innovation bootcamp: Day 1

This "Innovation Bootcamp" is based on the guidelines outlined in the book "Sprint", but adds a mindfulness component to each session. It is meant for one person working independently. And it takes about 1-2 hours per day to work through the exercises.

Each segment is consists of 20-minute sequences that can be done as a block (best) or separately throughout the day. Take a 5-10 minute break between each sequence, with movement.

Step 1: Prepare your mind
The very first step is to prepare your mind. We recommend this guided meditation to get started. Take the next 16 minutes to calm your mind and reduce the background chatter.

Step 2: Choose a long-term goal or project

Set a timer for 20 minutes. On a blank piece of paper, write down a long-term goal you wish to accomplish. Something important, or something that you've been losing sleep over, or something that bothers you, or something that you're stuck on. Whatever it is, right it down now. There must be something on your mind that has prompted you to begin this process, so that's a good place to start. When you're done, take a 5-10 minute break, with movement.

Step 3: How could it fail?

Set a timer for 20 minutes. On a different piece of of paper, write down all the way this project could fail. List possible obstacles, and how the project might fail. In the spirit of mindfulness, try not to judge your ideas but let them flow freely and without criticism. The time for judgement and evaluation will come later.