They say curiosity killed the cat, but I grew up with cats and never once lost one due to curiosity. They always seemed to survive whatever predicament they got themselves into. Maybe that is why they say they have nine lives too!
A recent article in the Houston Chronicle invited the reader to think like a genius. Apparently the secret of Albert Einstein's creative genius was that he refused to follow the assumptions that were made by every other scientist. Einstein along with other geniuses "recognize that some truths are what we know as a matter of observed fact while others are what we think we know as a matter of received wisdom" (Roberta B. Ness - Houston Chronicle - Think Like a Genius - 6/5/17). By not realizing the difference between the two we can get ourselves wrapped up in a lot of incorrect assumptions. If we do what everyone else is doing and think like everyone else is thinking, we will miss out on the opportunity to engage our creativity and come up with innovative solutions to everyday problems.
As a credentialed coach we are trained and encouraged to remain curious to assist our clients in making progress. The power of our work is in not knowing and allowing the client to figure out their own solutions. Our powerful questions allow the client to self discover and experience delightful ah-ha moments and insight.
Get curious - leave behind the assumptions you know - ask questions - broaden your world view - a more adventurous exciting life will be yours! The best way to practice? Make the phrase "What If?" part of your vocabulary. What If there were 48 hours in a day? What If I am wrong about my boss being difficult? What If the state of the economy really has no effect on my success?...
I'll be presenting a lunch hour talk on Unleashing Your Curious Creative Genius next week Tuesday August 15 in South Houston for ATD (Association for Talent Development). The event is free and open to the public - lunch is on you. For details and registration - click here.