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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Characteristics of Success - 'Creativity/Innovation' - Part 6.Over the last five 'posts' we have been examining 'Creativity/Innovation' and have introduced;
'Twelve Steps to Improving Creativity'. Here are the first eight steps we've discussed:
1.
Re-learn to be a kid again.
2. Re-learn how to play.
3. Surround yourself
with Creative 'Craft Type' supplies.
4.
Change your inner voices.
5. Take pride in your creations.
6. Make a study of creativity.
7. Feed your creativity.
8. Carve out for yourself Quiet Time.
Now
lets examine steps 9-12
9. Capture
Your Creativity.
We need to find ways to capture/preserve our creative thoughts and ideas.
I don't know if you've ever journaled or not but the process in-and-of itself is not only enjoyable but can be very self-insightful.
Make a commitment for the next month to spend 15 minutes a day capturing your thoughts/ideas in a journal or a sketchbook.
(If you can set-aside a certain time of the day, each day, to do this it will develop more of a habit pattern.) If you're
more technology-oriented, write a blog, create a file on your computer just for 'your thoughts' or if you're more audio-driven
then keep a digital recorder handy to record your thoughts.
Once you have finished writing/recording for
the day; try to not go back and read, listen or edit what you've captured. When you write/speak; write/speak about anything
that comes into your head; don't judge yourself....... See what happens........ Once you have done this for a whole month,
then you may go back and re-read what you've written.
10. Keep
an 'Idea Log' to record your Creativity.
The above is very different from step 9: An 'Idea'
log is just a small notebook, pocket size that you can carry with you. The purpose is to jot down 'random' ideas/thoughts
that come into your mind. When you are making these types of notes, you're not sitting down and writing for 15 minutes as
you are when you are journaling. These are spur-of-the-moment 'random' ideas that pop into your head that you want/need
to start capturing.
Think about this: How many times do 'random ideas' come our way and it seems that
when they do come, they come at the most in-opportune times? When we experience what I call a 'lightbulb' moment,
most of us don't write them down but say: 'I'll remember it later!' We all know what happens then: Later comes and the
once brilliant idea has been completely lost and we can't even begin to replicate it.
Realize
this; you probably won't take action on the majority of the ideas/thoughts you record, but that's OK. What you are doing
is getting your ideas out there and recorded in case you want to take action at a later date.
11.
Develop a 'Toolbox' that enhances your 'Creativity'
For those of you that own a home and have ever 'attempted' to fix something yourself; what was the experience
like? I'll bet before long you realized you may have bitten-off more than you can chew. The challenge with 'fixing' a broken
pipe at home is not the actual 'mechanics' of fixing it; the challenge is having the 'right' set of tools. I know most of
you think 'duct' tape will fix anything but if you get involve with any type of home repair or remodel you'll soon figure
out it takes a lot of tools and the correct tools for a specific job.
Developing your creativity follows the same
premise: You need lots of 'creativity' tools to help you develop and maintain. I want to list a few ideas to get
you started:
* Books - Go to the library and check out books on Creativity/Innovation
or the 'Creative Spirit'. Read about creative people and their lives.
* Games - Learn to play; get puzzles,
cards or word games. Surround yourself with activities that challenge your mind.
* Take up a hobby or a new craft.
Learn to build something, sew something, cook or create something.
* Surround yourself with 'creative' people.
Watch children play or figure out a problem. Volunteer to be a parent coach for 'Odyssey of the Mind' groups at your local
school. http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/
* Listen to tapes or shows that 'inspire' you to create. http://www.nightingale.com/
* Find and work on some 'Brain Teasers' Our minds are a muscle too, learn to strengthen yours by challenging
it! Go on the web and search for sites that will help you; I'll give you one that will keep you busy for a long time.
http://www.braingle.com/brainteasers/index.php
12. Learn
to Reward Creativity
In conclusion; we need to 'Learn' to reward ourselves and those around
us for creativity. There is an 'old adage' that goes like this: What we 'acknowledge and reward', we continue to do.
Don't look at 'creativity' as a chore......it is supposed to be fun and exciting.....make it that way. Why not consider this
for a start: When you have completed journaling for the first month. Why not go to a restaurant or take a picnic to your
favorite spot......sit there........take an hour or so and read what you wrote......try and figure out, what you were
thinking/going through when you wrote what you wrote.......ask yourself: Has anything changed? Do I still feel like that?
Would I write the same things today?
Celebrate often. Develop your own rituals for celebrating, whether you are
observing a traditional occasion or a special accomplishment. Give yourself creative gifts, whether they be material or experiential.
Reward yourself well and often. Encourage others to reward you, too, and include them in your celebrations. The reason I end
with this thought is that improving our creativity should be more 'fun' than it is work. By establishing some planned and
spontaneous 'Celebrations' you will keep your efforts alive.
I hope you have enjoyed the last five 'posts' on 'creativity/innovation'
and also hope you have taken away some ideas that will help you 'RELEASE THE CREATIVE
BEAST' I know is inside of you!
Until next time, as always, thanks for listening/reading and remember to: 'Dream Big and Dare to Fail!'
11:50 am est
Monday, January 18, 2010
Characteristics of Success - 'Creativity/Innovation' - Part 5Over the last four 'posts' we have been examining 'Creativity/Innovation' and have introduced;
'Twelve Steps to Improving Creativity'. Here are the first five steps we've discussed:
1.
Re-learn to be a kid again.
2. Re-learn how to play.
3. Surround yourself with Creative 'Craft Type' supplies.
4. Change
your inner voices.
5. Take pride in your creations.
We concluded our last
post with a 'Brain Teaser' for you to think about over the weekend. Again: Did you work on it? Did you even attempt it? Did
you at least read it? The reason I 'press' this issue so much is to help us all understand this concept: Self-Improvement
just doesn't happen, it must be diligently and continuously worked on and be in our 'focus'.
