Are you a curious person? If you’re reading this, my guess is you are. Curiosity leads us to ask, “What if?” It drives us to explore, to discover, and to grow. It nudges us out of our routines and into the unknown, where learning and transformation happen.
For me, curiosity started early. My grandmother was endlessly curious about people and the world around her, and she passed that spark on to me. A dear friend of mine, also a grandmother, runs what she calls “Curiosity Camp” for her grandchildren. There, they dive into projects that interest them and learn by exploring. But it’s more than just fun—they’re being taught how to learn, to problem-solve, and to think critically. They’re planting seeds of curiosity that will grow into innovative thinking.
Curiosity isn’t just for kids—it’s essential for all of us. It sharpens our minds, fuels creativity, and adds richness to our lives. A personal example? My curiosity about urban sketching led me to sign up for a class, which turned into a newfound passion. Now, I rarely travel without a sketchbook and pen. That same spark led me to try watercolor painting, where I learned to appreciate the nuances of pigment, paper, and brushes.
Our passions often light the way to deeper curiosity. But sometimes, it’s a new environment or an unexpected encounter that sparks it. For me, curiosity is what draws me to meet new people, hear their stories, and step into their shoes—even for just a moment.
At Whittaker Associates, Inc., curiosity has been our driving force. It began with a question: why do companies choose to relocate or expand? That question became a journey—a journey that led to a predictive analytics model for corporate behavior, supported by a talented team of researchers who share the same curiosity and drive.
So, how do we nurture curiosity in ourselves and others? Start with questions. Why do we do things the way we do? What would happen if we tried a different way? Explore topics you’ve never thought about before. With tools like AI, we can break down complex subjects into simple building blocks and expand our knowledge piece by piece.
But curiosity isn’t always easy. Sometimes, fear of judgment holds us back—what will others think of our questions or ideas? Other times, it’s information overload or the comfort of staying in our routine. These are hurdles, yes, but the rewards of curiosity are worth the leap.
Curiosity is what makes life rich. It fills our days with wonder, adventure, and possibility. What’s sparking your curiosity right now? How will you follow that thread?