Derek Hagen, CFA, CFP®, FBS®, CFT™

“Learning is no longer preparation for the job. It is the job.” -David Meier

I used to believe that once I landed a job, my days of asking questions were over. Growing up, my curiosity was boundless—I would always ask “why?” However, somewhere along the way, I started to hide that inquisitiveness, partly out of fear of being judged. It wasn’t until later that I realized the value of continuous learning. Today, I read more than 50 books per year—a habit that took time to develop, but which has transformed my approach to life and work. Embracing this mindset means understanding that learning isn’t just for school; it’s for every moment of our lives.

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Breaking Free From Fear Scripts

As we grow up, we develop mental “scripts” that tell us not to ask too many questions. These scripts often form when we’re ridiculed or made to feel that our curiosity is unwelcome. Over time, this creates a heavy burden—a reluctance to explore new ideas because we’re afraid of looking unprepared. The truth is, those very scripts can limit our potential. To live fully, we must let go of our fear of asking and relearn the joy of curiosity.

We all develop mental “scripts” as we grow up. When these are about money, they are called money scripts. Often, these scripts tell us to hide our questions and pretend we already know the answers. They often form when we’re ridiculed or made to feel that our curiosity is unwelcome. Over time, this creates a heavy burden—a reluctance to explore new ideas because we’re afraid of looking unprepared. The truth is, those very scripts can limit our potential. To live fully, we must let go of our fear of asking and relearn the joy of curiosity.

The Quest for Knowledge

Learning is an adventure—a journey that opens up endless possibilities. When we choose curiosity over fear, our understanding grows exponentially. Imagine your knowledge as a landscape: when driven by fear, your terrain is limited, but when fueled by curiosity, it expands into vast, uncharted territory. Every new idea, every skill, and every perspective enriches our lives. Embracing this quest means constantly challenging ourselves to discover more, adapt to change, and transform obstacles into opportunities.

In a world full of uncertainty, curiosity is your most valuable guide. Embracing the joy of learning means never settling for what you already know. Each book you read, each question you ask, and every new idea you explore adds to your reservoir of wisdom. This constant quest for knowledge isn’t just about staying informed—it’s about transforming your life, empowering you to navigate challenges with confidence and grace.

By choosing to remain curious and committed to lifelong learning, you open doors to unexpected opportunities and richer experiences. So, keep asking questions, seek out new insights, and let your natural curiosity shape a brighter, more fulfilling future.

Want to Learn More?

Money Quotient trains financial professionals in the True Wealth process and helps them implement the concepts into their practices. The first step is to learn about the Fundamentals of True Wealth Planning.

This post originally appeared on Meaningful Money.