I was speaking with one of my mentors recently and he reminded me of the saying “necessity is the mother of all invention.” There is a lot of truth in that.  When we are backed up into a corner or have exhausted all options, we often come up with some new great idea because we have no other option.

Although I understand how this happens, it made me question why we wait until we have no other option to either try do do something in a way not attempted before or possibly even try something completely new.

This all started with a discussion I was having with one of my mastermind groups focused around personal growth.  Typically we do not change much about our lives until we have to. We know we need to eat better and exercise more but don’t do it until the doctor says we have to.

We don’t clean out the storage room until there is no more room to store all our “Stuff.” We don’t put money away for a rainy day until it rains and we don’t plan for tomorrow until it get’s here.  Then we wonder why we are so overwhelmed.

The question became “what would happen if we took the time to reflect on the things we are challenged with like we had to make a change immediately.”  I love this – think about it, what if we had no choice but to figure out how we could add a half our of quiet time tomorrow?  What if we had to figure out how, no matter what, we had to spend an hour at the gym tomorrow?  There are way too many things that we don’t do until we are forced to do them.

Here is three reasons to invent something before it’s a necessity:

1.  EMPOWERMENT

Doesn’t it feel empowering when you are in control?  Necessity often causes desperation.  We go into survival mode and sacrifice quality just to get something done.  Doing something before you have to allows you to control the operation and achieve the desired outcome while avoiding crisis mode thoughts and behaviors.

2.  ENVIRONMENT

You have read my thoughts on how important it is to be in an environment conducive to your growth.  When we do things on our terms, it’s like we are doing them on our own turf, being in control of the desired outcome – home field advantage if you will.  When playing on your own turf, you have a lot more control over the obstacles that might come about through the process.  Home field advantage usually happens when you are the one in control of the schedule.

3.  EXPECTATIONS

What is your expectation when you plan the activity?  Usually fairly clear and you have the chance to be specific and strategic in the planning process.  On the other hand, if you are reacting to some adversity that you are currently encountering, your expectations may simply be to get out alive.  OK, maybe that’s a little drastic but I think you understand my point. Knowing the expected outcome makes the entire process simpler and safer.

Here is the bottom line, when we work out of need instead of intention, our options are limited.  Look at this like crisis prevention instead of crisis management.  Quit playing all “away games” and control your own destiny.

Be intentional about inventing new ways to learn, grow and succeed.  The next great idea you hear about might just be yours.

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Barry Smith   www.buildingwhatmatters.com   11/9/12     Photo by author