Getting inspiration for innovation is sometimes a real challenge for the fledgling innovator as well as the experienced professional. How can we give a jump start to our brain and get it going on the creative trail? Well, what do you do when the car won’t start? You take a quick look under the hood (if you are the mechanic type) and check for fuel and oil and spark for the ignition and that’s exactly what we need to do if we can’t get the brain to start. The nervous system is made up of electrically excitable cells called neurons that transmit information through electrical and chemical signals.
Did you get that!? There are electrical and chemical signals in our body that cause the spark for the ignition we need, and we can affect the mix of electrical and chemical signals in our brains with something as simple as exercise? Along with all the other health benefits, exercise releases chemicals called endorphins and endorphins trigger all kinds of innovator friendly responses. I have had so much inspiration come to me in the gym that I have started taking a note pad to write things down while I am there. Endorphins improve self-esteem (i.e. I can create and innovate), wards off anxiety and depression (enemies of creative thinking), lowers stress (like taking a vacation) which makes the mind feel more relaxed and free to make connections. It is like taking a vacation without the big bill at the end. Speaking of a relaxed, stress free vacation, have you ever noticed how your mind comes up with all kinds of fun and innovative ideas and connections when you go on a vacation? It’s sometimes frustrating for me to have a burst of new material come when I am on a vacation to get away from work. Where was all this inspiration when I was focused and intent on results at work? Well, this happens because we slow down and relax and let go of some of our focus. Vacation is all about being open to every kind of sensory stimulus, going slow enough to take the exit to the winding side roads for the better view just because we can. Whereas, focus at work is efficient and one directional and we are usually not very open to diversions or distractions.
The stuff that enables creative connections in the discovery phase of innovation is diversion and distraction. The intent focus part comes later and is very useful but not in this phase. Another thing exercise does, is it creates a low level of concentration on the actual exercise and leaves us with a lot of random access memory for other more interesting thoughts. So don’t underestimate the power of exercise to ignite the creative spark next time you are feeling stuck or uninspired!!
Did you get that!? There are electrical and chemical signals in our body that cause the spark for the ignition we need, and we can affect the mix of electrical and chemical signals in our brains with something as simple as exercise? Along with all the other health benefits, exercise releases chemicals called endorphins and endorphins trigger all kinds of innovator friendly responses. I have had so much inspiration come to me in the gym that I have started taking a note pad to write things down while I am there. Endorphins improve self-esteem (i.e. I can create and innovate), wards off anxiety and depression (enemies of creative thinking), lowers stress (like taking a vacation) which makes the mind feel more relaxed and free to make connections. It is like taking a vacation without the big bill at the end. Speaking of a relaxed, stress free vacation, have you ever noticed how your mind comes up with all kinds of fun and innovative ideas and connections when you go on a vacation? It’s sometimes frustrating for me to have a burst of new material come when I am on a vacation to get away from work. Where was all this inspiration when I was focused and intent on results at work? Well, this happens because we slow down and relax and let go of some of our focus. Vacation is all about being open to every kind of sensory stimulus, going slow enough to take the exit to the winding side roads for the better view just because we can. Whereas, focus at work is efficient and one directional and we are usually not very open to diversions or distractions.
The stuff that enables creative connections in the discovery phase of innovation is diversion and distraction. The intent focus part comes later and is very useful but not in this phase. Another thing exercise does, is it creates a low level of concentration on the actual exercise and leaves us with a lot of random access memory for other more interesting thoughts. So don’t underestimate the power of exercise to ignite the creative spark next time you are feeling stuck or uninspired!!
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