Back in this blog, I shared how a random experiment with beetroot in a chilli sparked a reflection on curiosity. It turns out, curiosity isn’t just about being open to new flavours, it’s a way of approaching life.
In fact, before I wrote that piece, I recorded this podcast episode, where I unpacked curiosity as a mindset: how it helps us notice more, loosen our grip on “shoulds,” and open up possibilities we’d otherwise miss.
Curiosity doesn’t always arrive as big “aha” moments. Often, it’s about subtle shifts in how we see ourselves, others, and the situations we’re in.
Here are three ways to take it deeper:
1. Catch yourself on autopilot
We all fall into well-worn patterns – in our work, our habits, our relationships. Curiosity is the act of practising the pause and asking: what else might be happening here? Pausing takes us out of auto-pilot so that we can consciously direct our attention. The fresh detail you notice can shift how you respond.
2. Soften the need to “know”
Leaders, solopreneurs, experts – we often feel pressure to have the answers. Curiosity isn’t about throwing away your expertise. It’s about recognising that there is always something new to learn. It’s about making space for questions, new perspectives, and even the discomfort of not knowing. That space is where learning happens.
3. Follow the threads
Sometimes curiosity shows up as a small spark: maybe a question in the back of your mind, a reaction that surprises you, an idea you jot down and forget about. What might happen if you give those threads a little more time and attention? They often lead somewhere unexpected.
Curiosity is a bridge between self-awareness and awareness of others: two themes I’ve been exploring across my writing this autumn. It’s how we grow, connect, and make better choices (even, no scrap that, ESPECIALLY in the messy moments).
If you’d like to explore this in your own leadership, my Lead Yourself First Reflective Toolkit is a great starting point. It’s a set of simple prompts to help you slow down, get curious about what’s really going on for you, and choose your next step with more clarity.
Join our monthly newsletter here to download the toolkit and start building your curiosity muscle today.
