July 17th, 2023 | Read Online​

Curiosity cultivated the cat

Learn how a curious mind is a successful mind

The Intentional Leadership Newsletter

Do you know the difference between a dibbly dobbler and a donkey drop?

Me either. But soon enough, my client will.

I was recently talking with a founder I work with and he told me he was planning on learning all the rules of cricket.

Why? Because he didn’t know them. That was the only reason.

I love stuff like this, because curiosity is the foundation of success in life and business.

People should be curious… and companies should be curious as well.

Being curious allows you to use different parts of your brain and continually look at things in new ways.

• How does this work?
• Why does it work this way?
• What can I apply somewhere else?

Let me put my science hat on and share just a few of the neurological benefits you get from being curious:

• Cognitive stimulation: When you are curious, your brain actively seeks out new information and experiences. This cognitive engagement and mental stimulation help keep your brain sharp and active.
• Learning and memory: Curiosity drives a natural desire to learn. When you are genuinely interested in a topic, you are more likely to retain information about it.
• Creativity and problem-solving: When you are curious, you are more likely to explore unconventional solutions to problems and think outside the box.
• Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections is called neuroplasticity. Curiosity can enhance neuroplasticity by encouraging your brain to adapt to new information and experiences.
• Dopamine release: Curiosity triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. The anticipation of learning something new or satisfying your curiosity can be pleasurable.

Here’s a simple thing you can do to fire off different parts of your brain - change your route.

When I used to work in an office, I would alter which way I got there - taking one street instead of another or getting off at another Tube or subway stop and walking from there.

Each time I did it, I’d see something new, such as a store or a park I hadn’t noticed before.

And it would transform something that is generally pure drudgery - commuting - into a new experience each day.

Try this for anything you do with a pattern - the way you go to the store or how you walk your dog.

Each of these experiences ignites an extra spark in your brain - and you never know if that spark will ignite a fire which helps you come up with a great new idea or solve a problem that’s been gnawing at you.

Ultimately, curiosity is pursuing something without knowing or expecting it to add immediate value.

Next week I’ll dive deeper into what it means to have a curious company, but until then, stay curious!

I know my client will as he learns what a slog sweep is.

Thanks for reading,

Peter

© Intentional Leadership - a newsletter for whole humans

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