A curiosity notebook, I'm going to do this.
What is a curiosity notebook?
A curiosity notebook is a tool for capturing, exploring, and experimenting with your questions about the world. It transforms fleeting wonder into tangible knowledge and creativity. Setting it up is simple, but the way you use it can be deeply personal and dynamic.
How to Set Up a Curiosity Notebook
1. Choose Your Format
Physical Notebook – A journal, sketchbook, or even index cards.
Digital Notebook – Apps like Notion, Evernote, or Google Keep.
Hybrid Approach – Handwrite ideas and transfer key insights to a digital space for organization.
2. Organize It for Exploration, Not Perfection
Instead of rigid structure, leave room for serendipity. Use sections or categories based on how your brain works. Some ideas:
Random Wonderings – Any question that pops into your head.
Deep Dives – Ongoing obsessions or bigger curiosity projects.
Tiny Experiments – Things you test in real life.
Patterns & Insights – Recurring themes in what fascinates you.
How to Use a Curiosity Notebook Daily
1. Capture the Curiosity First
Write down any question or thought that piques your interest. No judgment, no immediate need for answers. Examples:
Why can’t I stick to one thing?
Could plants communicate with each other?
Why do I get my best ideas in the shower?
What if boredom is a signal, not a problem?
2. Form a Hypothesis (If It Feels Right)
Sometimes curiosity is just about wondering, but if you want to experiment, take a guess.
I bet i can’t stick to one thing because I’m just curious.
Plants might release chemicals to warn each other about predators.
Shower ideas come because my brain is relaxed and free to connect ideas.
Kids are naturally curious because they ask why about everything. Adults stop because we think we already know enough—or we’re too busy. Restart the habit.
3. Research (or Experiment) in Small Steps
Curiosity thrives in small, fun doses. Don’t pressure yourself to master a topic—just explore a little.
Google it, watch a video, or read a book chapter. See if your hypothesis holds up.
Run a tiny experiment. Example: To test the shower-brain effect, try recreating that relaxed state elsewhere—maybe while walking or listening to music.
Document what you find. Write short summaries, sketch ideas, or paste in interesting snippets from what you learn.
4. Reflect: What Did You Discover?
End each week or month by reviewing your notes. Look for:
Recurring themes in what excites you.
Ideas that surprised you or changed your thinking.
Experiments that led to unexpected insights.
Examples of Tiny Curiosity Experiments
The Productivity Music Test – Does classical music vs. lo-fi help me focus better? Try it for a week, jot down results.
Idea Triggers – Keep a notebook by the bed and record morning thoughts. Are my best ideas really in the shower, or do they come in other relaxed moments too?
Why a Curiosity Notebook Matters
Turns curiosity into action instead of letting it fade.
Helps you notice patterns in your thinking and interests.
Builds a habit of lifelong learning and play.
Creates a record of your evolving thoughts—a personal archive of discovery.
Curiosity isn’t just about finding answers—it’s about learning to enjoy the questions. Your notebook becomes a playground for the mind, a map of where your thoughts have traveled.
Curiosity isn’t something you either have or don’t—it’s a muscle that can be strengthened. If you don’t feel naturally curious, it’s likely because somewhere along the way, you were trained to prioritize answers over questions, certainty over wonder. The good news? You can get curious by asking questions and starting a curiosity notebook? Should we have a Curiosity Notebook Club?