Why curiosity is unquestionably good for us

An inquisitive nature is a ticket to greater well-being

Curiosity

Throughout history, the phrases “What is …?”, “What if …?” and “Why …?” have perhaps had more of an impact on human progress and development than any others.

For instance, in 1928, while working in his laboratory in London, Alexander Fleming discovered an unexpected mould growing on a petri dish. Rather than discarding the unwanted growth, Fleming became curious and his enquiries subsequently revolutionised medicine with the discovery of penicillins.

On a voyage aboard HMS Beagle in 1831, Charles Darwin became intrigued by the various beaks he saw on Galapagos Island finches. From this observation, Darwin’s curious spirit allowed him to piece together a theory of evolution and natural selection — an idea so transformative that it continues to shape our understanding of life itself.

Throughout early human history, our ancestors curiously observed the migratory patterns of birds, followed herds of animals, and ventured into uncharted territories to seek new resources and opportunities — leading humans out of Africa to every other landmass on Earth.

These tales — and thousands like them — remind us that curiosity is an essential quality within each one of us. In fact, curiosity is so important for our survival and well-being that our brains and bodies literally reward us when we become inquisitive and seek out new information and experiences.

Curious cat

The many benefits of curiosity

Every time we engage our curious nature — whether it be learning a new skill, experiencing a new situation, or questioning our previously held paradigms and perspectives — our brain triggers an incredible benefit response:

Increased Dopamine Release: When we are curious and actively seeking information, our brain rewards us with a boost of dopamine.

Enhanced Learning and Memory: When we are curious, our brains are more engaged, leading to better information retention and a deeper understanding of the subject.

Stimulation of Neural Networks: Curiosity can activate different neural networks in the brain, promoting connectivity and communication between various regions. This increased connectivity may contribute to cognitive flexibility and creativity.

Brain Plasticity: Exploring new information and experiences can promote brain plasticity, which is the ability of the brain to reorganise and adapt by forming new neural connections.

Our real challenge lies not in trying to awaken a forgotten trait, but rather in recognizing that we do thirst for knowledge and understanding

In turn, these physiological triggers have long-term, beneficial impacts on our health, happiness, and well-being:

Reduced Stress: Engaging in activities that spark curiosity can distract the mind from stressors and promote a more positive mental state.

Better Emotional Well-being: Exploring new things and gaining knowledge can contribute to a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, leading to improved emotional well-being.

Increased Energy and Motivation: Pursuing one’s curiosity often involves a sense of purpose and motivation. This motivation can lead to increased energy levels and a willingness to overcome challenges.

Curious adult

Recent research shows that curiosity is not just limited to children, but it remains an innate quality in adults as well. In fact, as we grow older, our curiosity may even intensify. So, our real challenge lies not in trying to awaken a forgotten trait, but rather in recognising that we do thirst for knowledge and understanding and creating opportunities to satisfy this inquisitive nature.

From boosting our mental well-being to expanding our horizons, engaging our curiosity has a plethora of benefits that can truly transform our lives. So, throughout the month of May, let’s dive into inquisitiveness, capture our curiosity, and feed our need for new knowledge and experiences. Ready? Let’s go!


I am making 2024 the Year of Living Deeper and, this month, I am exploring the importance of curiosity and inquisitive exploration.

Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for regular tools and tips and be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter as we dive deeply into the benefits of a curious nature.

Deep inner wisdom and empowered decision-making

Our love affair with logic may be coming to an end …

Compass

Stop. Take a look around you. Now ponder this: your life in this moment is a reflection of all of the decisions that you have ever made.

Sure, you have sometimes been confronted with events that appear out of your control but it is ultimately your decisions – trivial, significant, easy, agonising, instantaneous, or meticulously planned – that have shaped you, guided you, and delivered you to the present moment.

Over the past 300 years, since the dawn of the Age of Enlightenment, most people have been encouraged to use logic, rationale, and reason when making decisions. Our minds have been considered to be infallible computers and it has been assumed that, with the right data, intellectual prowess, and step-by-step logic, we can always “think” our way to the best outcome.

However, in recent years, researchers have started to unravel the truth behind our choices and have confirmed that unconscious factors often influence the decisions you make, without you being aware. This is concerning for a number of reasons, particularly for those who rely purely on intellect and logic to make life’s important decisions.

Firstly, it is understood that your subconscious mind is positively teeming with thoughts (estimated at up to 11 billion pieces of information per second) and yet you will only ever be aware of a tiny fraction of this mental chatter (40 -50 bits per second).

Secondly, it is believed that between 90-96% of your thoughts today are the same thoughts you had yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that … Effectively, your subconscious mind is a broken record, stuck on a loop created in your early childhood.

What this means is that, no matter how hard you resist, most of your decisions are subject to a huge array of invisible factors such as others’ actions and suggestions, unconscious prejudices and biases, old emotional patterns, and the ingrained expectations of how your life should look. Even your most rational, logical, and well-planned choices can be unconsciously driving you to repeat the past, fulfill others’ expectations, or manifest a deep-set belief about yourself.

This is obviously not a problem for those who have been blessed with positive self-chatter and uplifting subconscious programming (“I’m a success. I draw abundance to me. I am capable of anything”). However, for most of us, it is negative self-talk and limiting thought patterns that underpin each and every decision we make.

How do I make more empowered decisions?

Recently, modern science has confirmed that logic is truly only helpful when faced with simple decisions; when it comes to complex choices, it is our instinctive, gut-driven decisions that often prove to be most effective.

This makes sense when you take into account recent, irrefutable evidence of a powerful unconscious force within you; a natural mental aptitude that, if utilised, can help you make wiser and more empowered decisions.

Over the past century, researchers have revealed that we are all intuitively connected to the world around us and even, according to some experiments, to possible future events. It is exciting to note that when we draw upon this intuitive connection, we can bypass the limiting thought patterns, prejudices, and self-sabotaging beliefs that dwell in the shadows of our personal subconscious.

Instead, we approach decisions from a truly empowered position; one where we are instinctively aware of the intentions of others, the probable consequences of our decisions, and, importantly, the true depth of our own talents, purpose, and strength.

By balancing logical thought with our inner GPS, we are able to make decisions that lead us away from the patterns of the past, and into a life of new possibilities.

Learning to move beyond logic and ‘hear’ your inner GPS can take time and practice but, thankfully, there are evidence-based tools and practices that can help you train your intuitive connection. Check out my self-paced online course if you’re keen to learn more.


2024 is the Year of Living Deeper — a year where we make space and time for our inner GPS to guide us and inform our most important decisions.

Join me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for regular tips throughout the month. And be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter as we embark on this transformative journey together.