You won’t get very far in life without this skill

Summary

In this video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of inquisitiveness, a skill that has led to success for innovators like Steph Curry and productivity experts like Ali Abdal. Through a compelling story about Warby Parker, the video highlights how asking 'why' can spark revolutionary ideas. The speaker explores how society discourages curiosity and how questioning the status quo can lead to breakthroughs. By embracing 'vuja day'—seeing things from a fresh perspective—individuals can challenge conventional thinking, foster creativity, and improve their lives, whether in business, sports, or personal growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Inquisitiveness is a key skill that top performers like athletes and productivity experts use to achieve success.
• 😀 The ability to ask 'why' helps to challenge default thinking and opens up new avenues for innovation.
• 😀 The story of Warby Parker showcases the power of asking why and questioning traditional business practices.
• 😀 Children ask 'why' frequently, which fosters curiosity, but as adults, societal norms often discourage this behavior.
• 😀 Society values safety and certainty, which makes it easier to follow default thinking rather than question it.
• 😀 Vuja day, a term coined by Adam Grant, refers to seeing familiar things in a new light to generate fresh insights.
• 😀 Steph Curry revolutionized basketball by questioning the traditional play style and focusing on three-pointers.
• 😀 Ali Abdal's approach to productivity challenges conventional methods by prioritizing enjoyment over grind and efficiency.
• 😀 To become more inquisitive, start by adding 'why' to your vocabulary and questioning even the smallest things in life.
• 😀 High-quality questions can reveal deeper insights and solutions to problems, going beyond surface-level inquiries.
• 😀 To truly grow, be willing to admit when you're wrong, change your beliefs, and let go of preconceived notions to see things differently.

Q & A

What is the key skill that high performers like Steph Curry and Ali Abdal have developed?

The key skill is inquisitiveness, which involves asking deep questions and challenging the default ways of thinking to gain new insights and perspectives.

How did the four friends from Wharton School of Business approach the problem of expensive eyewear?

The four friends questioned why glasses were so expensive and discovered that a single company, Luxottica, monopolized the eyewear market. They decided to bypass traditional channels, create their own glasses in-house, and sell directly to customers at a fraction of the cost, leading to the creation of Warby Parker.

Why is asking 'why' an important part of developing inquisitiveness?

Asking 'why' helps break out of default thinking patterns, promotes open-mindedness, and encourages a deeper understanding of the world, whether in conversations, self-inquiry, or making changes in one's reality.

Why do children tend to be better at being inquisitive compared to adults?

Children are naturally more inquisitive because their brains are still forming, and they haven't yet been conditioned by societal norms and expectations that discourage too many questions or 'why' inquiries.

What societal pressures limit inquisitiveness in adults?

Society tends to discourage adults from asking too many basic or obvious questions, as it can make them appear uninformed or unintelligent. Additionally, fitting in and following conventional paths provides safety and certainty, further discouraging questioning.

What does 'vuja day' mean, and how does it relate to inquisitiveness?

Vuja day, a concept coined by Adam Grant, refers to seeing something familiar with a fresh perspective. It involves questioning default thinking patterns to gain new insights, and is exemplified by people like Steph Curry, who redefined the game of basketball by approaching it from a unique angle.

How did Steph Curry’s approach to basketball represent 'vuja day'?

Steph Curry’s approach to shooting, particularly his focus on deep three-pointers and quick releases, was a departure from traditional basketball strategies. His unconventional play style influenced the entire NBA and reshaped how teams approach offense and defense.

How did Ali Abdal redefine productivity in his book 'Feelgood Productivity'?

Ali Abdal challenged the traditional views of productivity that emphasize grinding and efficiency by proposing that true productivity comes from feeling good about your work. This approach emphasizes enjoying the process, which naturally leads to greater productivity without burnout.

What is the significance of questioning default modes in life, and how can it lead to success?

Questioning default modes allows individuals to break free from societal norms and create their own paths. This is crucial for innovation and success, as it enables people to find unique solutions to problems, as demonstrated by Warby Parker, Steph Curry, and Ali Abdal.

How can someone develop their inquisitiveness in everyday life?

To develop inquisitiveness, one can start by incorporating the word 'why' into daily life, questioning basic things they interact with, and exploring unconventional ways of thinking about common problems. Practicing deep inquiry and being open to changing beliefs or perspectives is key to fostering curiosity.