Are you insatiably curious, love to learn about all kinds of things? Do you enjoy the journey as much (if not more) than the destination? In world where we are encouraged to identify a speciality and narrow our focus, I invite you to go big, go broad and be insatiably curious. It may be a” transformative curiosity” moment for you.
Daniel Pink sums this mindset up best with his comments on David Epstein’s book Range Why Generalist Triumph in a Specialized World, “Sample widely, gain a breadth of experiences, take detours, and experiment relentlessly.” Or, as my favorite bumper sticker states from J.R.R. Tolkien, “not all who wander are lost”.
Author David Epstein writes “Approach your own personal voyage and projects like Michelangelo approached of block of marble, willing to learn and adjust. ”
Do you recall that curious self or younger sibling that use to ask so many questions…”Why? Why Why? ” It got annoying at times.Yet, at the same time there is something wonderful about curiosity as a way for experiencing, learning, and wandering in the world. What “why” curiosity questions are guiding your explorations of learning this month?
Many of the Generalists I work with in the world have been judged that they don’t have a speciality. Their self talk includes statements like… “I should have gotten a more definitive degree” or “I should have gotten my PhD!” “I should focus my energy on one area”. While there is value in expertise, I’m encouraging you to step away from that mindset for the coming month and experience transformation curiosity.
Transformative Curiosity invites us to “hone the power in our own curiosity, listen without judgment, embrace the unexpected, spend time with other inquisitive people, ask questions, and remain open to all possibilities.”
Step into spring with curiosity as your guide. Let me know what you discover.
