5 Practical Tips for Pursuing Curiosity-Driven Projects

Published on 18 July 2023 6 min read

Embrace your interests
Plan but stay flexible
Find mentors and likeminded individuals
Document your process
Celebrate small wins

Has it ever crossed your mind that you might want to pursue curiosity-driven projects? Many of us have interests that make our eyes light up and our spirits lift, but we often push them aside for more 'practical' pursuits. This blog offers practical tips on how you can turn your passion into a project that not only satisfies your curiosity but also brings value to your life and those around you. Let's dive in!

Embrace Your Interests

Our journey to pursue curiosity-driven projects begins with embracing our interests. It's about recognizing what makes your heart tick and daring to delve into it. Here's how you can do just that:

Identify your passion

Start by taking a moment to think about what truly excites you. It could be anything from crafting homemade candles to studying the cosmos. Whatever it is, write it down. This is the first step in the process to pursue curiosity-driven projects.

Research your interest

Once you've got your interest in mind, it's time to get to know it a little better. Read books on the topic, watch relevant documentaries, or listen to podcasts. This will help you understand the depth of your interest and how you might want to explore it further.
For instance, if you're fascinated by marine life, you might read books like "The Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery, or watch documentaries like "Blue Planet". The more you learn, the more you'll want to pursue curiosity-driven projects in this area.

Make time for exploration

Remember, pursuing curiosity-driven projects isn't about adding another task to your to-do list—it's about carving out space for exploration and enjoyment. Set aside a specific time each week to delve into your interest. This could be an hour on Sunday mornings, or a few minutes each evening before bed. The key is consistency and dedication.

Don't be afraid to experiment

Finally, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Start a small project related to your interest. This could be anything from creating your first homemade candle to building a mini model of the solar system. It's all about taking that first step and learning as you go. Remember, it's not about perfection, it's about the journey of pursuing curiosity-driven projects.

Plan but Stay Flexible

Moving forward, the next step to pursue curiosity-driven projects is to plan. But remember, while having a plan can provide a sense of direction, it is equally important to stay flexible and open to new ideas and opportunities that may arise. Let's break this down:

Create a Roadmap

Creating a rough plan or roadmap can help guide your curiosity-driven project. It can provide structure and help you manage your time effectively. However, remember this isn't a strict schedule—it's more like a guide that points you in the right direction.

Adapt and Adjust

In the process of pursuing your project, you might stumble upon new information or face unexpected challenges. That's completely fine and part of the journey. The key here is to be adaptable. If a certain approach isn't working, don't be disheartened. Instead, see it as an opportunity to try something different.
For example, if you're trying to create a homemade candle but the wax isn't setting right, don't give up. Research other methods or try different types of wax. Sometimes, the most rewarding part of pursuing curiosity-driven projects is overcoming these challenges and finding new ways to succeed.

Stay Open to New Ideas

While it's good to have a plan, it's also important to stay open to new ideas. Often, in the process of exploration, you might discover new aspects of your interest that you'd like to explore. By staying flexible, you give yourself the freedom to venture down these new paths and enrich your project in unexpected ways.

Remember to Enjoy the Journey

Lastly, don't forget to enjoy the process. Pursuing curiosity-driven projects isn't just about reaching a goal—it's about the journey. It's about the excitement of learning new things, the satisfaction of overcoming challenges, and the joy of exploring something you're passionate about. So keep your plan flexible, adapt as you go, and most importantly, have fun!

Find Mentors and Likeminded Individuals

As you pursue curiosity-driven projects, don't forget the immense value of human connections. Finding a mentor or connecting with people who share similar interests can enhance your learning journey. Let's see how:

Seek Guidance from a Mentor

A mentor can be an invaluable resource on your journey. They can share their experience, provide insights, and guide you when you get stuck. For example, if you're starting a gardening project, a mentor who is a seasoned gardener can not only teach you the basics but also share tips that they've gathered over years of experience.

Connect with Likeminded Individuals

Joining a community of likeminded people can provide a support system. You can share your progress, ask for advice, and learn from others' experiences. For instance, if you're curious about astronomy, joining a local astronomy club or an online forum can expose you to a wealth of shared knowledge and experience.

Collaborate on Projects

Collaboration can lead to innovation. By working with others on curiosity-driven projects, you can bounce ideas off each other, learn different approaches, and get inspired.
For example, if you're interested in filmmaking, collaborating with a friend who loves scriptwriting might lead to creating a short film that combines both your interests.

Remember, It's Okay to Ask for Help

When you're stuck or in doubt, don't hesitate to reach out to your mentors or community. Remember, every expert was once a beginner, and they too have faced challenges and asked for help. Pursuing curiosity-driven projects is a journey of learning, and asking for help is part of that journey.

Document Your Process

As you pursue curiosity-driven projects, keeping a record of your journey can be incredibly beneficial. Not only does it help track your progress, but it also allows you to reflect on your learning and growth. Let's dive into how you can effectively document your process:

Create a Project Journal

Consider keeping a project journal. It's a place where you can jot down your ideas, questions, observations, and learnings. For instance, if you're getting into bird-watching, make a note of the different species you spot, their characteristics, and behaviors. This not only helps you remember details but also deepens your understanding of the subject.

Take Pictures and Videos

Visual documentation can be a powerful tool in your curiosity-driven projects. They offer a tangible way to track your progress over time. For example, if you're learning to paint, taking pictures of your artwork at various stages can show your progression and areas for improvement.

Use Digital Tools

There are countless digital tools available that can help you document your process effectively. Apps like Evernote or Trello can help organize your thoughts, ideas, and progress all in one place.
For example, if you're working on a coding project, using a platform like GitHub not only lets you save and version your work but also allows others to contribute and learn from your project.

Reflect on Your Journey

Documenting your process isn't just about recording what you did or achieved—it's also about reflecting on your journey. Take time to review your notes, images, or any other records. Reflect on what you've learned, what challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This reflection is a crucial part of any process, especially when pursuing curiosity-driven projects.

Celebrate Small Wins

When you pursue curiosity-driven projects, it's important to remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. This section will guide you on how to acknowledge and celebrate your small wins throughout your project journey.

Recognize Progress

Often, we become so focused on the end goal that we overlook the progress we've made. Did you complete a chapter of the book you're writing? Did you manage to grow a plant from seed? These are all small wins that deserve recognition. Celebrating these moments can provide a morale boost and motivate you to keep going.

Set Milestones

Setting milestones can help you visualize your progress. They can be as simple as finishing a sketch for your art project, or reaching a certain number of followers on your blog. When you reach a milestone, take a moment to celebrate — you've earned it!

Sharing your achievements with others can amplify your sense of accomplishment. Whether it's showing off your freshly baked bread on social media or telling a friend about a breakthrough in your research, don't hold back! Your enthusiasm can inspire others to pursue their own curiosity-driven projects.

Practice Gratitude

Gratitude plays a key role in celebrating small wins. Be thankful for your progress, for the knowledge you've gained, and for the journey itself. Remember, the goal of pursuing curiosity-driven projects is not just to reach the end, but to enjoy the process and learn along the way.

If you're looking to dive deeper into curiosity-driven projects, check out the workshop 'Side Projects' by Simon Foster. This workshop will help you unlock your creative potential and provide practical tips on how to successfully pursue and manage side projects that align with your passions.