The freedom of creativity

Creativity is the process of creating something original. When a thing has been created, others try either to re-create or optimize it. In business and in life, innovation and optimization play off each other, enjoying an almost circular relationship.

Seth Godin’s recent post, “The non-optimized life,” challenges readers to think beyond just maximizing or improving what already exists. Such ”a never-ending cycle of optimization can become a crutch, a place to hide when you really should be confronting the endless unknown.” Godin hits the nail on the head – while it may be practical and efficient to follow what’s already been done, at times we do so because it is simply easier.

In the month that celebrates Independence Day, we’re reminded of the spirit of innovation, which often means departing from what is known into the unknown. So when “two roads diverge[d] in a wood,” which one will be chosen?