Hot off the heels of annual planning and goal setting, I want to propose something a little different.
Let’s not let another year go by, only to end up drinking from the fire hose of year-end reviews, intentions and words-of-the-year next December.
Instead, I want to encourage something I call INNOVATION DAY. You may have heard it called a VIP day or a retreat day. Whatever you call it, carve out time to give your business (and yourself) an opportunity to refresh, restore and move important (but sometimes neglected) projects forward.
Why Bother?
In the world of business, it's easy to get caught up in the never-ending to-do list. But trust me, setting aside a day for reflection and innovation is like hitting the pause button on the chaos. It gives you a chance to step back, take a deep breath, and evaluate where you are and where you want to go.
Clarity Amidst Chaos
Ever feel like you're drowning in tasks? Taking an Innovation Day allows you to see the bigger picture. You gain clarity on your goals, strategies, and the steps needed to get there. It's like cleaning your glasses – suddenly, everything becomes much clearer.
Innovative Ideas Flow
Innovation doesn't happen when you're buried in the day-to-day. A dedicated day for reflection opens the floodgates for fresh ideas. You'll be amazed at the creativity that surfaces when your mind isn't occupied with immediate deadlines.
Improved Decision-Making
With a clear head and inspired ideas, your decision-making game gets stronger. You're not reacting; you're responding with more intention and with ample time to weigh your options.
Who to Collaborate With?
Taking a day to innovate doesn't mean isolating yourself. In fact, collaborating with the right people can amplify the benefits.
You may not have the budget to put an expert on retainer. But could you bring one into your business for one day to help you solve those more complex problems or provide some pivotal consultation that gets you unstuck and moving forward?
This is a terrific way to get a small dose of high fidelity wisdom in areas like finance, branding, website design or marketing.
Other people you may want to invite:
Trusted Advisors
Connect with mentors or advisors who understand your business. Their outside perspective can offer valuable insights and challenge your thinking.
Team Brainstorming
If you have a team, involve them in the process. Everyone brings a unique viewpoint, and the collective brainstorming can spark groundbreaking ideas.
Industry Peers
Reach out to fellow entrepreneurs in your industry. Sharing experiences and learning from each other can be mutually beneficial.
But I'm Busy, You Say?
I get it. Time is a precious commodity. But trust me, taking an Innovation Day is an investment, not a luxury.
Schedule It
Treat it like a crucial client meeting – non-negotiable. Decide now to make it a monthly ritual and put your Innovation Days on the calendar.
Set Your Agenda
Don’t try to do too much. Decide what you want to focus on ahead of time and don’t let yourself get distracted. This your chance to go DEEP, not wide. Here’s a 12-month agenda you could adopt.
Make sure your day includes a balance of activities that are both physically and mentally active and restorative. Make sure you feel better at the end than when you started.
Collaborate
Innovation is just better together. Find your trusted innovation team and co-plan a day that is a combination of research, development, implementation and coaching. Hire a wing-woman to facilitate, keep you on track and take some of the load.
Taking a day for reflection and innovation might seem indulgent. But it's in these moments of pause that magic happens. So, schedule your next Innovation Day, collaborate with the right minds, and watch your business thrive.