Page 12 - Booklet Social Health & Wellness

Nurturing A Rocket Scientist Mindset

There are times in life when, after having failed at a goal, we find ourselves questioning whether we can actually make our dreams
become reality. Former member of the 2003 Mars Exploration Rovers team, Ozan Varol, teaches us that nurturing a mindset of
creativity and innovation empowers us to reach our goals and aspirations. In his book written for non-scientists, Think Like a Rocket
Scientist, he reveals the strategies that rocket scientists use to innovate, problem-solve, and bring the unimaginable to fruition.

Changing your attitude towards uncertainty opens you up to discovery.
Instead of worrying about the monsters that might be lurking in corners, scientists focus on all the amazing things awaiting
discovery.
Start by asking yourself what the worst possible outcome would be. Next, consider how likely it is for that outcome to
occur. More often than not, you’ll see that the things you value most will still be intact, even if the worst scenario plays out.
Acknowledging this disarms your fears about venturing down a new path.

The best way to innovate is to stop conforming.

When we blindly follow outdated routines, we get trapped in habits that hinder original ideas. Use first principles thinking to
systematically question every possible aspect of a situation, until you arrive at an indisputable truth. Let go of all your
assumptions about what’s been done in the past. This will move you beyond established boundaries and enter the realm of
innovative thinking. Reflect on why you do something the way you do it. When justifying your response, make sure your
explanation relates to your current circumstances.

Productivity is the enemy of original thought.

Creativity needs time and space, and that childlike sense of wonder and openness is essential if you want to find innovative
solutions. A thought experiment can offer you space to consider a specific question in a parallel world where reality works
differently. When your mind is given permission to drift, the areas of your brain responsible for creativity come to life,
so add unoccupied time into your schedule.

Your mind is the biggest obstacle between you and your goal.

To combat thoughts that discourage you from chasing your dreams, practice divergent thinking, a method used to stimulate
creativity by generating ideas without limitation or restriction. In divergent thinking, every idea is embraced as a possibility.
Banish that rational voice in your head. That way, your mind is free to enter the realm of creativity and innovation where you can
explore what you could do, rather than what you think you should do. Come up with as many ideas as possible so don’t dismiss
any concepts prematurely. And then, welcome back your rational self when it’s time to evaluate your ideas.