Cultivate curiosity as your secret career superpower

You’re mid-afternoon on a Thursday when your inbox pings again—another five emails about the same project. Instead of sighing, you pause and ask yourself, “Why do I open each one immediately?” You settle back in your chair, noticing the fabric of your coat against your forearm and the hum of the air conditioner in your ear. Then you ask why a second time: “Because I want to feel in control.” Third time: “Because I’m afraid of missing something important.” Fourth: “Because I’ve been rewarded for being the first to respond.” Fifth: “Because I’ve forgotten there might be a better way to stay informed.” The questions stop you in your tracks, planting a seed of curiosity. You realize you could batch-process those emails once in the morning and once in the afternoon. And just like that, your day feels more spacious, a new path opening. Neuroscience calls this “meta-awareness,” the capacity to observe your own thoughts. It lights up brain networks tied to insight and creativity, letting you break free from autopilot.

Tune into daily moments—email pings, morning coffee sips—and ask “Why?” five times or more. Notice what each answer reveals about your deeper drives. Then, carve out a weekly hour to chase curiosity wherever it leads—watch a new topic, explore a hobby section at the bookstore. Let your questions guide you. Give it a try this week.