It’s deer hunting season in the South, and one of the greatest gifts of this tradition isn’t the harvest — it’s the time. Time parents and grandparents get to spend with their kids. Time to talk, to observe, to learn patience, and to sit quietly in God’s creation.
Some of my favorite memories with my own kids were spent on a deer stand. Hours passed slowly. We talked about nature, watched deer move through the woods, learned how to feed and manage the herd, and discussed the responsibility that comes with stewarding one of God’s blessings. Hunting was never just about taking a deer — it was about teaching respect, discipline, and awareness.
This year, my son Brandon was hunting with his seven-year-old son, Sully. They had been on the stand for about two hours, and it had been a pretty quiet hunt. No movement. No action.
Plenty of questions.
Sully was asking one question after another — nonstop. Finally, Brandon looked at him and said,
“Why are you asking so many questions?”
That’s when the magic happened.
With a big smile and zero apology, Sully replied:
“I’m a curious dude.”
There it was. Pure wisdom from a seven-year-old.
1. Curiosity Is a Strength — Not a Distraction
Sully wasn’t embarrassed by his curiosity. He wasn’t trying to impress anyone. He simply wanted to learn—and he was proud of it.
That’s a lesson many of us unlearn somewhere along the way.
In school, in organizations, and even in leadership, curiosity often gets replaced by certainty. We’re rewarded for having answers, not for asking better questions. Over time, people stop raising their hands — not because they don’t care, but because curiosity feels risky.
Yet curiosity is the foundation of growth. Sully wasn’t being disruptive; he was being engaged. That learning mindset — asking, observing, wondering — is what fuels long-term success.
2. A Learning Mindset Wins in an Exponential World
We live in an exponential world. Technology, tools, careers, and expectations are changing faster than ever. The pace is not slowing down — no matter how tired we get or how much we long for stability.
In that kind of world, talent alone isn’t enough. Experience alone isn’t enough.
A learning mindset makes the difference between abundance and falling further behind.
The people who thrive are the ones who stay curious. They experiment. They read. They ask questions. They try new things — even when it’s uncomfortable. Sully’s mindset is exactly what future leaders will need.
3. Curiosity Requires Energy — and Sometimes Lunch 😄
After Sully proudly declared himself a “curious dude,” he quickly moved on to his next question. That’s when Brandon wisely suggested they call it a day and head back to camp for lunch.
There’s a leadership lesson there, too.
Curiosity takes energy. Growth takes effort. Learning requires margin. We will get tired. We will want things to slow down.
But the pace of change won’t wait on us.
The question is: Are we choosing to keep learning anyway?
A Simple Commitment
Every week, let’s commit to learning something new.
Every week, let’s experiment — just a little.
Every week, let’s resist the temptation to settle into “I already know.”
When in doubt, remember Sully.
Be curious.
Ask questions.
Smile while you do it.
And don’t be afraid to say it out loud:
“I’m a curious dude.”
John O’Leary says: “Read it now! This journey in Leading with Significance to build a magnetic workplace reveals not only where God, faith and belonging intersect to create a magnetic culture but practical ideas and poignant stories to ensure you create it within your organization.”
Grab your copy of Leading with Significance to find more magnetic insights to help you on your unique journey.
For more information on my presentations or to access my beBetter blog library go to joeyhavens.com.
