Everyone loves growth. Be it personal development or organizational expansion, we’re constantly seeking ways to evolve and improve. While many talk about growth mindsets, I prefer to think about building growth muscles.
Just as developing physical strength requires specific nutrients, developing growth capacity demands its own essential building blocks. So what are the equivalents of proteins and amino acids in preparing individuals and organizations for sustainable growth?
The Curious Connection: How Wonder Fuels Development
Just like amino acids are essential building blocks that must be consistently consumed to build muscle, curiosity needs to be consistently “ingested” in our daily diet of work and life. Like protein helps repair and build new muscle fibers, curiosity helps us build new neural pathways and organizational capabilities.
Think about it – every major innovation started with someone asking “What if?” or “Why not?” Whether it’s Tesla questioning traditional automotive design or Netflix challenging video rental norms, curiosity preceded transformation.
Nourishing Your Growth with Curiosity
A healthy “diet” rich in curiosity means:
- Making “why” questions part of your daily nutrition
- Consuming diverse perspectives, especially those that challenge our assumptions
- Digesting new experiences through experimentation
- Creating an environment where “I don’t know, let’s find out” is the staple food
For organizations, curiosity is the catalyst that prevents stagnation. When teams maintain a steady intake of curiosity, they:
The beauty of curiosity as a growth nutrient is that it enhances absorption over time. The more you incorporate it into your daily diet, the better your growth muscles develop, and the more paths to growth it reveals.
Your Turn to Grow
What’s in your growth diet? How do you ensure a steady intake of curiosity for yourself and your teams?