The Curiosity Habit: Asking Better Questions Every Day
- Todd Rowley
- Oct 1
- 5 min read
Curiosity is one of the simplest yet most powerful forces in human life. It drives scientists to explore distant galaxies, artists to create new forms, children to ask “why” a hundred times before breakfast, and everyday people to seek out meaning in the small details of daily life.
But here’s the thing: curiosity isn’t just something you’re born with or without. Curiosity is a habit that can be strengthened, nurtured, and practiced. And one of the best ways to do that is by learning to ask better questions every single day.
Why Curiosity Matters
Think about the moments that stand out in your memory. Chances are, they’re connected to curiosity—your first trip somewhere new, a conversation where you learned something unexpected, a book that changed how you thought about life.
Curiosity matters because it:
Keeps your brain sharp. Studies show that curiosity stimulates the release of dopamine, the “reward” chemical that motivates you to learn more.
Deepens relationships. When you ask thoughtful questions, you show genuine interest. People feel valued.
Boosts creativity. Curiosity pushes you beyond surface-level thinking, helping you connect seemingly unrelated ideas.
Makes life richer. When you approach life with wonder, even small experiences feel bigger.
Curiosity is about falling in love with the questions.
The Science of Curiosity
What actually happens in your brain when you’re curious? Neuroscientists have been asking the same thing (which is itself an act of curiosity).
Research from the University of California found that curiosity actually primes the brain for learning. When you’re curious, your brain creates a heightened state of readiness, releasing dopamine and increasing activity in the hippocampus—the part of your brain responsible for forming new memories.
That means curiosity doesn’t just help you learn the thing you’re curious about—it makes you more receptive to learning in general. Imagine curiosity as the brain’s “on switch.”
Why We Lose Curiosity as Adults
If kids are so naturally curious, why do adults often lose the spark? The reasons are familiar:
Routines. Life becomes predictable, and our sense of wonder shrinks.
Busyness. We’re too distracted by schedules and screens to pause and ask.
Fear of judgment. We don’t want to look foolish by asking “obvious” questions.
Comfort zones. It’s easier to stay where we are than risk venturing into the unknown.
The good news? Just as you can build strength by exercising, you can rebuild curiosity by practicing it intentionally.
Building the Curiosity Habit
Here are practical, simple ways to weave curiosity into your daily life.
1. Start Your Day with a Question
Instead of reaching for your phone, begin with a single question:
What will surprise me today?
What’s one thing I can see differently this morning?
Who can I learn from?
This simple practice sets the tone for a more open, curious mindset.
2. Use the “Five Whys”
A classic problem-solving technique (made famous by Toyota engineers) is to ask “why” five times in a row. Each answer digs deeper until you uncover the root of the issue.
Example:
Why am I tired? → I stayed up late.
Why did I stay up late? → I was scrolling on my phone.
Why was I scrolling? → I felt restless.
Why did I feel restless? → I didn’t exercise today.
Why didn’t I exercise? → I didn’t schedule it in.
Suddenly, “I’m tired” turns into a much bigger insight.
3. Keep a Curiosity Notebook
Carry a small notebook or use a note-taking app to capture questions that pop into your head. Even the silly ones matter—because they spark connections later.
4. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Switch from “yes/no” questions to ones that invite stories.
Instead of: “Did you like your trip?” Try: “What was your favorite part of your trip?”
Instead of: “Did you like the book?” Try: “What idea from the book stuck with you?”
This small shift deepens conversations instantly.
5. Explore Something New Weekly
Make curiosity a ritual. Once a week, pick something new to try:
A cuisine you’ve never eaten
A documentary on a topic you know nothing about
A local hidden gem you’ve never visited
A new hobby or craft
Curiosity grows when you actively feed it.
6. Curiosity Prompts for Journaling
If you’re stuck, here are a few prompts to build the habit:
What do I wonder about right now?
What would I ask a stranger on a train?
What was the last thing that made me pause and think?
If I could learn one new skill this year, what would it be? Why?
Curiosity in Relationships
Curiosity isn’t just personal—it transforms how you connect with others.
It deepens intimacy. Asking your partner, “What’s a dream you haven’t told me about yet?” opens up new layers of connection.
It bridges differences. Instead of debating, try asking, “What experiences shaped your perspective?”
It makes you memorable. People remember those who ask thoughtful questions because it feels rare.
Curiosity at Work
In a workplace, curiosity leads to:
Better problem-solving. You see challenges from multiple angles.
More innovation. Asking “What if?” sparks new solutions.
Stronger leadership. Curious leaders listen more than they talk.
Practical ways to apply it at work:
Ask, “What are we not considering?” in team meetings.
Seek feedback with, “What’s one thing I could improve?”
Be curious about colleagues’ backgrounds and experiences.
Curiosity and Simplicity
At The Curious Toad, we often talk about living simply. Curiosity and simplicity go hand in hand.
When you’re curious, you don’t need endless entertainment or material things—you find wonder in the ordinary. The shape of a leaf, the story of a neighbour, the sound of rain against the window. This weekend, I read an article about the state of grasslands in Canada's prairie provinces (not an affiliate!).
Curiosity turns simplicity into abundance.
Staying Curious in a Busy World
Life will always pull us toward distraction, deadlines, and routines. That’s why curiosity requires intention.
Practical tips:
Limit screen time. Create space to wonder.
Schedule curiosity breaks. Ten minutes to read, explore, or ask questions.
Travel differently. Take a new route, explore side streets, or talk to locals.
Embrace not knowing. It’s okay not to have the answer right away.
The Ripple Effect of Curiosity
When you build the habit of asking better questions:
Your conversations become richer.
Your creativity expands.
Your problem-solving sharpens.
Your sense of wonder grows.
Most of all, life feels bigger—because you’re constantly uncovering new layers of meaning.
Final Thought
Curiosity is contagious. When you ask better questions, you inspire others to do the same. And in a world that sometimes feels like it’s rushing toward answers, curiosity invites us to slow down, to wonder, to notice.
So, here’s my challenge to you: Tomorrow morning, before you dive into the noise, ask yourself one simple question. See where it leads. And then ask another. And another.
That’s how the curiosity habit begins.
Live Simply. Stay Curious.
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