Championing curiosity and zest
To wonder is an infinite pursuit that provides mental stimulation; and if that wonder can extend to a rich curiosity generating excitement or enthusiasm, we have zest. The happy partnering of curiosity and zest together provides motivation, interest, and increased opportunities to engage in those things which make our heart sing. In fact, curiosity is “one of the five strengths most associated with life satisfaction and happiness”; and zest is consistently “one of the top two character strengths most associated with life satisfaction (Niemec, 2018, Ch.6)”; which is why together they have a place in our first five strengths series blogs.
Character strengths are those characteristics that are universally regarded as reflecting the best qualities that human beings can have (Niemec, 2018). While curiosity compels us to seek novelty, adventure and learn new things, zest is the fuel that drives us to engage with new experiences. Curiosity and zest are two qualities that make life interesting and make us interested in others which helps build meaningful relationships. Indeed, research has shown that curiosity promotes life satisfaction via strengthened relationships, the discovery of activities that bring us pleasure, self-improvement, finding meaning and increased longevity (Niemec & McGrath, 2019). Additionally, zest has been shown to increase our sense of happiness, hope and positivity; to heighten fun, inspiration and motivation, and “allows for a fuller expression of (our) abilities, skills and talents (Niemec & McGrath, 2019, p.122).”
Although we know intellectually what curiosity and zest mean, the challenge is really drilling down to uncover how we can put them both to work for us. For a pure example which anyone who has ever been a child or had a child can relate to; that delightful little word that comes shortly after the discovery of ‘NO’ – that being ‘why?’ Why is the sky blue? Why can’t I have chocolate? Why are you so crabby? *sigh* While a source of spectacular annoyance on occasions, it is nonetheless an unfiltered expression of curiosity, coupled with bouncing about that reveals an unbridled energy and enthusiasm to learn more about any and everything around them. As adults we tend to lose that sense of wonder, whether because asking why is unwelcome (read #don’tchallenge #statusquo #snoozefest); or asking why is seemingly considered to be revealing a smarts deficit (Uh oh, you mean you don’t know everything?). But how refreshing and energising it is to ask why, to wonder, to learn something new? To hear about other people’s ideas, experiences, and their lives? To get creative and dream up possibilities? We can learn so much and be so enriched by becoming really curious and enthusiastic in our approach to life, and in doing so even the mundane can yield something of novelty that brightens our day.
Here’s to you moving beyond.
Claire x
P.S. Want to promote curious thinking and zest? Try this!
Curious walkabout
- Go for a walk in a natural environment. Take your phone, but use it only for taking pictures
- Take photos of anything you find interesting, beautiful or that makes you curious.
- Ask questions about what you are seeing, hearing, feeling, thinking, and noticing.
- After the walk, reflect on how you feel. Did you enjoy connecting with nature, being physically active and looking at the world with a new perspective? How can you apply curiosity and zest in your everyday?
Positive habit | How will you follow your curiosity, learn something new and keep the zest for life?
Intervention adapted from: Niemec, R., M. (2018). Character Strengths interventions. A field guide for practitioners. Canada: Hogrefe.
References
Niemec, R., M. (2018). Character Strengths interventions. A field guide for practitioners. Canada: Hogrefe.
Niemec, R., M. & McGrath, R., E. (2019). The power of character strengths. Appreciate and ignite your positive personality. VIA Institute on Character: United States of America.
baseline & beyond 