I watched a speech by Jonny Ive from Apple about the challenge of matching curiosity – seeking new learning; and focus – the execution of tasks to move forward.

Curiosity and focus are in antagonism – they repel and feed off each other. They are two sides of the same coin.

This is a useful dichotomy to reflect on:

– curiosity drives ideas
– ideas lead to breakthrough thinking in the resolution of problems.
– Solving problems, though, requires focus, attention and hard work.
– whereas curiosity can lead one down blind alleys, or in circles.
– without purpose, curiosity is unfulfilled
– Both are intertwined, feeding off each other, although they are opposites.

My default start point is curiosity. But give me a problem to solve and I will work on it with velocity to quickly get to action. 

Disorganizers try to find a balance.

This Much We Know.