Feature: Unlocking Creativity and Innovation

 By Timothy A. Edward

If we want to bring new revenue avenues, we need original ideas. The tested and tried old methods, systems, and practices are good, but if we want to move forward, we have to introduce new thought patterns and methods into every area of life - from agriculture to construction, business to education, and law to governing a country.

Would you call yourself an inventor of new ideas and products? Do you admire those who generate fresh concepts and create new things - whether songs, business models, or scientific instruments - that benefit humanity and enhance the quality of life?

Enter the Innovation Space

Research suggests that when you go to bed with a problem in your mind - without immediately jumping to conclusions - your subconscious mind continues working throughout the night, searching for solutions. Much like the Internet, our subconscious minds process information, offering us multiple options by morning.

When facing a challenge or making a crucial decision, try stepping back and creating space. Instead of rushing into conclusions, procrastinate a little, and you’ll be amazed at how many innovative and breakthrough ideas emerge - helping you make the right decision.

Creation of Masterpieces

If you want to create masterpieces, you need to continuously generate ideas, be it music, business solutions, or inventions. Over time, these efforts culminate in birthing extraordinary achievements.

For example, great composers did not become legendary overnight. They kept at it for years, composing vast amounts of music until some of their works entered the halls of fame, gaining global recognition and admiration.

Innovation in Cricket

Take the game of cricket - an ever-evolving sport. In recent decades, cricket has undergone significant transformations, especially with the introduction of T20 matches. The fast-paced format forced cricketers to develop innovative strokes for quick scoring, while bowlers adapted ‘doosras’ and swings to deceive batsmen and secure crucial wickets. But all of this innovation was built on relentless practice and studying the opponents.

Unique Cricket Strokes and Bowling

Who created the reverse sweep in cricket? The stroke is credited to Pakistan all-rounder Mushtaq Mohammed, who first executed it in 1964 during a club match. But Arjuna Ranatunga continually refined the technique, making it an integral part of his game. His mastery of the reverse sweep contributed to Sri Lanka’s success in numerous matches, ultimately leading them to win the much-coveted World Cup.

The same goes for Muttiah Muralitharan and the ‘doosra’. Although the delivery was originally created by Pakistani domestic cricketer Prince Aslam Khan, Murali innovated it and went on to hold the highest wicket-taking record in the world, with a staggering 800 Test wickets. He remains the most prolific wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket.

Connection between Innovation and Creativity

Innovation and creativity thrive when we take time to rest, recharge, and shift our environment. They also develop through repetition, dedication, and perseverance in mastering a particular skill.

This is why building a career path or training in a specialised field is essential. With years of experience, competence becomes second nature. Repeated effort leads to wisdom - the ability to discern what works and what doesn’t, ultimately driving innovation and breakthroughs.

Overcoming failure and unlocking Creative Potential

Don’t be afraid to keep trying despite failures. Failure doesn’t define individuals - it simply indicates that something needs to be done differently.

Before going to bed, release your anxieties and setbacks. Learn to rest, even in moments of failure. The Creator, full of infinite creativity, can spark within your subconscious mind fresh ideas that transform you into a winner, an inventor, a composer, and a solutions provider- someone who brings innovation and creativity to the world.