Many Routines Lead to Stagnation

When daily life becomes predictable, it’s all too easy to settle into a comfortable rhythm. Without setting ambitious goals, change can feel overwhelming. Before you know it, days meld into weeks, weeks into months, and another year slips by unnoticed.

The Peril of Autopilot Living

Falling into autopilot mode is common when you become too relaxed at work. While you may execute tasks competently, the absence of challenging goals can result in stagnation, leaving you repeating the same patterns day after day.

Exploring New Horizons

To break free from this cycle, it’s essential to seek out new experiences. Even a slight change, like taking a different route home, can introduce fresh perspectives and stimulate your mind. To embrace change, you must also change your thinking, which may lead to discovering unexpected opportunities.

Are you struggling to generate innovative ideas? It’s likely not due to a lack of ability, but rather that you may be overexerting yourself in the creative process.

Marinade for Better Outcomes

Imagine this scenario: you’re following a recipe that becomes a staple in your kitchen. As you grow more confident, you start to experiment with different ingredients. Over time, you might opt to marinate your meat for enhanced flavor.

This analogy applies to the creative thinking process as well. When faced with a challenging problem, stepping away to pursue something else allows your subconscious to work on the issue. The duration of this break is personal; it varies for everyone.

Flexing the Grey Matter

"Eat the frog" is a concept popularized by Brian Tracy, suggesting that you should tackle the least desirable task first thing in the morning. By confronting something you dread, you train your brain to accept challenges and build resilience. Instead of avoiding difficult tasks, you'll find yourself prepared to take them on.

Do Something Out of the Ordinary

As an Executive Coach, I encourage my clients to venture outside their usual routines. This practice not only provides new insights but also releases endorphins, enhancing mood and creativity. Engaging in novel activities helps your brain form connections between unrelated ideas, fostering innovative thinking.

My Journey with Novelty

Who says learning can't be enjoyable? I turned to photography as a means to sharpen my attention to detail. With just my mobile phone, I began capturing images of London—my home—sharing these moments on Instagram. What started as a hobby blossomed into a platform where I connected with followers worldwide, all while enjoying the process.

Building Momentum

Initially, I had no strategy, nor did I wait for the ‘perfect shot.’ I simply shared what I wanted my audience to see. This carefree approach not only enhanced my skills but also led to meeting incredible individuals along the way. Writing a blog weekly laid the groundwork for my articles on Medium, where I explore new themes and create infographics. It’s been a fulfilling journey.

Stop Overthinking

Consider Jason, who had been working long hours in a FinTech company. As the creative Business Director, he felt his spark fading, particularly in collaborative settings. Seeking a solution, he casually spoke with Abi, a co-founder known for his creativity.

Abi's secret? He devotes Monday afternoons to non-work-related activities, allowing his mind to recharge. This practice helped him approach challenges with a fresh perspective, leading to innovative solutions.

Inspired by Abi, Jason committed to incorporating new experiences into his weekly routine. He explored museums and art galleries, gradually noticing how his engagement in meetings transformed. His creativity flourished, leading to constructive discussions and novel ideas.