Embrace the “now-ist” mindset: inspired by Joi Ito
Joi Ito’s story exemplifies what it means to be a “now-ist.” As the former director of the MIT Media Lab, Ito shares how he transformed the traditional approach to innovation by focusing on immediate action rather than rigid structures. He highlights moments where acting quickly, even without all the answers, led to groundbreaking results. For example, Ito recalls working on disaster relief efforts, where rapid decision-making and leveraging available technology saved lives. His key takeaway? “The future is not written - it’s built by those who act today.”
Now imagine applying this philosophy to your own challenges with the help of a coach. Take the story of Mark, inspired by Ito’s principles. Mark was a middle manager in a corporate environment that valued long-term planning over innovation. Frustrated with the slow pace of change, he turned to coaching. His coach helped him shift his mindset, encouraging him to test small, agile solutions immediately rather than waiting for top-down approval. By adopting a “now-ist” approach, Mark introduced quick, iterative improvements to his team’s workflow. Within months, these changes led to increased efficiency and employee engagement - results that earned Mark recognition from senior leadership.
The 3 pillars of success
Coaching is a dynamic process that turns aspirations into action. It’s not about waiting for the perfect conditions but creating opportunities with what you have right now. Here’s how coaching achieves this through three key pillars:
- Clarity and goal setting
Joi Ito emphasises the importance of identifying what truly matters in the moment. “You can’t predict the future, but you can prepare for it by acting with purpose today”, he explains. Similarly, coaching helps you gain clarity about your priorities and goals. Whether you’re aiming to improve your work-life balance, enhance team performance, or achieve personal growth, coaching enables you to cut through distractions and focus on the actions that align with your values. For example, Mark’s coach helped him define his immediate goal: empowering his team to work more collaboratively. By narrowing his focus, Mark was able to tackle a specific challenge rather than feeling overwhelmed by the bigger picture. - Actionable plans
Knowledge without action doesn’t lead to results. Joi Ito’s “now-ist” philosophy is built on the idea of learning by doing - an approach echoed in coaching. Once you’ve clarified your goals, coaching helps you create a roadmap of practical, achievable steps to bring them to life. For Mark, this meant implementing small experiments to improve team communication, such as hosting brief daily check-ins and using collaborative tools for task management. These low-risk actions provided immediate feedback, enabling Mark to refine his approach and build confidence in his leadership skills. - Accountability and support
Taking action can be daunting, especially when obstacles arise. Coaches provide a crucial layer of accountability, ensuring you stay on track while offering encouragement and adjustments along the way. Mark’s coach checked in regularly to evaluate his progress, celebrating wins and addressing challenges. This ongoing support not only kept Mark motivated but also helped him navigate resistance from colleagues, turning setbacks into learning opportunities.
What could you achieve with coaching?
Imagine what your life or career could look like if you stopped waiting for the perfect plan and started taking meaningful action today. What could you achieve with the clarity, actionable steps, and support that coaching provides? How would your relationships, work performance, or personal satisfaction improve if you embraced a “now-ist” mindset and prioritised action over hesitation?
Joi Ito reminds us: “You don’t need permission to innovate. You need to act with intention and build the future you want.” Coaching aligns perfectly with this ethos, empowering you to make bold, purpose-driven decisions that create real impact. Are you ready to take action? Select a coach and book a free discovery session today and start building the future you envision - one step at a time.