“Yesterday’s logic won’t spark tomorrow’s ideas!" - Futurist Jim Carroll
Let's talk about why many innovation efforts fail.
It's often because people keep on doing the same old thing, following the same old ideas, chasing the same old goal that is now irrelevant, fighting among themselves in the same old way over the same old arguments, following the same old pattern of inaction.
Sounds about right.
I was reading a publication the other day while doing some research on another topic and came across this article, which got me thinking about this issue, which led to today's quote.
I quickly learned that the reason for this state of affairs in many organizations is due to what psychologists call "cognitive rigidity.' Let's dig in.
What is it?
Like a stubborn door that refuses to open, our minds can sometimes become locked in patterns that restrict our ability to see new possibilities and adapt to life’s ever-changing circumstances. This mental inflexibility, known as cognitive rigidity, can significantly impact our thinking and behavior, often without us even realizing it.
Cognitive Rigidity: Understanding Its Impact on Thinking and Behavior
NeuroLaunch,, January 14, 2025
So why should we care?
But why should we care about cognitive rigidity? Well, in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, the ability to adapt and think flexibly is more crucial than ever. Whether it’s navigating personal relationships, tackling workplace challenges, or simply trying to keep up with the latest technological advancements, a rigid mindset can leave us feeling left behind and ill-equipped to handle life’s curveballs.
Cognitive Rigidity: Understanding Its Impact on Thinking and Behavior
NeuroLaunch,, January 14, 2025
What's the innovation angle?
Let’s start by demystifying this psychological concept. In formal terms, cognitive rigidity refers to a tendency to persist in a particular thought pattern or behavior, even when it’s no longer adaptive or beneficial. It’s like being stuck in a mental rut, unable to shift gears or consider alternative perspectives.
Cognitive Rigidity: Understanding Its Impact on Thinking and Behavior
NeuroLaunch,, January 14, 2025
The article goes on to identify common traits with the mindset.
Difficulty in shifting attention or focus
Resistance to change or new ideas
Inflexible problem-solving approaches
Black-and-white thinking patterns
Struggle with ambiguity or uncertainty
Sounds like my "innovation killers" list which I so often share!
I
#Innovation #Flexibility #Mindset #Change #Adaptation #Creativity #Cognitive #Disruption #Thinking #Growth
Original post: https://jimcarroll.com/2025/05/decoding-tomorrow-your-daily-future-inspiration-yesterdays-logic-wont-spark-tomorrows-ideas/
![CARTOON BY MIKE LUCKOVICH
A huge orange "Trump-osaurus" (like a T-Rex with orange hair and teeth) is stomping among the carnage, burning buildings and fleeing people, with a car and people being in, or dropping from his jaws....
On the street is Jake Tapper [author of book highlighting the mental decline of Biden ]. Tapper is using a megaphone to announce: "ATTENTION, THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TRIED HIDING JOE'S DECLINE"](https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/588/168/242/955/265/original/6c0e670a3dae0915.jpg "CARTOON BY MIKE LUCKOVICH
A huge orange \"Trump-osaurus\" (like a T-Rex with orange hair and teeth) is stomping among the carnage, burning buildings and fleeing people, with a car and people being in, or dropping from his jaws....
On the street is Jake Tapper [author of book highlighting the mental decline of Biden ]. Tapper is using a megaphone to announce: \"ATTENTION, THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TRIED HIDING JOE'S DECLINE\"")
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