Actually Curious is a card game meant to be played with others, close or not-so-close to you. The cards contain questions in which will allow you to get closer to the people around you. This is a perfect option for times like these. Times where we’re inside for significant amounts of time and where we’re around just a few people, use this time to dive deep.
Actually Curious added a free PDF of 18 questions you can use right online instead of buying the cards, even though you should check them out because you’ll get lots more of the fantastic questions you see in the PDF on these cards.
Try out this game with the PDF here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b462fb4fcf7fd0d6220a2f8/t/5e7a425a6c11a91a7b6b6850/1585070714404/Actually+Curious+-+18+questions.pdf
I got the chance to ask the masters of asking questions a few questions of my own;
What inspires you?
When success follows compassionate intentions. There are many people who achieve success, but I'm most inspired by those who intend to pay their good fortune forward.
What’s your sign and how do you think that plays a part in your life?
Sun: Sagitarrius, Moon: Scorpio, Rising: Pices, though I've only recently become acquainted with my entire chart. Philosophy and adventure are my great loves, so in that sense, my sign plays a big part in my life. I’m working on being less attached to the direction I shoot my arrows however.
What is the main purpose of your account/brand?
Actually Curious exists to foster human connection! It's a game that teaches the tools of having conversations with empathy, and helps people to arrive at their own unconscious biases.
What is something you love deeply about yourself?
My willingness to recognize my faults. While I try not to hold onto negative narrative about myself these days, I find it an admirable trait in myself and in others, when I identify and acknowledge my mistakes. It allows for me and others to put pieces in place to not repeat them.
What’s some advice you have for other people revolving around confidence?
I thought I was confident, but in 2019 a series of traumas taught me how fickle that confidence was. Through lessons I've learned that for me, true confidence is coming from learning to love the parts of me that I've been afraid no one should love. It’s about finding the ugly parts of ourselves and having empathy for those parts too.
What makes you feel confident?
I feel confident when I encounter scenarios and situations that scare me, deep in my belly, yet I manage to find a strategy of confronting that fear. I walk away with a feeling of, “I did it! Now what’s next!”. It gets addictive.
What have you had to overcome that’s made you who you are?
When I was a child, I had a voice in my head saying that great things lie ahead. As a young man, that voice turned to doubt, except for when I was told by a few special people that I had greatness in my future. In 2019, I lost two of my biggest advocates, my older brothers Christopher and Audley. These days, after much grieving and this continuous healing process, I hear their voices in my head - as I heard this in real life, and as I heard myself as a child. It’s all integrated to reinforce a belief that always existed inside of me.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
I tend to be very present in my inspirations, and as such they vary over time. As an adolescent, my biggest inspirations were civil right leaders like Stokley Carmichael, Marcus Garvey, Mary McLeoud Bethune and more. As a teen, artists who used their platform for social commentary, like Bob Marley, Bob DIllan and Kurt Cobain received my reverence. As an adult, I began to revel in biographies of successful people and folks that were able to share advice on self-actualization. These days, observing the nuance in people is my biggest inspiration.
What’s your beauty/fashion go to?
I dress like a nerd. My style inspiration comes from a weird mix including Bill Gates, Kanye West, my Dad and 5 year old me. Basically, I wear what feels good with a subtext of complete independence and indifference.
What would you say is the best thing about you?
That I’m not boring. What I choose to do with my time might be boring to an individual, but I've been told that you don’t walk away from meeting me thinking you’ve had similar conversations 100times before, or ever for that matter. No two days are the same for me and I like living that way.
What does equality mean to you?
Equality means to me - having an equal opportunity to pursue a self actualized life as anyone else on this planet. There is a lot to unpack on such a journey, and many will never even embark, but the sad reality is that is that societal power structures actually serve to limit awareness that one can and should hold their destiny fully in one’s hands. In my opinion, inequality is a product of intentional subjugation and control, no happenstance, faith or luck.
What is your mission statement/what does your brand name mean?
Actually Curious mission is to spread the tools of empathy and understanding to everyone, everywhere. We went with the name “Actually Curious” because we thought it felt endearing and approachable as a statement “I am Actually Curious!” or as a question, “I’m actually curious, will you tell me?”. The key to the game is not to force your opinions, but rather to get super curious about everyone else’s.
When asked about how COVID-19 has affected their business;
How has COVID-19 affected your small business?
COVID-19 has had a significant effect on my business. Greater than 50% of my revenue comes from independent small businesses which are heavily impacted by mandatory quarantine. As consumers shift inside, much of their consumption is being shifted toward essential items and from large retailers like Amazon and Walmart who deliver. Even in the cases where small-businesses quickly figure out how to pivot online, they face decreased demand and cost of delivery. We’re all feeling the pain of the world and those that are experiencing health issues and even death. Through into the mix the threat of financial failure and these days have been tenuous at best.
What are you doing to mitigate the impact?
We’ve been shifting our efforts 100% digital and leaning into belief that the work we are doing goes beyond dollars and cents. We believe we are helping people heal and build happiness muscles. I personally have experienced great healing through getting curious and opening up. In this time of shared trauma, we decided to give the game away for free via an 18 Question PDF and are asking the global community to help us translate the questions into as many languages as possible!
What advice do you have for other small businesses right now, or in any times of hardship?
Try not to scramble to do “stuff”! Try to stay grounded in your values, purpose, mission and goals - and adapt your strategy and tactics to the situation that’s being dealt to you. If this formula feels hazy, we’re here to help: hello@curiositylab.io
How do you think the questions in the 18 question PDF help during this time?
Actually Curious has two editions with 5 total levels of intimacy. They help you get more curious with yourself and others, by starting at a light and inviting place and getting deeper gradually. As we shift our habits and behavior to slow the growth of this pandemic, we think its a perfect time to get more introspective OR bring more substance to our external interactions. A game that fosters deeper human understanding! Why not?
Question/answers to a few of the 18 questions;
Happy Hour: What are three crucial routines that you keep?
Meditating in the morning
Movement every other day - yoga or running.
Gratitude and Love - I remind myself what I'm grateful for and I say I love you as often as it feels authentic.
Blue: When do you feel most secure?
When I’m alone and in flow on a project I'm passionate about, but people that I love are nearby doing their own thing as well.
Green: Describe a person you have difficulty connecting with. Why do you think that is?
My father. Because he wants to communicate with the child version of me as the dad that he’s comfortable being. And I want him to understand the man that I am, and initiate communication that shows he respects me. For my part, I'm shifting my expectations to match who he is, gently introducing who I am, and walking away when I don’t have the capacity for this level of empathy and compassion for hi,. For his part, he’s responding quickly and making gestures that let me know he’s trying.
Yellow: Imagine yourself in the future. What will your greatest life accomplishment be?
Making Actually Curious a household name. Making empathy a globally referred value in business and in life and inspiring a community of leaders that assure it remains that way!
Pink: What is guaranteed to bring you happiness?
When every human, regardless of gender, race or creed, has their basic needs met and the ability to pursue their dreams without fear, doubt or unfair hurdles.
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