Innovation does not take a genius; it takes will power. Most people have it in them to look at a problem and formulate an invention or innovation as a solution, but what then? This is a point where many become uncertain. It is a point where an uncountable number of potentially earth shaking revelations have stalled, stuck as a fantastic idea in the back of someone’s mind.

Martin Zwilling discusses in Forbes how innovations become revolutions, citing Patrick Howe’s “The Evolution of Revolutions.” Zwilling points out the traits and steps that are necessary to make a good idea succeed in business. However, people without experience in the business world may discount the merits of their solution. Perhaps they feel awkward taking that first step and testing their idea. What should people do to over come this mental block?

Well, innovation takes practice. It takes getting comfortable with acting on quirky, creative solutions. The ideas don’t need to be earth shaking. An easy way to start is by improvising while doing daily chores. It is amazing how many household items have countless uses when applied imaginatively. People who are handy around their house know that duct tape is the crux of 90% of inventive household solutions, but any item can work as long as it gets ideas from the brain and into action.

Daily activities or routines are another potential means of innovation practice. Maybe take a different route to work because it might be a short cut or keep a journal of thoughts for future consideration. When confronted with obstacles, try solutions that are out of the ordinary. Get in the habit of jumping out of the rut.

Howe’s book is framed in the Forbes article as a path for taking an idea to market, but it is also a path for innovating every day life. Use the steps outlined in the article to help improve the quality of solutions and their implementation, and continue to practice.

Take a lesson from Zeus and let great things come bursting forth from your mind to become a reality. He birthed Athena, the armor clad goddess of wisdom, fully grown from his forehead, which probably makes practicing innovation daily and following Howe’s advice seem downright painless.

*http://blogs.forbes.com/martinzwilling/2011/02/19/start-with-innovation-then-make-it-a-revolution/