I’m currently reading the book Yes to the Mess: Surprising Leadership Lessons from Jazz by Frank Barrett.  In his book, Frank connects the improvisation technique used by jazz musicians to leadership approaches that stimulate innovation.

We’ve been living in a “mess,” and we were FORCED to improvise because the world around us completely changed.

I started 2020 with an ambitious plan to quit my job and launch a new business on April 1^st.  Well, April Fool’s – the economy shut down, nobody had the budget to hire me, and my business plan was useless.

But I said YES to the MESS.  I CHOSE to view this as an opportunity to INNOVATE.

I threw out my old business plan and completely abandoned my comfort zone.

And boy, was it UNCOMFORTABLE!

But, I LEARNED a lot, I INNOVATED, and I celebrated MANY SUCCESSES that proved to me that I could operate a thriving business in any environment.

So, how do you say YES to the mess and create innovations in your life?

• Assume you are a genius: What? Yes, you read that right – assume you are a genius! Famously successful people weren’t born that way.  They tried, and they FAILED.  They FAILED A LOT.  But they didn’t give up.  They embraced failure as a learning opportunity and then applied what they learned to the next attempt.
• Reflect on past successes: Think about a time when you overcame a challenge that led to some positive change. What strengths did you leverage as you navigated that challenge? How did it feel when you achieved success?  What did you learn from the experience?  Fill your confidence bucket by re-living those moments that prove to you that you CAN do it!
• Leave your comfort zone: Take the first step to get out of your comfort zone and embrace the mess. Stick with it, even though it feels uncomfortable.  If you stay the course, you will eventually develop new skills and expand your comfort zone!
• Celebrate your successes: Reflect on what you just accomplished and enjoy your victory! And use this success to fuel you as you step out of your comfort zone again.

So, my challenge to you this week is to say YES to the MESS!

And feel free to share your stories with me – I’d love to hear them!

Wishing you the best!