Happiness Begins With a Question by Karen Little

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Of course, you know that being happy feels better than being sad. But what you might not realize is this: when you stop asking questions, your happiness can start to fade.

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The ability to ask why is rooted in curiosity—and curiosity sparks action. Action often leads to satisfaction, and satisfaction feeds happiness.

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But during periods of isolation—caused by workplace issues, layoffs, retirement, or even empty nest syndrome—our curiosity tends to dim. We stop asking. We stop engaging. And without curiosity, our mental stimulation erodes. That erosion makes it harder to connect with the world around us.

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If you’ve stopped asking others about their experiences, or find yourself reading and watching without real interest, it may be time to reawaken your curiosity muscle.

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You can start small. Ask a friend or family member to tell you more about something they’ve done recently. But even if no one’s around, you can still rekindle your curiosity on your own:

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• Explore articles, videos, or images online. For each topic, jot down 5 to 10 questions.
   

• If no one’s there to answer them—ask Google!
   

• For every answer you find, generate one or two more questions.
   

The art of asking can fade without use. And when we stop generating questions, some people start questioning their purpose. That’s when happiness starts to slip.
 

So: stay curious. Ask more. Dig deeper. Happiness often begins with a question.

 

Suggested Reading on the Value of Asking Questions:
 

The Surprising Power of Questions by Alison Wood Brooks & Leslie K. John – Harvard Business Review

Harvard Researchers Say This Mindset Matters Most: Follow the Rule of 3 Questions to Be More Likable by Jeff Haden, Contributing Editor of Inc.com, April 19, 2021
 

How Questions Improve The Quality of Your Life by Vishal Kataria for Medium.com