Just Do It!
While delivering an NPD workshop in Kenya this week Nina was disheartened by one of her pupils who said:
“We are not paid to think, just do – copy, paste, print”
I read this on Nina’s twitter, wayofthemonkey and it got me thinking about the mentality behind the statement, why people would feel this way and wondered, are they missing out?
Why?
- Most of us ‘need’ to work; does this ‘need’ limit our enthusiasm?
- When an activity is non-negotiable do we switch to auto pilot?
- If we imagine what is ahead does it look too hard?
- Does thinking everything through slow us down?
- Will thinking force new and uncomfortable experiences that could lead to change?
- Will our wider network support new ideas?
When you consider the reasons why a person would feel more inclined to just ‘put their head down and get on with it’ you begin to wonder ‘is thinking a trap’?
“Just Do It”
In 1988 one of the most famous advertising slogans was coined for Nike – “Just Do It”. The campaign has been a remarkable success given that 80% of trainers sold in the USA are not used for the purpose for which they were designed. The ads rarely focus on the product, but on people, they give an insight into the intense, inwardly focused competitor. Nike has attracted those who want the image without incurring the pain.
The truth is success is rarely nurtured in isolation. The sporting icons that Nike focuses on are undoubtedly great, but are they made greater by reaching out and utilising the talent of a combination of resources?
Reach out
When we focus on ourselves we are in danger of becoming detached from what is happening around us. I am not just talking about our immediate team of people, company or community, but also the wider social network that we now have the ability to reach out to in so many ways.
Reaching out is an opportunity to increase knowledge. Extending our network of resources helps us to unlock untapped potential and access what is inside people, be it stories of success or failure.
Are You Missing Out?
One person can not be great at everything. Thinking and engaging opens up everything we do in the world, its like ‘magic’.
If we can set aside our fears of the changes our thoughts may bring, we will discover that every day holds the potential for something new.
Saira
said on July 27, 2009
The thought of putting on my running shoes hurts but it is only the thought of it, once I can be bothered to make the effort they are actually quite comfortable and when I use them to their full potential they actually make me feel quite good!! Food for thought good blog has really got me thinking thanks.
Layla Collins
said on October 5, 2010
the best running shoes are always made of very resilient synthetic rubber’;:
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said on November 10, 2010
adidas running shoes are the best in the world and i alway use them in cross country “