I’d like to share some ideas with you, about the value of curiosity and why you should embrace it and encourage your curious mind.
Here’s what I mean by being curious and drawing your own conclusions:
- I’m curious, why the guy who sold me my computer last week, told me I needed to buy an extra warranty. He’d just spent 20 minutes telling me how reliable the machine was.
- I’m curious, why Seth Godin keeps writing about being a fearless blogger, when he has banned blog comments. It’s easy to be confrontational on your blog, when you ban people from confronting you there.
- I’m curious, why SEO companies need to send us spam email advertising their services, when the whole point of their service, is to attract prospective customers.
- I’m curious, why people who are just about to make a sexist statement, usually start by saying; ‘I’m not a sexist, but…’
- I’m curious, why some people have social media profiles, where they claim to be a specialist… in 10 different things.
- I’m curious, why 50 people would attend the same training seminar, with 1 person using the information to transform her life, and 49 others simply finding it interesting.
Curiosity
I believe one of the most valuable skills you can develop as you progress through life, is curiosity. Those with an open, curious mind, choose to form your own opinions. You notice when there is a disconnect, between a person’s words and their deeds. The sheep miss it completely! They need to follow instructions and seldom question anything. They would rather someone else tell them what to think. That way, if it goes wrong, they have someone to blame. It’s easy. Sheep like things to be easy. They make great fans and poor leaders.
It takes more confidence to approach the world, with an open, curious mind, however, the pay-off is worth it. You get to see life through your own, unique lens. You get to form your own opinions, based on information that has been tested, rather than ‘just accepted’. You get to decide where the value is.
Most importantly, you get to live your own life, every day of your life!
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I had a moment like this the other day. There is a customer of mine who buys -everything- I put out, even though he has no idea how to use any of my materials. He’s just not tech savvy enough to follow, or there’s a language barrier. I’m not sure which. All I know is even though he appears to get zero benefit, he buys all my stuff.
I asked him why, and he said “because you’re great.” People are prone to the illogical, I think, because choices are more than simply “this makes sense so do it.”
Was that relevant? I feel like I lost my point in that one…
Hey Corey. Maybe he gets more from your materials than you think and wants to reward your work?
Maybe. But I’ve gotten multiple emails from him saying how he can’t follow my videos and such. It’s very strange.
Perhaps that kind of after care, is enough for him to feel he needs to support your work? Or he’s nuts?
I love those examples Jim.
So many people just believe anything they’re told especially if it comes from a well known source. They then defend that which they have not questioned, like lap dogs.
The example of the sales guy selling the warranty is worth the admission alone.
Hi Eddie. The irony was totally lost on the salesperson.
Some places force their employees to push things like that, though. I know from visiting Best Buy multiple times that the woman at the counter was forced to ask if I wanted a rewards card, no matter how regularly I said “no.”
Most of what we see online has to be considered heavily, before we make any meaningful decisions.
There’s so much total shit out there Jim and people just buy it, because they fail to think for themselves.
A good point, well made, Gareth. Thanks!
Ha, yes, as I chuckle! Love open, curious minds. Makes the journey more fun. I would rather test and find out what works for me and my style of business. Prefer, to be the best possible me I can be, not someone else’s version. I like to breathe and experience the journey. yes it is worth it! You experience joy and pain but at least alive vs complacent. My lens has lots of colors that blow in the wind like a rainbow effect, stars are llike diamonds. Another fabulous post Jim! Thanks
Hi Monica. I love this line from your comment: “My lens has lots of colors that blow in the wind like a rainbow effect, stars are like diamonds.”
Being curious enough, to see the world through your own eyes certainly has it’s benefits!
I love this topic.
I have always believed that the majority of people who get suckered with the bullshitters, know there’s something wrong but allow it any way. They are pressured *like your salesan example* or social pressured *like Seth Godins example* to just accept.
A fool and her money Jim.
Hi Chris. There is, in my experience, a direct link between people who act like sheep and a lack of confidence / courage.
Thanks for stopping by the blog, my friend.
great post again.. i enjoy reading your blog… in every post that you share creates a kind of curiosity that makes us read the entire thing nice.
I’m also curious some people paid upfront for my workshop, but in the end didn’t turn up.
Nice one Jim. Love the reference to Seth. I won’t read his posts for that very reason. No point if I can’t engage in communication. I am also curious as to why people allow posts without permitting commentators to be notified of follow up comments.
Hi Neil. I have discovered there is a huge difference between what Seth Godin says and what he does.
I can tolerate many things, but that kind of bullshit hypocrisy isn’t worthy of my attention.
Thanks for the regular comments and contributions you make to the blog, sir.