The first step to achieving more success through innovation is to get more creative.

Here’s what I want you to imagine: Let’s say we’re about to make a small and seemingly inconsequential decision. It could be something like preparing to book a conference room and the normal process of how to book the room. Or it could be waiting in line at Starbucks to place our order. In most situations like this, the way we do things and the options that we consider quickly shrink down. By doing this in so many areas of life, we form habits that we’re not even aware of as well as the limitations that come from these habits.

 

Make it Real

Here’s something to help break through the limitations: When you come to one of these small decision points, pause for a moment and consider more options. Before you make that conference room reservation, ask yourself if there are other ways to find a meeting room or which rooms you tend to avoid and which ones you always use. If you’re in line at Starbucks, consider at least two other drink options that you could order and might actually enjoy.
And then, after you have thought about these options, make your choice.

This is not about making a wild, new decision. The key is to increase the number of options you consider. It’s a way to strengthen your creativity, and it’s also a starting point to make better decisions.