Seven Ways to Boost Creativity

Posted on November 4, 2008
Filed Under Life Strategy, Self Improvement | Leave a Comment

Seven Ways to Boost Your Personal Creativity
By Gene Pinder

I’m always amazed at how many people I meet who say they aren’t terribly creative. For starters, it’s not true. Perhaps they’re not as creative now as they were when they were children, but the reality is - every human has the capacity to be creative. It’s part of our DNA. Cave dwellers painted on walls, while animals of all kinds participate in play. You could say the world is one gigantic playground.

And yet, many adults have forgotten how to play. It’s understandable. Life is about work, getting things done, and taking care of others. Life is about responsibilities and decisions and the never-ending ploy to squeeze more effort into more hours in the day. Play, naturally, takes a back seat.

But one could also argue that the most successful people are also the most creative. The entrepreneur who hits it big. The clever engineer who solves a tricky problem. The resourceful non-profit executive who works with limited resources. Those who apply their creative minds to solving problems and offering alternative options often get rewarded in ways that far surpass the average worker or individual. In other words, if you want greater success, first be more creative.

How do you go about rediscovering your inner child? You must re-learn it. Here are seven useful ways to get in the “mood.”

Accept and Even Embrace Failure. That’s right. Learn from your mistakes. How does that help creativity? Because it frees you from having to do things the “right” way. When I paint, I fail a lot. Sometimes I mix terrible combinations of color which become mud. Other times I screw up the look of a shadow. The reality is - I often have to fail to see what works or to learn something new. Go ahead. Fail. Failure is learning and from learning comes new approaches.

Mix Odd Combinations. Artists and engineers do this all the time. So do chefs. Someone combines a running shoe with an iPod. The result? A smart shoe that keeps track of running times. Get in the habit of joining things that normally aren’t put together. Who cares if the combination doesn’t at first make sense. That’s not the goal. The goal is to get into the habit of seeing the world differently and playing around.

Go for Volume. To be more creative, you must expand on the number of ideas you have. Too many times we look for one or two solutions to a problem when there may be hundreds. Get in the habit of always looking for 10 different options to any one problem, opportunity or situation. In other words, if someone asks you to come up with a new way of distributing your product, give them 10 alternatives instead of two. More importantly, don’t evaluate the quality of those options initially. Don’t limit yourself. It’s more important you seek out as many alternatives as you can think of.

Thicken Your Skin. Creativity and innovative thinking often makes other people uncomfortable. For example, have you ever introduced a new idea at a staff meeting, only to suddenly feel a cold chill in the room? Chances are you won’t introduce a new idea to that group again. But that’s wrong. You should be able to introduce new ideas effortlessly and without shame. It takes some fortitude, though. Start small and build up your confidence. Get used to the idea of offering ideas. Get people to trust you that regardless of the quality of the idea, the act of generating something new is worthwhile and valuable.

Feed the Beast. Not sure you can display your newfound creativity in your current workplace? Find another outlet instead. Leap into a more creative pursuit in the arts. Do it because it’s fun, not because you need to make a living or impress your friends. What you may discover is that your newfound artistic bent will start to spill over into your professional pursuits, resulting in more creative decision making.

Use the Tools. You can’t build a house without some basic tools, so why should you expect to be more creative without taking advantage of some of the tools that are available. For example, Brainwriting (the technique where you write down each thought) is an excellent tool for creative thought. Similarly, visualization (where you simply imagine an action taking place) is one of the most creative tools at your disposal. Do a Google search for innovation or creativity tools and try some of them.

You Are What You Think. If you think that you are creative, then you will act in accordance with that self-belief. As one motivational speaker once said, “You are what you think about most of the time.” Remind yourself that you have creative abilities and then confirm that belief in simple, effective ways. Be creative quietly and without fanfare. Prove to yourself that this is something that is actually pretty easy for you to do.

It’s okay to be a child again, or rather - to think like a child. Children have fun with make-believe. They let their imaginations run wild. Why? Because it’s fun and rewarding. You can do the same. You can be creative. You can have fun, regardless of your profession or lot in life. In the process, what you may discover is that your newfound creative bent elevates you in your profession in ways you never imagined.

