How can childlike curiosity inspire growth in life and work?
How can childlike curiosity inspire growth in life and work?
How Childlike Curiosity Inspires Growth in Life and Work
Today is my eldest daughter Hazel’s birthday, and this post is for her. Hazel, like so many kids her age, is a ball of curiosity, energy, and determination. She’s a 4.0 student, a cross-country runner, and a swimmer, but what I admire most about her is the way she approaches challenges—with endless questions and an eagerness to understand.
Just the other day, she was telling me about how she wanted to learn the science behind swimming techniques to improve her efficiency in the water. On her own, she dove into videos and articles about hydrodynamics, determined to figure out how to shave seconds off her time. Watching Hazel reminds me how powerful childlike curiosity can be—not just for kids, but for adults too.
Somewhere along the way, many of us lose that spark. But what if we didn’t? What if we could bring that same energy and curiosity into our own lives and careers? Let’s explore how childlike curiosity can unlock growth and creativity in everything we do.
What Is Childlike Curiosity?
Childlike curiosity is the boundless desire to explore, question, and learn. It’s about asking “Why?” and “What if?” without fear of being wrong or looking foolish. It’s the kind of curiosity that inspires kids to experiment, tinker, and dream.
As adults, however, we often let that spark fade. We get busy with responsibilities, stuck in routines, or afraid to ask questions that might make us look uninformed. But curiosity isn’t just a childhood trait—it’s a skill we can cultivate, and one that leads to growth, discovery, and innovation at any age.
Why Curiosity Is the Key to Growth
Curiosity isn’t just about asking questions; it’s about opening doors. Here are four ways childlike curiosity drives growth in life and work:
1. It Fuels Lifelong Learning
- In Life: Curious people never stop learning. They explore new hobbies, dive into unfamiliar topics, and embrace the thrill of discovering something new. Whether it’s trying out a new sport or reading a book on a subject you know nothing about, curiosity keeps the mind sharp and engaged.
- At Work: Asking “What if?” or “How can this be done better?” can lead to breakthroughs. Some of the best ideas—from remote work models to life-saving medical devices—came from someone questioning the status quo.
2. It Reframes Failure as Discovery
Kids see failure as part of the process. When Hazel misses a personal best in cross-country or finishes a swim meet wishing she’d done better, she doesn’t dwell on it. Instead, she asks herself, What can I do differently next time?
This mindset applies to adults too. Curiosity turns failure into a stepping stone, helping us reframe setbacks as opportunities to learn. Instead of fearing mistakes, we start asking, What can this teach me?
3. It Unlocks Creativity
Creativity thrives on curiosity. When you approach a problem by asking, What if we tried this? or Why not do it differently? you open yourself up to new possibilities.
Take, for instance, Temple Grandin, who revolutionized livestock design by using her curiosity to understand how animals perceive the world. Her questions led to humane designs now used worldwide. Creativity isn’t just about making art—it’s about solving problems with fresh perspectives.
4. It Builds Resilience
The world is always changing, and those who thrive are the ones who adapt. Curiosity makes change feel less threatening and more exciting. Instead of clinging to what’s familiar, a curious person asks, How can I grow through this?
For example, curious leaders who stay open to new technologies or evolving market trends are better equipped to lead their teams through change. The same applies to personal challenges: curiosity helps you see every hurdle as an opportunity to grow stronger.
How to Reignite Your Childlike Curiosity
If your inner explorer has gone quiet, don’t worry—you can reignite that spark. Here’s how:
1. Ask “What If?” Every Day
Challenge yourself to ask more questions, no matter how small or “obvious” they may seem. What if you approached your daily tasks differently? What if you tackled a new project at work or tried a hobby you’ve been curious about?
Keep a journal of “What If” questions. You’d be surprised how one small question can lead to big discoveries.
2. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Try something new every week. Explore a new area of your city, listen to a podcast on a topic you know nothing about, or join a class that has nothing to do with your current career. New experiences feed curiosity, which in turn feeds growth.
3. Make Time to Play
Yes, adults can (and should) play. Whether it’s doodling, playing a sport, or experimenting with a new recipe, play sparks creativity and opens your mind to new ideas.
4. Surround Yourself With Curious People
Spend time with people who challenge you, inspire you, and make you ask questions. Curiosity is contagious—when you’re around curious minds, you’ll naturally start exploring and questioning more yourself.
Real-Life Curiosity in Action
1. Hazel’s Hydrodynamics Experiment
Hazel’s curiosity about swimming led her to dive (pun intended) into the science of hydrodynamics. Watching her channel that curiosity into action proves that asking questions isn’t just about learning—it’s about using knowledge to grow and excel. Swimmers must focus on shaving off one second at a time, continually questioning, 'How can I improve on what I’m doing?
2. Simone Giertz: The Queen of “Bad” Robots
Simone Giertz turned her curiosity into a career by building intentionally impractical robots, like a wake-up helmet that slaps you with rubber hands. Her playful experiments show that curiosity and creativity go hand in hand—and that even 'silly' ideas can lead to something amazing. Her journey is a testament to how embracing unconventional ideas and taking risks can inspire innovation and carve out entirely new opportunities.
3. Yvon Chouinard: Founder of Patagonia
Curiosity drove Yvon Chouinard to teach himself blacksmithing as a young climber, which eventually led to founding Patagonia. His questions about sustainability and the environment helped him turn the company into a leader in ethical business practices. His story shows how curiosity, when combined with a strong sense of purpose, can not only drive personal success but also create a lasting positive impact on the world.
Why Curiosity is Worth It
Curiosity isn’t just for kids like Hazel—it’s for all of us. It keeps us learning, helps us bounce back from failure, and opens up possibilities we’d never considered. Hazel, if you’re reading this someday, I hope you never lose that spark. And for the rest of us? Let’s try to rediscover it.
Ready to rekindle your curiosity? Start small: ask one new question every day. And for daily prompts that inspire wonder and growth, follow Question-a-Day. Because the best way to grow is to start asking better questions.
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