Below is a lesson from TED on how to use procrastination, doubt, and failure to drive creativity and innovation, as well as our key learnings.

The Blue Courage team is dedicated to continual learning and growth.  We have adopted a concept from Simon Sinek’s Start With Why team called “Learn, Share, Grow”.  We are constantly finding great articles, videos, and readings that have so much learning.  As we learn new and great things, this new knowledge should be shared for everyone to then grow from.

The Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers

Adam Grant

Link to video here.

Key Learnings:

• Originals Defined: Nonconformists who not only come up with new ideas but take action to implement them. Originals challenge the status quo, drive creativity, and ultimately bring change. They often don't fit conventional expectations.

• Procrastination and Creativity: Research reveals that moderate procrastination can enhance creativity by giving the brain time to incubate ideas. Delaying tasks can lead to original and transformative outcomes.

• First-Mover Myth: The idea that being first in a market gives a competitive advantage isn't always the right path. Research shows that improvers—companies that refine and enhance existing ideas—tend to succeed more than first movers.

• Managing Doubts: Originals manage doubt differently. While they may experience fear and uncertainty, they focus on doubting their ideas rather than themselves, allowing them to refine and improve their work. This mindset allows them to stay open to new possibilities.

• Browser Metaphor: Using different web browsers is linked to an individual’s openness to alternatives. The example shows that people who question defaults (e.g., downloading Chrome or Firefox instead of using preinstalled browsers) are more likely to be proactive and original in other areas of their lives.

• Embracing Failure: Originals often have many bad ideas, but those who generate the most ideas are the most likely to stumble upon great ones. Quantity and persistence can lead to quality.

• Key Takeaway: Originals succeed not in spite of procrastination, doubt, or failure, but often because of these traits. By embracing fear, experimenting with ideas, and being open to failure, originality thrives.