How To Make Discoveries

Many ideas surface in the strangest ways, often when they are least expected. Sometimes they seem to pop up almost by accident. The accidental discovery is triggered by chaos and contradictions, rather than by order and logic. When open-minded people read, listen or watch, they often find things that catch their eye, leading them off into other areas of enquiry. "The real magic of discovery lies not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes," said Marcel Proust.

Examples of Accidental Discoveries

Velcro

Medeleev's Periodic Table

Post-It Note

Most discoveries and inventions are a SARS synergy of searching, relaxing, accidents and serendipity

Serendipity

Serendipity is your attitude and aptitude for making unintended discoveries by accident ‒ habitually. In business, serendipity can be developed as a corporate capability and become a source of competitive advantage.

Have your mind prepared for new insights. Expect to make an accidental discovery any moment.

Be observant, keep your eyes open at all times.

Be sagacious enough to link together apparently innocuous facts in order gain a breakthrough insight and discover serendipitous value.