Price of innovation is time spent alone recharging the mind

Today’s column is inspired by Isaac Newton who according to a popular story was relaxing under an apple tree when a fruit fell on him.

He wondered why it fell downwards and not upwards.

As a result he came up with the Law of Gravity. Other sources indicate that the story is probably an exaggeration, in Newton’s own account he was sitting at his window in his home when he saw an apple fall from a tree in his garden.

Away from science, in order to be innovative you must ask questions that challenge the status-quo. For you to do that effectively, there is need to allow yourself time alone in order to deeply reflect on issues.

For organisations there is need to take the team away on a reflection tour away from the office.

Parents should be patient with children who ask many questions in order to nurture this life skill. By asking questions we break new grounds and make very interesting discoveries.

In order to make improvements we have to stretch our imagination, otherwise we might fall in what Einstein defined as insanity.

He defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

How many things have you been doing the same way over and over again? Could there be better ways of doing them? You must break away from your habits in order to reach where you want to go.

The new Constitution has changed the way many things are done in Kenya. Similarly, you need to keep reviewing your ways of operating or beliefs as a person or a business in order to realise the change you want.

The bible says, do not conform to the things of the world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

There many ways of renewing your mind; reflection is one of them. Other ways include communing with nature like taking a walk in the park which is normally an analogy of the easy things in life, visiting the Nairobi National park would also give you some ideas and open your mind.

Taking a power nap is also a powerful way of renewing your mind; it helps you to access your sub-conscious mind where a lot of creative energy is stored.

Visiting new places also inspires new thinking and creates new possibilities for you. Studies show that on average people who have visited or lived in foreign countries have been found to be more innovative than those who haven’t.

Many ideas are also born in the shower or you take that morning bath, be alert to the thoughts that cross your mind at that point. Some people take voice recorders to the bathroom just in case that aha moment finds you there.