You Just Had to Do It, Didn’t You?

If you’re reading this post, you have probably arrived here because you received a QR code with no particular text on it, other than a simple Scan Me Why Don’t You.

Obviously, you did the most natural, most inherently human thing you could do – you scanned it.

And now you’re here! Welcome to my blog – We Are Biljka. This is a post on curiosity. Okay, and a bit of marketing… but mostly curiosity. 😊

Curiosity Killed the Cat, But!

Even though the original proverb, first recorded in 1598, says Care killed the cat, a slightly more polished, modern and refined version, which became popular in the 19th century, claims that it was Curiosity that killed the proverbial cat. Another inherently human trait is the desire to revamp everything, hence the early 20th-century version:

Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back!

Applied to the current situation, it basically means that you have succumbed to the charms of curiosity, but don’t worry – reading this post will make it all worthwhile. Hopefully. 😊

Why did this happen? Curiosity is an inherent human trait that motivates and drives us to explore, learn, and discover. It comes from the Latin curiosus, meaning “careful” or “inquisitive.”

Scientifically, it is connected to dopamine release, which is a neurotransmitter in our brain that makes us explore, seek out, and desire new information. Dopamine enhances motivation and reward processing, so studies have shown that curiosity activates the brain’s reward system, much like engaging in enjoyable activities. Dopamine also strengthens our long-term memory, which helps us retain what we learn when we’re curious. Another nice perk, wouldn’t you say?

Plus, high curiosity levels are correlated with greater psychological well-being and life satisfaction, which is why we could say that curious people are happier people. They also tend to live longer and adapt better to life’s challenges.

Psychologically, curiosity can be categorized into perceptual curiosity, which is triggered by novelty or complexity, and as such leads to exploration, and epistemic curiosity, which is a deeper desire to seek knowledge and understanding. Some other studies, like the one from Loewenstein from 1994, also discuss diversive curiosity, focused on broad exploration, as opposed to specific curiosity, which is about seeking precise answers.

Among other things, research suggests that curiosity improves problem-solving skills, boosts creativity, and enhances social engagement.

When we put curiosity and creativity in one sentence, people usually assume that we’re talking about children and playgrounds or kindergartens. However, the same principle that applies to children is also applicable to adults and personal or professional settings. We just aren’t aware of it, at least not in the same way.

For more information, check out this article by Jeffrey Davis M.A. in Psychology Today. For even more information, stay tuned – because I have a book, Cross-Referencing Creativity, coming out soon. 😉

By the way, speaking of children – did you know that four-year old asks around 300 questions daily? That adds up to roughly 40,000 between ages 2 – 5!

Another distinction that psychologists make about curiosity is its dual nature. On the one hand, there’s interest curiosity, also known as “positive” curiosity as it leads to deep learning, creativity, and personal growth. On the other hand, there’s deprivation curiosity, or the “negative” kind, which can cause stress or information overload when we feel the need to “fill the gap” immediately.

Obviously, healthy curiosity is all about balancing exploration with focus to avoid distractions.

Linking Curiosity to Marketing

The reason why you’re here, other than sheer curiosity, is my friend Petra, who told me yesterday that’s she’s using QR codes as part of one of her mystery guerrilla marketing projects.

For me, this brought up fond memories of 2010, when I opened my language school and was handing out QR codes with its website to anyone who’d take them, grinning smugly the whole time.

Not because dealing out QR codes without context is such a great marketing idea – let’s face it, almost every entrepreneur out there has, at least at some point, found an inspiring and revolutionary idea like distributing QR codes to be the next big thing – but because there’s this secret, inherent pleasure in knowing that you know something that others don’t and that they will probably, most likely, not be able to resist the urge to check what you’ve given them.

So, I decided to revisit that old feeling – hence the QR code and this post.

The text surrounding the code is basically just a cheap psychological trick which tempts you to be what you are – and that’s humanly curious.

By the way, there’s a term for this. It’s called curiosity marketing, and it aims at achieving marketing goals through, obviously, plain old human curiosity. You can accomplish this through compelling storytelling, creative teasers, or any other thing which triggers curiosity. Like an undefined QR code, for example.

Where Did It Land You?

Your curiosity brought you here – to my blog We Are Biljka – where you can explore interesting facts about PREXcoaching®, education, and all sorts of arts and crafts.

Stick around, because we’ve got fun and games. No cookies, though. Only essential.

Take It Away from Here

If curiosity is what brought you here in the first place, this is a skill you want to foster. As we said earlier, curious people are happier, live longer, and adapt better to life’s challenges.

Therefore, whatever you do – always ask more questions. There are no stupid questions, only stupid people who don’t ask them. Remember, there’s not much comfort in your comfort zone, so why not take a stroll on the wild side instead? Make that inner child of yours happy by following your “whys” and staying playful. And sometimes, when necessary, sit back, relax, and simply – observe.

 “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” – Albert Einstein

If you like this post and are a curiosity advocate, share it with your friends and family.

Or better yet, download and share the QR code and let the fun continue.

And – keep your mind sharp and your smile brighter. 😉