TRIPLE III TIME: Using the Wrong Equipment =’s Creativity?

Nov 21

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“Finding ways to work with the wrong (or old) equipment can be a boost to your creativity!” (GREAT TED TALKS, Tom May, 2020) 

Did you ever want to just throw your computer out the window when you push the wrong button and the screen goes blank?? Or maybe it took you 40 minutes to type the “perfect” paragraph and suddenly the battery power in your computer is gone and you effectively lose some important information? It is at these moments that Mr. May’s quote pushes me not to always rely on what a computer can do for me on “ITS” terms… but rather find a way to get more out of technology on my own creativity terms! 

I describe my challenges with computer usage as a lead-in to this week’s TRIPLE III TIME message: Using The Wrong Equipment =’s Creativity! It is a real-time example of taking a little extra time… reinforcing patience… lessening the need for “perfection” and taking an alternative techno-approach to motivate innovation. Did the experiences I described make me try a little harder on improving my initiative and focus better to complete my project… yes it did. Was computer technology for me the wrong equipment for what I was attempting to write… yes. But did it challenge my creativity to make it work for me in a different fashion… YES! 

The goal of this week’s message is to help everyone consider different forms of “wrong equipment” that you experience (more Marv examples: foam brushes, sledgehammer, virtual meetings, hand saw, cell phone, online book and pest sprays) and consider the creativity capacities it may ignite. Think about: 

  • Repurposing equipment/tools to invent an alternative purpose for them. 
  • Using wrong equipment in a totally different manner (especially computers) to get more out of them. 
  • Lessen traditional stereotypes regarding wrong/old equipment and tools and realize: “They ain’t as bad as I thought”. 
  • And/or in a unique kind of way…think about applying the Using The Wrong Equipment =’s Creativity message with regard to people you work with/employ.  Maybe someone is the “wrong equipment” for one job…but may be absolutely great in another employment area. Creativity…right?! 

Tom May offered a great, thoughtful quote.  Make it work for you!

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About Inspiring Innovations, Inc.

Marv Pichla is currently the owner and Creative Advisor for his own small business, Inspiring Innovations, Inc. Sharing his unique experience with entrepreneurship and innovation in public service, Marv consults with public and private business, education, and community organizations to develop new and different problem solving methods through real-life example-based learning. Prior to starting-up Inspiring Innovations, Inc. Marv served as Executive Director for Thumb Area Michigan Works! As Executive Director, Marv used public sector innovation as his guide for the organizations regional career development, employment service, education and strategic planning initiatives. Finally, Marv was raised on a farm in the Thumb Area of Michigan where he claims he received the education principles he values most. However, he obtained his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Center Michigan University in Public Administration and eventually his Ph.D. from Capella University in Minnesota. Marv can be reached at: mpichla@inspiringinnovationsllc.com

Posted on November 21, 2025, in DEVELOPING YOU!. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

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