Rumi Shivaz Innovation Blog

Feel The Stupidity and Do It Anyway

I think our logical mind can be a huge barrier to discovery of new ideas, connections and opportunities. 

Sometimes, you might agree to do something (i.e go to an event, attend a meeting etc) that doesn't make much sense. So nine out of ten times, even after agreeing to do something, your logical mind will take over and force you to get out of that agreement.

I can vividly remember few times I faced this conflict but somehow did what I agreed to do even though every cell in my left brain was screaming 'this is really stupid ... you are going to waste you time'.

Ignoring this powerful voice of our logical mind is very hard to do.  But when I look back on my own life experiences, I can vividly recall the situations where I forced myself to 'feel the stupidity and do it anyway', and discovered or received something remarkable. 

Next time when you face a situation like this, see if you can apply this strategy, and enjoy the surprising and valuable result it can produce. 

Drag vs Flow

Haven't blog for few months so time to re-activate the Blogging habit again.  

Someone once said to me that 'if what you are doing to make a living feels like hard work, then perhaps you are doing the wrong thing'. 

Last few months has been a bit of a drag ... I was spending quite a lot of time prospecting, but not generating enough business and cash-flow.  

So I decided to do something that doesn't make much sense. That is ... 'when the going get's tough, go on holiday'. 

It's amazing how a bit of sunshine (I went across the ditch to PortDouglas) and a great book (Dan Pink's new book called 'Drive') can do to your system. 

Reading Dan's book helped me to focus on increasing the time I spend on 'Flow' ... which is the 'mental state of operation in which a person in an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energised focus, full involvement, and success in the process of the activity'. 

For me they are ...

1. Having energising conversations with my prospects & customers about their challenges & aspirations

2. Uncovering an idea/initiative/project that they are passionate about but haven't been able to get it off the ground for whatever reason

3. Discussiong how amazing it will be if we can somehow make that vision a reality ... and moving the idea from 'nice to do' to 'must do' category  

4. Connecting the dots and mustering the right team to transition that idea from concept to reality.  

Sounds crazy but since returning from my short break,  in 7 working days I have built up a piple-line of opportunities bigger than what I managed to do during the last 3 months !!! 

So if your current job/project/role/business feels like a drag, then I strongly suggest ...

1. Take a break

2. Read Dan's book 

3. Find your Flow 

4. Play to your highest potential 

Related links ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)

Ted Talk - Dan Pink on Motivation