Month: January 2023

Ideas are like… bellybuttons – everyone has them.

I started this process by asking ChatGPT, an AI system, what the value of ideas was. Here’s what it said:

Ideas can have a great deal of value, as they can lead to the development of new products, processes, or ways of thinking that can have significant impact. Ideas can also be valuable in more intangible ways, as they can inspire people and drive change. However, it’s important to note that not all ideas are valuable or worth pursuing. It takes time, effort, and resources to determine the value of an idea and to determine if it is worth pursuing.

Sure I agree with the above. It came from an artificial intelligence system, after all. That’s as good as finding almost anything else on the Internet…

But in reality, yes, ideas CAN be valuable – but ONLY if something is done with them. Existing in your mind, or a notebook, vacuum, index cards, Word document, etc., they live in limbo. It’s only when executed, built upon, shared, or patented that potential turns to real value. It takes action to breathe life into them. Otherwise, they have zero value. An idea not acted upon is a “woulda, coulda, shoulda.” Great fodder for stories but so what?

I’ll share a zillion-dollar idea with you: donuts that help you lose weight. Left in my notebooks, it’s worth zero. I don’t know how to execute it; it’s still just an idea. It’ll still be worth zero until someone can make them (and make them tasty). Perhaps YOU’LL be the one to bring it to reality – and if so, I expect a lifetime supply!

So get out there and come up with ideas, but even better, make them real. Do great things. Help people lose weight with donuts or…

Like it or not, we live in a world of labels. And then there are the labels others apply to us as well as those we apply to ourselves. Obviously, the most important ones are the self-imposed ones. The question is, are you using them as limitations or as invitations to something greater?

Suffice it to say that your perception of yourself is far more important than that of what others see you as. Yes, we may rely on others for employment or the need to feel appreciated, but at the end of the day, you are the driver of your life. How do you want to live it?

So, getting back to labels, where on the creative spectrum are you? And don’t tell me that you’re not. We’ll dig deeper into the concept that everyone is creative in another blog post.

Are you a writer, tattoo artist, dancer, cook, designer, engineer, actor, painter, woodworker, architect, musician, sculptor, metal worker, floral arranger, poet, inventor, illustrator, cartoonist, singer, baker, craftsperson, website builder filmmaker, dreamer, storyteller, computer programmer, mime, voiceover artist, or…?

Is this a job, a hobby, a curiosity, or…?

Do you do this full-time or as inspiration strikes?

Can you check off more than one of these things?

Does any of this matter? Of course not! Mix and match all of these! Do what you want, when and where you want it. There is no reason to fall into any prescriptive mode. All that does is satisfy the people who can’t see beyond their own limits.

Your ability doesn’t matter as long as you’re doing it. Proficiency improves with experience.

Be bold, be creative, and be what YOU want to be. Wear ALL the labels proudly. And in doing so, I’m sure you’ll have a creative way of doing so.

It’s that time of year again – a new year has arrived, and with it comes the opportunity to set goals and start fresh. For many people, this means resolving to get in shape, save money, or make other positive changes in their lives. But what about tapping into your creativity? Why not make this the year that you nurture your creative side and embark on a journey of creative expansion?

Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Set aside dedicated time for creative pursuits. It can be easy to let life get in the way and neglect our creative endeavors. To make sure you’re able to progress, set aside specific times each week to work on your projects. This could be as simple as an hour on Sunday mornings or 30 minutes each evening before bed.
2. Experiment with different mediums. Trying new things is a great way to spark creativity and find what works for you. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try experiment with a new form of creativity, whether it’s painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, writing, or something else entirely.
3. Find a community of like-minded people. Surrounding yourself with others who are also interested in creative thinking can be incredibly motivating. Consider joining a club or group, taking a class, or simply connecting with other artists or thinkers online.
4. Take breaks and allow yourself to relax. Creativity doesn’t always come easily, and sometimes, we need to take a break to let our minds rest. Ensure you set aside time to relax and recharge, whether it’s through meditation, exercise, or simply enjoying some downtime.
5. Appreciate what you’ve done. The beauty of creating is that what you produce hasn’t been made before. Sometimes it’s good; sometimes, it’s… not as good. That doesn’t matter. What matters is showing up and being in the creative game. Everything happens in its time!

Starting off the new year with an intentional journey of creativity can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only will it allow you to exercise your right brain, but it can also help you relax and de-stress. Make 2023 the year that you embrace the creative journey, and you’ll be amazed when you look back in 12 months! It truly is a case of the journey being the destination!

Okay, it’s been six years since the last post.

So… how’ve you been? Anything new?

There’s a ton of creativity and thinking about creativity in my life these days, so let’s see about keeping this thing going. In true management form, I’ll put part of the onus on you, dear reader, and ask for ideas, suggestions, comments, and donuts – the stuff that makes a good blog great!

Happy 2023! Let’s rock!