In our 'instantaneous,
quick-fix' society it seems people want everything to come easy.......we want improvement instantly.....we want the 'quick
results' but seem to lack the initiative to do the one thing that is required to achieve what we want.........to work! Sorry,
but self-improvement is like any other discipline, saving money, eating right, exercising, etc. etc. it doesn't occur 'fast'
and there isn't a quick fix.....it is work. Which is why very few people undertake the endeavor and also probably struggle
keeping it up on an on-going basis. The whole process appears (and IS) too much like work.
Here is the 'Brain
Teaser' from Friday and the answer:
Emily was sitting at her study table, home alone, on a cold and
stormy night. Her parents had taken a flight earlier in the morning to Australia as her grandmother had passed away. She had
wanted to follow her parents but she had an important English examination the next day which she could not miss.
The storm was getting heavier by the minute and the wind was howling outside. All this noise made it very hard for her to
concentrate. She was on the verge of dozing off when she was shaken alert by a sudden "THUD!" She dismissed it as
a window which had been slammed shut by the wind.
She tried to concentrate on her books when she heard faint footsteps.
Emily got out of her room and looked around when suddenly, without warning, she was grabbed by the neck. She tried to scream
but it came out as a mere whimper as the intruder was pressing hard against her throat with his arm. She tried to free herself
from his grip but to no avail.
"Give me all your money!" growled the man who had grabbed her from behind.
"Th-there is none h-here! Please ll-let me go!" cried Emily.
"Don't LIE TO ME!" screamed
the increasingly agitated man. She felt the man strengthen his grip around her neck. She said nothing and a few seconds passed
by in silence. Suddenly the phone rang which alerted both of them.
"People will get suspicious if I don't
answer the phone," said Emily, with a controlled voice. The intruder let her go.
"Alright, but NO funny
business, or ELSE!" said the nervous intruder. Emily walked toward the phone. She took a deep breath and calmed herself.
She picked up the phone.
"Hey Em! How's the revision going?" said the caller.
"Hey Anna.
Thanks for the call. Hey you know those Science notes I lent you last week? Well I really need them back. It would be a great
help to me. It's an emergency, so if you could give me them tomorrow it would be great. Please hurry in finding the notes.
I need to get back to my books now. Bye," Emily said. She hung up the phone.
"It was wise of you not
to say anything," said the intruder, although he was more than a bit confused by her conversation.
"Now
TELL ME WHERE THE MONEY IS KEPT!" screamed the thief.
"It...it's...in my dad's room. The first room on
the right. Third drawer," said Emily.
"SHOW me!" said the man, and removed his grip around her neck.
She took a big gulp of air and nearly fell. She swallowed hard and said a silent prayer. She walked slowly, in silence, toward
her father's room. All of a sudden, they heard police sirens. The intruder froze in his footsteps. He ran to the nearest window
and jumped out of it.
Emily ran outside in time to see the intruder being escorted into the car. She saw Anna and
she ran toward her and hugged her.
"Smart kids," said the policeman.
What had happened?
Did you figure it out? I know it is tough but I 'Love' the mental challenge of trying to figure out these types of
puzzels. (Why not try one more time? Sorry, I know I'm relentless aren't I  )
Here is the answer:Emily had used the 'mute' button during
her conversation with Anna so that all Anna heard was: "Hey Anna....call...help... emergency ...please hurry". Anna,
sensing something was wrong, called the police and told them Emily's address. The police were able to come to Emily's house
in time to catch the perpetrator.
If you figured that out......congratulations! If you didn't
figure it out but at least tried.......congratulations too, you've taken a step at improving your 'creativity/innovation'.
Creativity is just like exercising......you don't get in shape by exercising once and you don't 'keep' in shape if you don't
continue to exercise and stay active......so it also is with our minds!
Now lets look at steps 6-8!
6. Make a study of creativity.
I love to study other people, especially other people I consider to be really creative. When I have an opportunity
to be around someone like that I try and be a 'sponge'. I study them closely: Ask them question after question. Why did they
do a certain thing that way? Why/how did they come to that conclusion. Basically I interview them, observe their behaviors,
the way they think, and then try my best to model what they do.
If you don't know any 'creative' people then become a mainstay at your local public library. Read books about creativity/innovation,
read biographies about creative people like 'Walt Disney' and others. Try and see 'themes' that start to unfold as you
study different people from different walks of life. Try spending some time with really young children and watch the
way they create. Force yourself to constantly look for new creativity ways to look at things, find creative games, new software,
books, tapes, Web sites — whatever techniques or ideas intrigue you.
7. Feed your creativity. As I mentioned above, creativity
is a lot like starting and being able to continue an exercise program. Creativity/Innovation requires you to feed yourself
good, healthy food and like exercise, you get stronger when you get more 'creative' exercise. Feed yourself with experiences, books, music, and art. Expose yourself to museums and other people's
creativity. Try and give yourself experiences that stimulate your imagination. Go places, take lots of field trips and during
the trips ask questions that challenge yourself to 'think'.
The Wild Center, a great
museum in the Adirondacks (www.WildCenter.org) hosted author Richard Louv, last year: (www.richardlouv.com) Richard wrote the book: 'Last Child in the Woods, Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder' .
One of the initiatives Richard and the Museum share, is to encourage adults, young people and families to get outside
more, enjoy nature and expand their creativity. At the museum they have a children's 'play park' that is made of all 'natural'
items.....stumps..... sticks......balance logs......a tree root system that is on its side so you can see the whole root structure
and many more 'natural' play items......you should see and hear how much fun the children have enjoying what 'Mother Nature'
creates.
Learn to follow ideas/events that intrigue you, that make you wonder and force yourself
to ask questions: Why did they look at it that way? Ask yourself: Would I have looked at it the same way? What option
would have I chosen? How would have I done it different? Make it a discussion point with those around you and hear their ideas.
