I was a Girl Scout when I was young and always enjoyed selling Girl Scout cookies. When you knocked on doors and had Girl Scout calendars to sell it was not the same delightful reaction you received when they opened the door and found out you were selling cookies.
And I loved eating them too.
As an adult I've always supported the Girl Scouts by purchasing more boxes than I should of my favorites, like the thin mints. I thought I was clever and put them in the freezer - thinking that would slow my consumption. It didn't. They actually tasted better frozen!
This cookie season they came out with a new gluten free cookie. I don't have to eat gluten free but tried it because it was temptingly chock full of oatmeal and chocolate chips which are favorites of mine. And they were pretty good, especially straight out of the freezer. But they were hard to find. I was delighted when I found a troop at the grocery store with them, scooping up their supply and sharing with a friend that has to eat gluten free.
But inevitably my supply was depleted and I craved that oatmeal and chocolate chip combination but could not find them anywhere.
One Sunday as I was headed to Galveston Island to host a yoga on the beach, I traveled south on the freeway. When I reached the island, for some reason I missed the exit for the seawall. I've been to the beach countless times and know the route well, so I surprised myself. I had to wind from the main street on the island through one way streets and dead ends to get to the beach. Somehow I ended up right next to the Kroger store by the seawall. I honestly couldn't have found it if I tried but there it was and there was a Girl Scout table out in front. I decided to check and see if they had any of the prized gluten free gems. They were out but told me the leader ran home to get more cookies and would be back in a few minutes. They weren't sure if she was bringing the gluten free ones since they were so popular and usually gone in minutes. I ran inside for a quick errand. When I returned I noticed from a distance a few of the famous bags sitting on the table and quickly moved to purchase them. I was delighted with my prize stash, slipped them into my cooler and headed to the beach.
Desire. You can have goals, you can make plans - but the key is desire. When you set out to take a risk and make a change - add desire to the mix. Imagine what it will be like to have accomplished the risk goal and made the change. What will life be life and how will you feel? I know it's only cookies - but obviously my desire was so strong and I could definitely imagine what life would be like with them. The way to get them came to me in the least obvious and strangest way - missing an exit. But desire along with persistence will get you to where you want to be.
From Wasted Time to Walking on Sunshine!
When I was in grade school I had a classmate that was the epitome of bubbly and outgoing. She was into everything and talked about everything (much to some teachers' dismay) and wasn't afraid of anything - or so it seemed to me at the time. She was plain fun and had a super positive outlook on life. I was reminded of that energy at my recent high school reunion. There we were on the dance floor together, both dancing wildly to the song "Walking On Sunshine" - throwing our arms into the air, kicking high and low and just having a grand time with no other crazy people coming close to our free spirited dance.
I mentioned to her how much I loved her spirit growing up (we went to Catholic school for 12 years together) and how I was so shy back then, but not anymore. "Wasted time", she replied. "Yes", I thought, "maybe it was wasted time knowing what I know now". How often do we hesitate to do things because of fear, confidence, lack of something and miss out on extraordinary?
I recently heard a country song on the radio by Keith Urban called "Wasted Time" and thought again about her comment. This song was exactly the opposite of the wasted time above. The artist relished the wasted time hanging out in the summer, swinging from a rope over the water and sneaking out the window and running back roads with his hand in hers. Sometimes we do need to waste time and relax and enjoy what is.
What is holding you back right now from doing that thing you really want to do? Take a risk! Stop - or Start - wasting time. Start Walking on Sunshine!!
Three Keys to Success - Personally and Professionally
What are the three keys to success in your personal and/or professional life? I won't make you wait - here they are:
- Busting Assumptions
- Unleashing Creativity
- Risk Taking
Busting Assumptions
We cannot live without making some assumptions. But so many of our problems arise from the thoughts we hold in our head. We tell ourselves that things cannot be done, it will always be this way or we don't possess certain qualities we need to be able to make things happen. Taking time to assess the real truth of the thoughts in your head and looking at what you would do if those things weren't true will really give you the kick you need to make progress.
