Innovation Starts with Curiosity: How to Build a Creative Mindset

The greatest innovation and progress came from very creative minds. Without innovation we companies are not adaptive to change and people easily can unnecessarily get stuck in apparently difficult situations. That is why it’s important for everyone to have a creative mind and the good news is; It’s possible to become more creative.

While it is possible to be creative and innovative without being open-minded and curious, having a curious mindset can certainly enhance one’s creativity and innovation. Curiosity drives exploration, experimentation, and discovery, which are all important components of creative and innovative thinking.

When we approach problems with a curious mindset, we are more likely to consider a variety of perspectives and ideas, which can lead to novel solutions and innovative approaches. Being open-minded and curious can also help us to identify new opportunities and possibilities that we may not have considered before.

In addition, curiosity can help us to overcome obstacles, setbacks, and failures that we may encounter in the creative process. When we are curious, we are more likely to persist in the face of challenges, to ask questions that help us to better understand the problem at hand, and to experiment with new approaches until we find a solution that works.

Why are some people more curious than others and thus more creative?

While some people may find it easier to be curious than others, it’s important to remember that curiosity is a mindset that can be cultivated and strengthened with practice. Regardless of natural tendencies or past experiences, anyone can work to develop a curious mindset by intentionally seeking out new ideas and experiences, asking questions, and staying open-minded.

There are a few reasons why as a kid we were all very open-minded and curious and somehow lost it while growing older. 

1. Socialization: As we grow up, we are socialized to conform to social norms and expectations. This can lead us to become more rigid in our thinking and less likely to question the status quo.
2. Education: Traditional education often places a high value on memorization and regurgitation of information, rather than encouraging critical thinking and curiosity. This can stifle curiosity and make it less likely that people will seek out new ideas and perspectives.
3. Fear of failure: As we get older, we may become more afraid of failure or looking foolish in front of others. This can lead us to avoid taking risks or exploring new ideas and experiences.
4. Life responsibilities: As people get older, they often take on more responsibilities, such as work, family, and financial obligations. This can leave less time and energy for pursuing new interests and exploring new ideas.
5. Confirmation bias: As people develop more knowledge and expertise in a particular area, they may become more confident in their own beliefs and less likely to consider alternative viewpoints. This can lead to confirmation bias, where people only seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs and ignore information that challenges them.

But also personality plays a big role in being open-minded, curious, and thus more creative. For example: 

1. Personality traits: Some personality traits, such as openness to experience, are associated with greater curiosity. People who are naturally curious tend to be more open-minded, imaginative, and intellectually engaged.
2. Upbringing and environment: The way a person is raised and their environment can also influence their curiosity. For example, if a person is encouraged to ask questions and explore their interests from a young age, they may be more likely to develop a curious mindset.
3. Experiences: Experiences that expose a person to new ideas and perspectives can also spark curiosity. For example, traveling to a new country, trying a new activity, or meeting people from different backgrounds can all stimulate curiosity.
4. Mental and physical health: A person’s mental and physical health can also impact their curiosity. People who are experiencing depression or chronic stress, for example, may have difficulty finding the motivation to explore new ideas or engage in new experiences.

So, if we want to become more creative, we have to become more open-minded and curious and in order to become like that, we have to dive into what we can change in ourselves. What is it that limits us to become a better and more creative version of ourselves? 

How to become more creative?

After knowing what it is to work on in sense of personality or mental patterns, it’s also good to know what new skills and habits you can learn to become more creative. People can for example become curious about something they think they already know by challenging their assumptions and seeking out new perspectives. Here are some tips:

1. Question your assumptions: When you think you already know something, it can be easy to stop asking questions and assume that you have all the answers. However, it’s important to challenge your assumptions and ask yourself if there are any gaps in your knowledge or if there is anything you could learn that might deepen your understanding.
2. Look for new information: Even if you think you know a topic inside and out, there is always more to learn. Look for new information or different perspectives that might challenge your assumptions and broaden your understanding.
3. Engage in dialogue: Engage in dialogue with people who have different perspectives or who have different experiences related to the topic. Ask questions and be open to listening to their point of view. This can help you gain a new understanding of the topic and challenge your assumptions.
4. Approach the topic with curiosity: Approach the topic with an attitude of curiosity, as if you were encountering it for the first time. This can help you see the topic in a new light and notice things you might have missed before.
5. Experiment with the topic: If possible, experiment with the topic or apply it in a new context. This can help you see the topic in a new way and deepen your understanding of it.

So, YES, people can become more open-minded and curious and therefore more creative. But here are 3 more tips to implement in your life to ensure you always have the ultimate creative mind: 

6. ALWAYS ask questions: The best way to learn is by asking questions. When you come across something that piques your interest, ask yourself or others questions about it. Keep asking questions until you feel satisfied that you have a good understanding of the topic.
7. Embrace uncertainty: Curiosity thrives in an environment of uncertainty. Instead of being intimidated by uncertainty, embrace it as an opportunity to learn and discover new things.
8. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware of your thoughts and surroundings. When you practice mindfulness, you become more observant of the world around you and more curious about the things you see.