Gene Pinder is the director of marketing for Centennial Campus, an award-winning research park at NC State. He also teaches innovative thinking to graduate students.

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Business Quotes to Help You Stay Focused

Posted on November 3, 2008
Filed Under Business, Life Strategy, Motivational | Leave a Comment

There is a great post over at Business Information You Can Use with a lot of business quotes.  Here are a few:

“Effective leadership is the only competitive advantage that will endure. That’s because leadership has two sides - what a person is (character) and what a person does (competence).” - Stephen Covey

“I believe that you get greater effectiveness in your work when you tie people’s personal mission with the corporate mission.” Richard Barrett, former values coordinator at the World Bank as quoted in the Globe and Mail, June 11, 1999 p.M1.

“Where there is no leadership the people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” - Proverbs 11:14

“A great man shows his greatness by the way he treats little men.” Thomas Carlyle

“Leadership is an engine for creative change.”

“People first, strategy second.” The motto of successful CEOs, Fortune, June 21,1999. p.74.

“Leadership . . . consists of the principles, skills, and attitudes that harness and integrate knowledge, trust and power.” - D.E. Zand in Leadership Triad: Knowledge, Trust, and Power. p. 5.

Check out the post at Business Information You Can Use

Dealing With Adversity and Life’s Challenges - How We React is Our Choice

Posted on October 17, 2008
Filed Under Life Strategy, Motivational | Leave a Comment

How We React is Our Choice - Dealing With Adversity and Life’s Challenges
By Josh Hinds

Long before I started speaking, writing and coaching on personal development topics I was a student. In fact I’m still very much a student first.

During my studies, as you might imagine I’ve learned a lot of ideas — some I’ve found applicable and have implemented in my life, and some, as I’ve progressed in my own personal development journey no longer fit quite like they once did. If you think about it, that makes sense — we are always growing after all.

Throughout my years of study and application in the field of personal development, one idea always seems to ring true. In fact, it has played such an important part in my own life’s journey that I feel compelled to share it with you here now.

Ready? here goes…

You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can always control how you react to what happens to you.

Did you get that? Please read that again as it’s that important. Even better, grab a 3×5 index card (or your journal) and write it down.

In life, any number of things can happen — good or bad. As someone far brighter than I once said, “the only constant is change.” Before I continue let me say that the point of my writing here is not to get into a discussion on the line of thinking that says that we are attracting into our life each and every negative event — be it disease, the death of a loved one, or insert whatever devastating thing you can think of — that happens to us (either consciously or on a subconscious level). That’s not my point here. Besides, there are no shortage of experts who have addressed that particular line of thinking elsewhere.

What I am saying, is that no matter what may have happened to us, whether it was someone taking advantage of us, a shift in the economy that led to being downsized, or virtually any other situation you choose to apply to this, the simple truth remains — how we choose to react to it is well within our control.

That is not to say that it’s always going to be easy, sometimes it means accepting things we have a hard time accepting, and taking corrective measures that are anything but comfortable.

However, the powerful thing about acknowledging this truth is that in doing so we come to realize that we are able to get over simply accepting the role of victim — the part that says, this happened to me — this is why I’m this way, and as a result I can’t do anything to change where I am.

Instead we are able to move to a more empowering position of, this happened, but by taking action I can change my particular situation for the better.

Through fully embracing the belief that you have control over how you react to what occurs in your life you unleash your personal greatness. You no longer have to accept that you are at the mercy of whatever may come your way, but rather that you can take an active role in defining, and in turn get on with living your perfect life.

While it is true that it isn’t always easy to fully embrace and accept this truth day in and day out — it is imperative that you do make the effort to do so just the same. Fortunately, in most cases it is as easy as being aware of it — even if at first you notice you have resistance to it — by keeping the idea in mind, in time you will come to accept it as well as benefit from all that goes along with viewing challenges and adversity in this light.

Inside this simple, yet profound thought is exactly what is needed in most cases to move you from a place where you feel stuck or out of control to a place where you realize that by applying action — and acquiring new skills, whatever you identify that is needed to learn — you can in fact take an active step towards changing your place for the better.