Unleashing Creativity
We are all creative, we just don't take the time to connect to our creativity. When do you have your most creative thoughts? For many people it is in the shower, when driving or running. Make sure you record those thoughts as soon as possible or they will be lost. Play with creativity exercises like random words - writing down everything that comes to mind when you think of that/those words. Bounce ideas off of other people. Exercising your creative mind will assure it is ready when you need it. When you have a problem to solve - write it down in the morning and let it go. You will be amazed at how many ideas, people or events come to you during the day to help you solve the problem.
Risk Taking
You know you want to do something but you hesitate. What is holding you back? Most likely fear. Fear of what? Fear of success, failure, repeating past mistakes, not having the energy or the nohow or whatever it is you need to make the risk successful? First, write down the risk you want to take and what it will give you if you were able to accomplish it. How will things be different and better for you it you were to get it done? Then assess the different ways you could do it - let your creativity unleash. Select a few options that coincide with your personal level of risk taking - not too comfortable for you - a little out of your zone. Make a plan and just do it!! Reassess and adjust and keep on keeping on!
If you want more ideas or assistance with the Three Keys to Success - contact me at margaret@ideasandbeyond.com
I Don't Have Time to Be Creative!
Most people don't have time. They don't have time to be creative. They don't have time to exercise. They don't have time to talk. They don't have time to sit down and eat. They don't have time to relax. They don't think they have time for anything.
The average person spends four hours a day watching television (13!!! years of their life). That doesn't even touch on the time we spend on Facebook (ha!) and other possibly meaningless activities. Imagine what you could do with that time. When you think you don't have time to do the things you really want to do (relationships, dreams, hobbies, fun, exercise,...) - start with an honest assessment of where you spend your time and I bet - big money bet! - you will find all the time you really need to get things done and do the things you want to do.
And if you spent some of that "extra" time letting your mind wander and flow from one thought to another, you would allow your creative mind the freedom it needs to solve problems and come up with new ideas. Enjoy your new found time!
Look and See!
I was sitting outside in my lounge chair working on business classes and presentations. I took a break for a minute to look up at the sky and examine the clouds on this beautiful partly cloudy day. I was amazed to see something that resembled a rainbow as far as the colors but streaking across their edge instead of in an arch in the sky. It was unusual because it hadn't rained and the colors were typical of a sunset, not the sky in the middle of a sunny day. I lifted my sunglasses to see if it was just the polarization of the lenses - but it was still there. What a treat. I gazed at the sky for another ten minutes or so, then settled back into my work. If I hadn't stopped to look I might have missed it, for it was gone later when I checked again for my little miracle.
My son invited me to see a film called "The Seer: A Portrait of Wendell Berry" at the Houston Fotofest International a few days ago. My girlfriend and I joined him and his fiancee. The focus for the 2016 Biennnial Fotofest's 16th International Biennial of Photography and Mixed Media Art is humanity's relationship with the changing planet. This movie was the portrait of this accomplished poet, farmer, writer, activist and academic, Berry, who spent much of his life, and still does, on a farm in Kentucky. One of the key comments from his daughter was how Wendell always said - "look and see" to her as she was growing up. It taught her to really pay attention to what was around her and appreciate all of it.
By looking and seeing we stay open to all that is there and open our mind to possibilities - enhancing our creative minds.
Look and see what you didn't see before. Enjoy.
I Don't Know
I can't remember exactly where I saw it (and I'm ok with that!), but I think it was a movie. A group of people were hanging out and a question came up that no one knew the answer to. Their first reactions were to pull out their cell phones and look it up. But one man said - "Let's not. Let's be ok with not knowing." As hard as it was for some, they resisted. They simply sat there and pondered the unknown, sharing ideas on what they thought the answer might be and ended up having a great conversation on the topic.
It's ok not to know. We jump to looking things up so quickly on our phones or other devices and miss out on the beauty of exploring ideas.
Ambiguity is one of the drivers for creativity. To improve your creative mind, exploring being ok with ambiguity is an effective exercise. It stimulates your creative thinking.
So, next time you don't know, resist the urge to look it up right away. Let your mind play with ideas and see what comes up. Then, if you have to, look it up. You will be improving your ability to create one moment at a time.
(If you would like to explore creativity drivers in greater detail, connect with me regarding the Creatrix creativity and risk taking assessment - www.ideasandbeyond.com)
Office Dog Improves Productivity and Posture
In order for creativity to flow, you have to sit still long enough to let it come to you. I work from home and have all sorts of distractions that interrupt me, (or shall I say I LET all sorts of distraction interrupt me). I recently found a cure for this that my help you.
