Life can be sweet if you are a more innovative person. There is nothing more fulfilling than conceiving an idea and witnessing it become a reality. But innovation is not a product of laziness or wishful thinking. You have to play your own path in opening up that inner genius of yours and unleashing what you are capable of.
Here is the good news – no one is born useless, talentless and uncreative. We all have an excess reserve of creative energy. The problem is discovering what we have before even doing something about it. So, stop thinking that your neighbour is better than you because they are so talented. Start thinking about how you can be more innovative.
Here are 5 simple steps to unleash the innovative you.
5 habits to be more innovative
Relax and listen
Sometimes, the solution to a seemingly big problem is simply at your finger tips or in this case, your mind. Stop stressing yourself over your perceived unfulfilling existence. Stress can only lead to more health challenges which can block you from bringing out your full potential.
When you want to be more innovative, the first thing you might want to do is go easy on yourself. Take a break and enjoy a “me time.” This is the time for self reflection, discovering what you are passionate about and how you can follow your passion. It is a time to shut out the outside noise of pressure and listen to your inner voice.
While listening to your inner self, listen to your environment. Open your eyes to what your environment needs that you can provide. The greatest inventors and innovators in the world were not inspired from space. They actually got inspired by the simple things around them. You too can do the same. Relax and shine your eyes at the same time. Your creativity will begin to buzz sooner than you think.
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Change your routine once in a while
If you are the type that sticks to a particular routine, let us say, you wake up at a certain time, eat, go to work, come home, eat, sleep at a certain time, chances are you will begin to feel complacent. No wonder many believe people who stick to a certain routine are boring people. Switch things up if you want to be a more innovative person.
Learn to step out of your comfort zone. Take risks, do things differently. Do not allow fear of the unknown or failure stop you from unleashing your potential. You never really know what you are capable of unless you are seriously tested. So, do not sit there thinking that your life will be a certain way forever.
Sometimes, those risks may not work out. Sometimes, they do. That is not important. What is important is that you do not quit, whether you are successful or not. Keep pushing until you have all your goals or most of your goals accomplished.
Surround yourself with people who inspire you
Chase Jarvis, founder and CEO of CreativeLive, said that innovation is a social process. “The place where innovation most often stalls is in nurturing it from the seed of an idea to a fully grown product. And the key to hurdling that barrier is usually getting buy-in from the right people,” he added. Humans are created to be social beings, meaning that being around other people can help you become more innovative.
In other words, you need to engage with other people. Just make sure that the people are the right ones for you. If you are passionate about food, engage with people who are passionate about food. If you love acting, you have no business with someone who thinks that acting is a useless talent. Your circle should include those who share your interests.
If you cannot find that circle with your family and friends, you can find them online. Thanks to the internet and social media, there are countless groups and communities out there. Finding the best community for you cannot be too hard if you know where to look.
Find ways to recharge
If you feel that you are about to explode with a burnout, then it is time for you to take a breather. When you are constantly on the go, working non-stop, it is natural to feel stressed out. So, do not feel guilty trying to take a break. Nigerians will say, “problem no dey finish.” You are not the saviour of the world, even the Biblical saviour of the world had time to recharge from his divine work.
Taking small walks, watching your favourite movie or TV show, eating your favourite meal, trying relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation, sleeping or even lying on your bed are simple ways to recharge, and give you time to think up creative ideas for your goals.
Stay positive, no matter what
Happiness is free and a choice. Yes, life can be tough. But when it throws lemons, you make lemonade. Nigerians are known and respected for their resilient spirit wherever they find themselves. It is not because the country is giving them any reason to be happy and resilient. In fact, the many problems of the country is enough to weigh even the toughest minds down.
But staying positive can bring out the innovative person in you. When you constantly meet challenges, see them as your opportunity to showcase what you are capable of. Take that walk even when you feel like lying down and crying in your dark room. Speak, even when you are being silenced, and ignore the negative energy thrown at you.
Tough times will come but only the toughest people survive. Be that tough person. Tell yourself the challenges coming your way are just temporary. Sooner, rather than later, you will walk out the victor.
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Conclusion
Innovation is not wishful thinking. It is a process that starts from the mind. It is how you announce yourself to the world, how to make your own contributions to your environment. The habits listed above are some of the best ways to be more innovative. If you think you cannot be more innovative, you cannot be more wrong. All you have to do is relax, listen to your environment, step out of your comfort zone, engage with others who share your interests and stay positive that everything will be fine in the end.
