Who is the most curious person you know? Maybe it's a kid who asks a million questions or a teacher you had in high school who always seemed to go the extra mile in leading class discussions. You might not guess that the person you're thinking of has a lot in common with the world's most successful people.
Inquisitiveness is a defining characteristic among high achievers, such as CEOs, executives, and professional athletes. Research out of George Mason University has linked curiosity to greater life satisfaction, stronger relationships, and higher achievement at work and in personal goals. While curiosity seems like an innate personality trait, it's actually a skill that anyone can, and should, strengthen. It doesn't require an advanced degree, an impressive paycheck, or access to influential decision-makers. Curiosity is free, but its value is priceless.
"Curiosity compounds," says Ryan Hawk, author of The Price of Becoming and host of The Learning Leader Show, a top-ranked management podcast. "The more you use it, the more powerful it becomes." "The most valuable skill isn't expertise in one thing. It's the ability to be curious and learn new things, to make connections that other people don't see," Hawk added. Curiosity is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.
Here are Hawk's tips for building up your curiosity.
Follow one curiosity obsessively for 30 days
Pick something that genuinely fascinates you but is unrelated to your work. Read about it, watch videos about it, talk to people about it. Your brain will start connecting this new knowledge to other things in ways you can't predict. It may help you solve a problem or change the way you approach your work. Then share what you learned with someone else so they can also benefit from your curiosity.
Ask better questions in every conversation
Most people don't listen. They just wait for their turn to talk. Instead, when you are having a conversation, wait to hear what someone really cares about, then ask why it matters to them. Hawk has interviewed over 600 high performers on The Learning Leader Show. He likes to follow up with "What surprised you about that?" or "How did you make that decision?" According to Hawk, the person who asks the best questions not only learns the most but forges the strongest connections.
Every week, reach out to one person you admire
Put your curiosity to the test. Write a note to someone you admire and respect, sharing what you learned from their work. High-performing people are easier to reach than you think, and genuine appreciation opens up more doors than clever pitches. Sharing your appreciation and curiosity with others helps them grow.
Document what you notice
Carry a notebook or use your phone to capture daily observations, overheard conversations, or random thoughts. Curiosity compounds when you notice what captures your attention and double down on learning about it. You will probably start to notice common themes about what holds your attention, which can help you decide on career paths and even friendships.
Do something that forces you to meet new people
Launch a podcast, organize a book club, or volunteer for a cause that is special to you. When you create value for others and meet them face to face, you attract interesting people who will want to help you succeed. Your curiosity will be a flag for others, attracting other curious people to join your cause.
The leaders and high performers who keep rising aren't the ones with all the answers. They're the ones still asking the best questions. "Curious people develop comfort with discomfort. They've trained themselves to say 'I'll find out' instead of 'I can't figure it out.' That makes all the difference," Hawk says.