How to Rediscover a Sense of Wonder? (Bite-size Article)

1. Introduction: Losing the Sense of Wonder

As we grow older, we often stop feeling the same sense of wonder about the world that we did when we were younger. This happens because, over time, our daily experiences and growing knowledge leave us with fewer things that feel new or unknown.

When we were young, the future seemed full of endless possibilities and exciting surprises. But as we start working and settle into daily routines, we encounter fewer moments that truly surprise or inspire us. For example, the "ideal life" or "dream job" we once imagined often turns into a process of balancing dreams with the practical realities of adulthood. Over time, the world stops feeling "mysterious" or "unfamiliar" and starts to seem "predictable" and "understandable."

On top of this, modern life—with smartphones and social media—makes it easy to access any information instantly. Before the internet, discovering something new or unknown often felt rare and special, and it could fill us with wonder and excitement. But now, this convenience has made it harder to find and appreciate life’s mysteries in the same way.

These changes aren’t all bad. They’re a natural way for us to adapt, reducing stress and helping us manage life more efficiently. Looking at the world in a practical, realistic way is also a sign of growth. But at the same time, many people may feel a sense of emptiness from losing their curiosity, sense of awe, or desire to explore the unknown. When life becomes dominated by routines, it’s natural for interest and curiosity to fade.

So, how can we bring back and rediscover that sense of wonder we’ve lost? While we can’t change how technology or society has evolved, we can reflect on our own perspectives and try to see the world differently. Let’s explore some ideas for how to do that.

2. Causes of Losing a Sense of Wonder

Let’s explore some possible reasons why we lose our sense of wonder over time:

• Cause 1: Familiarity from accumulated experience
  When we are young, everything feels fresh and full of surprises because we encounter so many new experiences. However, as we grow older and gain more life experience, the novelty of new things begins to wear off. Seeing the same scenery or repeating similar events over time makes the feeling of "firsts" fade gradually.

• Cause 2: Information overload from technology
  With the rise of smartphones and the internet, we live in an environment where we can easily search for and access almost anything. This might leave us with fewer things we don’t already know and less time or space to imagine the unknown. Additionally, because information is so easy to obtain, we may start to undervalue the information itself.

• Cause 3: Decreased mental flexibility
  In our youth, our values and worldview are still forming, allowing us to accept new things with an open mind. However, as we age, our personal values and ways of thinking tend to solidify—for better or worse. This can make it harder to accept new perspectives or different ways of thinking. As a result, our ability to view new experiences with a sense of wonder may weaken.

3. Ideas for Rediscovering a Sense of Wonder

To rediscover the sense of wonder we’ve lost, we need to consciously change our actions and mindset. Here are some specific approaches:

• a. Shift your perspective: See familiar things in a new way Try to look at the "ordinary" parts of your daily life from a different angle. For example, on your commute, ask yourself, "Who built this building?" or "What’s the history behind this place?" These simple questions can broaden your perspective.

Additionally, consider keeping a journal to note "new discoveries" or "things that felt different from yesterday." For instance, "The trees in the park started to change color," or "A new menu item appeared at a local cafe." Even small details can help reawaken your sense of curiosity and appreciation for the world around you.

• b. Try new things: Step into unfamiliar territory Dale Dauten’s bestseller "The Max Strategy" emphasizes the importance of actively exploring unknown possibilities. Dauten explains that "continuing to try new things" leads to small discoveries and prevents life from becoming monotonous. This mindset is key to rediscovering a sense of wonder.

His approach focuses not on setting big goals but on trying small new things every day. For example:

• Experimenting with a new recipe
• Visiting a new cafe or restaurant
• Changing your commute route slightly

When you have more time, consider taking a trip to a country or place you’ve never been, starting a new hobby, or reading books from unfamiliar genres. These experiences can give you fresh perspectives and help you see the world differently.

• c. Avoid "convenient solutions": Value firsthand experiences
  Instead of relying on technology for every problem, try solving issues through your own efforts. For instance:

• Instead of using a smartphone map, ask someone for directions.

• Visit a library to find books on a topic rather than relying on quick online searches.

• Even if Google could provide the answer, choose to meet with friends, discuss the topic, and explore solutions together.

These processes can lead to unexpected discoveries and deeper satisfaction, offering a richness and sense of accomplishment that convenience alone cannot provide.

4. Conclusion: Cultivating Wonder is Up to You

The inspiration for this article came from my recent move to a new place and the start of a fresh chapter in life. Living in a new environment has been exciting, offering unique experiences through cultural and lifestyle differences, and I feel genuinely fulfilled. At the same time, I noticed how much faster I’ve been able to adapt to this new environment compared to before. While this has allowed me to settle into a comfortable life quickly, it also made me wonder—if I were younger, might I have discovered more things, felt more awe, and been more deeply moved by my surroundings?

Even so, I’ve been making a conscious effort to sharpen my senses by visiting new places and talking to new people. Through this, I’ve realized that the loss of wonder isn’t solely due to age or circumstances; it’s something that can be regained through our own perspective and actions.

Ultimately, I’ve come to believe that the key to rediscovering wonder lies in our own actions. If we can find "newness" in our everyday lives, our days will become richer and more vibrant. By taking that small step forward, the world before us can once again shine with a mysterious and magical glow.