The Journey of Innovation: Commitment and Resilience

Often when people and organizations embark on their innovation journey, they feel a sense of purpose and exhilaration. Taking this step creates feelings of accomplishment and excitement. Those starting their journey assume everyone else feels the same way and that the process will be easy.

Well, that is rarely the case.

Starting an innovation journey is a lot like starting a relationship, a commitment, a marriage.

In the early stages, it is wonderful—ideas of learning new things, feelings of enthusiasm and eagerness abound. However, once you are on the journey, the work goes deeper and gets harder.

As in a marriage, we must remain committed. In traditional marriage vows, there is the refrain in which the couple pledges to each other "to have and to hold," meaning they will keep an active role in "to have" and not give up when things get hard "to hold."

While walking on the innovation journey, one must consider this idea and a similar commitment.

As in any commitment, the hardest part is not making the commitment; the most challenging aspect is keeping it.

How strong is your commitment to innovation when things get hard, when those who you thought would be your allies turn out to be obstacles, when you start to reveal truth and take risks and as a result, face setbacks? When you speak up and advocate for change, and your efforts are met with resistance.

Because that is what it takes to be a genuine innovation champion. Will you continue in the relationship? Will you commit to taking innovation "to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse?"

"The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible." – Arthur C. Clarke

According to a study by the Boston Consulting Group, companies that prioritize innovation achieve 12% higher performance and market valuation than those that do not.

Action/Reflection:

What challenges do you face on your personal innovation journey, and how can you mitigate those challenges?

Embrace the journey of innovation with commitment and resilience. Join our community of innovators and learn how to navigate the complexities and rewards of driving meaningful change. Contact us today to get started.