🧠 Weekly Mind Sweep #109 | Curated Conversation | Curiosity
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There is a nature and nurture to curiosity.
My initial curiosity about our February topic led me to an assumption, and I heard my brain say, "Entrepreneurs are born curious!"
This thought led me to research to gain a deeper understanding, and guess what I found:
What I thought is not a fact!
Some humans are born naturally curious, and some develop the skill along the way.
How curious!
At the beginning of a new month and topic, my curiosity typically begins with it showing up around me a few times. I often end up in the dictionary to better understand what our word means by definition.
cu·ri·os·i·ty
/ˌkyo͝orēˈäsədē/
noun
a strong desire to know or learn something.
a strange or unusual object or fact.
I'll admit I was a little more drawn to the synonyms listed of curiosity:
Peculiarity, oddity, strangeness, oddness, idiosyncrasy, unusualness, novelty, rarity, wonder, marvel, phenomenon.
These words are more my jam.
Inside my brain, I am peculiar, odd, unusual, a wonder, a marvel, and a phenomenon.
Continuing my research led to some exciting scientific discoveries, quizzes, and lists of ideas to spark curiosity, oh, and how critical failure is to it. Stay tuned for the next few weeks to learn more!
Today, I want to share with you the idea of:
The Five Dimensions of Individual Curiosity. [1]
Joyous Exploration: Characterized by those who love to learn, are open to new experiences, the quest for knowledge (Kashdan et al., 2019), and is associated with a sense of well-being and a belief that one's personal development, with care for the growth of others being essential to a living a "good life" (Kashdan et al., 2018, р. 144).
Oh, hi, studious 9-year-old, Jamie. 😂
Deprivation Sensitivity: Individuals may experience annoyance or unease when seeking to solve problems, uncover mysteries, and grapple with complex concepts (Lowenstein, 1994; Litman, 2005). Negative experiences and anxiety are produced by not knowing (Kashdan et al., 2018).
Oh, hi, frustration. I see you. 🧠
Stress Tolerance: Identifies how adept someone is at dealing with the unknown or new and complex experiences and information. Those who tolerate stressful situations are most likely to experience positive emotions (Kashdan et al., 2018).
Oh, hi, anxiety, my old friend. 👯♀️
Thrill Seeking: Highlights those who lean into high-stress situations for the thrill of the adventure. The unknown is the main driver, and these individuals seek situations that are intense and unpredictable. Kashdan et al. share they "willingly accept social, physical, financial, and legal risks to acquire new experiences" (citing Zuckerman, 1994; 2020, p. 2).
I see you, Dopamine! Wheeeeeeeeee! 🌪
Social Curiosity: Overt and Covert: Reflects the desire of individuals to understand the people around them (Kashdan et al. 2018). Overt Social Curiosity: individuals are genuinely interested in getting to know others through direct questioning or inquiry. Covert Social Curiosity: individuals obtain information through gossipy, sneaky, or stealthy means (Kashdan et al., 2020).
Oh, high 2-year-old me asking why every 3 seconds, and 15-year-old me back in High School! 👯♀️
We can fall within a range of these types and be more than just one.
There isn't one that is better than the other (I’m looking at you, Judge), but knowing the different types can help you recognize the benefits and disadvantages of curiosity in business and life.
This week, I invite you to pause and reflect on what type of curiosity you recognize in yourself and to consider the curiosity type in those around you.
Stay curious, my friends.
How does your predominant curiosity type influence your approach to learning and decision-making in business and life?
[1] The Five-Dimensional Curiosity Scale Revised (5DCR) Science Direct
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