Oh, that works great? Let's try this instead.

Today I have come to realization that my tendency is to innovate instead of duplicate.  In certain arenas this can be beneficial...in fact it's what drives industries forward!  It can be fabulous.  But for as much as I say don't reinvent the wheel...I'm constantly trying to reinvent the wheel.  AND I'm trying to do it before I've even built a successful replica of a SUCCESSFUL wheel.

Hear me out before you get all uptight about the innovation versus duplication.  It's one thing to recognize that someone has effectively built a wheel.  To respect it, to duplicate it, to study it, and to work with it until you're intimately familiar with what makes the wheel a wheel. Taking the time to understand what it does both well and unwell.  THEN, after obtaining said knowledge, taking that information and improving or recreating.  When you fundamentally understand what's already been done, you've got a great platform to innovate.

And then there's been me.  As I mentioned before, I know I've said multiple times not to reinvent the wheel.  Interestingly enough though, if we examine my behavior, it is evident to me that my actions tend to indicate a contrary thought process.  I have demonstrated, with moderate consistency, that I have a tendency to let the following ensue:

1. Look at the wheel and say: "I can do that!" 
2. Not follow the directions or study it- I've got this.  I know what a wheel is.
3. Miss a few spots for glue and nails - but remember, I know what I'm doing, it's just a wheel - I'm great with wheels!
4. Look!  See! It kind of looks like a wheel...but there 13 spokes instead of 8....not all of which connect to the frame by the way...but it's fine!  Those don't matter and I know about wheels.
5. Confused: Why is this not weight-bearing and why is this falling apart when I go to use it?
6. Study results.
7. The trick is 12 spokes. Try new innovative wheel
8. Study results.
9. Are octagons effective? Try the NEW innovative wheel.
10. Study results.
11. SHEER FRUSTRATION.
12. Compare to "blueprint" 
13. ... experience 'aha' moment
14. Face the ego choice
15. Shelf ego and duplicate "blueprint"

Exaggerated to some extent for the sake of humor, but the point is that I'm finding there are certain systems where it's really best to learn from the people who have tried and gone before you. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying every system that works is the end all be all and we should abandon innovation.  I am simply stating that I am finding there to great benefit in becoming intimately familiar with a successful process before I even consider trying to modify it. Sometimes, it will ultimately need to be changed - after all, results can always be better! And to be frank, personally, I want results more than I want my ego.  So, we're going to shelf her, pat her on the head, and tell her she can go home now.

#ResultsDriven