curiosity

How to Be Curious

By in Learning Tags: , ,

Curiosity

Curiosity is a great quality to have in the workplace. People who are curious are more likely to examine problems from different perspectives and come up with innovative solutions. They’re more likely to be lifelong learners who are constantly developing and enhancing their skills and abilities. Curious employees tend to be creative employees. And they’re often a big asset to their teams.

We were all curious when we were young. But curiosity is a quality that can sometimes be lost as we get older. It’s not always encouraged. There’s an old saying – “curiosity killed the cat.” Many of us were taught that curiosity can get you into trouble and you should stick with the status quo.

So how can you become curious again? What can you do to rediscover this quality? Author Greg Blatt has a few suggestions:

  • Allow yourself time to think and learn – When you’re faced with a problem at work and you don’t need to take immediate action, give yourself a little time to reflect. Take the time to consider all of your options and possibly discover new ones. In addition, if you ever have downtime at work, try to spend some of it investigating a topic that interests you. Learning about new things can help to further spark your curiosity.
  • Be willing to listen to new ideas – When a coworker voices a new idea or opinion, don’t judge it immediately. Listen to what your coworker has to say, and try to be open to new ways of doing things.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions –If you don’t fully understand something, ask about it. Asking questions is one of the best ways to indulge your curiosity and improve the quality of your work. Your questions might help you and your coworkers to uncover new possibilities, collaborate more effectively, and develop your ideas more successfully.  
  • Get used to feeling a little uncomfortable – It can sometimes be a little uncomfortable to question the status quo and examine issues from a new perspective. But if you can stomach that feeling, the payoff will be worth it. Being curious, asking questions, and learning new things is tremendously rewarding. And ultimately, it will be beneficial to your whole team.

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Blatt, G. (2020, April 7). Curiosity in the workplace: How to develop an inquisitive attitude and become a better leader. Thrive Global. Retrieved from: https://thriveglobal.com/stories/curiosity-in-the-workplace-how-to-develop-an-inquisitive-attitude-and-become-a-better-leader/

You Should Act Like a Cat at Work

By in Living Well Tags: , , ,

Office_Cat

Do you want to be happier and more successful at work? If so, you should act like a cat.

Cats are great. They’re smart, inquisitive, and determined. If they want to do something, like scratch the couch, they’re going to do it! They’re not going to let anything or anyone stand in their way.

They’re industrious, but they also understand the importance of relaxing and taking breaks. My cat, Gizmo, works hard at patrolling his territory and investigating anything that seems different or out of place. But he also takes time out to stretch and nap. Cats have good work-life balance.

Acting like a cat at work can help you to feel less stressed and more engaged. It can also help you to get more done and accomplish your goals. Here are a few things that you can do to act like a cat at work:

  • Get up early – Cats get up early, and it may benefit you to do the same. Research has shown that early risers tend to be more effective and productive, since people are usually more alert and mentally sharp in the morning. Early risers also have more time to get organized, eat a healthy breakfast, and start the day off right.
  • Don’t be too concerned about what other people think – Cats are very self-confident. If they want to sleep in their litter box, they’re going to do it – even if other household members might think it’s gross. Try to be like your cat, and develop a similar level of self-confidence. And if you get critical feedback, listen to what the person has to say and make adjustments accordingly. But try not to take it personally, and don’t let it get you down.
  • Take breaks and stretch – Cats can often be found napping and stretching during the day. They understand the importance of rest and relaxation. You should follow their lead, and take breaks during your workday. People need to take breaks in order to feel rejuvenated, energized, and engaged. Just stretching at your desk can be a great stress reliever.
  • If you’re determined to get something, keep working at it – Cats are really persistent. I didn’t even want a cat, but Gizmo wouldn’t stop hanging around my house. He was determined to move in, and he eventually got his way. You should try to be equally persistent at work. When you have a difficult or daunting project to do, perseverance is often essential. It pushes you forward, forces you to deal with challenging situations, and ultimately helps you to accomplish your goals.
  • Be curious about everything – Cats are inquisitive. And you should be, too! Don’t be afraid to explore new ideas, techniques, and ways of getting things done.

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Halleywine. (2019, February 11). How to act like a cat and be a badass. Medium. Retrieved from: https://medium.com/@halleywine/how-to-act-like-a-cat-and-be-a-badass-d359d4b49e2e