Many people want to be mover and shakers like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, or other heroes. We love the thought of designing the next best widget or writing a New York Times bestseller. Anything that shows the world you are creative and innovative. Yet, you may think that only certain people have these capabilities. Some indeed find it more natural than others to come up with new ideas or processes. What is also true is that you can learn to be more innovative. It’s not in the genes alone. It’s a skill to be honed.
How You Can Be More Innovative
Take your skills to the next level. Utilize the five ways to be more innovative in your personal and professional life:
1. Allow Your Mind to Have ‘Crazy’ Ideas:
Children are not relegated to the constructs of the adult world. They let their imaginations run wild. Adults lose the ability. It’s possible to regain some of your childlike imagination by tuning out the world and writing out all ideas that come to mind. Don’t edit. Don’t censor. Just let the thoughts flow.
2. Accept that You Will Have Fear:
Innovators are not without fear, and neither should you. It both drives and protects you. However, giving in to fear will stop you from growing and creating. Come to terms with the fact you have some anxiety and decide how you will overcome it when it happens.
3. Don’t Stop Learning:
You lose out when you determine you have nothing more to learn. Are you an expert in your field? Great! Learn about another one. And then another one. You never know when your studies in one area will lead to solving a problem in another.
4. Start at the End and Work Your Way Back:
When you have an idea but don’t know where to start, begin at the end. Envision the final product or project. Next, think about the step needed immediately before the end. Now, the one before that, and so on. You are deconstructing your vision to get all the necessary steps.
5. Ask for Feedback:
You will never know if you are onto a new discovery until you get some outside perspectives. Look to trusted family, friends, or colleagues to offer feedback. Ask for the good, bad, and ugly. Then you can take that feedback and iterate to a better outcome.
Innovation is an excellent skill to learn and hone. Embrace your ability to think, develop, and create. Soon, you will see the fruits of your efforts.