Three reasons why you are still stuck (and how to get unstuck)

Actually it might just be one reason.

Think about a project, a business, or even a relationship, that you were deeply involved in but ultimately failed.

Why did it fail?

How about the ones that succeeded? Why did they succeed?

If you are anything like me then you might have given a single reason why the successes were a success and a stack of reasons why the failures were failures.

There might be something in this.

Our fascination with dissecting failures often outshines our celebration of successes.

Why?

It's not about dwelling on shortcomings, but rather embracing the treasure trove of lessons hidden within setbacks. Failures, like hidden gems, offer us a chance to understand the intricate mechanics of innovation. They are the cryptic puzzles that, once unraveled, get rid of the blockers and reveal the blueprint for success. Through failure analysis, we uncover the balance between audacious risks and meticulous planning, guiding us toward more calculated leaps in the realm of creativity and progress. We try to extract their wisdom.

So, failure is a great teacher. Or is it?

Failure indeed dons the mantle of an invaluable mentor. It acts as a crucible in which ideas, theories, and strategies undergo the ultimate litmus test. Failure forces us to confront the gaps in our assumptions, the flaws in our execution, and the blind spots in our innovation process. Every stumble, every setback, and every misstep unveils insights that textbooks and lectures could never convey.

However, "fail fast, fail often" is not a carte blanche to haphazardly court defeat.

It's not the failure itself that imparts wisdom; it's the introspection and analysis that follow. Failure, when met with honest reflection and a thirst for improvement, transforms into a remarkable tutor.

The real alchemy of innovation occurs when failure is meticulously examined, dissected, and its lessons infused into the very fabric of our endeavors. It's the ability to recognize patterns, identify root causes, and recalibrate strategies that distinguishes a true innovation practitioner.

Moreover, while failure might illuminate one facet of the innovation landscape, it's not the sole beacon. Successes too possess an arsenal of teachings. The victories achieved through innovative thinking demonstrate what works, vindicating theories and strategies while emboldening the spirit of exploration.

Maybe you are agreeing so far. But I’m not done. We have two reasons why someone might be stuck:

1. They fail to introspect or retrospect on successes and failures.

2. They introspect/retrospect and learn from the failure (or success). But take no action.

One can easily improve on #1 by in #2 but still be stuck. Let’s continue.

Why might someone be stuck?

One reason could that you might be too focused on the end goal.

Thinking so much about the big, shiny result that you forget to pay attention to how you're getting there. This is where a third level of retrospective thinking comes in.

Think about retrospection having a conversation with yourself about the journey, not just the destination. Instead of only thinking about the invention you want to create, you start asking questions like, "How can I approach this differently? What steps can I take to make progress? What can I learn from the obstacles I'm facing?" Explore the process of innovation, not just the final outcome. This kind of thinking helps you see the path forward more clearly.

In simplicity, the fundamental question to reframe is:

"What can I learn from this?”

to

“How can I adjust my approach?"

By looking at failures from a process/systems perspective, you can unlock new ideas and find your way out of being stuck.

An example of an imaginary smartphone

Imagine a company that's been working on a new smartphone design, aiming to create something revolutionary. After a few months of effort, they realize that their progress has slowed down, and they're not making the breakthroughs they hoped for. Instead of simply focusing on the end result – the amazing smartphone – they decide to look at their process.

They gather their team and start asking questions like, "What steps have we taken so far? Are there any bottlenecks in our process? What can we learn from the challenges we've encountered?" They're not just looking at the final product; they're delving into their innovation journey. Through this introspection, they realize that their initial design had some flaws that were causing delays. They also uncover that some team members were struggling to communicate effectively.

With these insights, they make adjustments. They decide to break the project into smaller phases, each with specific goals. They also implement regular team check-ins to ensure everyone is on the same page. These changes might not have been obvious if they were only focused on the ultimate smartphone design.

In this example, the “process” retrospective helps the team understand the innovation process itself. By analyzing their journey and identifying areas that need improvement, they can navigate around obstacles more effectively. This type of thinking encourages them to adapt their strategy based on what they've learned, which can ultimately lead to more successful and innovative outcomes.

Innovation isn't just about the final result; it's about how you get there. Don’t be the one who makes a ‘lucky shot’, be the one who has a system for enabling multiple impactful shots.

A retrospective of your systems helps you zoom in on your innovation process, making adjustments and learning from challenges along the way. It's like looking at a puzzle from different angles – you might discover insights that lead to the missing pieces of your innovation journey.

Embracing the stuck

Being stuck doesn't mean you're out of ideas, are a serial failure, or a serial winner that has lost mojo – it's just a temporary pause.

By embracing this thinking, you can shift your focus from just the end result to the journey itself. You'll learn from your mistakes, streamline your thoughts, and open up to collaboration.

With this enhanced retrospective thinking guiding you, you will find your way to successful growth.

Thoughts? Discuss on twitter here: https://twitter.com/growth_hc

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