Breakthroughs May Come From Unexpected People and Places

One of the lessens I have learned (and I relearn all the time) is the tragedy of being too picky, selective, tunnel visioned, or snobby about to whom I listen and respect.

Breakthroughs often come at times and from places you do not expect - We don’t want to show them the door when they come knocking!

Too Picky - We should have high standards - I am not suggesting we settle for lousy work or take everyone’s advice. Many of us are far too picky when it comes to how we approach things or the creative ideas we will consider. For just one week, we should try being more open and accepting.

Too Selective - To me, this means being judgmental. X is good. Y is bad. This will help we progress. That will not help me progress. When we put things in boxes we limit our possibilities. Not only that, it is likely we don’t have a clue (don’t you find that the most judgmental people are also the most clueless?).

Tunnel Vision - I suggest that we be focused like a laser beam on our goal to create breakthroughs. Being focused does not mean that we should not also be observant and flexible in guiding our journey. The more nimble we are (while being focused) the better our chances for a major breakthrough.

Snobby - I should not have to say this, but some of us are mighty snobby. We can learn things from a wide variety of people, not just the rising stars, uber bloggers, and much buzzed about business gurus. Engage in conversation with a variety of people, even if some make your skin crawl a bit.

This has been an interesting week for me and I have experienced a few really cool breakthroughs. I did not see most of them coming, which is normal - and sweet.

The results of these breakthroughs is that:

I have a nice little consulting/temp gig that will last a few months.
I will have a print on demand version of my breakthrough book available in about 5 weeks.
I have reshaped my New Mexico book and have a better focus.
I will soon be launching a new and improved version of my Chile Pepper blog.
I have a couple new and exciting PR gigs.
And my book, High Impact Middle Management, seems to be doing better on Amazon (reached a new low today - low is good).

Where did these breakthroughs come from:

Sideways from people I was talking to about other things....
From some disappointment and failure.....
From a source that, honestly, I hadn't paid much attention to (shame on me).

SO:
Look in lots of places....
Be open to unusual pairings....
Let disappointment fuel your drive and resolve....

Have you had any similar experiences?

BTW - I intend to offer the 2 Weeks 2 a Breakthrough Program again after I get back from New Mexico, in early August. More information will be coming your way soon.

Comments

[Sebastian]

I think you forgot "too shy". I think many of our breakthroughs derived from being afraid to ask. I yet to sit back and summarize the experience since I am in the middle of moving. However, loads of work on my desk (which is good) and interesting learnings about myself.
Thanks

[Lisa Haneberg]

Sebastian - Excellent point, shyness is a challenge for many people and can get in the way of action and requests. Thanks for participating in the program!