Reading is a passion of mine. Nearly all my epiphanies arise from the books, articles, and research papers I devour. I apply the same level of curiosity to these texts that I encourage others to use in their daily work, during conflicts, and when confronting limiting beliefs. Most of my moments of inspiration come from reading something and pondering, "If this, then what about...?" The depth of wisdom and innovative thought that can emerge from such wonder is extraordinary. Reading provides the substance needed to fuel this curiosity if we only seek to connect the dots.
One of the reasons I am able to help my clients discover paths forward in their areas of challenge is that I have an outside perspective. As much as I work to develop the capacities of leaders to think differently, be more curious, and be willing to risk failure in pursuit of growth and innovation, I recognize that Albert Einstein was correct when he said,
"No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it."
In situations where curiosity alone does not suffice, I recommend keeping an unbiased resource available to navigate persistent dilemmas. However, the number of issues that can't benefit from internal curiosity and wayfinding is far fewer than we often acknowledge. There are ways to minimize our personal list of unsolvable problems.
One of the most powerful tools for expanding our horizons is reading.
Immerse yourself in reading anything and everything. Research indicates that reading fiction can enhance empathy by forcing us to look at the world through the eyes of different characters. With countless remarkable writers crafting stories that resonate with our own experiences, finding compelling fiction is not hard. Nonfiction, too, is brimming with valuable insights. From researchers presenting their discoveries to practitioners sharing their expertise, just a few books can offer a variety of strategies for tackling your challenges.
Regardless of the genre, expand your horizons. Innovations and groundbreaking ideas often emerge when concepts from one field are creatively linked to those in another. Let your curiosity guide your reading. If you're intrigued by project management, read about Project Management. If the lifecycles of frogs are up your alley, read about frogs. If you've ever been curious about the sacred texts of another religion, start exploring. One of my favorite books is the Bhagavad Gita. The profound dialogue within its pages has sparked many thought-provoking moments for me, helping me to ask better questions, foster greater curiosity, and embrace the uncertainties of life.
So, yes, please continue seeking consultation with professionals or colleagues. It can help just to know we have a place to turn, let alone the insight we may gain from the conversations. But don't overlook the importance of voraciously consuming information. Inspiration is often just a page away.
