Innovation #10 - Mindset
I had a conversation with a friend last night about innovators who build radical big impact versus those who just create tiny safe incremental change. At the root of the difference, we said, is mindset.
We all grow up with certain beliefs - a mindset - about what is or isn’t possible. We learn those beliefs, as another friend of mine said in a workshop recently, from “they” (shoutout to renaissance man DJ/Producer/Photographer DJ E-Clyps).
But oftentimes “they” are not helpful.
“They” say we can’t or shouldn’t even try.
“They” say we should stick to what we already know - it’s safe.
“They” say the status quo is the path to success - everything else is too risky.
The radicals and renegades form other beliefs - their own.
“They” say we can’t - turns into “Ha! Just watch me”.
“They” say we should stick to our knitting - it’s safe - turns into “Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is one definition of insanity. Being safe never led anyone to big positive change”.
“They” say the status quo is the path to success - everything else is too risky - turns into “Doing what I know is right and making positive impact IS success”.
What we all need - what our children all need - is a mindset where we are not just free to dream big, but one where we also GIVE OURSELVES license, space, and encouragement to BUILD BIG.
We need both a dreamer’s and a builder’s mindset.
We need a culture where our children grow up believing that they can build something that will change the world.
We need to normalize big thinking and big action that will produce game-changing positive impact in our world.
We need to set our minds free!