Get Unstuck and Start to Innovate Again!

Feeling stuck and your creative juices are stifled??You’re not alone as many leaders and teams I’ve spoken to lately are feeling stuck and aren’t able to put their finger on why they are stuck.

I myself, have been one of those people who have been stuck. In May, I attended the Annual Team Women Leadership Conference, where we heard from many inspirational speakers and I was excited and feeling the passion of all the people in the room.??Then, we heard from the closing speaker, Shasta Nelson, who shared that 70% of the 300 people in the room will leave that day feeling lonely.?I listened intently and took studious notes so I could learn and make sure I wasn’t one of the 70% in the room! ??Yet, when I left that day after feeling extreme excitement, the feeling of loneliness set back in the next day.??

I went back to my notes and one of the key things that stuck out during Shasta’s presentation is we need a "feeling of connectedness, belonging and love"; both on the giving and receiving side of our feelings.

She defined a relationship as a three-legged stool and without one of requirements, we don’t have a true relationship.????

According to Shasta, the 3 requirements for a Relationship are:

·?????Positivity – enjoyable emotions

·?????Consistency – repetitive shared experiences

·?????Vulnerability – sharing to be seen

For me, identifying this feeling of loneliness in myself, was the beginning of becoming unstuck. It has helped me move to more collaborative relationships where I can innovate, create and do my best work. ???When we are the best version of ourselves, we feel confident and are willing to take on more risks to get a higher reward, whatever that means for you as an individual.

As you start to take on more risks, it will feel a little uncomfortable and that’s ok, because that means you’re growing and learning.??

Four tips to get inspired and be more creative and innovative:

1.????Get out and meet people outside of your industry

We are so tied to our own industry and building an expertise and network in this area, yet we wonder why we aren’t innovating and bringing new ideas back to the business.?If you don’t get outside of your own four walls to see what others are doing, it will be hard to innovate and think outside of the box.??

Meeting new people and networking can be scary if you’ve never done it before, bring a buddy with you as a safeguard at the event.?You will know that person is there for you when/if you need them.

2.????Listen to Podcasts for Inspiration

When you have time in the car, working out or taking the dog for a walk; turn on a podcast.?It’s amazing what you can learn by listening to others stories and how they got from A to Z.?I love listening to podcasts where we hear about the whole person and what inspired them to be what/who they are today.?A few favorites are The Power of Nine, Ellevate and Superpower Success.

3.????Meet with those whom you admire

Intrigued my someone who is doing well and, in your mind, is “really killing it”??Reach out to them and ask them how they do it.??Chances are they will be flattered that you reached out and will be more than willing to take time to meet with you.??

4.????Spend time in your happy place

What is that place that draws your energy up and not out? Mine is hiking to the top of the mountain looking at the vast land and taking in the scene and quietness of it all.??It allows me to take out the noise of everything and live in the moment. I feel refreshed and ready to tackle what’s next in front of me!

If you’re feeling stuck and want to grow; challenge yourself and hold yourself accountable to one or two new initiatives that you can stick to on a regular basis.??If you want an accountability partner, ping me and I’m happy to help!