Get curious and stay curious

How many times a day do you ask yourself or someone else a question about how something works? Or maybe it's a question about whether some idea you have exists.

Do you ever attempt to answer the question for yourself? Is your favourite search engine a regularly visited website?

I was reading a book about freelance writing several months ago and the author stated that writers often have broad knowledge bases because they have to do extensive research to authoritatively write about subjects that are outside their area of expertise.  (I wish I could cite the source - I've forgotten where I read it because I've read quite a few in that time!) 

Knowledge is power

I've always absorbed tidbits of information (not usually trivia-type info - you don't want me on your Trivial Pursuit team) easily. I am often stunned at the random recall I have at times when I need seemingly random information. I'm even accurate in my recollection often enough that I'm impressed with myself. Just don't ask me to remember the plot of a movie I've only seen once, or a TV show even two days later. Those details are probably gone.

I realized that I related strongly with that and, yes, I have this tendency to learn a little about a lot. When you look at my work experience, it jumps from law firms, to doctors offices, to government, to not-for-profits, to private industry, and that's just on the surface. I've studied music education, web design, computer programming, graphic design, marketing, and database design. It's been an asset to have a better than basic understanding of a wide variety of topics.

Curiosity is good

I was reading Brené Brown's Rising Strong (affiliate link) recently and had a little AHA moment when the book started talking extensively about being curious. I realized I am genuinely a curious person, regardless of what they say about it killing cats.

It's one of the things that has continually spurred me to write. I learn, I think, I write to share what I've learned and thought about. 

Want more content ideas?

I've always advised clients to write down the questions that customers and clients ask them and use their blog/vlog/social media channels to answer those questions. But you don't have to restrict that practice to the questions from others. Answer your own questions on your platform too! 

Make that search engine your best friend online. Get curious. Do research. Share your knowledge. 

You never know where it will lead you.

What question will you research today to learn more and stay curious?