January 2019

Random Association & Innovation   This is a really fun part of the book.  This section should be called “Brain Candy”.  For the next dozen or so page, I have presented random, fun ideas you should find interesting.  So, sit back and scroll down and take a minute or so to appreciate the innovation and […]

Ivory Soap   In 1878 Harley Proctor while working for his father’s soap and candle factory wanted to create a white, creamy, lightly scented higher end soap product.  He asked his cousin James Gamble who was a chemist to help.  They called it “White Soap”.  It sold well.   Later a factory worker went to

I Can’t   This is the simplest activity in the book to do, but the hardest one to follow.   Take a blank piece of paper and as big as you can, write the words… “I CAN’T!”   Crumple that paper up into a ball.   Throw it up in the air! As hard as

I Can’ Believe It   I could sense that you like the “I Can’t Believe It” quotes, so here’s a few more.   ”Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible.” -Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society, 1895   “I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” -Thomas Watson, chairman and founder of IBM, 1943  

Cut The Cake   Here’s another activity.  There is only one rule. Make only three cuts and divide the cake into eight pieces. That’s it.  Take as long as you like and remember to not let convention and conditioning affect your ability to solve this problem. The answer is below. I know you tried every

I Can’t Believe It   If you think you work in an environment that fosters creativity & innovation, take a look at some of these quotes from individuals from companies you may recognize.  It’s difficult to believe what you are about to read, but all are true.  It’s also a wonder that these companies ever

Getting Beyond the Boundaries   Breakthroughs in thinking require a willingness to push ourselves beyond our comfort zone. This allows us to get past “the way it has always been done.” Here’s a little test to see if you are more of a “left brain thinker” or a “right brain thinker”.  Move quickly, write your

Can you think of any other Cultural factors that could prevent you from being less creative and innovative?  Write them down! Beyond The Boundaries Action Tip… Left Brainers: Once a week, try something you have never done before, really. Right Brainers: Once a day, sit quietly and think calming thoughts for 15 minutes.  I know. 

There are also many of Cultural Blocks that prevent us from being creative.  Here’s my starter list.  Add some of your own. Taboos Fantasy And Reflection Are A Waste Of Time Playfulness Is For Children Only Problem Solving Is Serious Business, Humor Is Out Of Place I’m Not Supposed To Do That You Will Appear

Emotional Blocks There are Emotional Blocks as well.  There are reasons why we won’t allow ourselves to be innovative, because of how we might look to others or how we judge ourselves. Here is a short list of reasons we hesitate in getting into that innovative state of mind. Peer Pressure And Judgement Fear Of