I was granddog sitting this past week - watching our son's fiancee's dog for the week while they were away on a trip. The dog loves to be near you and especially loves to sit in my lap while I work on the computer. So the last time I let her up in my lap I was trying to work through some chapter editing overdue to my editor. I frequently thought about getting up from my chair to do things but didn't want to disturb the sleeping dog. Since I was less apt to get up and do other things, I stayed at my desk longer and worked through all of the chapters. Productivity up!
An additional benefit was health related. Yesterday she crawled around behind me in my chair and fell asleep at my lower back. It made me sit up straight the whole time I was working. Posture improved!
This dog is fixing all of my problems. Get one - or rent one - or let yours up in your lap - it may help you too!
You Look Like the Most Interesting Group Here - May I Join You?
I recently attended a woman's business event that featured a panel of coaches providing tips on networking. They each had a different focus but they connected their ideas well to each other. The subject matter was more appropriate for younger professionals or those just out of school entering the business world, but I was able to take away a few good reminders, especially for my young professional clients.
One attendee brought up a question at the end on approaching a group of men at a networking event. She is usually the lone woman at male dominated events and wanted to know how to break into a group that looked like they were intensely discussing a topic she might not have particular knowledge on.
I shared that I grew up with five brothers and as a female engineer I usually found myself surrounded by men at many events throughout my career. I am very comfortable working with them and attending events where I might be the only female in the room. I shared a tip on breaking into a group at an event that I came up with when I found myself in a room of over two hundred oil and gas executives in suits. I was one of the few females and I didn't know a soul. I grabbed my drink at the bar, checked out the reception room, and went up to a group that looked interesting. I said, "You look like the most interesting group in the room, may I join you?" And the answer was, "of course!". Later, I approached a table with a few men sitting at it and asked if I could join them. The answer, again, was "of course!".
For many, approaching a group of strangers, male or female, may be a bit of a risk. But don't be afraid - they are looking forward to meeting you.
If you are at an event and notice a man or woman that appears to be looking for a group to connect with - invite them in. Everyone will be better off for your kind gesture.
If you would like more ideas and tips for networking, e-mail me at margaret@ideasandbeyond.com. I look forward to connecting with you.
S.W.O.W.! - 21 Day Risk Taking Challenge - Are You In?
I teach indoor cycle and yoga at a few gyms in the area. July is a popular vacation month for many so I find that opportunities to sub classes for other instructors while they are out of town abound. In the last week and a half I taught a total of ten cycling classes - well above my normal two a week. Before the craziness began, I invited members and Facebook friends to join in a challenge to take all ten classes with me. Several people accepted the challenge, and a few actually were able to attend all of them. I was SO proud of them - including those that came close to doing them all.
When I arrived in the cycling room last evening to teach the tenth class, I noticed a bag of water bottles with a card attached to it near my bike on the instructor platform. I always bring a cooler of cold water bottles to class for those that forget or run out of water. Someone had gifted me a whole bag - how thoughtful. I didn't have a chance to open the card until after class and was delighted to read this message - "Dear Margaret - Challenge Completed! Thanks for encouraging me to do something I didn't think I could do. You're awesome". Actually - she is awesome - not me. But I delight in her success.
What do you think will happen for her now? She stretched herself beyond her comfort zone and found strength she didn't know she had. I foresee her taking more risks and accepting more challenges and continuing to grow. S.W.O.W.! is born.
If you would like to expand yourself beyond your comfort zone and experience a little more S.W.O.W! in your life - take my free 21 Day Risk Challenge. Each day, starting August 1, a new challenge will be posted in this blog. You can accept it, modify it, or reject it and make up your own. But you have to at least take some type of risk that day. At the end of 21 days - August 21 to be exact - post in the comment section below about your experience - what you learned about yourself or what has changed in you for the better. Everyone that posts a comment on their results will be entered into a random drawing for a variety of $25 gift cards - from Macy's to the Cheesecake Factory. I will be taking the risks along with you.
If you become a blog follower - the risks should arrive in your e-mail box everyday - or you can check back here in the blog for the next day's challenge. I look forward to your stories.
