3-4-21: Curiosity's Connection to Engagement
Sent 3/4/2021
First, I want to celebrate a minor milestone. I sold my 100th book today (goals updated)! Thank you to all of you who've purchased one!
Second, I wrote an article specifically tying passion, motivation, and engagement to making a leap. You might want to check it out after this (very short) newsletter. Which we should get to...
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Today's Think Better Newsletter looks at the role curiosity plays in boosting our engagement.
The Idea
Two weeks ago I wrote about the difference between passion and motivation. Passion is an interest in the activity you are doing. Motivation is an interest in the outcome you are pursuing.
Either one can lead you to make a leap and maintain some level of engagement. The best athletes sustain a high level of both.
But how exactly do they do it?
Actually, curiosity and a desire to learn is the core attitude driving top performers' behaviors. Whether they are seeking out an edge, a new insight, or a more efficient way of working, they never stop asking how they can get better.
Watch a person who is engaged in their craft and you will see an unceasingly questioning mind. On the flip side, when you see a person no longer interested in asking questions, you're likely seeing someone who's already begun to disengage.
The System
Here's the simplest system I'll probably ever give you, and it's the most profound:
Ask more questions.
That's it.
Ask your coach. Ask your teammates. Ask your parents. Ask the author of the book you're reading. (If my book doesn't answer your question, email me. I will!)
Getting the answer is secondary, though. The act of asking is a form of engaging. It's the first step.
Approach your training with a mindset that you always have more to learn. Then ask the best question you can think of.
The Question
How many questions have you asked today?
Go Be More,
Bryan Green
Author of Make the Leap: Think Better, Train Better, Run Faster and the companion Think Better Workbook
Co-host of the Go Be More Podcast
"I would rather have questions that can't be answered than answers that can't be questioned."
- Richard Feynman
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