Try and not 'prove' you are 'right' but listen and look at the situation through someone else's eyes.
Seek out
and learn to enjoy people who are different from you; who are from different places and hold different beliefs.
These types of experiences force you to stretch your mind and emotions. Why not make a monthly or weekly goal to try
something new — a class, a lecture, an event, a new recipe — something different......you know what......you
may just enjoy it!
8.
Carve out for yourself Quiet Time. When was the last time you sat somewhere quiet.......I
mean quiet. When was the last time you turned the music off in the car and just thought. If you're like me, you are busy and
probably have a lot of demands on your time. We probably all share a combination of the following in some capacity: work, family,
friends, community, church, hobbies, household responsibilities.....and the list goes on and on and on!
It
is hard to tap into our creative abilities when there is so much 'ambient' noise all around us. If we are going
to improve and maintain our 'creative mind' we have to learn to fight and protect 'OUR TIME'! We have to make a priority,
giving ourselves some type of quiet time EVERY SINGLE DAY. Call it whatever you want, but we all need "time
out" for just us! Do different activities.....go for a drive with the music off.....put your head down on the desk and
close your eyes and think, like you did when you were a kid.......have a nice long soak in the tub, with bubbles......go
out on a boat and just float and take in nature.....go out for a nice solitary walk.......learn to ask questions to yourself
and then just 'listen' for the answers......be quiet and just listen.
We need to learn to make our 'quiet
time' a priority, to carve out/schedule the time and then defend it vigorously. This next week make some 'daily quiet
time' for yourself a priority and then stick to it.
In our next post we will discuss steps 9-12.
I hope you enjoyed reading today's thoughts and also hope you have been challenged to think and to 'exercise'
your creative muscle....your brain!
Until next time, thanks for listening/reading and remember to: 'Dream Big and
Dare to Fail!'
10:28 am est
Friday, January 15, 2010
Characteristics of Success - 'Creativity/Innovation' - Part 4In our continuing series on Characteristics of Success; we have been
discussing 'Creativity/Innovation' and on our last post introduced the first two steps in what we're calling 'Twelve Steps to Improving Creativity'. To refresh your memory
the first two steps both began with the term, 'RE-LEARN':
1. Re-learn to be a kid again.
2. Re-learn how to play.
In our time together today I would like to introduce the next three steps:
3. Surround yourself with Creative 'Craft Type' supplies
4. Change your inner voices.
5. Take pride in your creations.
As we examine this topic and these steps I am reminded of some interesting conversations I
have had with my mom and other octogenarians. I love being around people with 'life' experience and I like to ask questions.
One question I have thoroughly enjoyed asking and hearing their response to is this: 'How has family life changed
from when you were a child and young adult as compared to what you observe in families today?' Besides
all the obvious technology and industrial advancements, one aspect that always surfaces is how 'sedentary' we are as
a society today and how it seems we always have to be 'entertained'......we just can't seem to find creative ways to entertain
ourselves. All these folks go on to say: 'It wasn't that way when I was a child and young adult.'
Think about that......when
was the last time you had a 'no TV' night at your house......or 'read a book' night.....or game night. In today's world
we have huge TV's with all the gadgets and gizmo's in the world and yet I know there have been nights where you have scanned
200+ channels only to say.......'There is nothing on tonight!' What is interesting about that is what most of us do right
after we make the preceding statement........we watch something anyway. Lets examine steps 3-5:
3. Surround
yourself with Creative 'Craft Type' supplies Why not invest in some 'Craft Type' supplies for your home. Next
time you are out, why not stop by the 'dollar' store and pick up some play things: -- markers, drawing paper, stickers, crayons,
Play-Doh, bubbles, chalk, pipe cleaners -- Pick out things that appeal to the "inner child" that is inside
all of us. Why not individually or as a family set aside an afternoon or evening to play with them. Spread out on a table
or stretch out on the floor and let it 'rip'........draw, sketch, create. Don't worry about making a mess. Try fun activities,
draw something with your strong hand and then try and replicate it with the opposite hand......make a decoration......just
do things that are fun and feel what it's like to be a little kid again.
Several years ago at Christmas I
started this tradition at my house with my younger girls. We go out in the woods, cut our own Christmas tree and then make
homemade ornaments to decorate it. Now when I say we cut our own tree I mean it, we are not on a Christmas tree farm. We go
out on friend's property in the woods and hunt until we find a small pine, we saw it down and then drag it back to the truck
through a foot or so of snow. The whole time we are just having a blast.....our two black labs are running wild, covered in
snow and we love looking at tree after tree to find just the 'right one!
Our tree always looks like a 'Charlie
Brown' Christmas tree because that's how they grow in the wild. When we return we make 'Hot Cocoa' and decorate. Each year
we color new decorations, put the date on them and then laminate them. It is so fun adding to the collection each year and
reminiscing about our ornaments from previous years. Two years ago my college age daughter was at my house for Christmas and
she joined us on the whole exploit. After it was done she said: 'Dad, when you first told me what we were going to do I thought
it was dumb and that our tree would be so tacky!' She went on to say: 'I think our tree is the most beautiful I have
ever seen!' My one daughter, Sierra made the 'Angel' and we still have it, wings, a rolled tube for the body and a painted
light-bulb for the head/face....... It is one of my favorite pieces!
4.
Change your inner voices.I
can hear what you are mentally thinking/saying after #3......I can hear your 'inner voice' sounding like this: "I'm
too old to be doing this." "I can't draw...I'm not artistic." "This is silly." Now come on......I
can hear you saying or at least mentally thinking that.....aren't you.....be honest. I know these steps challenge us but we
as adults also have to learn to take control of the voices and statements we make to ourselves. Remember this statement
from a few months ago: 'Sow a thought, Reap a Deed, Sow a Deed, Reap a Habit, Sow a Habit, Reap a Character, Sow a Character,
Reap a Destiny."
