A while ago I wrote an LinkedIn article about how important it is to maintain your curiosity. To maintain and nurture it as part of your personality. It becomes even more important in times like these when technological development in all areas is accelerating and the global political landscape is shifting ever faster. I wrote earlier this week about “range” which is also an important characteristic. It means having broad knowledge in many areas. This in order to be able to see the context. How individual areas today are interconnected. To be able to have a holistic perspective, and how each area affects each other in a whole. This also applies to soft values. To be curious about different cultures (including corporate cultures) in order to understand and quickly be able to adapt your behavior and respect different values. We need to learn the importance of humility both privately and professionally. Accept that knowledge is something that needs to be kept current. Life is about lifelong learning. People often talk about being less attractive when you are a middle age in your professional life, so it is even more important to be curious and be able to acquire new knowledge trough life. Then you can definitely compete with the younger talents. My way of showing that I have retained and maintain curiosity is my blog www.roblogistic.com
The theme is leadership, lean and logistics. with everything that fits within these areas. Business development, the latest knowledge in automation robotics and ai. But also soft skills like leadership and organizational development. It is all connected for successful businesses.
If I had the time I would have several blogs because of the range of interests
I acquire new knowledge through books (reading is a favorite hobby) and digital channels. Now ChatGTP is great source of knowledge. It has never been easier to find information. But it requires you to ask the right questions and also review sources. It is not a myth that “hallucinations” occur. I have myself experienced it several times.
Curiosity and range are two very important qualities in life, both private and professional.
I really like the Japanese concept ”Ikigai” where curiosity and knowledge is an important part
Ikigai translates roughly to “a reason for living” or “a reason to get up in the morning
Key aspects and interpretations of Ikigai:
- A reason for being: At its simplest, Ikigai is what gives your life value and makes you feel alive. It’s the intrinsic motivation that drives you.
- The Venn Diagram (Western interpretation): In the West, Ikigai is often popularized through a Venn diagram with four overlapping circles: What you love: Your passions, hobbies, and things that bring you joy. What you are good at: Your skills, talents, and abilities. What the world needs: How you can contribute to others or society. What you can be paid for: Your profession or what can sustain you financially. The idea is that your Ikigai lies at the intersection of all four of these areas, representing a sweet spot of passion, talent, contribution, and livelihood.
- Beyond career: While the Venn diagram often steers the concept towards finding a “dream job,” traditional Japanese philosophy emphasizes that Ikigai isn’t exclusively about career. It can be found in small, everyday joys, relationships, hobbies, community involvement, or simply the act of living. For many Japanese, Ikigai is about finding meaning in the daily rhythm of life, even in routine tasks.
- Small joys and self-acceptance: Japanese neuroscientist Ken Mogi, author of “Awakening Your Ikigai,” emphasizes the importance of starting small, embracing self-acceptance, practicing harmony and sustainability, focusing on the joy of small things, and being in the here and now.
- Connection to longevity: The concept of Ikigai has gained attention partly due to its association with the longevity of people in Okinawa, Japan, a “Blue Zone” known for its high concentration of centenarians. Many believe that having a strong sense of purpose contributes to their long and healthy lives.
- A process of self-discovery: Finding your Ikigai is an ongoing journey of self-reflection and exploration. It involves understanding your values, what energizes you, and how you can make a positive impact.
Curiosity is an important part of ikigai, although it might not be explicitly listed as one of the four traditional “pillars” in the Westernized Venn diagram.
- Self-Discovery and Exploration: Finding your ikigai is a journey of self-discovery. This inherently requires curiosity – curiosity about yourself (what you love, what you’re good at), curiosity about the world (what it needs, what problems you can solve), and curiosity about how you can integrate these aspects. You need to explore different avenues, experiment, and learn.
- Passion and Love: Curiosity fuels passion. When you are curious about something, you are more likely to delve deeper, learn more, and develop a genuine love for it. This “love” component is one of the core elements of ikigai.
- Continuous Learning and Growth: Ikigai is not a static destination but an evolving path. Curiosity is essential for lifelong learning, adapting to new challenges, and continually refining your understanding of your purpose. As Ken Mogi emphasizes, embracing lifelong learning and the joy of being a beginner is a key principle.
- Finding “What the World Needs”: To understand “what the world needs,” you need to be curious about societal problems, community issues, and how your skills and passions can contribute. This outward-looking curiosity is vital for developing your mission.
- Unlocking New Opportunities: Curiosity opens up new possibilities. By being curious, you might discover new skills, new interests, or new ways to apply what you already know, leading you closer to your ikigai. Many sources on ikigai encourage “staying curious” and “exploring new interests without pressure.”
- Joy in the Small Things: For many Japanese, ikigai is also about finding joy in the small, everyday moments. Curiosity helps you appreciate these details, notice nuances, and find satisfaction in routine activities.
While the Venn diagram often lists “What you love,” “What you’re good at,” “What the world needs,” and “What you can be paid for,” curiosity is the driver that helps you explore and connect these elements. It’s the engine of the self-discovery process that leads to ikigai.