Unexpected Benefits of Thinking More Like a Child and Less Like an Adult

At a push, you might recall a little about what thinking like a child involves. Seeking opportunities to play, for example, may be on your list. There's a great deal more you can benefit from than a fun-loving persona though. Here are some unexpected advantages of adopting a child's way of thinking.

See the whole picture

A study reported in Psychological Science revealed that although adults are better than kids at focusing on a single item in their environment, kids are far better at seeing the entire scene.

Kid's brains soak up as much data as possible to help them learn. They notice much more in their surroundings than adults do. Your ability to concentrate might get you through a long lecture, but your perception is limited to what you select to view. The data you notice is highlighted by your brain and irrelevant details are missed.

Increased curiosity

Curiosity helps kids learn too. Their inquisitive nature makes them ask questions and seek to understand what's happening around them. As people age, they lose interest in their environment compared to when they were kids. If you become more curious, you will continue to learn faster as you mature.

Another advantage to having a curious nature is you'll recognize and create more opportunities. You'll make new friends and business contacts too.

Added awe

As an adult you experience awe occasionally. You might gasp at the beauty of a sunrise, for instance, or be blown away by the gorgeousness of a field of lavender in full bloom. Most of the time, however, you like or dislike what you see, but aren't filled with awe.

Life is packed with new experiences when you're a child. You're often overwhelmed by little wonders like the sight of ladybirds taking to flight and bright pebbles as they are pushed and pulled by the tide on the beach. None of these events are fresh when you're an adult, so they don't have the same impact as they did when you were young and thought as a child thinks.

Studies show awe is an important emotion. It aids social cooperation as people bond over the awesomeness of sights and events. At the same time, awe helps people feel connected to their surroundings and boosts gratitude and appreciation.

You probably don't want to develop a childish outlook, but increasing a childlike one offers substantial benefits. Not only will you be more creative and playful, but you might also learn more, recognize extra opportunities, and increase your love of life.

Reference: Psychologicalscience.org