I have fond memories as a teenager working in the hardware store as a cashier and hardware retail assistant. My dad loved the discount he received on all of his purchases there because I was an employee. I loved working in the store - mixing paint (we had to measure everything manually back then!) and helping people find the plumbing and hardware parts they needed for their home repair projects. Maybe that is where I picked up my inclination for engineering.
One thing I'll never forget is what often happened at closing time. The doors would be locked, the registers closing down and there at the door or window would be a poor soul looking so desperate as he held up an old plumbing part or dropped to his knees in a begging position. You knew they had something break at the house and they just needed one little thing - and we were closed. It was definitely after closing time - we didn't lock the doors early, I always felt so sorry for them. Much to my delight, one of the managers always did too. He would open the door and listen to their story and help them out, letting them buy the part they needed even though the registers were closed - sometimes just letting them have it for free if it wasn't too expensive. I'll never forget the look on their faces - of gratefulness - and it just felt SO good to be a part of it.
Then there were a few very different experiences I had looking in from the other side of the door.
I needed to get a package out after the post offices were closed and ran to a little package shipping store around the corner. Their sign said they closed at 6:00pm and it was 5:50pm when I arrived. Plenty of time, I thought. As I grabbed the door to pull it open, it resisted! It was locked. I could see the owner in the store standing at the back table. He looked up at me, I pointed to my watch and he looked back down, completely ignoring me. I had a few choice words for that one and never returned to that place of business.
I experienced a similar situation at the eye doctor's office. They closed at 2:00 on Fridays and I had received a call that day notifying me my contacts were in. I was out of contacts and really needed the new ones. The employee told me that if I could get there by 2:00, I would be able to pick them up. I headed out right away and was walking up to their door at 1:52 - which is before 2:00 in my books. I was shocked and fairly upset to find the door locked, the front desk obviously vacated, lights out and not another car in the parking lot. What was up with that? I no longer get my contacts at that office!
So what does this have to do with creativity or risk taking? We take a risk when we close up shop a little early. How happy was that guy that came to the hardware store after hours? What kind of message was he spreading to friends, family and others? How happy was I at the shipping store or the eye doctor's office? What kind of message did I spread?
A little bit of empathy and kindness and a few more minutes before locking the door or turning off the phone will make a world of difference in your world and mine.
Skipping Stone Ripples
“We’ve got to get to the water before we leave”, she pleaded. We were on one of the most beautiful islands I’d ever been to, the Isle of Capri. It was the vacation of a lifetime with my sister-in-law, nieces and their friend. We’d been traveling about the island walking, riding a bus and a ski lift to see the views but hadn’t actually touched the water yet. We made our way down to the tiny cove of rock and pebble covered beach before jumping on our ferry back to the mainland. She slipped off her shoes and started searching on the beach for the perfect smooth rock specimens. Delighting in her finds, she started pitching them back into the water one by one, counting the skips as each one skimmed the water’s surface. Each time improving on her skip count little by little. I tried too, but my stones failed miserably, sinking quickly after a mere half skip or so. Satisfied with her last pitch, she watched the small rock sink back into the clear water. Then we grabbed our shoes and headed toward the boat dock for our ride home.
There is something special about standing on the shoreline and skipping stones across the water. The beautiful ripple produced by a perfect skip is mesmerizing to watch. The small changes we make in our lives are like the ripples on the water. They affect everything about us in a subtle way – and we continue on for the better. What small change or risk will you take today to send positive ripples through your life?
And What to My Wondering Eyes Should Appear - Girl Scout Cookies!
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.