Daily Inspiration: Innovative Thinking – “Dare to differ. Be that one in every crowd!”

“Dare to differ. Be that one in every crowd!” – Futurist Jim Carroll

Some people. Innovative people.

Spot the difference!

It’s quite true. Some people have a very narrow view of the world and never achieve too much. Innovators have a wide-open mind and change the world in new and continuous ways.

Consider the differences.

1. Some people see a trend and see a threat. Innovators see the same trend and see an opportunity.
2. Some people tend to focus on past failures with sadness or disgust. Innovators look at the same failures and analyze them to figure out what to do better next time.
3. Some people hear an oddball idea, and say, “that’s the dumbest thing I ever heard.” Innovators hear the same idea, and think “what a great idea!“
4. Some people seek solace from others in order to avoid controversy. Innovators seek out groups of people to grab, share and get feedback on new ideas
5. Some people wish that everything around them would just stay the same. Innovators are eager to change everything they can.
6. Some people think that progress is great, and that’s gone on way too long. Innovators thrive on the opportunity and challenge what tomorrow brings.
7. Some people tend to hang out in peer groups that mimic their behaviour. Innovators bounce around among different peer groups, seeking the innovation oxygen that different opinions bring to the world.
8. Some people would react, “it won’t work,” when confronted with a new and radical idea. Innovators immediately set out to figure out to make the oddball idea a home run hit.
9. Some people prefer to study an issue to death until they can make a decision. Innovators look at the same issue, and say, “let’s do it now!”
10. Some people like to keep their world perspective small. Innovators thrive in a massive world of constant, never-ending swirling ideas
11. Some people dread the unknown, clinging to the familiar. Innovators embrace the unknown as a canvas for creativity.
12. Some see a problem and complain. Innovators see the same problem and think of solutions.
13. Some people fear change, innovators are the very agents of change.
14. Some people are content with what is. Innovators imagine what could be.
15. Some people follow the path well-trodden. Innovators blaze new trails.
16. Some people see obstacles, innovators see stepping stones.
17. Some people are paralyzed by failure. Innovators are motivated by it.
18. Some people look for reasons why it can’t be done. Innovators look for ways it can.
19. Some people seek comfort in routine. Innovators thrive in disruption.
20. Some people avoid risks at all costs. Innovators calculate risks as a necessary investment for progress.
21. Where some people seek to replicate success, innovators seek to redefine it.
22. Some people hold tightly to tradition, doing the same thing over again. Innovators rewrite the rules, doing everything differently each time.
23. Some people wait for guidance. Innovators take the lead.
24. Some people see chaos and become overwhelmed. Innovators see chaos and find patterns, or thrive upon the chaos.
25. Some people prefer simplicity. Innovators delight in complexity.
26. Some people avoid the unconventional. Innovators are drawn to it – they are the rebels, the freaks, the oddballs.
27. Some people strive for perfection, innovators embrace imperfection, finding opportunity within.
28. Some people stick to their silos. Innovators bust out of them and connect across disciplines.
29. Some defend the status quo. Innovators challenge it at every turn.
30. Some people see insurmountable barriers. Innovators see those opportunities for breakthroughs.

Some people, innovative people. Be the difference.

Just saying.