Day 1 - try some type of exercise that you've never tried before. You can go to a class at a studio or gym or look up some exercises on the Internet. It can be as simple as jumping rope, a walk in the park, the hula hoop or a new dance step - whatever you choose.
Day 2 - tell a stranger something nice about them that you observed. If you are in the grocery line and notice something about the person in front of you or behind you - let them know (positive things!). Approach someone new at a business networking event or other. If this isn't a stretch for you - how could you modify this challenge to make it a stretch?
Day 3 - ask for what you need or want. One of my friends wanted to work in the Paris, France (not Texas!) office of the company she worked for but never let management know that was her desire. She hinted toward it but never outright asked or told them her goal. So - what happened? She's not in Paris. Ask for what you need or want - they don't know if you don't let them know.
Day 4 - let go of something you know isn't serving you any more. Is it work files that you hold onto that you think you might need someday or some other clutter at home? Is it a relationship that you keep tolerating when that person is annoying you or not treating you very well? It might be time to let it go.
Day 5 - reach out to someone you admire but are afraid to talk to. I frequently hear clients say that they admire someone at work at a high level, saw an article about someone who had taken action and was living the dream they had,
Day 6 - go home from work on time. Don't stay late. Is it possible for you? If you are an entrepreneur - don't do any work after 5:00pm. What do you notice? What are you afraid of?
Day 7 - say that something that really needs to be said. I miss The Tonight Show with Jay Leno but have been and continue to give Jimmy Fallon a chance. I watched it the other night because a favorite of mine - Meryl Streep - was a guest. Jimmy asked her questions but never let her reply - he answered for her or talked over her while she was talking. He does it frequently. I posted on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon Facebook page and trust the message will get through to the right people. Say it - tactfully and professionally.
Day 8 - say no. Are you overwhelmed with a full schedule? Pay attention to what you really need and what will bring you joy and don't be afraid to say no to overbooking.
Day 9 - try a new look. Cut or color you hair a new way. Shave your mustache. Try a new style or color of clothing. One of my girlfriends almost always wore black to the gym. She wore a colorful shirt one day after years of her old pattern. What a difference. Give it a try. It will have pleasant rippling effects.
Day 10 - do it differently. Take a different route to work, manage a meeting differently, take a risk and change a habit - a little or drastically.
Day 11 - go check out a different crowd. Attend the organizational meeting of a group you don't typically associate with. My husband and I went to a sports bar called Quaker Steak and Lube for a Green Bay Packers game against the Vikings (we are Viking fans and were the only ones in a see of Cheeseheads!). We met a lot of new friends and had a great time.
Day 12 - turn off you cell phone for a day. See what you've been missing. (What are you afraid of if you really do it?)
Day 13 - speak up when you see something wrong and do something about it. I am ready to write a letter to Chevy - In their latest commercial they promote a screen on the dashboard with text responses to select from - to respond to incoming texts you listen to from your phone that is connected by blue tooth - they think this will help people keep their eyes on the road - I think it is a big mistake and will write to them and let them know. What will you speak up about today?
Day 14 - ask for feedback from someone on how you are doing. Ask your boss or your kids or your significant other or your class or anyone you can think of - for feedback on these three questions - (I think you will be pleasantly surprised about their thoughts - I asked my cycle class to answer these questions - good stuff!)
1. What am I doing that you like and want me to keep doing?
2. What am I doing that you don't like and want me to stop doing?
3. What am I not doing that you would like me to start doing?
Day 15 - sign up for something new. Take a class you've always wanted to take or sign up to start a whole degree program at a community college or university. Sign up to rescue an animal. Sign up to be the chairman of an organization. Sign up to volunteer for a charitable organization. Sign up - get started.
Day 16 - take the first step toward a goal you've always wanted but you've been procrastinating on. What is it? Your goal is to get a promotion at work so the first step is asking for more responsibility. You want to lose weight so the first step is joining an exercise or weight loss group. You want to be a writer so the first step is submitting an article to a magazine for publication? Take that step today.
Day 17 - admit you don't know. Do you stay quiet in class when the professor asks if there are any questions? Do you hesitate to ask a question in a meeting at work because you are worried it is a dumb question? Admit you don't know.
