Rediscovering...What We Began With And Lost

I was running a professional development workshop today on leadership and time management and I confirmed what I had suspected for a long time...
Folks what I am about to tell you isn't pretty or something to feel good about and the anecdotal evidence is overwhelming.
We are losing the ability to think creatively, innovatively and laterally and the evidence, I think is all around us.
I ask questions in seminars...and, people struggle everywhere to give answers that are creative and insightful. In short, people have lost their intellectual mojo, their thinking independence and the essence of their neurological DNA.

Why is this the case?
Well here is my theory. People are being brow beaten to conform to a particular style of thinking in the business world that rewards behavioural compliance and "a steady as she goes" attitude which smacks of mindlessness and uniformity.

Whilst this may be ok in some circumstances when you think like this for long periods of time there is a real risk that you gradually overtime rewire the neurological pathways that drive thinking outside the square and the spirit of creativity which I think dwells in all of us and was present when we were born.
Creativity is also a source of curiosity which also stimulates us to be enquiring and interested in our immediate environment.
So what are the steps to claim back our mental mojo and ability to think creatively?

Here are a few simple behaviors that you can practice everyday:

1. Practice being in the moment as your creativity and uniqueness is always linked to how immersed you are in your immediate surroundings.

2. When people ask for your opinions practice thinking outside the norm and respond with concepts and ideas that celebrate the uniqueness of your point of view rather than trotting out the same perspective as others.

3. Filter your interpretation of the media and conversation and realize that there are many perspectives on every story and opinion.

4. Practice looking for the opportunity in every situation and practice this every day.

5. Spend time with toddlers and young children and get reacquainted with their simple, logical and uncomplicated views on things...especially how much fun they have which is directly related to how "present" and in the moment
they are.

Get back to being that fun spontaneous person who is always celebrating their uniqueness and peaceful state of mind as it is our most powerful ally in leading a life of fulfillment, fun and contentment.
Live Life!