Now I don't want to 'over-dramatize' this but I do want to challenge you to not let your
inner 'negative' voices, stop you. You can learn to change your
inner "self-talk" any time you want. Start using positive affirmations to reinforce changes you'd like to make
in your thinking. These affirmations should make you feel good and should be things you want or would like to hear/see. "I
am a talented, creative person." "I am innovative." This may seem a little strange at first, but as you work
at it, it becomes easier. The more you start affirming your own genius, the more you'll also be able to affirm your child's
inner genius.
5. Take pride in
your creations. Have a place to display what you or your children create. Don't be ashamed, if
you're to scared to hang up all your works, at least keep them in a folder, portfolio, or scrapbook. My house
has little trinkets and craft items that my kids and I have made all over the place. This Christmas my children gave me items
they made or created. Mariah gave me some pottery dishes and a certificate she made to cook two special meals while I relax.
The certificate is also good for the after meal clean up! (Mariah just turned 13!) Sierra gave me a frame, a Christmas
ornament and a mug she made in pottery class. I have MJ's 'Cooking Certificate' displayed on the refrigerator, the pottery
around my home and I drink my coffee every morning from Sierra's hand made cup! Be proud of what you've created,
don't be afraid to admire the items you or your children create........be proud and learn to say, "I made this!"
I know some of you look at these
steps and are now saying: 'Yea, Right!' I can hear your mental dialogue and can see you rolling your eyes. I'm sorry if the
steps aren't deep and arduous enough for you.......do they have to be?......I do know one thing though; if you want to improve
your and your families creativity and innovation abilities .......just give them a try. You know what is funny......you just
may end up enjoying yourself and learning something at the same time......don't be scared....give it a try.....it can't hurt!
Now because we are talking about 'Creativity/Innovation' I wanted to give you another 'Brain Teaser' to work
on over the weekend. Have some fun and give it a try.....(There's nothing on TV! ) I'll post the answer on Monday but until that time, have fun, (maybe work on this as a family) here's the 'challenge':
Emily was sitting at her study table, home alone, on a cold and stormy night.
Her parents had taken a flight earlier in the morning to Australia as her grandmother had passed away. She had wanted to follow
her parents but she had an important English examination the next day which she could not miss.
The storm was getting
heavier by the minute and the wind was howling outside. All this noise made it very hard for her to concentrate. She was on
the verge of dozing off when she was shaken alert by a sudden "THUD!" She dismissed it as a window which had been
slammed shut by the wind.
She tried to concentrate on her books when she heard faint footsteps. Emily got out of
her room and looked around when suddenly, without warning, she was grabbed by the neck. She tried to scream but it came out
as a mere whimper as the intruder was pressing hard against her throat with his arm. She tried to free herself from his grip
but to no avail.
"Give me all your money!" growled the man who had grabbed her from behind.
"Th-there is none h-here! Please ll-let me go!" cried Emily.
"Don't LIE TO ME!" screamed
the increasingly agitated man. She felt the man strengthen his grip around her neck. She said nothing and a few seconds passed
by in silence. Suddenly the phone rang which alerted both of them.
"People will get suspicious if I don't
answer the phone," said Emily, with a controlled voice. The intruder let her go.
"Alright, but NO funny
business, or ELSE!" said the nervous intruder. Emily walked toward the phone. She took a deep breath and calmed herself.
She picked up the phone.
"Hey Em! How's the revision going?" said the caller.
"Hey Anna.
Thanks for the call. Hey you know those Science notes I lent you last week? Well I really need them back. It would be a great
help to me. It's an emergency, so if you could give me them tomorrow it would be great. Please hurry in finding the notes.
I need to get back to my books now. Bye," Emily said. She hung up the phone.
"It was wise of you not
to say anything," said the intruder, although he was more than a bit confused by her conversation.
"Now
TELL ME WHERE THE MONEY IS KEPT!" screamed the thief.
"It...it's...in my dad's room. The first room on
the right. Third drawer," said Emily.
"SHOW me!" said the man, and removed his grip around her neck.
She took a big gulp of air and nearly fell. She swallowed hard and said a silent prayer. She walked slowly, in silence, toward
her father's room. All of a sudden, they heard police sirens. The intruder froze in his footsteps. He ran to the nearest window
and jumped out of it.
Emily ran outside in time to see the intruder being escorted into the car. She saw Anna and
she ran toward her and hugged her.
"Smart kids," said the policeman.
What had happened?
Thanks for listening/reading and until next time remember to 'Dream Big and Dare to Fail!'
2:45 pm est
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Characteristics of Success - 'Creativity/Innovation' Part 3Welcome back to our continuing series on Characteristics
of Success. We have spent the last several 'posts' examining the trait/aspect of 'Creativity/Innovation'. Today, I want to
introduce and discuss the 'First Two, of Twelve Steps' to enhancing our creativity/innovation. In
our successive posts I will reveal and discuss the rest of the steps. My goal is to not just 'list the steps' but
to try and bring personal applications that will enable us to internalize the steps/teaching points.
Before
we list the steps we have a 'brain teaser' from our last post to finish. First; you know I have to ask: ...... Did you work
on it?..... Did you?.... Did you?...... Did you? For those of you that did at least attempt to work on the problem, congratulations!
Now lets again look at the problem/challenge and then we'll reveal the answer:
A
man wakes up in a room. He sees no windows, a table with a note on it, and four doors ahead of him. Each door has a different
symbol on its face: rectangle, kite, rhombus, and trapezoid.
