Submitted by Scot Simmons, Co-founder, ProConnectLA
Embracing “The Now” means (at least in part) thinking intuitively (rather than linearly) to realize innovation in an increasingly complex, rapid-transit, the-same-rules-don’t- apply-anymore kind of world. Thriving in business, in life, in virtually anything these days requires a different approach. Here’s my best shot.
1. PAY ATTENTION
Find a means of looking at the world from a lens not prescribed by your profession. Audit what’s going on in the world outside your own tiny orbit. Go online. Read a journal. Listen to a radio program. Audit blogs.
2. TALK IT, YES…BUT TRY IT.
Don’t just look. Experience. Read all you need to read. Theorize to your heart’s content. But then try it. Even more important, try it and fail a couple of times. Builds character…and the ability to think critically.
3. FIND A MENTOR
I heard this first from the author, Ray Bradbury. He said, “Surround yourself with people smarter than you…then rise to the challenge.” Never stop learning.
4. BE A MENTOR
I still believe that the best way to learn something is to actually teach it to someone else. As a former teacher, I still believe that it is one of the richest, most pure, experiences available to us all as human beings.
5. CROSS LINES
Adopt a world view which teaches that you can translate what you learn in one discipline into another…virtually ANY other. As the world becomes increasingly more connected the cultivated ability to apply what you know to strange (new) situations, can prove invaluable.
6. PLANT A TREE
Network. Grow a “family” tree of connections that spread out into the far reaches of the world itself…because whether you do it or not, your competition will. Swim in another pond. Talk to those outside your own tribe. Get yourself out there.
7. EMBRACE FEAR
Nothing new here…except perhaps the choice of the verb “embrace.” You can choose to “confront” or “face” or “fight” your fear of being uncomfortable in a new situation…or discipline…or group…or profession. Bottom line, practice doing something because it makes you uncomfortable. Get outside your comfort zone. Stop dancing to the same old Top 40 tune. Create your own learning situation…and try it on for size.
8. TAP INTO PASSION
Many consider this to be the first rule of new world conduct, but how will you know your passion without exploring a little (See #’s 1-8).
The answer to the question “Why am I doing this?” should always be “Because I really, really, really want to.” NOTE: I know, I ended a sentence with a preposition…SHOOT ME.
9. QUESTION AUTHORITY
As a child of the 60’s, this is my favorite. One size don’t fit all. What’s right for him (or her) is not always right for me. Make your own model. Think for yourself. Blaze your own trail to greatness. I could go on…but I won’t. You get the picture.
YOU go on. Make your own rules for living and working and dealing in this new world of ours…and share your thoughts with us.
Scot A. Simmons
Author | Content Writer | Brand Strategist