ALL YOU HAVE TO DO

I have always been an ideas person.  Hundreds of ideas it seems spinning through my mind. Not all acted upon but the go to ones always seem to bubble up to the surface.   

Experiencing new things and finding outlets to foster your creativity are key to helping you refine skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, strategic planning, innovation and the list goes on.

As adults we are wired to learn through hands on activities and experiences as learning comes more from a practical tangible interaction versus just reading about it.

So the next time you feel like doodling, colouring, painting and any other hobby perceived waste of time, just remember it could be exactly what you need to find the next winning solution.

Thoughts to ponder...   

NOT ALL IDEAS

Have you ever wanted to be one of those people with the coolest idea?  They are the ones that are always living in the hypothetical of "what could be tried next". Learning to be creative is a discipline and a gift many wish they had more of.  

Not always easy, I have learned that you need to allow your brain an opportunity to discover new ideas by using different ways of cultivating them.  Instead of sitting and staring at your computer for inspiration, here is a list to start you off.

1. Brainstorm with a Flip Chart or White Board or Post It Notes or create a Vision Board

2. Cooking, Baking 

3. Pottery, Playdoh, Knitting, Sewing

4. Colouring, Painting

5. Hiking, Running, Swimming...any sport 

6. Meeting new people

7. Prayer & Meditation

8. Journalling

9. Travelling

10. Rummage yard sales for items to repurpose - a great way to spur ideas.

You see, inspiration and the blooming of new ideas comes from experiencing life.  You start to open up your perspective on how you view the world weighed against the direct knowledge and experiences you have or haven't had. What is possible suddenly starts to come to life.

WITH A LITTLE INGENUITY

There is something to be said for ingenuity.

One who is clever,  original and inventive. We need more people in our world who have the gift of ingenuity. To be able to apply ideas to solve problems and meet challenges head on.

In today's marketplace the idea of "intellectual capital" is at a premium. Finding great people who not only have the willingness and desire to work, knowledge and awareness of what is need of them but also the 'ingenuity" to bring to the table their creative spirit. It is in this spirit where innovation is born.  If we were ever in a time of evolution and reinvention of how we work, it is now.

The years ahead will bring a myriad of new jobs we have never heard of before a new breed of thinkers and doers that don't let "what can't be done" hold them back as they are curious enough to find out "what can be done"

WHEN THE FASCINATION BEGINS

The best way to peak your fascination is to start looking at the ordinary and find something interesting about it.  It is amazing how we miss seeing beauty and artistry at every turn.  Once you do start to notice, it is easy to get lost in the view and I know for me it helps to spur new ideas and new ways of seeing things.

Perspective is an interesting thing but in order to have it you have to start intentionally looking at things maybe more than one way.

Go create a fascinating day!

ASSEMBLE YOUR PARACHUTE

How often in life do we miss opportunities because we are waiting until everything is "just right" before we begin?  I have been an entrepreneur for a long time now and have worked with thousands of entrepreneurs over the years.  One of the key things that I have learned during this time s is that opportunities never come with directions.  If you want to cultivate new opportunities, start now!

As an entrepreneur, learning how pitch a concept, get buy in and then build what the customer wants is a terrific way to build a customer centric company.

It may feel pressured, and that you are free falling toward failure, but how thrilling and what a rush it is...and don't worry. You will get it all pulled together and figured out because that's what entrepreneurs do.

THE BIGGEST DRIVER OF CHANGE

Do you realize that you have the power to influence, to lead and to encourage change?

Managing change whether as an individual or as an organization can often be disruptive, chaotic and spur disengagement and yes, negativity.

To create an environment of what I call "dynamic transformation", there are a few core things that will help you navigate in an easier fashion.

1. Create Ownership - You want change?  Well the best and fastest way to drive it is to own the decision and the plan that change must happen... and that YOU will be playing at part in that process.

2. Communication is Key - Clearly understand the journey as you see it and communicate with other parties so that all are on the same page as you move through the transition.  If it is just you, then give yourself some grace and know that fear and uncertainty go with the territory but that excitement elicits the same emotions so try and move through it in a positive manner.

3. Celebrate Milestones - Learning to celebrate the small wins and milestones along the way will absolutely change the trajectory of how you manage and embrace change in the future.  Instead of focusing on what hasn't happened yet, how about focusing on what has.

FEATURED SPEAKER: DAVE SEMPLE

Dave Semple to be Speaker at MoMondays London 
May 12th at Aroma Mediterranean Restaurant, 717 Richmond St.

A Bit About Our Speaker:

Dave Semple is an accomplished Singer-Songwriter. His creative folk stylings just landed him in the Top 25 for Searchlight: The Hunt for Canada's Best New Artist.  He has also built a career as a respected teacher and has numerous theatre and performance credits to his name. 

Dave has a story to share that speaks to how we communicate and a surprising lesson he learned through building a healing drum.

You meet the nicest people at MoMondays!

For Tickets:  www.momondays.com/london

IN RETROSPECT

Life is an interesting journey isn't it?

The road is certainly steep and a hard climb sometimes, but when given the chance to look back and reflect on lessons learned and experiences had, there is always something to be gained out of it.

During the last few years, I have come to realize that hard work, focus and determination do not always win.   Sometimes you just lose. What I continue to learn is that those moments of adversity or failure build character, resilience and teach you very difficult and important lessons.

There is no way to go back, but there is always a way to go forward and you can never be faulted for trying to move forward.

THE BEST IDEAS

Is your best potential being hidden?

What would happen to your life if that could be uncovered?

The best ideas I have ever had were born in the midst of some type of chaos. That includes the need or want for change, the desire to pursue something more and not sure what that is, or those survival moments in life where you are just looking for a way to make it through.

What ever place you are in, take comfort in knowing that even though it feels like it is swirling, maybe it is to bring the best idea to the top and to uncover the potential within you!

VISION

You don't need eyes to have vision but rather inspiration and the ability the dream, dream, dream.

Never lose sight of what could be, rather than defaulting to what couldn't be possible.

Never in our time has there been a greater opportunity for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The most exciting visions are cast with heart, passion and the willingness to try.

What are you doing with your dreams?

CREATIVITY IS THE KEY TO INNOVATION

I am a big brainstormer, always have ideas on how to solve problems, create new opportunities or just seeing alternative ways to accomplish things that maybe haven't been done before.

Instead of assuming that a problem can't be solved or a business can't transform itself into a profitable venture or a career can't be taken to thenext level...take some time to brainstorm different ways to achieve the end result of where you want to be.

You may just transform your potential into something beyond your wildest dreams!

Dream it. Live it!