The Power of Asking “Why”: Curiosity as a Path to Openness and Expansion

Reclaiming the habit of “why” to create a richer, more meaningful way of being

“Why?”

It’s a word we are taught to use almost as soon as we can talk. Children use it endlessly, sometimes to the amusement (other times to the exasperation) of the adults around them. Yet somewhere along the way, many of us lose touch with this question.

We grow up, we learn to accept the way things are, and we stop asking why.

But what if reclaiming “why” could unlock more than answers? What if it could open new possibilities for creativity, growth, and awareness?

The greatest gift of asking “why” is the openness it creates.

Why Curiosity Matters

Curiosity is about cultivating a mindset that welcomes exploration. When we ask “why,” we step outside the automatic patterns of life and pause long enough to look deeper. That pause can make all the difference: instead of reacting, we start responding.

Instead of assuming, we begin learning.

Curiosity has a ripple effect. Studies show that curious people tend to be more engaged in their work, more resilient in the face of challenges, and better at building relationships. At its heart, curiosity invites us to see things from perspectives other than our own, an openness that often reveals solutions we could not otherwise see.

The Courage to Keep Asking

Courage is the underlying emotion in asking “why.” It can feel uncomfortable to challenge the familiar or to question assumptions we have lived by for years. And yet, curiosity thrives when we lean into that discomfort.

Curiosity gives us permission to look beyond one fixed perspective.

By choosing to keep asking, we invite clarity.

• Why do I feel stuck in this situation?

• Why am I drawn to this goal, and not another?

• Why do we keep doing things this way, and is there a better approach?

These questions do not always lead to immediate answers. But the act of asking shifts our attention, and over time, that shift can reshape how we live and work.

Curiosity in Everyday Life

Curiosity does not need to be reserved for big, life-changing questions. It shows up in small, practical ways, like:

• In conversations. Asking “why” deepens our understanding of others, helping us move past surface-level exchanges into meaningful connection.

  
  

• At work. Curiosity fuels innovation. Many breakthroughs come not from knowing the answer, but from having the courage to ask the question.

  
  

• In personal growth. Curiosity keeps us from getting stuck in rigid, self-defined parameters. It helps us reframe challenges not as failures, but as opportunities to learn.

Curiosity as a Compass

When we ask “why,” we are not just gathering knowledge. We are uncovering meaning.

The question acts like a compass, pointing us toward what truly matters. It helps us filter the noise, prioritize what aligns with our values, and move forward with intention.

For example, someone pursuing a new career might ask, “Why does this path excite me?” The answer could reveal a deeper value, such as creativity, freedom, or service that becomes the true motivator behind the change. Recognizing that value makes decisions clearer and more grounded.

Living With an Open Perspective

Perhaps the greatest gift of asking “why” is the openness it creates.

When we stay curious, we give ourselves permission to look beyond one fixed perspective. We see the world as layered, full of nuance and possibility. And that openness can be transformative. It allows us to recognize opportunities we may have overlooked, to grow into roles we never imagined, and to solve problems in ways we never thought possible.

Curiosity is not about having all the answers. Rather, it is about embracing the journey of asking. The more we ask, the more we learn, not just about the world, but about both ourselves and others.

A Call to Wonder

So the next time you catch yourself going on autopilot, pause and ask: Why?

Why am I doing this? Why does this matter to me? Why not try a different way?

You may not get an answer right away. But in the asking, you will already be practicing curiosity, and that practice is where growth begins.

➤ About GlideView Collective

GlideView is a personal transformation company that helps people who are going through a major life transition to design the next decade of their lives with clarity and purpose. Our flagship 10-Year Visionnaire Program is an eight-week guided small-group experience for individuals who are motivated by personal growth. Through facilitated sessions, intentional reflection, and deliberate planning, participants craft an audacious and meaningful 10-year vision with the support of a like-hearted community.

GlideView programs empower individuals by providing content that increases self-awareness and uncovers internal resources, enabling them to thrive naturally and take progressive action as they navigate this pivotal stage of life.