If you find yourself in a place in your own life where all is going well, then all the better. The idea will only make more concrete the reality that you have all you need to achieve your goals and dreams.

Keep clearly in mind that great personal power comes from knowing that come what may, for better or worse you can play an active role in shaping — and in turn living the life you were meant to live.

It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

Josh Hinds is a speaker, trainer and coach. He is the author of ‘Why Perfect Timing is a Myth: Tips for Staying Inspired and Motivated Day in and Day out!’ — grab your copy of this life changing booklet at http://GetMotivation.com/booklet/ now!

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Encouragement as a Business Practice

Posted on October 9, 2008
Filed Under Business, E-Commerce, Life Strategy | Leave a Comment

Encouraging others is a good business practice.  It is always a fools journey to try and build a business by taking advantage of others.Here is an article that I wrote on encouragement a few months back. The opposite of encouragement is discouragement and there is nothing that discourages more than people trying to take advantage of you. I saw an article recently about a company in affiliate marketing that folded due to bad business practices which included cheating others out of their commissions.

Choose to be an encourager and help others - you can not go wrong with this strategy. This economic crisis will reveal the scam artist on the internet and many of them will go out of business. Look for companies that have a history of good customer service and sound business practices. Avoid scam artist like the plague.

I was in a pay per click coaching program recently that I joined but I cancelled my membership. I didn’t like some of the affiliate networks they pushed and the focus of the marketing efforts. I could say more about this experience but the bottom line is that it was not a good fit for me.

Do not take advantage of people just to make money. You will be sorry!

Actions to Take During Recession

Posted on October 9, 2008
Filed Under Business, Life Strategy | Leave a Comment

Here is a good article to read now.  It is time to reestablish the basics and if you lack the proper foundation in your finances then get it established asap.

Recession Actions, Now!
By Cindy Morus

Recession is Coming! Recession is Here! Are we in a Recession Yet?

I’m sure you’ve seen and heard headlines just like this.

Regardless of whether the US economy is in a Recession, your family may be in one. Has your income stayed the same or even shrunk over the last year or two? And we know energy, food, housing and taxes are all increasing. This combination could mean that your family is in a Recession.

Recessions are as important to an economy as the boom times just like a controlled burn improves the health of a forest. During recessions, weaker companies are weeded out and companies who make it through are stronger for the next boom time.

Furthermore, even if the economy is booming, you can be going through a personal recession due to job or lifestyle changes such as a new career, starting a new business, leaving the workforce to take care of a family member or a medical condition.

What should you do?

On the Home Front

1. Reduce or eliminate the non-essentials. Act as if you are on a desert island. What would you really need to be there? Be brutal and leave no spending unexamined. Newspapers, groceries, telecommunication services, personal grooming, transportation - can any be postponed or eliminated?

You can start by reducing expenditures rather than completely eliminating them. For example, when I looked at my newspaper cost a couple of years ago, I decided it just wasn’t worth it but I so enjoy the Sunday paper that I kept it. Now, I’ve canceled it altogether and when I have the urge for the Sunday edition, I walk to the grocery store and pick one up.

Keep a Needs/Wishes list so your subconscious mind isn’t constantly reminding you. When you do have extra money, go for the needs and save up for the wants. This is a good habit to get kids to develop, too..

Note: you’ll want to involve your family or you’ll feel like the Enforcer if you make all the decisions. And, when offered the opportunity, kids can be very creative. Try to make it a game rather than making the kids feel like they’re in the poor house.

2. Review all insurance policies. Get appropriate insurance for the best prices. Life insurance, for example, has come down in price over the last few years so you may be able to get equal or more coverage for lower cost. Increase your deductibles if you are able to pay more out of pocket. Make sure your insurance shows that you have alarms, air bags, or a home security system.

3. Request rate reductions from on your credit cards. Yes, some credit card companies are lowering rates but they don’t do it unless you ask. If you hear NO, ask for a supervisor or ask when they would be able to do it for you. You can call in again later if you don’t get the answer you are looking for.

4. Refinance your car. Believe it or not, this is possible. One of my clients purchased a new Prius last year and the original interest rate was a whopping 12.45%. As soon as she started coaching, I suggested she refinance it and she was able to get it down to 8.45%. Just last week, she refinanced it to 6.45%!

