Creative Streak

How to Retrieve Self-Confidence

There isn't a single person I've coached over the years - and I'd include myself in this group - who've lost their confidence at one point or another. It might be a momentary slip, or something that lasts longer than a few weeks. But it happens. The important thing is to call it for what it is, realize it's natural and probably inevitable, and take appropriate action.

Here's another excellent post from Dawn Lennon's blog Business Fitness, entitled "Self-Confidence Lost? Five Steps to Getting It Back." Her steps are wise and practical.

If I may add a personal point to this, I'd offer a favourite retort from my Grandma Eklund - the doyenne of common sense. Other people's opinions of you are none of your business.

 

Important Words in Communications

The problem with being a pack-rat becomes acute when you're faced with a major upheaval in your life: you now have to decide what to do with all of those papers, charts, books, what-not that you've collected over the years. Do you keep it? Re-organise it in hopes you might still need that article? Throw it out? Choose to purge yourself of paper and go entirely electronic? (I would, but Vodaphone still hasn’t fully restored my broadband service after three weeks. Their last reponse, “Well, just cancel your account if you don’t like it." Isn't that the model of exceptional customer service?)

Forrest Gump and Creativity

Forgive me, but it's a cold, wet winter day in Sydney. This morning, a friend sent this to me for two reasons. The first is he knows I love jokes about creativity. The second reason will be obvious when you read it. Enjoy!

Forrest Gump Goes to Heaven.

The day finally arrived. Forrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven.

At the Pearly Gates, Forrest is met by St. Peter himself. As he approaches him, he notices the gates are closed.

St. Peter said, "Forrest, it is certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast. So, like Australia, we've decided to administer an entrance examination before you can enter. The test is short, but you have to pass it before you can get into Heaven."

Forrest responds, "It sure is good to be here, St. Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I sure hope that the test ain't too hard. Life was a big enough test as it was."

St. Peter continued, "Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions.

First: What two days of the week begin with the letter T?

Second: How many seconds are there in a year?

Third: What is God’s first name?"

Bits & Bytes, March 23

Nothing like a sinus infection to make you dredge your head into a pillow for most of the weekend. Nonetheless, three inspiring points cut through ...

 A thoughtful post from Scott Berkun's blog which turns into brilliance with this one paragraph.

"The closest thing to a real secret is this: In my years studying and teaching all things innovation, there’s one fact that’s the hardest for people to swallow and it goes as follows – To invent or create is to take a bet against the unknown. No matter what you do, you are still betting you can do well in the face of many things that are out of your control. Don’t like that? Don’t want uncertainty? Then do something else. Comfort with risk and uncertainty is the real secret. Or at least acceptance of the fact you can work your ass off for uncertain rewards. Anyone who wants to create something new is placing a bet that their view of the future is better than everyone elses’, or at least their competitors."

The second post, from Glen Stansberry's blog, "Are You Prepared To Lose Control Of The Idea?"

I've edited together the key points for me:

"One of the most intoxicating aspects of having an idea is having control over the idea. We thrive on building, planning, analyzing, almost anything but actually doing.

"Some people never understand that if they hand over control of the original idea, something better might come out of it.

"Sometimes our idea outgrows us. The trick is to swallow the thick pride and embrace the potential of what could happen."

And last, a quote from Robert Frost which I found in the entertaining book: "I Never Metaphor I Didn't Like,' by Dr. Mardy Grothe. "An idea is a feat of association, and the height of it is a good metaphor."