I'm Jeffrey Davis,
And my job is to find useful ways for people and teams to keep flexible and open to possibilities in these times of great challenge.
Now,
One thing I've discovered in my body of work is this.
Every big idea begets a series of challenges.
So if you take up work or a project that really means something to you and to other people,
You likely will face a series of unexpected problems and setbacks.
That doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong necessarily,
But it is how you respond to these daily challenges and surprises and disappointments that can make the difference between whether you ultimately flourish or flounder.
The good news is that with a daily shift in mindset,
You can train yourself to find more fulfillment amid some of these challenges.
That mindset is a curiosity mindset.
Curiosity is a proactive,
Even playful,
Facet of wonder.
Curiosity enlivens our days with more interesting questions than surefire answers.
So when you get curious,
Your brain releases a neurotransmitter called dopamine that brings you pleasure,
Which in turn can motivate you to persist through these challenges.
So how do you foster more curiosity every day?
Well,
First,
Take five minutes either before or after your workday to reflect upon one or more of these curiosity questions.
And you can track your responses in a notebook or journal.
Number one,
Is there a challenge at work that I could get more curious about today?
What question about this challenge could I raise and pursue?
So this might be a challenge in communication with somebody,
In relationship with another co-worker,
Or maybe just the general workflow or environment.
Number two,
Who am I curious about today?
This question fosters connection,
Which is another facet of wonder,
And it can shift conflict into connection.
Number three,
If I could pursue my curiosities this week,
What new knowledge would I like to explore?
Or what new skill would I like to develop,
Whether at work or outside of work?
With more daily practice,
You might notice that you become a little less reactive and a little more,
Well,
Creative whenever a challenge or disappointment arises.
The more you honor your curiosities every day,
The more all of this human experience becomes,
Well,
A bit more wondrous.
I trust this has been useful.
You can see my profile for more ways that you and I can stay connected.
Be well,
And thanks for running with me.