He then walks to the table and reads the message:
"Three of these doors hold behind them a deadly booby trap, and one of them leads to the exit of this house. You can
only open one door. The door that leads to the exit of this house can be deduced by looking at a string of numbers hidden
somewhere in the house. Figure it out quickly, however, because as soon as the clock strikes noon, all the doors in the house
will become permanently locked."
He then searched everywhere in the room, until he found a string of numbers
carved under the table:
1 - 4 - 8 - 11 - 1
He thought long and hard as the clock ticked away, getting
closer and closer to his potential doom.
Suddenly he realized what the numbers meant, and promptly went over to
the correct door, which he opened and managed to escape the house unhindered.
Which door leads to the exit? Think
really hard. Time is running out. Tick, tock, tick...
Here is the answer:The correct door is labeled with the trapezoid. The shape formed by connecting the string of numbers
on the face of a clock is a trapezoid.
Well; how did you do? Did you figure it out? I hope you did
or at least I hope you had fun trying.
When we opened our discussion of the topic of 'Creativity/Innovation' we
spent some time talking about the interesting fact that an over-whelming amount of 'children test highly creative'
while only a very small percentage of adults test the same way. Now that information is not shared to 'depress' you/me but
to challenge us all to 'grow'. I know and believe we, (as adults) not only have the capacity to be creative but
can, with practice greatly improve our 'creativity/innovation' skills.
In order for this to happen we
have to honestly examine these twelve steps, assess where we may need improvement and then take the appropriate action. To
begin lets look at the first two steps, which interestingly enough, both start with the term, 'RE-LEARN':
Re-learn to be a kid again. Re-learn
how to play.
Lets examine these first two thoughts, re-learn to be a kid again and
re-learn to play: For me, the best way to explain these concepts is by sharing an example. As I share I would ask you
to think about two things: #1: What 'characteristics or better yet images/sounds' does
my example bring to your mind and #2: How/what can YOU do; as an adult, to re-learn/re-embrace/put
into action, the identified concepts/images?
As many of you know I am training for my first 'Ironman'
competition which is in Lake Placid on July 25, 2010. Being a 6'6" ex-basketball player this feat in and of
itself is overwhelming. Please keep this visual in mind, in my whole career of high school and college hoops, the most
I've ever run is 90 feet. I ran 90 feet, jumped several times and ran 90 feet back; I've never attempted any 'long endurance'
sports/activities until recently.
This fall I was out for a long run on a beautiful Adirondack day when my
route took me by a local elementary school. As I was jogging (I don't run.....I jog!) past the school, the children were our for recess. I will never forget the visual imagery and accompanying sounds I was
able to enjoy.
As I jogged slowly by I noticed a flurry of activity: Some children were climbing on different
playground equipment, hanging up-side down.....others swinging......others playing tag, chasing each other around the
playground..... still others were digging in the sand.....a few were chasing birds that happened to land in their area......some
were laying on the ground looking up at the white puffy clouds and blue sky.....others were throwing a ball and playing
catch. What was also amazing was all the different accompanying sounds that were emanating from each activity.
Needless
to say, contemplating all the activity, energy, fun and sounds was a thoroughly wonderful experience and brought me great
joy. On my way past the playground the second time I noticed one little girl: She had on pink slacks, matching pink
sneakers, a white top with a matching pink sweater and her hair was braided into the cutest ponytails you ever saw! As I passed
by she was picking up leaves, throwing them in the air and then skipping through them as they descended......all the while
giggling and laughing with glee.
I don't know about you but I know this, when I passed the playground I was about
9 miles in, on a 12 mile run.....and I was feeling it.....I was dreading the last 3 miles......that is, until I saw all the
children. Their activity/energy made me smile from ear-to-ear. I couldn't control my broad-faced grin. All of a sudden, I
felt the energy of all the children and my 'pink', little leaf-catching girl, being transferred to me. I will never
forget that day, the colors, smells, sounds and activity of that playground. I went from dreading the last 3 miles
to having new energy and a new 'life' in my step.
Now, I want to leave you with the questions I posed
before I shared the above example:
#1: What are a list of characteristics/attributes these 'images
and all the accompanying sounds' bring to your mind? Think about it, take a moment and let your mind contemplate
those images: What do you see and feel? What is the energy like? If you had to bring descriptive words to your images: What
would be the words you would use? Take a moment and record some of your images, words.....go ahead, take a few minutes and
write them down......do it!
#2: How/what can YOU do; as an adult, to re-learn to re-embrace,
to put into action, the identified concepts/images? Seriously; what can you to do to live by their example? Force
yourself to identify ways, activities, actions you could take.....small steps that would enable you to experience and re-learn
those attributes.....make a list......see what comes to mind.....smile and have some fun!
In our next post we will
continue our look/discussion into the '12 steps of Creativity/Innovation'!
Until
then, as always; thanks for listening/reading and remember to: 'Dream Big and Dare to Fail!'
Monday, January 11, 2010
Characteristics of Success - 'Creativity/Innovation' Part 2In my last post I introduced the characteristic of
'creativity/innovation' We discussed how research shows that over 90% of children test as 'highly creative' while less than
10% of adults score as 'highly creative'. At the end of the post I gave you a brain-teaser to work on: Did you work on it?......Did
you? Here it is again:
Find out what the animals are! (for example, "To run away or escape"
could be a "flea")
1. hair-control foam
2. very exposed
3. tellin' falsities
4. a lamenting
cry
5. a dull person
6. a precious or loved one
7. first you get a parking ticket, then you get this
8.
these make up a chain
Now before I continue, I want to explore a thought/concept. I'll bet some of
you tried the activity.......a few of you even stayed at it long enough to figure most or all of them.....but I'll bet
most of you either read it and didn't try.....or tried for a couple minutes and then gave up.
