I stumbled upon this video today during my morning reflection and meditation time. While the message of it is directed toward people in the creative field, I think it’s applicable to everyone; and not only individuals, but businesses as well.
The video is part of Big Think series, “a forum where top experts explore the big ideas and core skills defining the 21st century,” and features Rainn Wilson (The Office) answering the question, “Why do people get creatively blocked?”
I was particularly struck by Wilson’s introductory statement, “I think ‘creative blocks’ come from people’s life journeys. If you don’t know who you are or what you’re about or what you believe in, it’s really pretty impossible to be creative.”
In this instance, I’d suggest that ‘success’ could be a wider synonym for ‘creative.’
In the 15 years I’ve been branding companies, it’s the ones that can passionately answer who they are, what they’re about, and what they believe, that really take off. From that platform, it’s easy to create a strong company brand that resonates and builds an avid fan base. Some companies may not be able to articulate the answers to these questions in words when they walk through our doors, but you know when it’s alive inside of them. And if it’s there, we can wring it out.
So when facing a “success block,” the first place to look should be internally. Do this by asking yourselves, “Who are we, what are we about, and what do we believe that makes us different?” If the question isn’t readily answerable by you or your team, then chances are your customers aren’t too sure either.
Happy reflecting,
Alec