During challenging times, you may struggle when it comes to finding motivation for innovation. In a year when you’ve probably had to make changes to your business repeatedly, you may find yourself saying, “Do we have to keep innovating?”
The answer is, “yes,” and innovation fatigue can be a hard to describe, yet easy to feel emotion. But the process of change may not be as painful as you think, as it can lead to better days.
For many, it’s about a shift in mindset and a lot of it is about letting go. Consider these tips to help you discover your motivation for innovation:
When Comfortable Starts to Get Uncomfortable
Imagine your favorite chair. It’s a little worn but in all the right places. You enjoy sitting in it.
But over time, parts of the chair will start to get more worn and it won’t feel as comfortable. This is the time, when you need to start thinking about getting a new chair.
However, the past comfort may make you hold on to the aging chair longer than you should. Eventually, the seat will become so uncomfortable that you’ll be forced to buy a new one.
At first, this may feel like a betrayal of your beloved chair. But soon, after sitting in your new one, you may wonder why it took you so long to make the change because the difference between the old and new is considerable.
In your business, you may have an old process or offering that you love like that old chair. But consider if it’s still serving its purpose today. Ideas can be like chairs that wear out over time. Don’t wait too long to make the change.
The Playground Principle
Playgrounds are safely designed for kids of a certain size and age. Over time, you will outgrow your favorite playground.
But switching to a more grown up one isn’t a bad thing. In fact, you’re excited to play on something that’s more challenging. That doesn’t mean it will be easy at first. But you’re excited about the change.
As an adult, think about innovation like going to that new playground. When we welcome change with open arms, it’s a smoother transition. It may be time for you to “play” in new markets and opportunities.
Get to Tomorrow
I’ve talked before about how, during challenging times, success may be judged simply by making it to another day. The Get to Tomorrow mindset may not see you solve every problem immediately but you make incremental progress toward your goal.
As you look for motivation for innovation, consider whether your new idea can get you closer to your desired outcome. It may not be easy or fun to put one more thing on your plate but will it make you better or help keep the doors open for another day?
Learning something new, trying out a new idea, or asking a colleague for advice can all come with a certain amount of discomfort. But if the act of change can make you even a little better, then why not pursue it?
Ken Okel Performs Virtual Keynotes Too
