Break Through the "Hard" Barrier

So, you're faced with a problem and you think to yourself, "There's no way I can do this. It's just too hard."

I call this a “hard culture” and that kind of thinking is a load of crap. When you label something as "hard," you're closing yourself off to the possibility of finding creative solutions. Without creativity, you'll just get stuck and problems will seem insurmountable. You’re becoming a victim to whatever challenge you're facing.

And it's not just your own ability to think creatively that suffers when you say things are "hard." This kind of thinking can also create a culture of difficulty within a team, making it harder for everyone to come up with innovative solutions to problems. I know this from experience with fit-flavors. The hard culture was rampant in our organization for quite some time. I’m really proud of our team for starting to recognize their tendencies to think anything new is hard!

If you also want to break through this "hard" barrier and tap into the power of creativity, here's what you need to do:

Take a step back and try to look at the problem from a different perspective. Oftentimes, we get stuck because we're too close to the issue and can't see the bigger picture. So, take a step back and try to look at the problem from a different angle. You might just find a creative solution that you couldn't see before.
Don't be afraid to think outside the box. Creativity often requires us to think in ways that are unconventional or unexpected. Embrace this and don't be afraid to come up with solutions that may seem a bit "out there."
Collaborate with others. Sometimes, we can get stuck in our own heads and it's helpful to bounce ideas off of others. By working with a team or seeking the input of a colleague, you may be able to generate ideas that you wouldn't have come up with on your own.
Practice creative thinking regularly. Just like any other skill, creativity requires practice. Make an effort to regularly engage in activities that encourage creative thinking, such as brainstorming sessions or taking on new challenges.

Don't fall victim to a hard culture. Embrace creativity and watch your problems start to melt away.

Just a little tough love for you today.

Jillian