Curiosity Vs. Criticism

The work I do is tough. It’s not neat. It takes muscle and it takes tools. I created a tool I teach clients to use whenever they feel stuck. The “Power Tool” is called Curiosity vs. Criticism.  The bottom line is, if you want to be happy, you have stay curious. The answers my friend, are in the questions.

When the mind labels itself helpless, it stops seeing solutions. A critical element in leading change is to remain curious and open rather than critical and judging. In order to get more of what you desire, whether it be more time, more sleep, or more money, taking the approach of observing without judgment or criticism is imperative.

cu·ri·os·i·ty: A strong desire to know or learn something

crit·i·cism: The expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes

Of all the challenges you experience in your career or life, which one, when resolved, will give you the greatest return on investment of whatever time, energy, or dollars that you allocate it?

Define it, name it, and then get curious about it. Take a balcony view of the challenge and simply observe, without judgment for one week. No answers, no conclusions, no solving. Simply observe, impartially. Don’t put meaning behind it, or add value to it. Take a “curiosity week” and just look, don’t touch.