Section 1.1: The Perils of Routine

It's all too easy to fall into a routine when you become too comfortable in your job. You may know your tasks so well that you can perform them with minimal effort. However, if you aren’t pushing yourself with ambitious goals, you might end up stuck in a cycle of monotony.

Section 1.2: The Power of Marination

Consider this scenario: you’ve mastered a cooking recipe that you love. With time, you gain confidence and begin to tweak the ingredients or cooking methods. Eventually, you adapt the recipe to fit your tastes.

Imagine opting for a roasted chicken instead of air-frying it. To enhance the flavor, you decide to marinate the meat for several hours or overnight. This method can also be applied to the creative process. When you encounter a problem and feel stuck, step away and engage in another activity. This allows your mind the necessary time to explore the best solutions. The duration of this break varies for each individual.

Section 2.1: Confronting Unpleasant Tasks

“Eat the frog” is a phrase popularized by Brian Tracy, suggesting that you should start your day by tackling the least desirable task you have. Engaging in something you dislike can help you refocus and train your mind to accept challenges. This approach builds resilience and prepares you to face upcoming tasks without avoidance.

Subsection 2.1.1: Doing Something Unfamiliar

As an Executive Coach, I frequently encourage my clients to break away from their daily routines. Why? It helps gather new experiences that can be invaluable during uncertain times. Embracing novelty allows your mind to connect unrelated concepts and generate innovative ideas.

Section 2.2: A Personal Journey

Who says learning has to be dull? I took up photography as a hobby, which has significantly sharpened my attention to detail. Using just my mobile phone, I began capturing images of London, sharing them on Instagram. This endeavor was purely for enjoyment, allowing me to learn and grow without pressure.

As I gained followers from around the globe, I found joy in this creative outlet without the burden of visibility that deters many. I didn’t wait for the perfect shot; I simply documented what I found interesting. This experience not only improved my skills but also enriched my life with new connections.

My weekly blogging soon laid the groundwork for writing articles on Medium. Instead of overthinking, I dove in and started. Now, I experiment with infographics and themes, continually learning from others in the community.

The second video, "3 Simple Ways to Find Great, Innovative Ideas for Your Business," provides practical tips for discovering innovative concepts.

Section 2.3: The Case Study of Jason

Take Jason, for example. He worked long hours as a Business Director in a FinTech company and was tasked with generating new business opportunities. Recently, he felt his creativity diminishing, especially during meetings with his co-founder, who seemed to effortlessly produce fresh ideas.

In search of inspiration, Jason had a casual conversation with Abi, where he learned about the importance of engaging in non-work-related activities. Abi dedicated his Monday afternoons to exploring different interests outside of work, which allowed him to return to his tasks with renewed focus.

Inspired, Jason committed to doing something different each week. He started visiting museums and art galleries regularly, which gradually transformed his approach to work. He became more engaged in discussions and even began proposing innovative ideas during leadership meetings.