In a world characterized by perpetual change and competition, curiosity can be the driving factor for your ongoing evolution. It’s fundamentally about perspectives and how you respond to life’s events and challenges. If you don’t embrace your challenges, you’re missing out on the full experience of life. Here are some insights I’ve gathered throughout my journey, with the hope that they can enrich your understanding and appreciation of life.
Do your homework:
It’s crucial to be well-prepared for significant life events. Consider a scenario where you have an interview that could lead to life-altering decisions, whether it’s for a job or business negotiations.
In such situations, thorough preparation is key. You don’t need to dedicate hours; just fifteen minutes of research about the person you’re meeting can make a difference.
Find out their age, family background, and hobbies. If they’re from a different country, go beyond learning their native language; find out what other languages they speak. Additionally, learning to say “Hello” in their native language might seem trivial, but these small gestures can significantly impact the outcome.
Do things that don’t exist in others’ reality:
Do you know the International Mathematical Olympiad? According to its official page, it describes itself as…
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is the World Championship Mathematics Competition for High School students and is held annually in a different country. The first IMO was held in 1959 in Romania, with 7 countries participating. It has gradually expanded to over 100 countries from 5 continents. The IMO Board ensures that the competition takes place each year and that each host country observes the regulations and traditions of the IMO.
International Mathematical Olympiad
Have you ever attempted to tackle any of its challenges? Last year, I shared a math olympiad preparation resource based on a YouTube video. This enigmatic YouTuber has been uploading videos about problems that could help you prepare for math olympiad challenges. It might sound unbelievable, but watching his videos made me feel like I could attempt some of those math olympiad problems.
Growing up, I despised math, but as I aged, I learned the hard way that surviving in this world requires a basic understanding of numbers. Becoming proficient in algebra can not only boost your confidence but also provide you with new perspectives on life in general.
Consider this: no matter your age, it’s never too late to start. How many people do you think solve math olympiad-level problems daily? All you need is a pen and paper. Start by watching one of these videos, then try solving a problem similar to what you’ve just watched.
Continue to watch and solve problems, not just from his videos but also from the vast resources available on the Internet.
Make it a daily habit for the rest of the year. Aren’t you excited to see how far you can go in a year?
While your friends are playing Palworld, try watching and solving some of these videos and see where it takes you.
Do things that don’t exist in your reality.
And here’s the one I posted last year.
Selective ignorance:
You don’t need to know everything in a world brimming with information and noise. It’s more important to be curious yet selective. Focus on becoming an expert in a specific field and continue to grow within it.
Some might judge you for not knowing what they do. Ignore them. There’s no obligation to know everything, nor is there any need to defend yourself against such judgments—it’s simply a waste of time.
Instead, tune out the noise and specialize in what you love. This approach can make things much clearer.
Be a polymath:
Embracing curiosity and striving to be a polymath can enrich your life, not just financially but in all aspects. While this might seem contradictory to my earlier point about specialization, possessing a broad range of knowledge in areas that captivate your curiosity can attract others with high levels of intelligence.
It’s important to be selective in acquiring knowledge, but you can still broaden your interests as time permits. Engage with books, explore YouTube videos, execute actions, and conduct experiments.
Becoming a polymath can revolutionize your way of thinking and overall life experience.
Imposter syndrome:
When you embark on learning a new skill or acquiring new knowledge, you might encounter a phase commonly known as imposter syndrome. This is a period during which you begin to doubt your ability to learn the skill or to succeed in the endeavor you’ve undertaken.
Alternatively, this syndrome can also arise when you choose an unconventional path. Imagine venturing into becoming a YouTuber while your peers are following traditional careers. It’s natural to start questioning your decision in such scenarios.
However, it’s important not to be overwhelmed by these feelings. Remember, you’re not alone. Pursuing a path less traveled or aiming for goals beyond the ordinary often comes with such doubts.
Continue to strive and walk confidently. Remember, it’s always possible to change direction if you choose. Life is not a straight path.
What’s crucial is that you’re following a passion that others cannot teach you. While anyone can acquire a certain level of skill within six months, the passion for what you’re doing—something I mentioned earlier—is irreplaceable.
So, keep in mind that imposter syndrome can be a byproduct of pursuing your passion, and it’s something to consider as part of the journey.
Be an irreplaceable listener:
When you’re engaging in a conversation with someone, it’s crucial not to listen merely to reply but to understand the full context, including what hasn’t been explicitly stated. Pay attention to their choice of words. As complex social beings, humans often communicate in nuanced ways.
Sometimes, when individuals seek help, they may not directly express it but might give subtle hints or even say something contrary to their actual desires. It’s important to be observant and catch these signals beyond the words.
By listening attentively and grasping the entire context, you can gain a deeper understanding of the person you’re engaging with. This practice isn’t common, but it’s invaluable.
Becoming an irreplaceable listener can truly make you indispensable to those around you.
Be a problem solver, not a problem spotter:
It’s often easier to identify a problem than to solve it. Unfortunately, our world today seems to have an abundance of problem spotters. Don’t be among them. Instead of merely pointing out issues, focus your energy on finding solutions. Problem spotters not only drain the energy of others but also worsen the overall experience. Aim to be a problem solver.
Be relatable:
The topics discussed previously can significantly enhance your overall life experience and your perspective on the world. This final topic is crucial for interacting with others: be relatable. When engaging with friends or meeting someone new, aim to discuss topics that resonate with their lives. Instead of focusing on your personal interests or dramas, share stories or ideas that they can connect with.
Take the math Olympiad problem mentioned earlier as an example; it could serve as a conversation starter. Although the problem might seem too hard at first, a closer examination reveals it can be approached with concepts learned in junior high or high school. While the topic of mathematics may be a bit niche, the underlying principle is what matters: everyone is experiencing something, and the key is to find common ground that makes you relatable.
Conclusion:
In a world defined by constant change and relentless competition, curiosity has been the driving force behind my continuous growth. Ultimately, it all comes down to perspectives and how we choose to react to the challenges and events that life throws our way. If we shy away from our challenges, we deprive ourselves of the richness that life has to offer. The insights shared in this essay stem from my personal journey, offered in the hope that they might broaden your perspectives and deepen your appreciation for life. As we conclude, remember that embracing curiosity can transform the way we navigate our existence, turning every challenge into an opportunity for growth.