I don’t know about you… but sometimes I let my mind wander into unexpected territories.

Let’s see if this rings a bell…

You sit down at your desk, ready to tackle the day.

You click to open your email, and it takes a little longer than normal, so you wonder why they call it “Outlook” anyway…

Is it because I am looking out into the internet to get my email, or simply a metaphor about my outlook on life?

What is my outlook on life anyway? Do I have a sunny disposition compared to others?

Hey… is it supposed to rain today or will it be sunny? I don’t want to take the dog for a walk in the rain, then I will have to give him a bath, which is pretty much the worst.

Do we still have dog shampoo or should I put that on the list now…?

At this point, you may realize that you got incredibly distracted from the task at hand and may punish yourself for wasting a few minutes of your precious work day – but was it really a waste of time?

A lot of people discount daydreaming, but it is actually a great exercise.

Why should you let your mind wander?

According to a 2015 article in the Wall Street Journal, “Distraction makes tedium more tolerable, and truly creative solutions to tough problems are often found by following a wandering path.”

Let’s not focus on tolerable tedium, and instead move straight to the creativity.

Creativity is important in running a business for many reasons.

For one thing, in a world of ever-growing competition, it can allow you to come up with ways to meet more potential clients, and make sure they see you as their first choice when it is time to make a buying decision.

I have found that my wandering mind allows me to think about things a little differently.

This allows me to see paths others may not.

And, instead of discouraging myself from walking down the path… I encourage it.

Recently, I pursued a wandering thought, which I would like to share with you now.

Being someone that people know, like and trust isn’t enough anymore.

I mean, if people only do business with those they know, like and trust…and we all are trying to be someone who fits those qualities – what is the new way to stand out?

Revolutionary ideas are often simple ones – but that doesn’t mean they can’t change lives.

The problem is, once a revolutionary idea becomes mainstream… it stops having the impact it once had.

Think about how amazing the first coupon must have been… or the first billboard… or the first business card…

Now those things are merely contributing to the clutter of our busy lives.

Likewise, when the “know, like, trust” philosophy became mainstream, it set a new bar.

Now, those things are expected – and you don’t get credit for meeting the minimum expectation. (Think about staying at a hotel. What is the number one thing you expect? Cleanliness. Do you celebrate when the room you walk into at a hotel is clean? No. Would you complain like crazy if it wasn’t?)

So, how will you come up with the next “know, like, trust” philosophy for your own business?

I suggest giving your mind freedom to wander.

Get out of your ordinary space (mental and physical) and try things a little differently. Order tea instead of coffee. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Brush your teeth with your left hand instead of your right.

Small changes cause your brain to think differently… and give you a wandering point to start from. Once you are on the path…keep walking for a while. You may be surprised where you end up.

Until then… stay passionate!