One of my favourite moments from Ted Lasso is when Ted beats Rupert in a game of darts and references the quote: “Be curious, not judgmental.” It’s a brilliant moment, not just because of the way Ted dismantles Rupert’s arrogance, but because it highlights a powerful mindset—one that can transform how we approach life, relationships, and even financial decisions.
At HPH Solutions, one of the core principles of our values-driven approach to financial advice is curiosity over judgement. It’s easy to make assumptions about people, their choices, and even ourselves. But when we replace judgment with curiosity, we create space for learning, understanding, and better decision-making.
Here are five ways you can apply this approach to cultivate a healthy, prosperous, and happy life:
1. Ask questions before making assumptions
It’s natural to form opinions quickly, but judgement often closes the door to deeper understanding. Whether it’s a friend’s financial decision, a colleague’s behaviour, or even your own habits, pause and ask: Why might this be happening?
For example, instead of thinking, Why would someone take on that much debt?, try asking, What circumstances led to that decision? When we’re curious, we move beyond surface-level assumptions and get to the real story.
2. Be open to changing your mind
Judgement thrives on certainty; curiosity thrives on exploration. Many of us hold long-standing beliefs about money, success, and happiness that may not serve us well.
Consider superannuation. Some people see it as an inaccessible pot of money they can’t touch, while others see it as a powerful wealth-building tool. If you’ve always viewed super as a burden rather than an opportunity, ask yourself: What don’t I know about it? and What might I learn if I explored it further?
3. Replace self-criticism with self-inquiry
We can be our own worst critics, especially when it comes to money. I should have saved more. I should have invested earlier. I should have known better. But self-judgment rarely leads to positive change—it just makes us feel stuck.
Instead of berating yourself, get curious: What led to this decision? What can I do differently moving forward? A mindset of curiosity fosters growth and progress, while judgment keeps us trapped in past mistakes.
4. Seek to understand, not to prove yourself right
When it comes to money, relationships, or even worldviews, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting to be right. But if our goal is understanding rather than proving a point, we gain valuable insights.
For example, if your partner has a different approach to spending or investing, don’t dismiss it outright. Ask them about their perspective. What experiences shaped their views on money? You might not agree on everything, but understanding where they’re coming from strengthens trust and collaboration.
5. Embrace financial advice with an open mind
Many people hesitate to seek financial advice because they fear judgement. They worry about past mistakes, financial complexity, or simply not knowing enough. But great financial advice isn’t about judgement—it’s about curiosity. It’s about asking the right questions to uncover what truly matters to you and aligning your financial decisions with your values and goals.
At HPH Solutions, we believe that financial well-being isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions. When we stay curious, we open ourselves to better opportunities, stronger relationships, and a more fulfilling life.
So next time you find yourself making a quick judgment—about yourself, someone else, or a financial decision—pause and ask: What else could be true here? You might be surprised by what you learn.