What do you think I should do? This is the question I've asked too many times (I still do). Sometimes I didn't ask - but I let people answer for me anyway. We ask this thinking that it will help us when we're trying to decide. It usually won't. We might think we're asking to get a new idea or perspective. But usually, you get an old idea or perspective. We might think we're asking this to receive support and validation. Often we receive neither. This is the question you … [Read more...]
What do you want to leave behind?
May 29, 2012 by
Let's stick with the Lego theme. I've written about building ideas ... ideas are the Lego blocks. Putting the blocks together is the execution. Many of us get caught in the idea trap. Accumulating ideas like a hoarder accumulates newspapers, cats and Elvis plates. The ideas pile up until we're overwhelmed by them. They're everywhere! You can barely walk in your brain because there are so many ideas piled up and laying around. Most of my regrets are about what I haven't done. … [Read more...]
Are you getting caught in the idea trap?
May 25, 2012 by
I remember stepping on the Lego piece with my bare foot. I screamed, cursing. A cubic, sharp pebble cutting into my foot. It hurt! Yesterday, I talked about how building ideas is like playing with Legos. "The ideas are the blocks. Putting them together is the execution." If you're an "idea guy" (or gal), like me, you have a bunch of blocks. They're everywhere! You're tripping on them, stepping on them, staring at them. Are you putting them together? Are you addicted … [Read more...]
How do you win the battle of will?
May 25, 2012 by
I love feeding my girls. They're 7 months old. They don't know what they're doing. It's a socio-science experiment. What will they like? What will they hate? Will they clamp their mouth shut? Will Ellie like one thing and Evie another? Jen and I treat every bite like it's fun and tasty. "Mmmmmm", "Yummmyyyyy", "Yaaaaaaay". We smile. We pretend like we're chewing and swallowing. I learned quickly that it's not about them eating the food. It's about enjoying the experience of … [Read more...]
Here today, gone …
May 22, 2012 by
It's easy to get caught up in writing something well. We worry about each piece being laid properly. The concern is that everything else will tumble down if we don't do it right. This presents a problem. You become a slave to the form instead of the servant to your idea. I can always go back and correct the form after the idea is born onto paper (or screen). I can't recapture the thought sparked in the ether that vanished into thin air while I was looking for where to put a … [Read more...]
What if you asked differently?
May 17, 2012 by
What if I fail? One the most common reason we don't take action is the fear of "what if". What if they say no What if it doesnt go well What if they don't like me What if they ask questions and I don't know the answer What if I look dumb Here are some more "what ifs" to ask: What if you look back in 10 years and your in the same place you're in now What if you become irrelevant What if you have nobody to blame but yourself By avoiding the first set of what … [Read more...]
Apples & Oranges
May 3, 2012 by
We were talking about what a great team we would be. I'd be the idea person. She'd be the doer ... making the ideas happen. She is the doer. I need to do a lot more to make my ideas compared to how I thought it'd be. At least more than just speak them. The twins never end. They are well behaved. They sleep well. They eat well. They don't cry for no reason (Thank, God). Yet it seems that at least one needs some attention and any point and time. It seems there's never a … [Read more...]
Shine on, you crazy diamond
March 21, 2012 by
Most people want to shine like a diamond. We want to be highly valued. We want to be unique. We want to be admired. We want to be seen as beautiful. Diamonds are formed at the Earth's mantle. 90 miles from the Earth's surface. Carbon is transformed to diamonds. Under great pressure, at temperatures around 2000 degrees, molecular structure is changed. Volcanic eruptions hurl diamonds to the surface. The diamonds are mined (found), cut and polished. A diamond goes through a lot … [Read more...]
Blessings and Sacrifice
March 16, 2012 by
Running a successful business. Writing a book. Starring in the community play. Earning first chair violin in the symphony (or third chair). Playing on the varsity football team. Getting the promotion. Finishing a book that's difficult to understand. Receiving a Masters of Fine Arts. Having a lush lawn. Twins have taught me there is no blessing without sacrifice. They are two sides of the same coin. What blessing are you yearning for? What are you willing to … [Read more...]
