Be More Like Your Kid: Reclaiming Fearlessness & Curiosity

Personal Intro: At track practice today, I watched my son do something that made me stop in my tracks. He spotted a man on the other side of the field doing sprint drills—someone he thought he recognized as a semi-pro runner. Without hesitation, he walked right over and started talking to him. Asked him where he trains, how he prepares for meets, and what kind of workouts he does.

No fear. No overthinking. Just pure, unfiltered curiosity.

Meanwhile, I stood there realizing how long it’s been since I approached someone like that—especially a stranger—just to learn something new.

A Myth We Need to Let Go Of: We often believe that wisdom comes from age and experience. And while that’s true, we sometimes forget that courage and curiosity come from youth—and that those qualities aren’t something we have to lose as we grow older.

We tell ourselves we can’t ask questions because we’re supposed to already know the answers. We avoid new experiences because we don’t want to look like beginners. We let pride, ego, and fear of judgment get in the way of learning.

The Reframe: Our children aren’t just students of life. They’re some of our best teachers.

Watching Darius walk up to that runner reminded me that fearlessness isn’t reckless—it’s a muscle we stop using. And curiosity isn’t childish—it’s what keeps us sharp, humble, and connected to growth.

Instead of waiting to be the teacher, sometimes it’s powerful to take notes from the kids. They remind us that vulnerability is a tool, not a weakness—and that asking is often the fastest path to becoming.

Practical Strategies:

1. Approach someone you admire. Whether it’s a colleague, coach, or artist—ask them something you’ve always wanted to know. Lead with curiosity, not credentials.

2. Practice asking one question a day. In meetings, at home, with friends. Stretch your inquiry muscle.

3. Notice your hesitation. The next time you think “I shouldn’t say that” or “They’ll think I’m weird,” challenge yourself to say it anyway.

4. Let your child lead. Watch how they interact with the world. Reflect on how their openness could show up in your life.

From My Life: Darius didn’t just ask the runner questions, but he walked away with a few drills to try and a new source of motivation. Meanwhile, I walked away humbled, reminded that my role as a dad is just as much about learning as it is about leading.

Closing Reflection: Sometimes the most courageous thing we can do as adults is act a little more like our kids.

They aren’t bound by titles, fears or the weight of appearing “put together.” They chase answers. They get excited about learning. They ask without apology.

Let’s follow their lead.

Let’s be more curious.

Let’s be more fearless.

Let’s be more like our kids.