Lather up and step into my shower thoughts on innovation

Innovation is an ongoing conversation rather than a direct answer. So, step in and stay awhile.

Innovation is a buzz word thrown around A LOT. What can be considered innovative? What IS considered to be innovative? I think that it’s an ongoing conversation rather than a direct answer. So, here are my shower thoughts about innovation.

Innovation is a process with no definitive answer. The process is an ongoing loop with steps along the way.

1. Generate ideas, unafraid to fail. You first need to not be afraid of failing or of the unknown. The first step is actually stepping, not standing still, scared about the first step. It’s important to keep in mind that ideas should be backed by insight. If at first you don’t know where to start, start by getting to know the market and audience, while completely immersing yourself in everything. Early in his career, my previous professor worked as an advertising copywriter on the Pizza Hut account. To get to know the Pizza Hut brand better, he worked there as a delivery man, completely immersing himself in the company. This gave him solid insights to create innovative ideas that were brand-relevant. The process of innovation is researching, creating, testing, researching more, creating more, and testing more. It’s a cycle that never stops, so why be stopped in your tracks? It’s ok to fail. In fact, it’s encouraged.

I see this process as a little baby walking for the first time. They start walking, they fall, they get back up and try again.

2. Approach life and ideas with a growth mindset. If something knocks you down, don’t stay down. If an idea doesn’t work, approach it in a different way. It’s encouraged to fail because that leads you closer to what’s successful and what works. Flip your idea on its head, side, other side. Look at it backwards and forwards again. Then repeat.

So, here we are. We’re taking steps forward, we’re creating, we’re not afraid of failing. What’s next?

3. Surround yourself with other people who are innovating and who have a growth mindset. Immerse yourself in industry-related events, read up on trends, practice hard and soft skills related to your industry, and surround yourself with thought leaders who are passionate about growth. When you’re surrounded by innovation and people who are passionate about moving forward, you will start to see the change in your mindset and drive.

It’s easy to stay in the same rut and mindset, completing the same tasks and producing the same, tired ideas.

Today’s shower thoughts seem pretty elementary, but I hope that it sparked some motivation and drive to continue to create rockin’ innovative ideas.

What dog likes to take bubble baths? A shampoodle

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Hey, y’all. Thanks for reading. What’re some of your shower thoughts?

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