Curious People—Not Rule Followers—Are the Drivers of Real Change

You’re standing in your kitchen, waiting for the microwave to ping. There’s a moment of stillness as you ponder why you always eat the same breakfast. Your phone buzzes—another newsletter with tips. You almost swipe it away but something makes you pause and open it. Inside is a story about a community that swapped out their morning meeting for a walking discussion outdoors. It startles you, briefly, because you can’t recall when you last questioned your own routines.

Over the next few days, you start asking, 'Why do I keep doing this the same way?' Sometimes, you bump against others who shrug or say, 'We’ve always done it like that.' It feels awkward at first, but when you suggest a Monday breakfast outside instead of at the usual café, a few friends light up with interest.

Curiosity is uncomfortable, like wearing new shoes. Brain research shows the act of questioning and exploring unfamiliar perspectives wakes up parts of your mind linked to memory, problem-solving, and empathy. Contrary to popular belief, curiosity—asking and exploring—expands our possibilities, while rigidly sticking to rules does the opposite. Even small experiments in curiosity, done daily, build the mental flexibility that all real changemakers share.

Train yourself to question one comfortable standard a day, asking openly about its origins. Step outside your usual sources and talk, read, or listen to something that challenges what you know. Then, introduce one tiny, new behavior—even if it’s just shifting a meeting location or routine—and honestly observe what happens. By doing this, you’ll become more than just a follower of old habits; you’ll shape your life and group through genuine curiosity and growth. Notice where your thinking stretches next.