Innovation is never ceasing to be amazed

If there is one thing that characterizes our hyper-technological society, it is the multiplication of stimuli and communication channels. A great deal of data does not always bring more clarity, deeper reflection, or more precise analysis in the face of an increasingly complex reality—neither more innovation. 

This flood of information, accumulated experience, and numerous gurus can lead us to the "expert syndrome," one of the pitfalls that kills creativity, as Jordi Collell reminds us. 

This syndrome affects professionals who have mastered a subject to such an extent that they have lost (consciously or unconsciously) part of their freshness and capacity for amazement—attitudes that pose a clear risk to competitiveness and innovation, as they systematically apply past solutions to problems that may require new approaches. 

Benefits of amazement

Without amazement, we lose critical thinking, fresh perspectives, a learner's mindset, energy, and enthusiasm. These are key ingredients for innovation and, above all, for feeling more alive, happier, and fulfilled. Various studies link amazement with compassion and gratitude, fundamental factors for a healthier and more fulfilling life. 

Dacher Keltner, in his book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, describes how amazement is an emotion that can be trained, helping to reduce stress and increase our well-being and emotional balance. 

Amazement enhances our humility by making us more aware of the "perception of the vastness of the world," challenging us to rethink our preconceptions and gain perspective. 

Returning to amazement to live and innovate

Philosopher José Carlos Ruiz aptly states that "we must return to amazement to awaken our curiosity and, from there, foster the need to question our beliefs and inertia." 

Two clear examples were the unexpected onset of the pandemic and the exponential rise in interest rates. Information abounded, but clarity was lacking. Very few people anticipated these two tsunamis or could "connect the dots," with their devastating health and economic consequences. 

Catherine L'Ecuyer encourages us to embrace The Wonder Approach for our children and limit technology to reduce distraction, as it is an enemy of amazement. 

In the workplace, amazement helps us reclaim our powerful childlike creativity, avoid complacency, foster healthy nonconformity, and embrace new ideas with open-mindedness and psychological safety. 

Amazement is a challenge to the status quo that broadens our perspective, encourages us to choose the unknown path, and is a pillar of impactful innovation.