Be curious not furious

It is easy to get upset and explode but really where will it bring you?

The topic of curiosity is something that I think is not only applicable to my usual topic of being transgender. I find it very relevant to everyone as a parent, as a leader, and as an individual. We always think that we should always be right with everything. We spew negativity but not taking into consideration what the circumstances are. Also, how our anger can affect other people and us. I can provide many different examples of being curious and how it makes the situation lighter to the point of uttering, "Wow, that was not so bad." and "Wow, I learned something."

Why is curiosity powerful?

It is so important to note that most breakthroughs that we are experiencing right now are due to the curiosity of the greatest minds that carved names in history. It is remarkable to see what a simple question can produce. Developing curiosity is a difficult and long-standing task. It requires a circuitry in our brain so we are able to pause and say, "Wait, if I ask these questions, will these create more chaos or will it calm the situation?" Like I said, in the beginning, it is always easy to get angry with little things without finding out the details as to why such things occur. We have to remember that when our curiosity is activated, the neuronal pathways in our brain prompt us to think deeply and rationally. Thus, coming up with more creative and non-rushed solutions to problems. It also creates trust and collaboration within the group.

One example, this weekend I had my car serviced at Honda. Got the car and paid an exorbitant amount of money for all the things they have done to my car. When I was driving and checked the oil life percentage in my car, I saw that it was 40% wherein I was just informed that it was done. So I stopped at a gas station to give them a call. Imagine my brain fuelled with angst because I paid so much money. Then, service people at Honda are screwing me. I called and managed to get a hold of the same lady, who helped me out with the billing earlier. I asked, "I was wondering about the oil life percentage as it shows 40% instead of 100%." She assured me that it was done and that the service staff forgot to tweak it on the computer as it is usually the last step for them to do. I even said to her, " I am just asking because it is easy to explode without asking why it still shows 40%.I am all bout the visual and thank you for the explanation." Reflecting on the conversation I had, it felt good to be able to ask those questions without letting my emotions overpower me.

We need to open our minds to new possibilities. Take a closer look at things, explore, ask questions, and give attention to details.

Our emotion is a powerful tool that we can employ anytime, but how we utilize them can be helpful or destructive. I feel that curiosity minimizes error in decision making. As a healthcare leader myself, when I ask questions about any incidences. I try the curious route by asking questions and not jumping into conclusions. I tell you, it is a lot of work but I can see the benefits in the end with how I tackle other tasks in my entire day. It takes a lot to control the brewing angst inside so we need to pay attention and listen. The power of listening is the key to ensuring that pieces of information are all noted before you intervene because if you do not pay attention, one wrong move and you have a family or a client rallying about the shitty decision you did on a certain situation. Also, we get to avoid bias, initial judgment, and stereotypes when we are curious. I assure you that it will generate positive feedback as well as fewer errors especially when you are dealing with something emergent.

Curiosity brings us together. It builds a better team approach, open communication, and collaboration. It drives us to learn, understand things and how they work. Do you ever wonder why kids' inquisitiveness is fascinating? You can see their eagerness and excitement. Their openness makes you wonder why some people are not trying novel ideas or new ways to deal with things. You will see a group of kids work on stuff and am sure some parents wonder how come they come up with ideas. You'll hear arguments but they communicate and work together. That is what I mean by collaboration by asking other people's opinions, looking for new perspectives and approaches to new things. I suggest that for parents out there, you need to encourage your kids to ask questions, learn new things, and take part in any activities they are interested in. Keep that curiosity going. Whether you are a parent dealing with a conflict with your teenage daughter or a leader engaging with difficult conversations with clients. We can always be curious and apply a beginner's mind.

How curiosity will improve your life?

You might find me waxing philosophical here. I am one of those who deal with difficult conversations with care staff and families. I will have those moments where I wanted to strangle someone but in the end, I just worked myself up with no positive outcome. However, this year is a year of learning myself and tapping into these skills that I can cultivate that will help me as an individual going out there to fulfill my mission in life. Being curious is a herculean task for anyone, but I know that it has benefits in the long run. Curiosity fuels our desire to achieve more and identify what we are capable of. It prepares our minds to learn. According to Lachlan Brown in his article, " The Importance of Developing Curiosity", the psychologist George Loewenstein proposed that "curiosity is not only a mental state but an emotion that pushes us until we complete gaps in our knowledge." Perhaps, the term being curious described as an emotion but also a mental state wherein it represents a feeling as well as a desire is true after all. It sharpens us to become a better individual.

Be curious

Not only that we are learning, but we are also cultivating happiness. Who wants to be boring. We wanted to explore as much as we can in this world. Not only to problem certain issues we have in our life but what gives meaning to our life. Here comes the question of how do you find life fulfilling if you are not open to new ideas and experience? We all have our restrictions and guidelines we are following probably some are due to our upbringing, religious and racial background but we have to continue to be interested in what life brings us. We need to open our minds to new possibilities. Take a closer look at things, explore, ask questions, and give attention to details. Fear can become a barrier, but it should not affect our ability to be curious. Understand that fear, as well as anxiety, will bring out all the negatives but learn to see the positives. Realize that there is so much to learn out there from other people and everything you encounter.

Be curious, throw out the judgment, and avoid becoming furious. Maintain that sense of wonder. Really, I do not want those wrinkle lines.

Sources:

Brown, L. ( 2018, July 8th). The Importance of Developing Curiosity.

Retrieved from: https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-importance-of-developing-curiosity/

Gino, F. ( 2018, October). The Business Case for Curiosity. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from: https://hbr.org/2018/09/curiosity

Molokhia, D. ( 2018, May 24th). The Importance of Being Curious.

Retrieved from: https://www.harvardbusiness.org/the-importance-of-being-curious/