Today is Innovation Day. The Valentine’s blues are finally done, and now it is time to celebrate creativity, ideas, dreams and aspirations. That is what today, February 16 is all about.

How It Started.

Not to be confused with the more official World Creativity and Innovation Day as the established by the United Nations, ‘The main idea behind this day is to appreciate the efforts of those inventors who are bringing innovation and change, especially in the fields of science and technology.

The Science History Institute and the Society of Chemical Industry created this day to acknowledge those creators who have made revolutionary inventions in the past that are still as useful today as they were years ago.’ – NationalToday.com

Innovation Day also motivates kids and young people to be experimental and inventive in their fields of interest. However, I have no desire to limit the celebration of innovation day to STEM fields. Instead, I would like each and every one of us to celebrate even our smallest, personal innovations and wins.

Such as?…

• If you’re a chef, celebrate the process and the ideas that helped you make that awesome addition to the menu.
• If you’re a leader, celebrate your ideas that have helped motivate and inspire your staff and subordinates.
• If you’re a cleaner, celebrate the smart changes you’ve implemented to do more and smarter work in a shorter space of time.
• If you’re a mom or dad, celebrate the creative examples you’ve set for your child to help them conquer their own fears.
• If you’re a waiter, celebrate your incredible interpersonal skills that have encouraged clients to keep coming back to help the restaurant thrive.
• If you’re getting a new lease on life, celebrate the deliberate steps you took to get there.

The list goes on, but I hope you get the idea.

However, some of us may feel we do not have much innovation worth celebrating. If you want to improve your creativity, try using some of these simple steps I practise. I hope this could help you too.

3 Simple Ways To Improve Personal Innovation.

1. Listen.

As Natalie puts it: Listen, watch, wait. We’re not talking about crossing the road here, but the importance of being sensitive and in tune with yourself and what’s happening in the world around you.

If you want to come up with an idea that will change the world, or even just impact your own life, then you need to pay attention. Also, when I go around for a walk, I get my headphones and I observe just about anything that’s around me. Some random thing could improve my mood or inspire a writing idea in a snap. You never know where inspiration could jump out of once you begin to pay attention.

2. Have a Laugh.

As someone that experiences low motivation most winter days, it helps for me to do an activity that is fun – or to simply spend time with someone I enjoy being around.

This may sound simple but believe me when I say it is super-effective. Being in a good mood allows me to relax, and when my mind is also relaxed, all sorts of positive, applicable ideas flood into my brain. You should try this too :).

3. Work with Others.

No one has all the answers on their own. If you have a problem or a passion you would like to expand on, get out there, seek and engage with people who have dealt with a similar problem or have similar interests.

Talking to/Working with other people who have a different perspective can help expand your views and brighten you with new solutions. Luckily, there are several ways online to find just about any groups of like-minded people. All you gotta do is look.

Honorable Mention.

Anyone who has read my posts knows how obsessed I am about Vision Boards. You can check out some of my posts about them here. A vision board can help you attain focus, drive and inspiration.

Writing down a list of realistic goals you want to achieve within a short amount of time can greatly motivate you and keep you on your toes. So why don’t you try it today? You never know what it may do for you.

Have fun!