Day 18 - do something you want to do but don't think you can do. I subbed a bunch of cycle classes a few weeks ago - so in ten days I taught ten classes (I usually teach two a week). I challenged my members to do all ten. One woman did and gave me a note after thanking me. She said it was something she didn't think she could do but I inspired and motivated her and she was able to accomplish it.
Day 19 - accept a challenge - the obstacles you are afraid of aren't likely to materialize. I played the song "Mustang Sally" tonight in indoor cycle class. I challenged the class to turn their dial to the right, adding resistance and therefore more hill to their workout every time the artist, Wilson Pickett, sang the words "Mustang Sally". "Are you in?" I asked. I received a less than enthusiastic response though some signaled they were up to the challenge. It turns out that the phrase "Ride Sally Ride" is sung quite a bit more in the song. Mustang Sally is only repeated only a few times. So the numerous extra turns of the dial they were afraid of never materialized.
And so it is with the risks we avoid in life. We imagine all of the obstacles we will come up against - and many of them never happen. And if they do - we are more than capable of handling them. So take on the challenge. Take a chance. Do it! you'll be fine.
Day 20 - wow - almost there! - make the call you've been procrastinating about. Do you need to follow up on a resume you sent in. Is there someone you've wanted to ask out and you haven't yet. Do you need to call up a friend with a serious illness and don't know what to say - so you haven't called? Do you need to tell someone you love them. Make the call.
Day 21!!! - you did it - here we are - day 21 - congratulations! The risk for today is to scare yourself just a little bit. Do whatever it is that will push you a little bit beyond your comfort zone - scare you just a little bit.
Don't forget to comment below - what you learned about yourself or what has changed in you for the better as a result taking more risks this month. You have until midnight August 31 to post your feedback. Everyone that comments will be entered in a random drawing for $25 gift cards. I look forward to your stories.
NOTE: Don't worry if you are late starting - you have all of August to do 21 risks. Get started today.
Need help taking these risks or others you are procrastinating on? Give me a call at (281)648-0380
Ingenious Waitress
When I was young I remember reading a novel that started off with a woman heading into a publishing company for an interview. While she was waiting in the lobby for her appointment she overheard an executive ask his assistant to find a copy of an old magazine. The woman waiting to be interviewed ran to the elevator and headed to another suite on a different floor. She knew there was a doctor's office in the building and they always have old magazines. She found the office, checked out the magazines in their waiting room and found the one the executive had mentioned. She returned to the publishing company and handed the executive the magazine she had unearthed. Not surprising - she got the job on the spot! I always loved that story and wanted to be "that girl". I found her in person on a recent trip.
There is a golf networking organization for women called Women On Course. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in learning golf, improving their golf game, or avid golfers looking for other fun women to play with. I was on a weekend trip with the group at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and Spa just outside of Austin. It has a beautiful and challenging golf course, a variety of pools, hot tubs, water slides, and all sorts of activities for non-golfers too. You never have to leave the resort.
One evening my girlfriends and I were having dinner in the bar. We brought cards to play Euchre - a game I was raised on in Michigan. (Want to join our next tournament at my house? - e-mail me - newbies welcome). We were enjoying our food and the game on the patio but it was starting to get a little dark. I asked the waitress if she had any candles or other table lights. "I think they might have some in the restaurant next door", she said. "Let me see what I can do". In a few minutes she returned with several candles for our table.
I asked for a Diet Coke when she took our drink order. We only have Diet Pepsi was the response so, I accepted it. But when it arrived, it tasted a bit strange. The waitress said she would get me a can. She quickly returned with a glass of ice and a can of Diet Coke. Now where did she find that since their restaurant didn't even serve it? The employee refrigerator? - we joked.
Later, she asked us if she could get us anything else. I jokingly shouted out - chocolate. Her reply? :"I'll see what I can do!". A few minutes later she came back with two pieces of dark chocolate cake for us to share. It wasn't on the menu. Maybe she got them from a party since there were a lot of celebrations going on at the resort from weddings to family reunions. We aren't really sure - but it was really good and free!
I tried to think of something for her to find that would be a real challenge. I mean - really - this woman was resourceful, creative and up to any request. What wouldn't she be able to do?
We left it at a huge tip and letter to her manager commending her on her service, attitude and amazing ingenuity.
We can all take a lesson from her. When presented with any request, respond with "let me see what I can do" instead of "no way - that's impossible"! See how your results change. I look forward to your stories.