You can't innovate if it's not in your genes

Unless you edit your own genes—through CRISPR technology—but that’s primarily for treating illnesses.

And lacking innovation skills is not an illness.

So what makes innovators different from us?

Most of us believe that it’s something we inherit in our genes—that we’re born with it.

I would argue that’s true. Let me tell you why.

You are responsible for improving your genes and passing them on to your children. While you cannot directly alter your genes. Recent research suggests that your lifestyle choices and beliefs can influence your genes—and even affect your offspring’s genetics.

Your belief and choices determine your actions

Here’s how you currently ruining your genes and passing on low-quality traits to your kids. You’re not only hurting your own ability to innovate but also affecting generations to come.

Your limiting beliefs and the environment of the company you work in contribute to this significantly.

You are like many individuals who are hesitant to take risks. Or try new ideas due to the fear of failing or facing criticism. This fear stifle creativity and prevent you from exploring and practising to innovate.

Many workplace environments do not foster innovation. Have rigid structures, resistance to change, and a lack of support for new ideas. This discourage you from thinking creatively or proposing innovative solutions.

You can innovate like its in you

Many believe that innovators are naturally creative, but research has proven otherwise. Studies on identical twins show that 25% to 40% of innovation skills stem from genetics.

This means you have a 60–75% chance to learn innovation skills. Regardless of any research, you have the ability to learn and improve. The genes responsible for your cognitive abilities, analytical thinking, critical thinking, and leadership skills can be influenced by your choices and environment.

Change your misconceptions about innovation. It’s not only about big technological breakthroughs or patentable inventions. It can be as small improvement of a process, task or a business model.

The five skills to help improve your innovation abilities

Associating: The ability to connect things seems: unrelated ideas, problems, or questions. From different fields or industries. It’s about making novel connections and combining elements in new ways that others might not see.

Questioning: Ask questions that challenge the status quo. Don't just accept the existing state of things. But probe deeper to uncover new possibilities. By asking "what if," "why," or "how might we," So you identify new ways of approaching problems.

Observing: Observe how people interact with products or services. Pay attention to details that others overlook, is crucial. Learn by watching the world around you. Notice patterns or inefficiencies that can lead to new solutions.

Experimenting: Be hands-on. Take risks by experimenting and testing your ideas through prototypes or pilot projects. Engage in "trial and error" approaches, and gather valuable insights and refine concepts.

Networking: Build diverse networks and connecting with people from various disciplines and backgrounds. It will help you gather new ideas, feedback, and perspectives. Engage with a wide range of individuals to expand your thinking and find fresh solutions.

Innovation is the joy of solving problems. It’s what creates knowledge, so that you—whether as an individual, company, or society—know how to heal illnesses, build ships, integrate systems, and more.

You are your own computer. You have the ultimate control to run it, improve it, and develop it to new heights.

Have you ever believed innovation is a natural ability?

Thanks for reading, we will talk in the next letter.

Ahmed

By the way, here is:

1. A fun way to connect with people that leads to opportunities Toilet Mind

2. A new way to innovate and solve business challenges Neo Strateje