Fear is something we all deal with. It shows up when we’re about to try something new, take a risk, or step out of our comfort zone. Fear whispers things like, “What if I fail?” or “What will people think?” The problem isn’t that fear exists—it’s that we often let it take the driver’s seat. Gilbert suggests that instead of trying to eliminate fear, we should acknowledge it and then gently move it to the backseat. The real driver? Curiosity. Curiosity is that inner voice that asks, “What if this works?” or “What could I learn from this?” It’s the part of us that’s excited to explore, experiment, and grow.
So, how do you start living a curiosity-driven life? It begins with small steps. Think about the things you’ve always wanted to try but never did because you were too scared. Maybe it’s painting, starting a blog, learning a new language, or even just saying “yes” to an invitation that feels a little outside your comfort zone. The key is to focus on the process, not the outcome. When you’re driven by curiosity, you’re not worried about being perfect or getting it right the first time. You’re just excited to see where the journey takes you.
One of the biggest obstacles to living creatively is the fear of failure. We’re often so afraid of making mistakes that we don’t even try. But here’s the thing: failure is part of the process. Every successful person has failed at some point. What sets them apart is that they didn’t let failure stop them. They stayed curious. They asked themselves, “What can I learn from this?” and kept going. When you adopt this mindset, failure stops being something to fear and starts being a stepping stone to growth.
Another important aspect of creative living is letting go of other people’s opinions. We often hold ourselves back because we’re worried about what others will think. But the truth is, most people are too busy worrying about their own lives to judge yours. When you focus on what truly excites and interests you, you’ll find that the opinions of others matter less and less. This doesn’t mean you have to ignore feedback or shut people out—it just means you shouldn’t let their opinions dictate your choices.
Living a curiosity-driven life also means embracing uncertainty. Life is unpredictable, and that’s what makes it exciting. When you’re curious, you’re open to new possibilities and experiences. You’re willing to take risks and try things even when you’re not sure how they’ll turn out. This doesn’t mean you have to quit your job or make drastic changes overnight. It’s about finding small ways to inject more curiosity into your daily life. Maybe it’s trying a new recipe, exploring a new neighborhood, or signing up for a class that interests you. The more you practice following your curiosity, the more natural it will feel.
One of the most beautiful things about living with curiosity is that it helps you connect with your true self. When you’re constantly chasing external validation or trying to meet other people’s expectations, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters to you. But when you let curiosity guide you, you start to discover what truly brings you joy and fulfillment. You might find that your interests and passions evolve over time, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to have everything figured out—it’s to keep exploring and growing.
Of course, living a curiosity-driven life isn’t always easy. There will be times when fear creeps back in, and that’s normal. The important thing is to recognize when fear is taking over and gently shift your focus back to curiosity. Ask yourself, “What’s the next small step I can take?” or “What’s one thing I’m excited to try?” By taking small, consistent actions, you’ll build momentum and confidence.
Finally, remember that creative living isn’t about achieving some grand, perfect life. It’s about finding joy in the process and embracing the messiness of being human. It’s about being brave enough to follow your curiosity, even when it feels uncomfortable. And it’s about trusting that the journey itself is worth it, even if you don’t have all the answers.
So, what are you curious about? What’s one thing you’ve been wanting to try but haven’t yet? Take a deep breath, acknowledge your fears, and then let curiosity take the lead. You might be surprised at where it takes you. After all, as Elizabeth Gilbert reminds us, creative living is about choosing curiosity over fear, one small step at a time. And who knows? That small step might just lead to something extraordinary.
