The Process of Refinement

refine

/rɪˈfʌɪn/

verb

“to improve an idea, method, system, etc. by making small changes.”

In the 20th century, businesses developed the idea of having a continual refinement and improvement process, wherein all activities of the business are constantly examined to weed out inefficiencies and find better ways of carrying out tasks. At the same time, the concept of individual self-improvement blossomed, where people assessed their lives in much the same way. 

Having created something from an idea, through innovation and creativity, refinement is the next step in perfecting this new creation. Trial and error, accepting and rejecting ideas and consulting are all ways in which a new creation can be refined and improved in order to become the best version of itself.

“Sure, science involves trial and error. Scientists refine theories each day. But as they do, they help us grasp more clearly the wonders of the world and the universe”

Tony Snow – Journalist

“Each of the Arts whose office is to refine, purify, adorn, embellish and grace life is under the patronage of a Muse, no god being found worthy to preside over them.”

Eliza Farnham – Author and Activist

“Poetry should help, not only to refine the language of the time, but to prevent it from changing too rapidly.”

T. S. Eliot - Writer

Creativity in Action

creation

/kriːˈeɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

“the action or process of bringing something into existence.”

Creativity: where something new and somehow valuable is formed, the process of turning original and imaginative ideas into reality. Creativity is distinguished by the ability to view the world in new ways, to find hidden patterns and make correlations between seemingly unrelated occurrences, and to produce solutions. Creativity involves two processes: thinking, then creating. If you have ideas but don’t act on them, you are imaginative but not creative

Academic interest in creativity involves many definitions relating to numerous disciplines including the application of creative resources to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning and the potential for developing creativity through education and training, especially as augmented by technology.

“I think it's fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we've ever created. They're tools of communication, they're tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user.”

Bill Gates - business magnate, investor, author and philanthropist

“Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.”

William Plomer – Author

“Creativity is the key to success in the future, and primary education is where teachers can bring creativity in children at that level.”

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam – President of India 2002-2007

Getting Ready

preparation

/ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

“the action or process of preparing or being prepared for use or consideration.”

“something done to get ready for an event or undertaking.”

Preparation is an organisational principle whereby people get ready for a final product or for a successful experience. It is to make something acceptable before you present it to others.

The concept of "preparation" has a relationship with the concept of "planning"; the two are separate but closely intertwined. In scholarly use, the concept of "planning" is often associated with open-ended processes of successive foresight, while the concept of "preparation" is more closely tied to immediate steps taken to achieve a tangible, closed-ended goal. In business use, "planning" is a management principle to set up details to achieve a goal, while the concept of "preparation" is tied to contemplation of a future event by making something ready now. 

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”

Colin Powell – Politician/Retired Army General

“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.”

Bobby Unser – Racecar Driver

“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.”

Confucius – Teacher and Philosopher

Setting the Wheels in Motion

“causing a series of actions to start, that will help you achieve what you want.”

action

/ˈakʃ(ə)n/

noun

“the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.”

In common speech, the term action is often used interchangeably with the term behaviour. However, a distinction can be made: behaviour is defined as automatic and reflexive activity, while action is defined as intentional, purposful, conscious and subjectively meaningful activity. Thus, throwing a ball is an instance of action; it involves an intention, a goal, and a bodily movement guided by the agent. On the other hand, catching a cold is not considered an action because it is something which happens to a person, not something done by one.

achieve

/əˈtʃiːv/

verb

“successfully bring about or reach (a desired objective or result) by effort, skill, or courage.”

“A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.”

Ayn Rand – Author and Philosopher

“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are: Hard work, Stick-to-itiveness, and Common sense.”

Thomas A. Edison – Inventor and Businessman

“We are built to conquer environment, solve problems, achieve goals, and we find no real satisfaction or happiness in life without obstacles to conquer and goals to achieve.”

Maxwell Maltz – Surgeon and Author

Ideas and Innovation

idea

ʌɪˈdɪə/

noun

“a thought or suggestion as to a possible course of action.”

In philosophy, ideas are usually interpreted as mental representational images of an object. Ideas can also be abstract concepts that do not present as mental images. Many philosophers have considered ideas to be a fundamental category of being. The capacity to create and understand the meaning of ideas is considered to be an essential and defining feature of human beings. A new or original idea can often lead to innovation.

innovation

ɪnəˈveɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

“the action or process of innovating.”

Innovation: a new idea, device or method. However, innovation is also viewed as the application of better solutions that meet new requirements or existing needs. This is achieved through more effective products, processes, technologies, services, or business models that are readily available. The term innovation can be defined as something original and more effective and, therefore, new, that "breaks into" the market or society. It is related to, but not the same as, invention. Innovation is generally considered to be the result of a process that brings together various novel ideas in a way that they affect society. A form of Fusion, if you will.