating curiosity:

- Decreases anxiety.

- Increases fulfillment in life.

- Improves performance in academics and work settings.

- Enriches relationships.

- Builds knowledge.

- Improves health.

- Resolves conflict in a potentially successful way.

To realize the benefits listed above, you need to practice being curious. This is done by:

- Embracing uncertainty rather than trying to control your world.

- Appreciating and seeking out new experiences.

- Being flexible and open to new ideas.

- Accepting the unknown.

- Stopping and paying attention to loved ones rather than taking them for granted.

Like all things, too much curiosity can have a dark side. You have to know how to balance your open, flexible mindset with a respect for other people so that you are focusing your curiosity in a positive direction.

If you have been looking for a way to make your life more meaningful and fulfilling, begin to practice being curious. Explore what is novel or different about something basic, perhaps a relationship or driving to work. Be open to new experiences. Listen to what others are saying so you understand the issue from their point of view. It does not mean you have to agree with them. It is about what you can learn about others, yourself, and the world.

To begin to practice being curious today, choose an area in your life where you feel bored. What can you say to yourself that will change your mindset to being curious - open, in a discovery mood? How does that change your experience? What can you learn or be surprised about?

Look for the book, Curious at your local bookstore or on Amazon for more information about making curiosity part of who you are. You might discover it is just what you need to make your life more fulfilling.


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Maurine Patten, EdD, CMC, has been empowering top talent to work collaboratively, increase motivation, and improve performance for the past 8 years using the latest research in neuroscience. Visit Maurine at:
http://www.pattencoaching.com/services for details, client testimonials, and her free report "How to Be Resilient in Today's World".
Mailto: mdpcoach@pattencoaching.com