How To Become The Curious, Energetic Learner In Your Workplace

I have a t-shirt that says “Curiosity is King”  and let's just say that when I wear it, my kids think I am such a dork!  But I really do not mind because I know this character strength of curiosity is key to success in any career.  It's the secret sauce that keeps our minds as fresh as a well-made Mojito. But for most of us, figuring out how to be curious at work, day after day can be a challenge.

Well, I'm here today to tell you that being a lifelong curious learner isn't just for those smarty-pants academics. Oh no! It's for all of us. 

This lifelong learning gig doesn't just make you the office Einstein. It will also light up your productivity levels and supercharge your energy faster than a morning espresso.

But all of this does hinge on one little (but very important) factor - your wellbeing. So, buckle up and prepare to dive into the riveting world where curiosity, productivity, energy, and wellbeing meet - the 21st-century office. Let's do this, shall we?

The Secret Sauce: Curiosity in the Workplace

We need a healthy curiosity. It's our ticket to innovation and creativity, and the magic key to exploring new ideas and opportunities. It's sort of a workout for our grey matter, keeping it nimble in our thoughts and possibilities.  Have you ever met a curious colleague who is truly authentic about expanding their mindset?  It is so refreshing. 

Especially in this age of machines and AI, curiosity is your best ally. It's a skill that will keep you sailing smoothly on the seas of your career.

The Power Combo: Lifelong Learning, Productivity + Energy

Now, let's peep into the world of lifelong learning. Don't think because you're done with school, that all your learning is over. Instead, think of learning as your personal power tool to hoard new skills and knowledge. Your secret weapon for personal growth and professional triumph.

Lifelong learning acts as a productivity booster shot, keeping you in sync with the latest industry buzz, and helping you fish out opportunities that might have slipped past otherwise.

Think about it this way - staying curious and always learning charges your brain's battery. When you're eager to discover, every new piece of knowledge is like a spark that energises your mind and body, making you feel more alive and engaged.

You know how when you're on that last lap of your morning run and you see the finish line, you don't feel tired? Instead, you get a rush of adrenaline, right?

That's exactly what lifelong learning does to your work life. It adds a dash of excitement and a sprinkle of vigour, turning even the most mundane tasks into an intriguing puzzle waiting to be solved.

So, let's talk about how to stay curious, keep learning, and keep that energy surging.

How to Foster Curiosity at Work

Here's the trick - to stay curious at work, you need to foster an environment where curiosity is encouraged. Here are some tips on how to do just that:

• Encourage a Culture of Inquiry: We don't learn anything if we're not asking questions. Make room for 'why' and 'how' in your organisation by encouraging your team to ask questions, voice opinions, and challenge ideas.
  
  
• Promote Diversity of Thought: When everyone has the same opinion (or no opinions at all) it's hard to stay curious. Create an atmosphere where different people with diverse backgrounds can bring their unique perspectives and grow together.
  
  
• Provide Learning Opportunities: Offer learning opportunities that allow your team to explore their passions, expertise, and hobbies. This could mean anything from a yoga session to a coding course. The options are endless!

Of course, fostering an environment of curiosity in the workplace is essential. But what about you? The journey of lifelong learning begins within yourself so here are some strategies to help fuel your inner curiosity:

• Embrace the Unknown: Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and delve into new territories. Embrace the thrill of not knowing and the joy of learning something new.
  
  
• Adopt a Growth Mindset: Embrace the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be continually developed through hard work and perseverance. This mindset fuels curiosity when you view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as barriers.
  
  
• Stay Open-Minded: Practice the art of active listening and try to understand different perspectives. This can widen your worldview and spark innovative ideas.
  
  
• Practice Reflection: Take time to reflect on your experiences and ask yourself questions. What did I learn today? How can I apply it? This can reinforce learning and stimulate curiosity.

By cultivating curiosity within yourself, you can create a ripple effect that encourages a culture of inquiry and innovation in your company. Remember, curiosity is the engine of achievement.

So keep asking, keep learning, and keep growing.

