The power of curiosity to transform your life

The writer is based in Muscat working as risk analyst with passion in writing.

This is a topic close to my heart, as I have personally benefited from it. The credit goes to my late father, who always instilled in me the habit of asking questions.

While teaching me, he would notice that I simply listened and responded with “okay, okay,” as if I were memorising without understanding. He would stop and say, “Ask why.”

My father emphasised this every time he taught me, staring at me until I began asking, “Why?” Over time, it became second nature to me.

As I grew, I found myself questioning everything: Why do we do things a certain way and not another? Is there a better way?

This habit even transformed my university experience. I once struggled with a subject in hotel management that seemed boring at first. But when I asked myself, “Why does this matter?” it opened my eyes to the fascinating details behind things we often overlook.

Like why menus are designed a certain way, why restaurants choose specific music, or why seating arrangements are planned as they are. It turned into one of my favourite subjects because I discovered that every detail had a reason behind it.

Whether during walks, where I became curious about the meanings of things I saw, or in conversations where I wanted to understand the deeper significance, this habit shaped my approach to life.

Encouraging curiosity is important for everyone, whether you’re teaching a child or reflecting on your own life, it’s essential to create an environment where asking questions is encouraged.

It’s about being brave enough to admit that we don’t know everything, therefore we learn and grow without feeling judged. Thus we build confidence and the ability to face challenges with an open mind.

This was not about being intrusive or arrogant; it was about fostering a love for learning, gaining knowledge and building a deeper understanding of the world.

Asking ‘why’ is one of the most effective ways to enhance analytical skills. It’s not about complicating matters but about analysing situations and finding innovative solutions. Curiosity opens the door to creative thinking and innovation.

Throughout history, curiosity has driven some of the greatest innovations.

Take Thomas Edison, for example, the American inventor failed over 1,000 times before successfully inventing the first practical light bulb. When people asked about his failures, he famously said, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”

His relentless curiosity about how to create light for homes transformed the world and continues to inspire us to persevere and ask, “What if?”

Similarly, Steve Jobs changed the way we communicate by questioning the limits of existing technology. When he saw phones being used only for calls, he asked, “Why can’t a phone do more?”

This simple question led to the creation of the iPhone, a device that redefined communication, entertainment and work. His ability to think differently and embrace curiosity reminds us that breakthroughs come from daring to challenge the norm.

Now, how can you nurture this curiosity in your own life?

Start a curiosity challenge and begin with dedicating a few minutes daily to ask bold questions like, “What if I approached this problem differently?” or “Why not try a new method?.” Reimagine it by looking at something familiar whether it’s a daily task or an object and think of ways to improve it. How can I make my work process faster? What can make my home more organised? Turn this into a fun activity with friends, family, or coworkers. Share your questions and brainstorm creative solutions together.

Curiosity is not just a trait, it’s a skill that can be developed. Whether in your personal life or at work, asking ‘why’ and ‘what if’ can open doors to possibilities you’ve never imagined. Start your journey of curiosity today, and who knows? You might just create the next big idea that changes the world.