Key Takeaways
- Curiosity reframes uncertainty as an invitation – not a threat or issue.
- Neuroscience has determined when we’re curious, the brain’s dopaminergic system is activated – similar to when we anticipate a reward.
- This contrasts when the brain responds to change and uncertainty by activating the amygdala – that triggers the same stress responses as physical danger !
- Cultivate curiosity to encourage exploration and a forward looking perspective – to create new opportunities and value as well as developing new competencies and capabilities.
Introduction
Simply put, curiosity makes us feel good about the prospect of discovering something new. Being curious also expands our interests and helps us learn more efficiently – by enhancing hippocampal activity and boosting our capacity to form and retain new memories. Studies show that when people are curious about a topic, they remember the specific information related to their interest plus unrelated material better ! As well, curiosity promotes neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to rewire itself in response to new experiences or a new environment. This makes it an ideal cognitive state in times of change – when we need to break established norms and neural patterns to form new connections or concepts.
The Importance of Curiosity in Times of Change
Change, by its nature, introduces uncertainty – which typically results in the human brain responding to uncertainty by activating the amygdala, triggering the same stress responses as physical danger !
For those responsible for moving the organization forward by encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation, developing new capabilities, etc. – it’s essential this response to uncertainty be avoided
…. by encouraging curiosity, asking questions, exploring new scenarios, etc. to transform uncertainty from a threat into an invitation.
To explain, curiosity increases our tolerance for prediction error – the gap between what we expect and what we actually experience. This makes us more thoughtful and flexible in our thinking, less reactive, and better at updating our mental models.
There’s also a balancing act happening between two major brain networks – the Default Mode Network (associated with imagination and introspection) and the Executive Control Network (responsible for goal-oriented behavior) – which often take turns being active.
To enable you to be your best, curiosity helps synchronize these networks – so we can envision the possibilities and take action — with the balance needed to navigate change.
As well, curiosity can also act as a buffer to enable a person to better deal with emotions associated new situations or potential unknown factors. For example, when we view an unexpected situation through a curious lens (“What is this about ? , What can I learn from this ?”), we are less likely to have anxiety, be overwhelmed, confused, insecure, etc. – that frequently results in people ignoring or avoiding a situation. This curiosity based cognitive reframe can dramatically improve how we experience and respond to the inherent uncertainty of change.
5 Ways to Navigate Change with Curiosity
Curiosity isn’t a fixed trait you either have or lack – it’s a cognitive skill that can be developed. Here are five ways to cultivate it, especially during times of change –
1. Ask “ What if ? ” instead of “ What now ? ”
Reframe fear-based responses with questions that invite exploration. Instead of “ I don’t know how to handle this new role ” try “ What if I approached this role as a learning opportunity ? ” This simple shift activates your prefrontal cortex rather than your amygdala – which will help the brain be more open and receptive to new information as well as minimize stress associated with change.
2. Take Notes
Envision you are an anthropologist studying your own life. Document what surprised you, what you don’t understand yet, or what made you pause during the day. Be specific – “ Today I noticed X and wondered why… ”. This practice builds a curiosity habit and has the added bonus of creating a record of your learning journey.
3. Perform Experiments
Want to create something new ? Meet with people responsible for innovation or Research and Development or those doing digital innovation ? Curious about writing ? Start with a weekly newsletter for three months instead of a book. These experiments will provide valuable data that increase your awareness and knowledge that facilitate building confidence and comfort with a new environment or situation – even when the path forward is uncertain.
4. Embrace Not Knowing – to Fast Track Learning
Practice saying “ I don’t know – yet ” – and not immediately searching for an answer. Spend time exploring, asking questions and learning – without rushing to conclusions. Research suggests that this enhances cognitive flexibility and creative problem-solving — critical neural functions that support adaptation and facilitates a transition or transformation.
5. Treat Failure as a Learning Opportunity
When something doesn’t go as planned, resist frustration or labeling it as a failure. Instead, treat unexpected outcomes as valuable information to develop a better understanding of things. By viewing surprises or setbacks as part of change and growth – rather than an indication of issues or shortcomings. This mindset is needed to transform a potentially discouraging situation into an opportunity to grow and take a portfolio approach to be better at innovation.
Summary
It’s important to note that the brain’s capacity for curiosity fluctuates. The amygdala’s activity increases under stress, making curiosity harder to access precisely when it might be most beneficial. That’s why regularly practicing even small shifts in perspective can be helpful to train ourselves to re-engage the prefrontal cortex.
While people often think of change as something to endure, it’s important to recognize change is how we learn and adapt to grow. To facilitate this occurring, utilize curiosity to activate the dopaminergic pathways, strengthen your hippocampal function, improve your memory formation and retention, increase your prediction error tolerance, etc. – to enhance your capacity to navigate uncertainty with greater flexibility and competence as well as with less anxiety, reactivity or emotion.
To apply this thinking the next time you face a situation and feel anxious or uncertainty, ask yourself the question – “ How would I look at it if I was curious ? “.
In closing, utilize curiosity to facilitate developing your “ Learning Abilities and Competencies “. And realize, making good decisions stems from “ knowing how to look at things + your follow up action (to achieve the desired outcome) “. For those where this is important, the more you leverage “curiosity “, you fast track developing the mindset needed to seek and make good on opportunity, plus be more sophisticated in managing change and risk.
June 3, 2025 …. from Smart Skills / CAIL CAIL Innovation Commentary
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