The most common definition for “innovation” is the creation (including implementation) of a new idea, more effective device or process.

What’s the personal benefit of being an innovator?  I guess the first question should be “Is there a personal benefit to being an innovator?”   My own answer is yes, read on for more.

Corporate Innovation

There is a lot of information about the value of Corporate level innovation to your country, province or city.  Basically the introduction of a new idea, more effective device or process is linked to economic growth.  The region benefits from economic growth so innovation is good.

In the reverse, lack of innovation lets your competitors get ahead of you and obviously that can be detrimental.  A classic recent case of this relates to mobile phones.  The company Research in Motion (now called Blackberry) came out with the smart phones predecessor and made millions ultimately becoming a technology company with a market capitalization in the multi-billions.  This was followed by Apples innovation of the actual smart phone which blew Blackberry out of the water and today people are asking “Where are they now?” about Blackberry.

This example has both cases.  First the positive where innovators are making lots of money and creating a positive economic influence (in this case for their country, province and city).  And the negative where lack of innovation led to rapid decline.

Back to the Personal Concept

Can we apply the innovation logic at a micro level, that is to you personally.  I believe so.    One of my favorites quotes is Albert Einstein’s definition of Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Innovators by definition do something different.  Are the results always positive, not necessarily but if you don’t try something different don’t expect improvement, that is probably nothing will change.

So if you want to be the driver of positive change, you must to some extent be an innovator.

My assessment is personal innovation won’t always be positive but lack of innovation will most certainly be negative or at the least static in it’s impact on your personal goals.

Personal Innovation – give it a try!