Think Like A Child

One of the most amazing things of having children, 4 & 2 years old, is the amount of questions that these little individuals have. I don't remember much before 5 years age, most of my memory from earlier times are just flashes of images, as if just out of reach to fully grasp. I am sure I was no different from them though.



"Daddy why...?"



"When did you...?"



"Why does...?"



My wife and I wish we had a remote sometimes, but far be it for us to kill a child's curiosity. It's how we all learned, but as we grow older we lose the inclination to ask questions and settle into just smiling and nodding through the things we don't understand.



Whether you think it's not "cool" to ask, or perhaps you feel foolish for not knowing something that someone else obviously knows, not asking questions will only leave you more confused and unknowing then you were before.



I reflect on the fearless approach my children have with new topics, and with reckless abandon they fire questions, left and right, because they are hungry to know. If only we would allow ourselves just a brief moment to think like a child. The idea of social media is fairly new when considering how long we've been connected as a global community. There are no experts, but there are those that have more experience, and to those of us that are just starting out, we consider experts in the field.



That being said, I personally have found a great relationship with those that I follow online via Twitter, email, Friendfeed, and LinkedIn. I made a decision that I am interested enough to understand how technology binds us together and allows us instantaneous communication, that I would ask all the questions I could.



Like a child I started, and I connected with people that I felt were far more experienced but approachable nonetheless. People like Cheryl Smith, Chris Brogan, and Jennifer Navarrete have been great mentors to me, helping me find my niche in this field. I continue to ask questions, explore options and grow.



Are you asking questions? Have you allowed yourself to grow by asking those you look up to? This concept is not industry specific, you can be anyone doing anything, but asking questions is the only way to grow.



Thinking like a child definitely has it's benefits.



Photo Credit, JeremyHall