Fortitude Fridays #45
read time: 6 mins
A few ideas as you head into the weekend.
Today at a Glance:
- Quote: Never Stop Questioning.
- Question: Curiosity and Positive Outcomes.
- Article: Curiosity: Our Superpower for Just About Everything by Dr Judson Brewer.
- Framework: The Five Whys for Problem Solving.

Quote to Ponder:
The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.
- Albert Einstein
Curiosity can serve as the driving force behind exploration, discovery, and the evolution of our thoughts.
Embracing this is not just a choice; it is an acknowledgment of the significance questioning holds in shaping our world.
Remember, curiosity is the match that ignites the flames of progress.

Question to Ask:
Can I recall a time when curiosity led to a positive outcome or solution?
In our lives, we often come across the cautionary saying 'curiosity killed the cat.' However, it's crucial to recognize that, contrary to the potential downsides, our curiosity can also pave the way for some of the most positive and transformative moments. It acts as a catalyst for growth and learning.
When we take the time to recall instances where our curiosity led to positive outcomes, it reinforces a valuable form of reward learning behavior. The brain associates our curiosity with positive consequences, creating a cycle where such behavior is encouraged and repeated. This positive reinforcement, in turn, encourages us to be more open and curious in various aspects of our lives. Thus it becomes a cycle of self-improvement and exploration.
By acknowledging and appreciating these moments, we not only celebrate our past successes but also cultivate a mindset that encourages continuous curiosity. Very cool.
My Answer: In early 2019, out of desperation to overcome my painful struggles in achieving set goals, I read James Clear's new book 'Atomic Habits.' Not only did it offer guidance, but it ignited a deep curiosity in mindset, discipline, grit, habits, and behavior patterns. Six years later, I passionately seek out research studies, books, podcasts, TEDTalks, and articles on these subjects, hoping to find and share information that might help someone else feeling stuck, much like I once did. That single moment of desperate curiosity altered the trajectory of my life, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Article to Check Out:
Curiosity: Our Superpower for Just About Everything
by: Judson Brewer M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Brewer explores the potential of utilizing a newer scientific understanding of curiosity to improve learning, break undesirable habits, and ultimately create a happier life.
He also explains the two types of curiosity—interest-driven and deprivation-driven—which helps us understand our personal relationship to curiosity.
A quick but interesting read that could shed light on why you find yourself more intrigued or motivated to learn/do certain things compared to others.
Key Takeaway: Exploring the realm of curiosity as a universal and intrinsic superpower, Dr. Brewer explains curiosity's neurobiological roots, highlighting the importance of understanding its role in leading a fulfilling life.

Tactic to Try: The 5 Whys Technique for Problem Solving
A few years ago I came across a meme I still find relatable and hilarious. It is a simple exchange between a person and their brain:
I'd bet that most of us can relate to this scenario at some point within our own lives. When faced with something less than ideal, we often refrain from uncovering the direct cause and, instead, accept it. We endure the situation until it reaches a point of unbearable discomfort, ultimately forcing us to confront and attempt to fix it. However, the path to a solution is not always straightforward. Fortunately, there is a relatively simple process that can assist in uncovering the core of the problem.
Cue the 5 Whys Technique.
The 5 Whys technique is often attributed to Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries. This technique is an integral part of the Toyota Production System and has had a worldwide influence on the lean manufacturing industry. However, it has also been enthusiastically adopted across various industries as a powerful tool for problem-solving and continuous improvement.
How it works:
This technique is a problem-solving method that involves asking "why" multiple times to identify the root cause of a problem. The goal is to uncover the underlying issues rather than just addressing the symptoms. Typically used in the context of process improvement and root cause analysis, the technique helps individuals (or teams) dive deeper into the reasons behind a problem by repeatedly asking "why" until a fundamental cause is identified.
The process involves asking "why" five times in succession, though the number of iterations can vary depending on the situation. Each "why" prompts a deeper exploration of the factors contributing to the problem, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding and effective resolution.
Putting it Into Action:
Step 1: Identify the Problem. Clearly define the problem you want to address. Be specific in articulating the issue you're facing.
Step 2: Ask the First "Why." Ask yourself, or your team, "Why did this problem occur?" and note the immediate cause.
Step 3: Ask "Why" Four More Times. For each answer obtained, ask "Why" again. Repeat this process five times to delve deeper into the underlying factors.
Step 4: Look for the Root Cause. Analyze the responses to identify the root cause of the problem. This is the fundamental reason behind the issue.
Step 5: Address the Root Cause. Develop and implement targeted solutions to address the identified root cause. This may involve process changes, preventive measures, or corrective actions.
Let's look at an example of the problem of always feeling tired:
Root Cause: The root cause of always feeling tired is a combination of a demanding job, high workload, tight project deadlines, and difficulty managing stress, which results in insufficient and poor-quality sleep.
Solution: Address the root cause by implementing strategies to manage stress, set boundaries for work hours, prioritize tasks, and establish a calming bedtime routine to improve sleep quality.
You can see this shown in the diagram below:

While the example provided offers a simplified view, getting into the root cause of a problem might require time and focused contemplation. Journaling might be helpful here, but be patient with yourself throughout this process. It's okay if it takes a bit longer; the journey to uncovering the core issue can be complicated. If you find yourself feeling stuck or discouraged, reach out to a trusted person. They may be able to offer valuable outsider insights to help navigate any roadblocks you encounter.
Remember, it's a journey of discovery, so allow yourself the time and space to unravel the layers of the issue.
Bringing It Home:
In the pursuit of personal and professional development, problem-solving skills are a super power. The 5 Whys technique provides a structured approach to get to the root cause of issues. Whether you're addressing challenges at work or seeking self-improvement, it's a powerful tool in your problem-solving toolkit. It can help you can gain deeper insights, make informed decisions, and work towards creating sustainable solutions.
We've created a blank 5 Whys Worksheet just for you! Grab your free copy here: 5Whys.pdf
Thanks for reading! I hope you have an superb weekend. Until next week...
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