The Cure To Being Critical

There is a scene in season 1 of Ted Lasso, the award-winning comedy on Apple TV, where Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) is playing a high-stakes game of darts with a wealthy, entitled Rupert Mannion (Anthony Head). In Ted’s critical final dart throws, he delivers a glorious monologue on the power of curiosity. (If Rupert had displayed any curiosity about Ted’s history with the game of darts, he may not have challenged Ted to a game in the first place.)

The scene is poignant for many reasons, but particularly because of its ties to leadership and work.

In fact, curiosity is the cure to being critical.

Here’s why:

1. Curiosity is the key to learning. Studies have revealed that individuals learn better and retain information when actively participating in high levels of curiosity.
2. Interesting people ask interested questions. A person becomes more interesting when they are inquisitive and seek to learn more. Several studies have revealed that curious people have better interpersonal relationships. We feel more connected to people who ask us questions; it feels good when someone else is interested in our lives. 
3. It makes us more open and observant to experiences, ideas and possibilities. We often don’t know what we don’t know. Asking questions reflects that we don’t presume to know everything and that we are open to new perspectives and ideas.
4. It makes life more exciting and enriching. Adding new information to our brains makes us more creative, innovative and adventurous. 

Here’s how to lead a more curious life:

• Read, listen, and watch things that spark your interests, but also delve into those that don’t. You never know what new hobby, idea, topic (or even person) could become your newest fascination when you extend out of your comfort zone.
• Ask questions constantly. Be childlike in your curiosity about things around you. Release your ego and get comfortable with the uncomfortable.
• Keep an open mind. Share and explore different viewpoints, ideas, experiments, theories and stances with acquaintances, friends, family and strangers. Be willing to discover, believe, unbelieve, learn, relearn and reframe what you initially thought true. Ask others what their opinion is and actively listen.
• Don’t accept the status quo. Instead, dig deeper and question everything. Assume there is more than one interpretation of data.
• Take a break from the factors that numb curiosity (like your smartphone, laptop, or social media,.)

Remember: There is no wrong way to follow curiosity. Apply these tools and you’ll find that your curiosity makes you less critical and more fulfilled.