At Work

1. Protect your current job. Find out if there’s any additional training you can participate in. Let your boss know you are ready and willing to take on new responsibilities. Look for opportunities to reduce expenses, improve customer service and offer more value to your employer. Take outside courses, read books or learn more online - keep yourself up-to-date on happenings in your field. Try copying articles to your boss that would be interesting or helpful and make a comment or two about how it relates to you.

Attend and participate in at least one professional organization. Offer to be the greeter so you can chat with everyone that attends. See how you can offer value to other members.

2. Think of yourself as a contractor. Gone are the days of lifelong employment. Your employer will keep you around as long as they get more out of you than you cost them. You should be thinking the same way; if you’re growing in your profession and earning a salary appropriate to your skills and talents, then stay with your current employer. But always be on the lookout for better opportunities. Your loyalty is to you and your family. Always keep your resume fresh and your ears to the ground. Read your company’s annual report (and others in your field) and set up a Google alert so you can be informed and watching for current news about your employer.

3. Change your income tax withholding. Did you get a refund this year? If so, you can increase your monthly take-home pay by reducing the amount taken out for taxes. The average family gets about $2000 back and that’s $166 per month (just for federal). Of course, you have to remember that you won’t get a refund next year. You should target paying exactly what you owe. Check out the IRS withholding calculator for an estimate. You can change your withholding any time you want. Note: if you are working several jobs, add all the income together and do the calculation.

4. Check your benefits. Make sure you are taking advantage of all that your employer has to offer - health care and health care savings accounts, retirement contributions (you and your employer), education assistance for you, scholarships for your kids, child care accounts, etc. If you have a health care savings account, review what is a covered expense and make sure you don’t lose anything you’ve contributed.

5. Continue funding your retirement. This should be one of the last things to go because retirement is inevitable and the longer you have your money in a retirement account, the more it grows. $10,000 in a retirement account for 10 years at 7% will be approximately $20,000 but for 20 years, it will be about $40,000 and 30 years will be $80,000 — and it will be even more if you continue to contribute. If you must stop your contributions, restart as quickly as possible.

When all else fails…

1. Contact your car loan holder or mortgagor and ask for an extension. If they say YES, they’ll extend your loan by a month and will probably ask you to cover the interest for the month. This will increase your total costs but it’s better than having your home foreclosed or your car repossessed.

2. Get counseling. Talk to Consumer Credit Counselors or a Mortgage Counselor. Watch out for scams in this area. Above all, don’t ignore your creditors - you’ve promised to pay and they expect you to do so. But they’re used to dealing with people who are struggling and most have programs that can help you out of a temporary jam.

3. Consider borrowing from your 401k. You will have to pay it back over 5 years so if you’re already having trouble making your payments, this one isn’t for you. For example, if you borrow $50,000 at 4% interest, your payments will be over $900 per month after taxes so subtract $900 from your current take home pay. Can you afford that? Plus, if you are laid off or leave your job, the entire amount will be due or it will be taxable (see below).

Don’t you dare…

Raid your retirement accounts. The government heavily discourages you from doing this by tacking on any withdrawals to your income (you pay taxes on the amount and it could push you into a higher tax bracket) plus a 10% penalty. One of my clients took $40,000 out of their 401k last year and it pushed them into the 35% bracket. So out of the $40,000, they paid the IRS $14,000 in additional income tax plus $4,000 in penalties and that was before the State got them (another 9% in Oregon or $3,600). In the end, they netted $18,400! And since they didn’t have enough taxes withheld from it, they’re in hock to both the IRS and the State.

One final note…

Have you ever noticed that the more you focus on the negative things around you, the worse things seem to be?

The good news is that you can choose to do just the opposite! If you focus on all the wonderful things in your life, guess what you get more of? Exactly! Wonderful things.

So while you’re out there breathing anyway, see how many things you can find in your life today that are wonderful and focus on them. Think of family, friends, home, a job, your health and more! (This is another great thing to teach your kids).

Money Mender, Cindy Morus, is a leading authority on showing you how to achieve and enjoy financial well-being and peace of mind. Get a copy of her latest report at http://www.MendYourMoney.com

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