Why did the large
majority of people who read the 'teaser' not complete it or try quickly and then give-up. Well, honestly, let me ask you:
If you were one that didn't even try or tried and then quit....Why did you quit and not complete it? Why?.....Too
busy?....More important things to do?.....Too hard? ....You're not good at those things?......Not worth your time?
I'll bet one of the listed 'reasons' applies to you, doesn't it? Now I realize that in the big scope in your life whether
you completed it or not doesn't really matter.....I know that! I guess for me there is an underlying reason 'why' most people
don't complete the teaser. It's not because you were: Raising money for Cancer Research, helping the homeless or
studying for an 'advanced degree'. Most of us were watching our favorite 'sit-com', surfing the web, or doing something
else that is equally just a 'time-killer'.
As adults, I think our creativity or ability to innovate is
directly hindered by one dominant emotion, the emotion of 'FEAR'! I think as we age we are more and more averse to 'failure'.
We fear failure. We fear loss. We fear being wrong? We fear taking the chance? We fear what others will say if we fail or if
we succeed.
I remember years ago talking to one of my Marriot co-workers about a business idea I was thinking
about. He stated that he and his wife also had a 'business' idea they were thinking about pursuing. I asked him about his
idea and he stated they wanted to open a bed and breakfast. I said: 'Great!' Only to hear him say: 'But we decided not
to do it!' I asked: Why? The reason he gave me baffled me: He said they didn't want people at their Inn on the 'holidays'
because they wanted the holidays to be reserved for their time with family.
Now folks, I realize his concern
does have some merit and does provide a 'potential' obstacle that as a couple and 'Inn' owners you would have to find a way
to work around this issue. But can we be honest, this issue isn't a 'deal' killer.......is it? If you say yes and think it
is, then you and I don't have much in common. I think his reason was just an excuse. It was an excuse not to attempt
something 'risky' and he was 'frightened' at the thought of trying this adventure.
Several years ago I had
the opportunity to jump out of an airplane from 12,000 feet without a parachute. To this day, I am glad that the instructor
I was harnessed to had a parachute, but never-the-less, I didn't! Do you know what I liked the most out of the whole experience? It wasn't floating down and looking all around. It wasn't
having the opportunity to 'steer' the chute as we were descending. What I loved the most was the mental challenge of over-coming
my fears. There were four different moments during our take-off, ascent, preparation and eventual jump that were very, very
'frightening' for me. What I look back at and love about that day and those moments was having to mentally focus my mind on
what I wanted to achieve as opposed to the fear that was overwhelming me.
A 'Twitter/Facebook' friend of mine has
just announced she is 'running' for political office. Wow, you talk about over-coming your fears and trying something
new and completely out of your 'comfort' zone......but she's doing it! Good for you, Carol! Now I can hear all the nay-sayers.....she'll
never make it.....and on and on and on......and if she doesn't get elected I can hear them again....I knew she wouldn't get
elected....blah....blah....blah. You know what.......you go for it, Girl!!!!! Do it!!!!! I'm proud of you, whatever
the result!
What do the above examples have to do with
creativity and innovation; I think a lot! I think most of us are absolutely 'shut down' by our 'fears'. Now as adults, we
are slick and can guise it with all the 'wonderful' 'adult type excuses that everyone else would look at, smile, nod their
heads accordingly and agree with our reasons. The challenge is.....deep in our heart of hearts.... we know we are scared
and the 'excuses or reasons' we use to justify not taking the needed action are just that......excuses!
When
our life is filled with excuses: coulda, shoulda, woulda and want-tos......we will always struggle tapping into out inherent
creativity and ability to innovate. It is reported that Thomas A. Edison failed more than 10,000 times in his endeavor to
make the light bulb.......can you hear the critics of his day.....friends....family members....saying he's crazy...he
needs to give-up! Can you sense the 'fear' he must have faced when the 9,999 experiment 'failed'.......but......I bet
we're all glad he faced his fears, nay-sayers and tried again!
Now, I will finally give you the answers
to the above 'brain-teaser'. Before you look....do you want to go back to the top of this page and try one more time.... go
ahead and do it......I know you can figure them out.....have some fun.....challenge yourself......(record your TV show and
watch it later!) Give it one more try!
Here are the answers:
1.Moose (Mousse)
2.
Bear (Bare)
3. Lion (Lyin')
4. Whale (Wail)
5. Boar (Bore)
6. Deer (Dear)
7. Toad (Towed)
8.
Lynx (Links)
In the next several posts I will share some steps that will hopefully help us all improve
our 'creativity/innovation' abilities. Until next time, I will give you another 'brain-teaser' to work on as a home work
assignment, here it is:
A man wakes up in a room. He sees no windows,
a table with a note on it, and four doors ahead of him. Each door has a different symbol on its face: rectangle, kite, rhombus,
and trapezoid.
He then walks to the table and reads the message:
"Three of these doors hold behind them
a deadly booby trap, and one of them leads to the exit of this house. You can only open one door. The door that leads to the
exit of this house can be deduced by looking at a string of numbers hidden somewhere in the house. Figure it out quickly,
however, because as soon as the clock strikes noon, all the doors in the house will become permanently locked."
He then searched everywhere in the room, until he found a string of numbers carved under the table:
1 - 4 - 8
- 11 - 1
He thought long and hard as the clock ticked away, getting closer and closer to his potential doom.
Suddenly he realized what the numbers meant, and promptly went over to the correct door, which he opened and managed
to escape the house unhindered.
Which door leads to the exit?
Thanks for reading/listening
and remember to: 'Dream Big and Dare to Fail'!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Characteristics of Success - 'Innovation/Creativity' - Part OneAs we begin the new year I want to continue our look into what I've entitled:
'Characteristics of Success'. I am often asked this question: What do I mean by the term; 'Characteristics of Success'?
