Curiosity Can't Kill This Cat

As a three year old, my husband's ever-present curiosity led him to take apart the family's washing machine. You've probably guessed that a slight problem arose when he was unable to put the appliance back together (hardly surprising for a tot!). Happily, he was not punished for his inquisitiveness, as his parents were rather proud and intrigued by his ingenuity. Perhaps his decision to become a scientist and university professor was first nurtured and rewarded in this bold (and half successful!) experiment.

Curiosity has been the motivating force behind most inventions, discoveries, and adventures throughout history. As children, the search to discover how all aspects of the world works is fueled by a sense of awe and inherent attention to what is novel and enthralling. In adult life, that wonder sometimes gets tarnished, particularly as the status quo becomes more comfortable and change more daunting.

If your curiosity needs re-charging, begin with these pointers:

•Establish a culture that rewards inquisitiveness, creativity, novelty and inventiveness whether at home or in the workplace.

•The fascination factor helps to bolster active minds which are stimulated by an insatiable quest for knowledge and information.

•Research has indicated that curiosity can be a reliable predictor in the ability to develop intimacy and successful relationships – being open to experiences, novelty, and always asking questions, produces new and changing perspectives and a broader world view.

•Read, Read, Read- diversify, discover and delve and discover new and interesting fields of knowledge and information.

•Think of some things you might like to unlearn, those that you feel have stifled your thinking, belief systems, relationships - how might you go about re-educating while stimulating your curiosity?

•Too steeped in habitual and familiar life patterns, thoughts, and choices? Start being more cognizant of new ideas, investigating different viewpoints and interests to upend outmoded thinking.

•Teach curiosity by being curious- establish a culture within the family or work environment that prizes wonderment and is captivated by a sense of discovery, exploration and a passion for learning.

•Interest and probing into other cultures, groups and communities serves to open doors for greater understanding, communication, and appreciation between individuals and populations.

•It's NOT cool to be bored–constantly ask questions, don't take things for granted and immerse yourself in exciting and interesting ideas and endeavors. (Dorothy Parker said it best, "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.").

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!