The Heart of Innovation‏

• 
  

---

The Value of Nothing Posted: 16 Jan 2014 07:24 PM PST When children are born prematurely, they're placed in incubators. When fields stop producing, farmers let them lay fallow. When baseball players are in a prolonged slump, they're given a day off. It's the same with innovators -- or should be. They, too, need to incubate. They, too, need to lay fallow. They, too, need time off. You already know this. That's why you often choose to "sleep on it" before making a big decision. Pausing isn't procrastinating. It's an act of renewal -- a chance to relax and let your subconscious shine -- a phenomenon that's all-too-rare these days -- especially in organizations where everyone is overworked, overwhelmed, and over-caffeinated. Face it. Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing. THE DO NOTHING TECHNIQUE 1. The next time you are working hard, but getting no results -- notice it. 2. Take a break. 3. If you feel the urge to produce, let the urge pass. 4. During this down time, simply notice the ideas and insights that come to you. 5. DO NOT attend my webinar on this subject. (I don't have one). Listen to your subconscious Excerpted from Awake at the Wheel.