Why You Can’t Be Curious and Judgmental at the Same Time
We have to do it all the time: Snap judgements. Our brains need information to keep us safe. It's natural. Here’s the catch: you can’t be curious and judgmental at the same time.
Curiosity is not just about asking questions; it's about staying open to new ideas and exploring what you don’t know. When you’re curious, you’re open to learning and discovering from different perspectives. You’re not rushing to conclusions—you’re digging deeper.
Judgment, on the other hand, is about making quick decisions based on what you already think you know. It’s like hitting “pause” on curiosity. When we judge, we stop asking questions and move on.
The problem is, judgment is limiting us. It closes us off to new possibilities, ideas, and solutions. Curiosity, though, opens doors. It helps us grow, learn, and make better decisions.
So, how do you shift from judgment to curiosity?
Pause: Evaluate your state of mind.
Ask at least One Question: Replace judgment with “How do we know?” or “Why is that?”
Embrace Uncertainty: It’s okay not to have all the answers right away.
Challenge Assumptions: Question your first impressions and dig deeper.
The bottom line: When we choose curiosity over judgment, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and insights. So, next time you feel the urge to judge, try to stay curious instead—you might just discover something amazing.