Curiosity might just be the most powerful of the 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. It’s more than
just a desire to know—it’s a driving force that helps us discover not only ourselves but also the world and people around us. Curiosity expands our perspectives, leading us to ask better questions, explore new ideas, and form deeper connections with others.
When you're curious about someone else, they open up.
Sure, people are naturally curious about you, but the real magic happens when you show a genuine interest in them. That’s when the walls come down, and people start to share their stories, thoughts, and feelings with you. It’s a key ingredient in forming authentic relationships.
One of the times in my life when I was most curious about another person was when I started dating the woman who would become my wife. We spent hours in conversation, asking questions, discovering each other's values, and exploring our beliefs about life. It was a time of wonder and excitement, made possible by curiosity. Every conversation was an opportunity to learn something new, and that deepened our bond.
But something shifted a few years into our marriage. Things got rocky, and I couldn’t quite figure out why. In the midst of trying to work through the disconnect, my wife asked me a pointed question: “Why don’t you pursue me the same way you did when we were dating?”
It hit me. During our dating years, I was actively pursuing her, driven by curiosity. But after we got married, I stopped being curious. I no longer felt the need to explore her thoughts, dreams, or the changes she was going through because I thought I already knew her. But, as she so wisely pointed out, she’s a constantly evolving person. The depth of who she is is something I’ll never fully reach—and that’s okay. It’s something I need to keep discovering.
Thankfully, we worked through that difficult period. Every now and then, especially during rough patches, I remind myself to stay curious about my wife. Curiosity didn’t just help me win her heart; it continues to strengthen our marriage. When you’re curious about your spouse, they feel valued, appreciated, and understood.
Curiosity is like a muscle.
If you don’t use it, you lose it. Just as a marriage can stagnate without curiosity, life becomes dull when we stop seeking new knowledge, new experiences, and new connections. Marriages that lack this spark often fall apart, and lives without curiosity become stagnant, repetitive, and uninspired.
In essence, curiosity is the thread that binds us to others. It helps us see the world with fresh eyes and keeps our relationships alive and meaningful. It reminds us that there's always more to learn and more to discover, whether it’s about ourselves, others, or the world around us.
So go ahead—nurture your curiosity.
It will draw people to you, it will help you grow, and it just might lead you to places you never imagined. After all, the adventure lies in the exploration.
Go, outlive your limits!
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