Unleashing Your Inner 5-Year-Old
Curiosity Over Certainty
Remember being five? That magical age when "why" wasn't just a question - it was your superpower. You'd ask why the sky was blue, then why light bends, then why atoms exist, until your parents desperately offered ice cream as a distraction. That relentless curiosity didn't just drive adults crazy - it drove learning.
Trading Comfort for Discovery
I learned this lesson during an Authors Q&A session for my first book. A participant raised her hand and, clearly agitated, challenged one of my core tools. Her tone suggested she was offended by my approach, and the whole room tensed up. In that moment, I had a choice: react defensively or model what I teach about responding with curiosity. Taking a deep breath, I chose curiosity. "That's a fascinating perspective," I said, genuinely intrigued. "Tell me more about how you see it." The shift was immediate - her shoulders relaxed, her expression softened, and what started as confrontation transformed into collaboration. Her insights opened up a whole new dimension to the tool that I'd never considered. That moment reminded me how much magic happens when we trade defensiveness for curiosity, and how choosing to respond rather than react can transform both the conversation and the connection.
Trading Know-It-All for Learn-It-All
Think of expertise like a full closet. Sure, you've got great stuff in there, but if you never clean it out, you'll miss the chance to try new styles. Sometimes you need to temporarily ignore your carefully organized shelf of knowledge and play dress-up with new ideas.
The Five-Year-Old's Guide to Innovation
Years ago, while teaching first grade, one of my students wrote a story that started at the ending. When I asked why, she gave me that classic six-year-old look of infinite wisdom and said, "Because that's how my grandma tells stories!" That simple insight resurfaced recently as I prepared for a leadership conference talk. Breaking free from my usual presentation patterns, I channeled that first-grader's wisdom. Instead of the typical problem-to-solution format, I started with success stories and worked backward to reveal the journey. By breaking the "rules" like my young student, I created what became a very well received presentation.
Practical Ways to Unleash Your Inner Kindergartener
1. The "What If?" Game: When stuck, ask "What if?" until possibility opens-up. Turn your problem upside down: What if this challenge is actually your opportunity? What if the usual way is the wrong way? Let your imagination run wild - that's where the magic happens.
2. Show-and-Tell Magic: In my coaching groups, we share objects that open up new possibilities - a shell from a life-changing beach walk, a photograph that captures a moment of courage, a cherished letter that reminds us who we really are. These personal treasures spark fresh perspectives and expand our sense of what's possible. When we connect to what truly moves us, our work transforms.
3. Mind-Body Wisdom: Take a walk outside when you're stuck - let nature's patterns spark new insights. Put on your favorite upbeat music and dance for five minutes before a challenging task. When facing a tough decision, notice where you feel tension in your body - it's often pointing to the answer your mind is overlooking. These aren't just breaks; they're tools for accessing your intuitive wisdom.
Here's your official permission slip to:
Ask "stupid" questions (they're usually the smartest ones)
Admit when you don't know something (it's not a weakness, it's a superpower)
Make spectacular mistakes (they make the best stories)
Get excited about new discoveries (no one's too cool for enthusiasm)
Remember, expertise isn't about having all the answers - it's about staying curious enough to keep finding new questions. Sometimes the most professional thing we can do is put on our light-up sneakers and jump into puddles of uncertainty.
YOUR Challenge of the Week: Pick one "because that's how we've always done it" process in your work. Channel your inner five-year-old and ask "why?" five times. Share what you discover - I'd love to hear your stories!
Here's to keeping our curiosity lights on,
🦄 Andrea
P.S. My inner five-year-old just grabbed the keyboard and added that unicorn. She insists it stays - and I've learned not to argue with her wisdom!
Ready to transform your perspective and your leadership from the inside out?
✧ Private Coaching Create lasting change through personalized guidance. [Schedule a Discovery Call]
✧ NCR Workshops Experience NAME, CLAIM AND REFRAME® in an intimate group setting. [Join Waitlist]
✧ The Book-Discover your path to authentic power with "Name, Claim & Reframe." [Get Your Copy]
✧ The Workbook- Put insights into action with practical tools and exercises. [Order Now]"
BONUS: Not sure where to start?
Take the What’s Your Leadership Style Quiz!