After spending most of my working life in Fortune 500 companies and now having spent the last twenty years speaking
and teaching in Corporate America, I've had the opportunity to interact with thousands of people. I have spoken/interacted
with small companies, huge companies and every size company in between. Whenever I am involved with a client, I look
for 'keys' to their success or 'signs' that would help me understand why they are floundering.
During and
after these interactions I make notes to help me see if 'Success' leaves clues. What I have discovered is not only
does 'success' leave clues, but I began to see an amazing consistency in the traits effective people/leaders demonstrated.
What I determined is that there were common 'threads, qualities, attributes or behaviors' which surfaced consistently
among 'successful' people. These behavior/attributes seem to propel these people to succeed or accomplish great
things; where others, who didn't demonstrate these qualities....failed. I also recognized that these people/leaders
had 'differing' amounts of these characteristics but were smart enough to recognize their deficient areas and surround
themselves with others who had these areas as strengths.
The characteristic or quality I want to
begin looking at today is: 'Innovation or Creativity'. They have done countless studies that have verified the 'creativity
or innovation' ability in children. What is amazing about these studies is this; percentage-wise most (over 90%) of children
'test' very, very creative. Now if we were born with creativity, had it and demonstrated it as a child.......what happened
to most of us.....and I mean MOST of us as adults? These same assessments/research tests produce a startling 'single
digit' percentage with adults......less than 10% of adults tested, tested as 'creative'!
Think about
it from a business, work, or organizational perspective; how many times have you said this: 'Why can't my people be more
creative? They seem stuck. They can't get out of their rut and think outside the box.' .......'Why'........'Why do I have
to come up with all the answers?'....... Do these or similar words/thoughts ring true in your mind?.....Do they?.....I'll
bet they do!
Now my friends, we could go into a whole 'psychological' study of why this occurs and probably write
a dissertation supporting our findings. Can we just 'agree' that most adults have allowed their creativity to go into
a prolonged 'hibernation'.....Can we? What I want to do is concentrate on finding and exploring ways to re-kindle
the 'innovation and creativity', that I know is there inside of us all, no matter what our age or 'station in life'.
Franklin D. Roosevelt stated: "Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort."
I want to conclude today's post with a a brain teaser to get you thinking.......be creative and don't quit!
Find out what the animals are! (for example, "To run away
or escape" could be a "flea")
1. hair-control foam
2. very exposed
3. tellin' falsities
4. a lamenting cry
5. a dull person
6. a precious or loved one
7. first you get a parking ticket, then you
get this
8. these make up a chain
Good Luck! (I'll post the answers in the next blog....enjoy!) Until next time.....Thanks for listening/reading and remember to 'Dream Big and Dare to Fail!'
3:13 pm est
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Happy New Year - Characteristics of Success - 'Effective Time/Life Management' ConcludedHappy New Year, 2010! It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating 2000.
Where does the time go.....I haven't posted any new blogs since Friday, December 18th and wanted to start the New Year
by bringing some closing thoughts to the last several posts about 'Effective Time/Life Management'.
One of
the challenges we all face in the realm of self development is this; self improvement/development is a never ending cycle.
We never 'arrive', we are always continually or hopefully continuing to become. That is the beauty and frustration of it all,
we never actually get there.....but what we become on the way is what is so very important. Time/Life management is the same
way, you never arrive. We might get better at 'managing' our time but as quickly as we get fairly 'good' at it, something
happens and we fall off the wagon. That my friends is the nature of self-development and especially time/life management.
As we talked about in previous posts, I believe the key to 'Effective Time/Life Management' is to identify the 'Vital
Few'. After we identify those 'Life Sustaining' areas in our life; then, choice-by-choice, we need to do our best to make
sure our actions reflect what we've identified as most important. (The Vital Few). It isn't easy but it is
tremendously rewarding when we focus on the areas of our lives that we deem most important personally and professionally.
Since December 18th I have had the wonderful opportunity to focus on an area of my life that is 'Vital', which is
my extended family. Over the weekend of December 19th and 20th, Sierra, Mariah and I went to Pennsylvania and attended the
'Albright Christmas Party'. (My mom's side of the family.) We stayed overnight with my cousins, Cindy and Dennis Ward and
had a blast laughing and catching up on all the news. On that Sunday we attended the actual party and were able to visit with
all my cousins, their children and grandchildren. What a blessing my family is and I am thankful for their wonderful love
and support. As we were leaving Sierra and Mariah commented about how wonderful their extended family is and how
much they enjoy the party. We drove eight hours to the event and afterward Sierra and Mariah both agreed they want to make
it a yearly trek!
Late Sunday evening I met Sierra and Mariah's mom, Diane and her husband John in Albany
New York. They drove the girls back to up-state New York while I stayed over in Albany. My sister Autumn and her
husband Phil gave me an early Christmas present, a flight to Dallas Texas for the holidays. I spent the next two
weeks visiting with my sister, her husband, their two grown children Judd and Summer and my mother, who has
a 'Mother-in-Law' apartment in their home.
When you talk about the 'Vital' few, that is what this holiday
season represented for me. Each morning started with a 6:00 AM drive to the gym to work out with Phil and his friends.
We worked out hard, lifted weights, did cardio and by the way talked and laughed. Each morning our goal was to try and not
let the previous day's holiday food/drink get the better of us. Thanks for the workouts Phil and I think I'm finally starting
to get over being stiff! I also introduced the whole Dallas household to 'Glasses of Goodness' ( A fruit smoothie) each and every morning! Yummy!
The second night in Dallas Phil and Autumn hosted a dinner party for twelve; in attendance were
their two children, mom and I, and several of their good friends. The food and wine was marvelous, the table and decorations
were lovely and the company was thoroughly enjoyable. I had heard so much about Phil and Autumn's friends and it was
great getting to meet them and spending time together.