The Role of Wellbeing in Workplace Curiosity and Energy

Now, we can't gab about curiosity and energy at work without dropping the wellness bomb on you. You see, curiosity isn't just for cats; it's for people who want to avoid using up all of their nine lives at the office. This curiosity business requires you to stay in tip-top shape, both upstairs in the noggin and downstairs in the ol' physique.

Let's chew on the link between wellbeing and curiosity - when you're feeling more like a rock star than a roadie, your appetite for learning is as insatiable as a midnight craving for snack food. So, lace up those self-improvement shoes and sprint into a routine that makes you look and feel like a superhero, minus the tight spandex. What I mean by that is, invest in yourself and develop a routine that supports your physical and mental wellbeing so that you stay energised for the day-to-day rollercoaster.

Rest and relaxation, you say? Absolutely! Burnout's around the corner like an eager salesman at a flea market, ready to pounce. Balancing chores, emails, meetings, and the occasional office gossip session can wear you out. So, take a break and treat yourself now and again - indulge in that extra biscuit; you've earned it!

Bottom line - curiosity and energy only knock on your door if your wellbeing's been treated with five-star hospitality. So, keep yourself in check, and let the curiosity flow like coffee at a Monday morning meeting. After all, nobody wants to run out of steam before the work whistle blows!

Strategies for Enhancing Workplace Wellbeing

Now, grab your notepads, or that napkin you were saving for lunch, and take note of these practical tips for taking care of your wellbeing at work. 

This isn't rocket science, folks – unless you're an actual rocket scientist, in which case, carry on. But for the rest of us, buckle up; it's time to transform your workplace into something slightly less stressful than a live reenactment of a Monday morning traffic jam!

• Mindful Moments: Make mindfulness part of your workday. Take regular breaks to practice breathing exercises, meditation or just step away from the office for a few moments.
• Connect with Nature: Get out and connect with nature often - go for a walk in the park, if you can. This can be incredibly nourishing for your wellbeing.
• Unplug from Technology: Set aside time to disconnect from technology and social media - this can help clear out the noise and allow your mind to rest.
• Maintain a good work-life balance: Don't forget to set boundaries between work and play. When you're off the clock, focus on activities that bring joy and satisfaction.
• Eat consciously: It's way too easy to grab a quick lunch from the vending machine during work hours. But, those choices take a toll on your body and energy. Instead, make conscious food choices that will nourish your body and mind.
• Exercise Regularly: Create an exercise plan for yourself - it could be anything from walking in the morning to doing yoga or lifting weights at night. This helps keep your energy up and makes you more productive.
• Prioritise good sleep: Quality sleep is essential for our physical and mental health, energy levels, productivity and so much more. If you're not getting a solid 7 or 8 hours of good sleep every night, you need to focus on this until you are.

Of course, it can be challenging to manage everything you do at work all day AND look after your wellbeing. But, it's important to remember that taking care of yourself is the first and most important step towards becoming the curious, energetic learner in the workplace you want to be.

For a simple way to learn how to improve your wellbeing, curiosity, and zestiness try my Science of Workplace Wellbeing Online Workshops.

These workshops are on-demand and will edu-tain you on what to eat, how to improve sleep and stress, and more so you can keep your curiosity and energy high and show up as your best self at the office and at home. And you earn Continuing Education points (CPD/CE/PD) at the same time. Plus, your employer might even cover the cost.

Visit this page for all the details on the Workplace Wellbeing Workshops.

Final Notes

The power of curiosity lives within us all. It's what keeps us alive and growing. And when it comes to work, curiosity is essential for staying engaged and motivated. But in order to keep ourselves going, we must first take care of ourselves.

The takeaway? Prioritise your wellbeing. Because when you take care of yourself, it shows up in everything you do - from how engaged you are at work to how energised and curious you feel.

Just like a battery charger that fuels our devices, our wellbeing is the charger we need to stay curious and energised at work.

By cultivating wellbeing at work and at home, you cultivate curiosity within yourself and can become the curious, energetic learner that we all strive to be. So remember - stay well, keep asking, keep learning, and keep growing!

Get started now with the Science of Workplace Wellbeing Workshops. 

Any questions, thoughts, comments, feedback? Please share as we truly value efforts to create a positive wellness culture in your professional and family life.

Yours in good health & a bit of dark chocolate.

Michele.