Two Insights, One Quote, Some Food for Thought, and a Recipe to Try

Patrick Jenkins
Apr 23, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Apr 24, 2023

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What innovation is and isn't.

I decided to share consolidated chapter summaries of books I have read that have helped shaped me as a leader. I decided to start with the book I read back in 2016 called the “The Innovators Mindset” by George Couros. I just started to re-read and reconnect with the content in the book. In Chapter 1 of "The Innovator's Mindset," the Couros aims to clarify the concept of innovation and differentiate it from other related terms. Here are the key points of the chapter are:

Defining innovation: Couros defines innovation as the process of generating, developing, and implementing new ideas, products, or methods that create value. It's important to note that innovation isn't just about newness; it's about adding value.

Differentiating innovation from invention and creativity: The author emphasizes that innovation is not synonymous with invention or creativity. While invention refers to the creation of entirely new products or concepts, creativity refers to the generation of original ideas, innovation is more about applying those ideas to generate value and solve problems.

The importance of mindset: Couros argues that adopting an innovator's mindset is crucial for success in today's fast-paced world. This mindset includes being open to change, willing to take risks, and eager to learn from failure. This is especially true as we see AI at the forefront in technology advancements.

Types of innovation: The chapter briefly touches on various types of innovation, such as incremental (small improvements to existing products or processes) and radical (completely new ideas that disrupt industries like ChatGPT).

Barriers to innovation: Couros acknowledges that there are many barriers to innovation, including fear of failure, resistance to change, and lack of resources. These fear-based mindsets hold us back from innovating. However, these obstacles can be overcome by fostering a culture that embraces risk-taking and learning from failure.

In summary, Chapter 1 of "The Innovator's Mindset" emphasizes the importance of understanding what innovation is and isn't, and highlights the need for adopting an innovative mindset to succeed in today's rapidly changing world

Declaration of Personal Power

The next book and chapter I break down is from the current book I am reading, The Motivation Manifesto, by Brendon Burchard. It is a guide that aims to help people rediscover their personal power and drive in order to live a more fulfilling life. Chapter 1, titled "Declaration of Personal Power," serves as an introduction to the book's central themes.

In this chapter, Burchard emphasizes the importance of reclaiming one's personal power by making a conscious decision to take charge of one's life. He argues that individuals have the power to shape their own destinies and that it is their responsibility to do so. The author also highlights the importance of understanding the difference between being a victim of circumstances and being a co-creator of one's life.

Burchard introduces the concept of "The Charged Life," which is a state of high-performance living characterized by engagement, joy, and confidence. This state can be achieved by overcoming self-limiting beliefs, harnessing personal power, and actively working towards one's goals.

In summary, Chapter 1 of The Motivation Manifesto sets the foundation for the book by encouraging readers to reclaim their personal power and take responsibility for their lives in order to achieve a fulfilling and meaningful existence.

Inspirational Quote

“You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.”

George Lorimer

Question to Ponder

What steps can you take to reclaim your personal power and create a more fulfilling life?

Recipe to Try

Nutella French Toast Rolls:

Ingredients:

10 slices of bread
1/2 cup Nutella
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Cut off the crusts of each slice of bread.
Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Spread 1 tablespoon of Nutella on each slice of bread.
Roll up each slice of bread tightly and set aside.
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
In another shallow dish, mix together sugar and cinnamon.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Dip each roll in the egg mixture, making sure it is fully coated.
Transfer the roll to the sugar and cinnamon mixture, rolling it around to coat it evenly.
Place the coated roll in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Transfer the cooked rolls to a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through.