The Curiosity Advantage: How to Thrive Around Brilliant Minds

We all like to think we're smart, and in many ways, we are. Each person I've met has something they excel at, shaped by their unique life experiences. Some people discover their talents early on, encouraged by praise, while others develop skills they've seen valued in others.

It's important to note that not all skills directly translate to financial success. Talents like painting, singing, or drawing, while valuable, don't always lead to equal financial opportunities for everyone gifted in these areas.

The Tech Skill Set

Today, let's focus on a skill that many people around me have mastered or are eager to improve: understanding and building technology, especially technology that can be profitable. Some pursue this for the freedom it offers, while others genuinely enjoy creating the digital solutions that power our world today.

The Company You Keep

There's an old saying: "Surround yourself with smart people, and you'll rise to their level." But we've all seen cases where people work alongside brilliant minds yet struggle to keep up. So, what's missing?

The Missing Ingredient: Curiosity

During a recent Impromptu meet-up, I had a conversation that led to an insight: being around smart people isn't enough on its own. You need one more crucial ingredient: curiosity.When you're surrounded by brilliant minds, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the flood of information. Most people react in one of two ways:

1. They dive in, confident they can understand if they put in the effort.

2. They get discouraged, doubting themselves or even giving up entirely.

The brightest minds stand out because they're naturally curious. This curiosity drives them to explore, question, and learn continuously.

Putting Your Smarts to Work

Remember, most people are smart in their own way. What truly matters is how you use your brain. Cultivating curiosity alongside your existing skills can help you grow, even when surrounded by those you consider smarter than yourself.

Tips for Nurturing Curiosity

1. Ask questions: Don't be afraid to seek clarification or deeper explanations.

2. Explore new topics: Step out of your comfort zone and learn about unfamiliar subjects.

3. Challenge assumptions: Question why things are done a certain way and consider alternatives.

4. Embrace failure: See mistakes as learning opportunities rather than setbacks.

5. Stay open-minded: Be willing to change your views when presented with new information.

By combining your innate intelligence with an active curiosity, you'll be better equipped to grow and thrive, regardless of the company you keep.

Hope this helps, all the best 💚