Process Jolt #14 - Anchor your confidence in essence, not ego

Welcome to our Conscious Innovator® process!

Are you ready for a new, insight-provoking “Jolt” … something that challenges conventional thinking about the "right" mindset for being innovative? It's not that the conventional understanding is wrong - just limited.

Jolts wake us up. They emphasize a shift of focus that taps into a deeper, more expansive consciousness. The result can be profound insights into yourself and others that bring out your full, innovative potential, whether in small, daily tasks or major projects. 

Jolt #14: Anchor your confidence in essence, not ego

Any time you’re innovating – doing something new, better, or different – you’re entering an unknown space. How you experience that unknown space makes all the difference in how you navigate the process of innovation.

That’s where confidence plays a fundamental role.

Usually our level of confidence is based on whether we believe the “right” people and talent are on the team, or whether we have the “right” ingredients to get the job done, such as financial support, technology, equipment, and time.

Sometimes we’re depending on others who are plagued with self-doubts that interfere with their ability to do their best work…  or perhaps we’re depending on others who have an inflated sense of themselves and their capabilities.

This is what it’s like when confidence is anchored in personality ego: it’s fragile.

Our essence is unique and distinct from our personality ego. Essence is what the poet T. S. Eliot described as the “still point of the turning world”… a place within ourselves in which we know that we are by nature full and whole, with unconditional worth and value that cannot be gained or lost.

Confidence based in essence creates a safe inner place from which to enter into the unknown spaces and awkward experiences encountered on the innovation journey. We naturally feel empowered with the clarity of mind to speak and act from a secure place in ourselves no matter what the outer conditions are like. We don’t wait for the “right” people or the “right” resources. We naturally move steadily forward to proactively learn, innovate, and obtain the resources we need.

How does anchoring confidence in essence play out in real life? Janiece Webb, former SVP at Motorola, started out working on the night shift production line. Over 30 years, she moved up to eventually run businesses of up to $3.5 billion in annual revenue, with up to 8,000 people working for her. She once told us how the basis of her confidence shifted during her career:

“How I progressed was that there was always a problem that needed to be solved, and I had the courage to tackle it. I’ve always known that I could push a barrier.”

“There was a time when I thought I wanted to save the world. But when I began to understand the essence of who I am, I also began to understand how driven I was by my ego, even though it was often disguised. Once in a while, I even lost my way, and those were really dark periods.”

“I do believe in the pure potentiality of every single being. Having an opportunity to coach people, to contribute and give back, and to create… this, to me, is what brings real success.”

-=-=-=- Now it's your turn -=-=-=-

Being a Conscious Innovator® has a 3 phase cyclical process: become aware, capable, and versatile. Try on this Jolt in your life and work, then take self-reflective time to engage in the process:

-=-=-=- An invitation to join our process and share your insights -=-=-=-

If you haven’t already, we’d love for you to join our process and share your own experiences, while learning from the experiences of others! We appreciate what one person said about the Jolt process itself:

Innovation is a world by itself. It can change lives and help people become more positive. Doing a Jolt is already something! A new habit that promotes innovation and reflection.

It’s totally FREE to participate. To sign up and join us, go to this link and follow the easy directions: https://innovate.vci.global/p/the-conscious-innovator. 

Even if you haven’t participated up to this point, it’s never too late to start the process! It’s like a concise gym workout that provides an insightful “pause that refreshes” and evokes your unique, innovative potential in life and work.