If only the same level of wonder could be in us all…
[This is Part # 3 of a 20 Part Series to Improve Your Strengths] — Take the Strengths TEST
Quote: “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.” -Albert Einstein Definition: “a state in which you want to learn more about something”
Over the last 14 years of my life, there has been a constant beat-down from numbers, formulas, and fancy calculators. I mean, that’s what engineering type folks do, right? Stick to that conscious mind – that logical, rigid, time-bound feller. Nose-in-book and no time to play… stuffs the unconscious mind into a box and makes a VERY dull stick-in-the-mud.
So what should one do about this?
HAVE A BABY! Seriously… my little son (progeny #1) never ceases to amaze me in recognizing just how interesting the world is. Whether it’s just looking at the stuff I’ve lived with and around from 3 feet off the ground as opposed to 6 feet or just not judging the qualities of anything because… well… they don’t exist, yet! Absolutely refreshing!
Okay, okay – this probably isn’t the most practical way to go about increasing your curiosity, but I have to give my kiddos some recognition here for sparking my inner-me again. Now on to sparking your inner you!
Look at Current Solutions and Seek Better Ways
Still struggling to fit a whole bunch of junk in your car during long hauls? Take a seat out – it worked for me and I love it. Heck, my backseat passengers feel like royalty with all of that leg-room. Bonus!
Go through your day as your normally would, but do one thing differently this day. Tell yourself – ask your inner-you… or just say, “hey Mr. Unconscious Mind dude, sir… please keep an eye out and stop me when something interesting pops up and needs some curious attention. A flash of color to remind me.” Take note of the things you do on this day that cause even the slightest bit of frustration or extra-work. Now do something different – one little thing. It doesn’t matter what – use your left-hand to eat instead… press a different button on your electronics… don’t evaluate actions – just notice – and then play.