Bill Fanning is the CEO and Co-Founder of Greetr, a candidate engagement platform, and a passionate diversity advocate.
Life has a way of presenting us with physical, mental and emotional challenges that may push us to our limits. For me, some of these moments manifested because I decided to do something big—compete in a race or start a company—and, well, life happened!
In these moments, we may feel overwhelmed, discouraged or even defeated. And that’s natural. However, amid the chaos of screaming muscles or mental anxiety, there’s a hidden force that can help us find the resilience to keep going: curiosity.
Curiosity is a superpower!
As a very amateur athlete and a startup founder, I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of embracing curiosity to navigate a storm and discover remarkable transformations. Growing up, I found it was easy to become consumed by fear, anxiety or despair when faced with adversity or an uncertain, daunting future. Then I joined the military.
I can remember sitting on a tightly packed cattle car (IYKYK), heading downrange for basic training. Boy howdy, I was a quacking bundle of nerves! But as I sat in that dark, hot and seriously malodorous transport, I started to think about what I could become and whether, deep down, I really wanted it. Better yet, was I willing to give whatever it would take to get to achieve a goal? That’s when I shifted my perspective. I began to view the upcoming challenges and difficulties as an opportunity to engage my innate curiosity around growth. Could I be something more?
Curiosity is a powerful force that can drive us to seek understanding as we question and explore the unknown. With an inquisitive mindset, we can open ourselves to new perspectives, ideas and solutions. Instead of folding in the face of formidable circumstances, we can decide to examine them with a sense of wonder. This opens the door for a huge transformation because we’re choosing to investigate the depths of our intense emotions and reactions, understand their origins and then find our way to the other side.
What if you hold on for five more seconds?
Difficult times have a way of revealing our true selves with startling clarity because self-reflection allows us to step outside our comfort zones and find the truth of our potential. That’s why we need to ask ourselves “Can I hold out just a bit longer?” For example, there were many moments in my military career where I could’ve given up. But when I held on for a few more seconds, I was amazed to find out what I was capable of. I realized that a lot of my limits were mental perceptions that I could easily crumble by confronting them.
As we navigate adversity, curiosity can become a compass that helps us discover hidden strengths and capabilities. The next time you’re dealing with hardships, create space for self-reflection and forgiveness. Ask yourself questions like “Why do I feel this way?” and “What can I learn from this experience?” With this kind of introspection, you’ll gain valuable wisdom about your inner world and how you process complex emotions. This then enables you to find meaning and purpose even in the most trying times.
The huge win, of course, is an awareness of your instincts under duress and a foundation for enduring a bit longer with confidence and determination. Don’t get me wrong. There are still plenty of times when my brain screams, “Whose bright idea was this?!” But relying on the power of curiosity always keeps me going.
It’s about embracing opportunities.
One of the most magical aspects of being curious is how it can lead us down paths of unexpected discoveries and new opportunities. By remaining open and receptive, we may stumble upon connections, resources or support that will help us better navigate future challenges. Oftentimes, it’s these serendipitous moments that remind me how, even in our darkest hours, there’s light to be found.
Curiosity is a beacon of hope that can guide us through difficult times. It’s how we find what’s on the other side of adversity and focus on positivity. With this mindset, we can transform overwhelming burdens into profound opportunities for growth, self-discovery and even fun.
As you navigate challenges of any kind, open yourself up to the act of reflecting on the depths of your feelings. You’ll be able to uncover hidden strengths to hold on a bit longer. In doing so, you may discover a world you never knew existed.
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