After last week’s special feature with Keith Watson, I thought the perfect follow-up would be to share some insight gained from when I participated in the coaching workshop in Barcelona.
To begin, I want to propose a thought for you to consider:
Tapping into your child-like curiosity, and infusing it with the humble courage inside of you creates a beautiful blend of courageous curiosity.
Ever notice how fearless kids seem to be? They push boundaries, boldly advocate for what they want, and ask whatever questions come to mind.
Childhood is a time of much learning. Development and exploration take place. Curiosity seems to be innate. It helps us imagine, innovate and takes us to undiscovered places. It can lead to great adventure. Curiosity can also lead us down consequential paths and sometimes it can be mixed with impure motives.
Since childhood, I’ve been an extremely curious person. As I grew and interacted with more of the world curiosity sometimes begins to feel burdensome or even annoying to others.
I’ll never forget walking the streets of Barcelona a few years ago and engaging in vulnerable conversation with a dear friend after voicing a realization from earlier in the day. During the workshop I became aware that I had sometimes approached asking others questions to gain information, rather than asking to simply care for, and show interest in, the other person. I found value in being able to provide a solution for someone and wasn’t fully able to sit in the uncomfortable tension of the “not knowing” with them. Experiences like this would often leave me feeling inadequate. I’ve since learned that the value of connection is far better than having all the answers, as well as is the power of going on a journey together.
This was hard for me to detect in myself because I do genuinely care deeply about others. And this is why community is so important, because upon further discussion with my friend I ate a big piece of humble pie when I realized the bottom line: I was actually being self-focused rather than others focused. Helping is not bad, but it can be when it’s still all about you.
Questions do serve in offering help through information and answers. However, when you ask questions with the goal of focusing on the other – it isn’t just transactional, it is empowering. It allows them to explore and it relieves any pressure to know the answer or solution. Both people are able to go on a journey of openly processing together; how freeing for both parties involved!
This is when curiosity and courage come into play. It takes curiosity and courage to go on a journey with someone not knowing exactly where you’re going. The problem may not be solved overnight, but you’re in it together and you’re closer than where you were before.
After this realization, I came back to embracing the fact that my curiosity is good and is a gift, especially when used well.
Examining oneself honestly takes mighty courage, but you can do it. Invite a trusted person in your life into the process with you. To start, one important question to ask oneself could be, “what are my motives?”
Curiosity doesn’t just accept the status quo; it aids in solving problems. Curiosity longs for more; it is risky. Courage helps us take steps forward despite the risk.
Winston Churchill said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
Mixing pure curiosity with humble courage could be life changing for you, others, and the world.
Friends, what if…just what if we dared to approach life with courageous curiosity?
What if we didn’t settle in complacency and comfort?
What could we see happen in families, communities, and even throughout the nations around the world?
Here are some questions to reflect on to help apply this practically:
Are you curious about yourself?
Growing in self-awareness and knowing what’s going on in the inside of you are courageous, healthy steps to help you continue on the journey of personal development.
Are you curious towards others?
Courageously sit with others, really listen to them, and explore with them. Hearing about each other’s experiences will not only help you in learning their perspectives, but also aid in growing in empathy towards them too.
Are you curious towards the world?
Courageously seek out opportunities to do your part to make an impact in your community and on the world we live in.
