I ask a lot of questions. This can be off-putting to people.
Some of them think I’ve got some ulterior motive and their defenses go up.
Admittedly, there have been times I’ve asked questions to prove myself by disproving the other person, or to fit in, or, merely, because it’s the polite thing to do.
We’ve all asked questions for the wrong reasons at some point.
But when I’m working with my clients, I’m asking questions to help them get curious.
I help them challenge their perspectives about money and the constructs they’re in.
I’m asking them to question why certain things are happening inside their businesses, what’s going on with their money, how they’re showing up in the world and how that is impacting both of those things.
Curiosity, when it’s from the intention of wonder, reflection, and open-mindedness, is a gift.
It allows us to find new or more creative solutions to our problems.
Curiosity helps us to challenge what we otherwise just accept as is, even when ‘what is,’ is less than ideal or not even true.
Imagine what we could resolve for ourselves if we approached our problems with curiosity about why they are happening instead of with judgment, blame, and criticism.
Imagine what we could resolve in our country, or our world, if we entered into conversations with one another with curiosity instead of the need to prove something or squash the other person’s idea.
Conversations around racism, politics, religion, money – all of the typical “don’t talk about” topics for the dinner party – might actually be more productive if we entered from a place of curiosity.
Curiosity leads us to new ways of thinking, new answers to our challenges, because we are deciding that “It’s always been this way,” is no longer good enough.
When we start to think differently, we start to expand our own possibilities.
When we start to show up differently, it leads to new confidence and trust in ourselves.
Expansion, confidence, trust, these all lead to more money and connections and a higher likelihood of making the impact we want to make.
Here’s the 3-2-1 on curiosity as a gift.
3 TRUTHS
- We receive more out of conversations with ourselves, our money, and our people when we enter them from a place of curiosity instead of preconceived notions.
- If we don’t challenge our own perspectives, we won’t grow as human beings and neither will humanity, at large. We’ll remain stuck in the same constructs we’ve always been in, including those that are inequitable and unjust to many. Curiosity is the gift the world needs.
- If we want to have a big impact and legacy, we have to be more curious and ask more questions. And we need to ask from a place of really wanting to know, because as we do, the byproduct is more money, more connections, and more trust.
2 ACTIONS
- Look at your bank account. Do the numbers reflect what you want to see in there? If not, ask yourself, “Why don’t I have the money I want?” Be curious, not judgmental.
- Pick one of the other “taboo” subjects and commit to having a curious conversation with someone this week. Why do they feel the way they feel? What has been their experience? As your emotions come up, ask, “Why am I feeling this way?”
1 QUESTION
- What’s holding me back from asking questions?
This money conversation continues on YouTube. Check out Curiosity is a Gift and make sure to subscribe while you’re there.
To your impact and legacy,
