Choose to be Curious Ep. #65: Capturing the Bandwidth of Curiosity with Todd Kashdan
Oct 17, 2018
Todd Kashdan, a psychologist and professor at George Mason University, shares insights on the complexities of curiosity. He discusses the 'full bandwidth' of curiosity, emphasizing its dual nature, particularly how it relates to anxiety and personal growth. Todd also highlights the role curious exploration plays in the workplace and how it fosters openness. Through engaging analogies and his metaphor of elasticity, he encourages listeners to embrace their curiosities, illustrating how this mindset enhances creativity and learning.
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From Wall Street to Psychology
- Todd Kashdan transitioned from a career on Wall Street to psychology due to a craving for exploration and deeper understanding.
- He was inspired by the soul-sucking nature of finance where curiosity was largely absent.
Anxiety Masks Unfulfilled Curiosity
- People with anxiety disorders often suffer from unfulfilled curiosity which causes greater distress than the anxiety itself.
- The frustration from having a sense of wonder but not acting on it underpins much of human distress.
Curiosity Depends on Life Goals
- Curiosity is a choice linked to individual life objectives, not universal necessity.
- Growth-driven lives embrace curiosity despite discomfort, while others may prioritize happiness without curiosity.
