The Power of Curiosity: Staying Creative Through Side Projects

Curiosity isn’t just a trait — it’s a superpower. In a world where industries evolve rapidly and careers demand versatility, staying curious can keep skills sharp, ideas fresh, and creativity alive. One of the most effective ways to cultivate curiosity is through side projects: personal initiatives that challenge, inspire, and teach beyond the confines of regular work or study.

Pakhi Bindal, a Bachelor in Journalism and Mass Communication graduate (Batch 2023) from Apeejay Stya University, now a Social Media Manager at WhizCo | Creative Tech and Influencer Marketing, shares her experience, “Side projects have always been my playground for learning. From experimenting with creative content ideas to leading small community initiatives, these projects helped me discover what I enjoy and how I can apply those skills professionally.”

Her insight reflects a broader truth — side projects are laboratories of curiosity. They allow experimentation without the fear of failure, encourage cross-disciplinary learning, and often spark innovative solutions that can transform careers.

Why Side Projects Matter

Skill Development: Side projects provide hands-on experience in areas that may not be part of formal work or study.

Creative Freedom: Unlike structured tasks, side projects let you explore ideas, experiment with tools, and test unconventional approaches.

Problem-Solving: Challenges encountered in self-driven projects sharpen resilience, adaptability, and critical thinking.

Portfolio Building: They demonstrate initiative and creativity, making candidates stand out in competitive job markets.

Making Curiosity Sustainable

Set small goals: Dedicate even 30 minutes a day or a few hours a week to experiment with new ideas.

Collaborate: Join clubs, online communities, or local interest groups to exchange ideas and gain inspiration.

Document progress: Track outcomes, learnings, and insights — these can become future opportunities or content for professional growth.

The Bigger Picture

Curiosity transforms work from routine to discovery. It keeps minds engaged, sparks innovation, and often leads to unexpected opportunities. As Pakhi’s journey demonstrates, nurturing curiosity through side projects isn’t just a hobby — it’s a career-enhancing practice.