The Unexpected Success of Warby Parker Seven years ago, a student sought investment for his online glasses company, Warby Parker. Despite their lack of progress and backup plans indicating hesitation, the company later became highly successful and innovative. This experience led to an exploration of 'originals'—nonconformists who drive creativity by taking action on new ideas.
Embracing Procrastination for Creativity Procrastination can foster creativity; those who delay tasks moderately often generate more original ideas than precrastinators or chronic procrastinators. Research shows that allowing time for incubation leads to better creative outcomes as it encourages divergent thinking without pressure. Historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci exemplify how productive delays can enhance innovation.
Transforming Doubt into Motivation Original thinkers manage self-doubt differently from idea doubt; while self-doubt is paralyzing, idea doubt motivates experimentation and refinement in the creative process. The choice between default options versus seeking alternatives reflects one's initiative toward originality—a mindset crucial in achieving success through fresh perspectives.
Harnessing Fear as Fuel for Innovation Fear drives originals not just towards failure but also towards missed opportunities if they don’t try at all; this fear fuels their willingness to take risks despite potential setbacks. Many great innovators have faced numerous failures before finding success because generating many ideas increases chances of discovering something truly unique.