Restless Innovation
“Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.” — Seneca
The Obstacle
The Restless already knows the way.
One that works.
It pushes past the creative.
This lands hard on teams,
partners,
and children.
They have a different way.
One that could augments ours.
We rush past it
They learn to not suggest
Do as they’re told.
In our mind, there is no other way.
They learn to value their ideas less.
We lose out on growth.
On finding new ways to do old things.
Possibly better ways.
The Restless pushes past the creative
and into the known
It does not have time for something different.
Flashes of creativity can come to the restless,
Those flashes quickly burn out
We move on to the next thing.
We cannot be or stay creative when we’re hurried.
Creativity comes from calm
Cool
Clear focus.
From being fully present.
The Restless is none of this.
The Gift and Opportunity
When we slow down,
creativity has space
Space to… create.
When we stay with an idea,
Conversation,
Pull on the thread,
Something new can emerge.
Letting go of preconceived notions
opens the door.
Not dismissing or prematurely evaluating ideas
allows creativity to flow.
Others feel encouraged
to suggest alternate paths.
They feel valued
Trusted
Like they are contributing.
This builds trust.
This allows us to continually evaluate
Is this the best way
Could there be a better way.
This is where growth happens
Bonds are built
New and better ideas come from.
The Practice of Self-Mastery
Notice when already know the way
Slow the pace enough to stay with the idea
Allow others to add, augment, or replace your approach
A better way always exists
CHEAT CODE: STOP → KNOW THERE IS A BETTER WAY→ LISTEN → CREATE
