In this issue:

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Mind Map: Table of Contents

In this issue, I've included a mind map for the table of contents.

Background: As my use and fascination with mind mapping continues, I continue to explore new things to mind map. The mind mapping software that I use to create this is MindManager XP Pro.

How to: Click on any blue section of the table of contents map above, and you should be able to reach your desired destination.

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Feature Article: 7 Things

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting a friend of a friend. We had a great conversation, and I received the following email:

Hi Jan!

It's Denise again...I forgot to ask you something that I hope you'll share w/me.  What do you consider the keys to your success to be?  I would greatly appreciate your response and eagerly await your reply.  Thanks!  Peace & Blessings, Denise

I found myself thinking about her question for a long while. I took a look at my past, my present, and projected into my future. Here is what I came up with:

1. A decision to begin.

In the past, when I started a project, a business, or practically anything, I strived for these things:

  - an entire plan to be in place prior to starting
  - assurance that I could accomplish what I set out to do
  - a certain level of competence at what I was doing

Then I realized one of my most significant athletic accomplishments started without ANY of those in place.

The day I decided to run a marathon, I decided to start taking the steps necessary to run a marathon. I had no assurance I would ever complete my goal. I had no competence in running a marathon, for I had never run one. And I certainly didn't have a training plan in place.

That day, I only had a decision. That decision put everything else in motion.

2. The ability to see different perspectives.

Simply stated, the more you can SEE, the more options and choices you have in life and in business. Look around. Look above. Look below. Try a new pair of eye glasses! :-)

3. The ability to keep trying different ways or things when one doesn't work out as planned or expected.

Years ago, my first ever mountain bike experience was on a trail just outside Atlanta. The course was very hilly and technical. (In mountain bike terms, I think this means narrow, steep, and full of rocks, roots, trees, and small children - ok, maybe not small children.)

My guide was an experienced rider and very wise. He said, "You know, mountain bikers have this philosophy, if you don't crash or fall during your ride, you've haven't pushed it hard enough."

Ding ding ding, light bulb! A place where failure was not only acceptable, but the measure of success.

I'm not suggesting you go crash your bike or go hurt yourself physically in the name of any sport or endeavor. But think about it, a place where "failure" is a natural part of the process of becoming successful.

It is so easy to stop at one fall in business and in life, isn't it? These might be:

It is a personal vision, a definition, a perspective, and a philosophy. Its all of that. And more.

This is my list, and you probably have your own. MAKE a few minutes in your day and write out your personal keys to success. I bet you find them helpful.

In fact, you may find that these "keys" arrive at the minute you need them most!




p.s. Let me know what is on your list! Drop me an email. As always, I would enjoy hearing from you!

Creativity Quote

"Remember, the part of us that we imagine needs heeling is not the part we create from; that part is far deeper and stronger." 

Steven Pressfield, the War of Art

The content of  Half-Baked may be forwarded in full without special permission provided it is used for nonprofit purposes and full attribution and copyright notice are given. Our mailing address is: BizSmart LLC, 1182 Russell Drive, Decatur, GA  30030. For other purposes, contact jans@bizsmart.net.