They also have a Christmas Eve tradition they have done
ever since my mom moved to Dallas. The tradition is that my mom hosts Christmas Eve dinner at her apartment. Her apartment
was decorated for the holidays, her table was set beautifully and we enjoyed her tradition 'fondue' and were able to cook
our own steak. Beside a great meal there were several events in the night that were special. The first was when Phil
gave Summer, Judd, Autumn and I a gift. Phil recently passed his Real Estate exam and will be selling real estate in
the Dallas area. (www.relist8.net) This is Phil's website! He had to have his picture taken for his business cards, web-site and promo material
and when he made the appointment for his photo shoot, he asked if mom wanted to go with him. Mom decided to go along and
after the photographer had taken the needed shots of Phil, he said to my mom, lets take a few shots of you.
To
our surprise, Phil had one of the photos of my mom printed and framed for the four of us. I was moved beyond measure. Here
is the photo of the 'Matriarch' of our family.
She looks so beautiful and regal, her German heritage shining through. (She will be 89 on March 5th!) Thanks
Phil!
The second event that took place on this evening was at dinner. Judd commented to his grandmother that this
'tradition' was his favorite of the holidays. To see the look in his grandmother's eyes when Judd said what he said, was
priceless. Mom commented to me later on in the week how much that comment meant to her. Thanks Judd for loving, caring and
expressing your thoughts to my mom; it meant the world to her. You Judd, are a GREAT young man!
I also got to spend
a lot of one-on-one time with my sister and boy did we have a blast. Talking, laughing and just catching up on everything
and anything. Autumn is a teacher at a 'pre-school' in the Dallas system that focuses on children with developmental needs.
These children require a whole lot of attention and their energy is incredible. I got tired just hearing some of the stories
my sister told about the 'antics' of her kids. The beauty of hearing Autumn's stories was knowing the heart and compassion
she has for each child. I know she comes home exhausted, but she is spent, making a difference in kids who need a lot
of help. Autumn you are a wonderful example and always know, you may not see the 'fruit' in what you're doing right now.....but
you are making a huge difference in the lives of those children! Way to go!
Another highlight was getting
to spend time with Autumn and her daughter Summer. Summer is a nanny for two beautiful boys, Braden 23 months and Colton
5 months. One day Autumn and I were asked by Summer if we wanted to accompany her and the boys on an outing to the Dallas
aquarium.
We joined them and had a wonderful day. It was amazing and incredibly moving to see the care and love
Summer has for those two little boys. I pushed a 'Suburban' type stroller, housing the two boys, diaper bag and other needed
items for most of the time in the Aquarium. (I was smiling and enjoying myself the whole time.) I marvelled
at Summer's love, patience and desire to teach/show the boys all the fish and animals. Braden talked the whole time;
he called me 'Polland', (he seemed to have a little trouble with the H ) I had such a blast pushing them, feeding Braden 'Goldfish', holding his little brother's bottle and generally
just being a 'dad'. I loved watching people's faces enjoying the boys in their stroller. We also had fun trying
to keep tabs on Braden's one shoe that mysteriously kept falling off as we went through the exhibit. (How many times
did we lose that shoe?)
When we went home we piled back into the car. Summer and I in the front seat, two car
seats in the back with my sister jammed in the middle. It was a 'You Tube' moment watching my sister trying to extricate herself
from a small back seat in between two huge car seats. Autumn, at one point shouts: 'I'm stuck'. Well that's all copycat Braden
needed to hear, and for the next twenty minutes he kept repeating: 'Autumn Stuck.....Autumn Stuck!'
So cute!
Summer you are a WONDERFUL young woman and your uncle was thoroughly impressed with how you handled yourself
and how you cared for the boys!
The obvious other highlight for me was to spend time with my mom. Autumn and Phil
went to visit friends for New Years, so that gave me time alone with mom. We visited, told stories, talked about life, laughed
and just had a great time. Mom is a wonderful cook and she cooked some of my Pennsylvania Dutch favorites. Our traditional
New Year's Day dinner is Pork, Sauerkraut and Nep. I was leaving on New Year's day so mom made it for me and the two of us
had it New Year's Eve. Yummy!
One last note.......it was wonderful and extremely moving to see the care and love Judd
and Summer demonstrated to their Grandmother. When Phil and Autumn are out of town one of them always stays over at the house
in case of an emergency. They frequently call Grandma to check on her and say 'Hi' thoughout the day.
While I
was there Summer joined Grandma and I for dinner one night and after dinner Summer asked Grandma if she wanted to watch
TV together. Grandma said yes and Summer sat on the couch to watch TV with her. The beauty of this scene is that it had nothing
to do with the TV, but more importantly had everything to do with just being with her Grandmother. Judd took me
to the airport on New Year's Day and we talked the whole way. At one point I expressed to him how much my Mom appreciated
what he said on Christmas Eve. Judd said: I meant what I said and LOVE having Grandma here in Dallas. My mom is so
blessed to be deeply loved and cared for by her grandchildren and that care/love means the world to her!
Now
you may be asking or thinking: Why did I write all this family stuff? Because to me this Holiday season was about the 'Vital'
few, those life sustaining moments and events that are so very important to me. During these two weeks, I was able to spend
time with people who mean the world to me. The memories and experiences from my time in PA and Dallas are priceless and something
I will remember for a long, long time. When we talk about 'Effective Time/Life Management' it is about determining what is
deeply important/vital to yourself and then making day-to-day choices that support those values.
I'm not here
to tell you what should be important to you, that is YOUR decision and YOUR decision only. All I am trying to do is share
that to be 'effective' in our personal and professional lives we have to 'know what we value' and
then 'act' upon those values accordingly.
I hope you will take the time to think about
what is truly important to you and let 2010 be the year that you make choices in your life based
on those values. You'll be glad you did!
As always, thanks for listening/reading and until next time......'Dream
Big and Dare to Fail!'
2:49 pm est
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