Staying curious: A new approach to making a New Year’s resolution

For many of us, the end of the calendar year provides an opportunity to reflect and set positive intentions for the year ahead.

You may have already started thinking about a New Year’s resolution and how this will be the year it finally sticks. Fun fact: 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. But before you set common goals like improving your fitness routine, diet or spending habits, how about trying something new? I invite you to join me in my “2025 Commitment to Curiosity.”

As I contemplate the world’s challenges, the division in our communities and, how I, as one person, can make a positive impact, the quote that makes me feel settled, calm – and dare I say, optimistic – is: “Be curious, not judgmental.” These words remind me to pause and think, rather than immediately react, and to practice putting myself in someone else’s shoes to understand behaviors that may be confusing, hurtful or even harmful.

There is extensive research around the positive benefits of curiosity, which is why a “2025 Commitment to Curiosity” makes sense. Look below to learn about a few of those benefits.

• Curious people are happier: When we learn something new, our brains release dopamine and other feel-good chemicals, which contribute to feeling happy. Research shows curious people have higher levels of positive emotions, are less anxious and have greater overall satisfaction with life.
• Curiosity boosts learning: Studies show that curiosity leads to greater enjoyment and engagement in learning new things. When we show up to school or work with a curious mindset, we are more likely to put in greater effort, become more involved and do well.
• Curiosity improves relationships: It is easy to judge others’ behaviors and make negative assumptions about those whose beliefs are not aligned with our own. While this behavior drives division, curiosity builds connection. If we want to strengthen our relationships, we must ask better questions and avoid passing judgement.
• Curiosity improves health: Did you know that loneliness, isolation and lacking social connections are as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes per day? The U.S. is currently fighting a loneliness epidemic, and studies show that people who are less curious are more isolated and lonelier. While there is no quick fix for a complex, national loneliness epidemic, social connection is a key component of U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s framework to combat the issue. The framework details recommendations that individuals, communities, organizations and governments can take to help create a society where people feel more supported and valued.

The benefits of curiosity are compelling. Who doesn’t want to be happier, healthier, feel more closely connected to other people and find more fulfillment at work? I believe a “2025 Commitment to Curiosity” is a New Year’s resolution that just might stick.