How curious are you? How inquisitive are you? How vocal are you with your questions?

In your view – what is normal?

Is normal something that we have always done around here? Regardless of how ludicrous it may seem now?

Less than 30 months ago in Australia, there were curfews in some States and Territories restricting travel – both within and between states – even though it was against our Constitution.

Was that “normal”? No! Should we repeat it? Hopefully not! But we all did it!

I worry about people who use the word “normal”.

It is a limiting mindset – one that stops growth as an individual, partner, team member and functioning member of the community.  

It’s an attitude that limits personal growth and hinders our ability to thrive in so many ways. We don’t so much over what we consider as not “normal”.

I recently returned from the Muir Group sales conference in South Australia. I hope that those of you who are fortunate enough to attend got as much benefit and fun out of it as I did.

The theme was “Innovation and Pushing Boundaries” and the common issue raised by the many speakers was the need to envisage the future, seek opportunities and more importantly execute them.

How lucky are we to have leaders in the business who have done this – at an industry , national and global level!?

But to innovate, we need to push through what is “normal” and ask the two basic questions of curiosity – the “why” and the “why not”.

The “why” in terms of why things are as they are currently; and the “why not” in terms of why not trying something new at a product range, a system, or a way of running a business unit.

Can I warn you – these are hard questions to ask as they challenge the status quo.

We know our brains love the status quo – as it creates certainty. Yet paradoxically, we must challenge the status quo to survive and to the benefit of our brain – go figure!

So, to respond to and manage change and ensure we participate in change as opposed to having change happen to us, we need to be inquisitive.

We must be curious to be inquisitive at an organisational level or a personal level.

And curiosity is a mindset that is used to step out of our comfort zone and ask the curious questions – the “whys” and “why nots”.

To respond to, and manage, and then thrive through these change opportunities (indeed any change happening in our lives), we must be curious.

But curiosity is at times, difficult.  

So, how do we develop a mindset of curiosity?  Some ideas:

1. Give yourself permission to be curious: to ask these why and why not questions. By asking these questions, you’re not being disloyal to events or people, rather I would argue you are honouring those influences and building on their lessons and contributions. Permit yourself the luxury of being curious.

• Stay open minded and ask questions: Whenever you come across something new or unfamiliar, ask questions about it. Embrace the mindset of a curious child who constantly wonders about the world.

• Challenge assumptions: Question your own beliefs and assumptions regularly. This can lead to a more open-minded and curious outlook.
• Practice active listening: When talking to others, be fully present and actively listen to what they’re saying. This will help you gain insights and discover new interests.
• Stay curious about yourself and be a lifelong learner: Reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Self-awareness can lead to a deeper understanding of your own motivations and desires. Recognise that learning doesn’t stop when formal education ends. Seek out opportunities to learn new skills, explore different subjects, and expand your knowledge base continually.
• Maintain a sense of wonder: Cultivate a childlike sense of wonder about the world around you. Take time to appreciate the beauty and complexity of everyday things.
• Embrace the fear of failure: Curiosity can sometimes lead to mistakes, but that’s okay. Embrace failures as opportunities to learn and grow. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes or failing. Failure is essential to the learning process and can provide valuable insights.
• Embrace uncertainty: It’s okay not to have all the answers. Embrace uncertainty as an opportunity to explore and discover new things.
• Explore different perspectives and embrace new experiences: Seek out diverse viewpoints and opinions on various topics. Engage in discussions with people with different backgrounds and beliefs to broaden your understanding. Try new activities, visit new places, and participate in events outside your comfort zone. This exposes you to fresh ideas and concepts. Expose yourself to different perspectives and opinions to challenge your thinking and enrich your understanding of the world.
• Read widely, watch documentaries and educational content: Read books, articles, and blogs on various subjects. Explore topics you’re not familiar with, as this will spark new interests. Watch documentaries, TED Talks, and other educational content to learn about various subjects and hear from experts.

1. Stay curious about current events: Follow the news and stay updated about global, social, political, and scientific developments. This can lead you to explore related topics in more depth.

1. Keep a curiosity journal: Maintain a journal where you jot down questions, observations, and ideas that pique your curiosity. Use it as a guide to explore further.
2. Utilize online learning platforms: Take advantage of online courses and tutorials to dive deeper into topics you’re curious about.
3. Practice mindfulness: Be mindful and fully present in your daily activities. This helps you notice things around you and be more open to new experiences.
4. Experiment, play and explore: Allow yourself to be playful and experiment with new ideas and concepts. Curiosity thrives in an environment that encourages exploration.

Remember, developing a curious mindset is an ongoing process and it is a skill that can be cultivated with practice.

Stay curious, and you’ll find that the world becomes a more fascinating and enriching place.

And it will undoubtedly help you through change.