Staying Sharp: How To Use Your Curiosity As A Superpower

The world can feel like a rather dark and troubling place right now, as rapid political and technological changes make the future seem uncertain. It can be tempting to bury our head in the sand and stick to what we know, as a means of creating a safe and predictable space where we have a sense of control. 

Why curiosity can have a bad name

Being curious can feel unsafe: as they say, ‘curiosity killed the cat.’ Evolution plays a role in this attitude, because our ancestors often survived by sticking to safe paths to avoid predators or trying poisonous foods. Our genes are designed to replicate themselves, and societies are built around consistency and conformity.  

However, buffering ourselves from change and sticking to a comfort zone can be counterproductive: after all, evolution is necessary for the human race to progress as well as continuity. Yes, it does come with risks, and sometimes those who are brave enough to experiment or ask questions pay the price.  

However, using your curiosity doesn’t need to be dangerous: in fact, always sticking to what you know can be the riskier path in the long run. As children, we are naturally full of questions, always wanting to know the whys and wherefores, and sometimes this can be met with the exasperated response of an adult: “That’s just how it is!”

As we get older, we tend to have less mental energy for using our curiosity and imagination, as most of us need to focus on ploughing our furrow and ensuring that we can meet the demands of life. When there’s a mortgage and bills to pay, a full time job and maybe a family to support, it feels easier to stick to what we know.

The benefits of being curious

Over time, playing it safe can have a corrosive effect on the brain, and also our sense of wellbeing: studies show that older adults who remain curious and open to new experiences have a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. 

Continuous learning helps to keep the mind sharp, as when the brain is stimulated it builds new neural connections, and strengthens existing networks. Rigid thinking patterns are not just bad for our brains, but also our emotional wellbeing: they can trap us in unhelpful or outdated narratives, reaffirming beliefs that hold us back from fulfilling our potential.

Remaining curious also improves our quality of life: when we are engaged with fresh ideas and new skills, cultures, places or people, the novelty boosts dopamine levels in our brains, helping us to feel happier and more fulfilled. 

Rigidly sticking to the same path and repeating what we know means that we create fewer memories, and we feel as though our one precious life is passing us by too quickly.  

Tips for boosting your curiosity

Be compassionate

Instead of listening to your inner critic or joining in a social media pile-on, step back and hold off the judgement. Are you really seeing the situation for what it is, or are you reaching for familiar ideas that confirm your prejudices? Be brave enough to simply observe rather than judge, and ask yourself some deeper questions about what’s really going on. 

Change up your daily routine

Find one simple way to change your daily routine: take a different route to work, try new food for lunch, set aside ten minutes to read off-screen. Even these small steps out of your comfort zone can freshen up the mind.

Work on active listening skills

Talk to people even, or especially, if you have different world views. Instead of trying to win your argument, listen carefully to what they have to say, and think more deeply before you respond. 

If you are struggling to break rigid thinking patterns

Sometimes, our brains cling to a rigid thought pattern as a misguided way of protecting us from emotional distress. This can be the case if you have experienced a past trauma that you have not fully processed, for example. You might be interested in exploring the option of Internal Family Systems therapy, which we offer at our London clinic.

This is a model of psychotherapy that works to reunite all of our injured ‘subpersonalities’ so that they work together as a harmonious whole again. It can help you to let go of corrosive beliefs and move forward to embrace the future with a clear and curious mind.