Thinking Outside the Box: Embracing Creativity and Risk-Taking for Success

Have you ever had a crazy idea that you were too afraid to pursue?

Maybe you felt discouraged by those around you or didn't believe in yourself enough to take the leap.

I know I've been there. When my son Benjamin was suffering from clostridium at only six months old we were told to expect the worst.* It was a devastating time, but it also sparked a radical idea in my mind: what if I could help my son by providing him with my own feces, a method they used to treat infected cows? It sounded insane, doctors were against it but it was worth a shot. And you know what? It worked and the method is now used to treat this condition at hospitals, saving thousands of lives.

This experience taught me the power of pursuing your own ideas, no matter how wild they may seem. 

When you're faced with a problem that seems insurmountable, sometimes the craziest solution is the one that works. But it takes courage to take that leap, especially when others around you may doubt your abilities or your vision. 

So, how can you tap into your own creativity and pursue your own ideas?

First, ask yourself: 

What problem am I trying to solve, and what unique perspective or experience do I bring to the table? For me, as a mother, I had a unique connection to my son and was able to think outside the box when it came to his health. You too have a unique perspective on the world, based on your own experiences and strengths. By embracing that perspective and thinking creatively, you can come up with innovative solutions to the problems that matter most to you.

Second, ask yourself: 

What risks am I willing to take to bring my ideas to life? Pursuing your own ideas often involves taking risks and stepping outside of your comfort zone. But as I learned with my own crazy idea, sometimes the greatest rewards come from taking calculated risks and embracing the unknown. So, what risks are you willing to take to bring your ideas to life, and how can you use those risks to propel yourself forward?

Finally, ask yourself: 

Who can I surround myself with to support and encourage my dreams? No one achieves their goals alone. Surrounding yourself with people who uplift and inspire you is crucial to pursuing your own ideas. 

When I came up with my crazy idea for my son's health, I was fortunate to have a supportive partner who believed in my vision and doctors willing to think out of the box. And you too can find those supportive individuals, whether it's a mentor, colleague, or friend who can provide valuable insights and advice based on their own experiences. I also want to say, only seek advice from those who have proven to take risks themselves, even if they failed. You see, people in general bring in their own limiting beliefs when they give you their thoughts, and suddenly you believe more in  their fear than in your power.

At the end of the day, pursuing your own ideas is all about taking the leap and having faith in yourself. 

You never know where your ideas will take you, but one thing is certain: you won't get anywhere if you don't try. 

So, take a deep breath, summon your courage, and go out there and make it happen. The world needs your unique perspective and your creative solutions now more than ever.

* (Clostridium difficile is a harmful type that can cause serious intestinal problems. Infants  with weakened immune systems like Benjamin, are at higher risk)