Innovating For Success (Part 1)

I read with great interest the challenging journey that Professor Daniel Schechtman took to win the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

He won the prize for the discovery of quasicrystals. In a nutshell, it is a study of how atoms can be packed together in a non-regular and non-repeating pattern to form a solid material.

His findings pioneered a new field in science. They can be used in many applications and to make a positive impact on our lives.

In the process of achieving the breakthroughs, he challenged many widely accepted ideas and textbook theories.

The Royal Swedish Academy that awarded him the Nobel Prize commented that he fought a fierce battle against established science, and was even ‘asked to leave his research group.’

He faced many demoralising responses. For example, Dr. Linus Pauling, a double Noble laureate commented that “He was talking nonsense.” and “There is no such thing as quasicrystals, only quasi-scientists.”

There is a great take-away for me as I read this story.

If I want to survive and succeed in the fast-changing world, I must innovate or die. I have to do it despite oppositions and other challenges.

What has brought me to this level of growth cannot bring me to the next level. What works today may not work tomorrow.

Innovation is not everything in my life, but everything in my life should be driven by innovation.

The brightness of my future is driven by the quantity and quality of innovations in my life.

Go4It!

I hope this message will find a place in your heart.

By the way, I have also recorded other reflections.

Please go to ‘Notes’ found below my profile picture.

Visit my Transformation blog at http://hsrpatrickliew.wordpress.com

Visit my Inspiration blog at http://liewinspiration.wordpress.com

Please read them and continue to teach me.

Life is FUNtastic!

 

Question: How can we adopt an innovative mindset?