Half Baked - August 25th, 2003 - Can't Hide From Yourself

Half-Baked

August 25th, 2003

Jan Suchomski
Coach and Founder
BizSmart

phone: 404.314.8094

email Jan

BizSmart / contact Jan / comments welcome! / subscribe!

half-baked
You mean like the pizza we ate last night?

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Can't Hide from Yourself

August 25th, 2003 - Contents

1. Mind Map - BizSmart LLC Newsletter Template
2. Feature Article: You Can't Hide From Yourself
3. Creativity Quote
4. A Picture
5. Shorts

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Mind Map - BizSmart LLC Newsletter Template

Uses: To develop an electronic newsletter (ezine) from concept to distribution.

Background: I've been procrastinating for almost a year (hey, coaches aren't perfect!) in developing the ezine you are currently reading. I developed this plan about a month ago, and viola, you see the results. :-)

How to: Click on the map below you will see the expanded version via a web page. Specifics have been prioritized based on my situation. Use it as a reminder, as an action list, as a foundation, or a "complete" plan.

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Feature Article: You Can't Hide from Yourself

When I first started my coaching practice I spent days thinking about my niche. I had been exposed to many professionals, businesses, and people in my life. I believed to be successful as a coach I had to identify groups I could best serve.

Funny thing, while I spent weeks thinking about my market, I became very clear of who I DID NOT want to work with. I decided I wasn't going to work with Creatives (you know, those arty, sometimes offbeat types – or so I thought…). For whatever reasons, I didn't feel like I would serve them well or honestly even enjoy their company.

Fast forward a few months and I'm having coffee with a graphic designer. I immediately felt comfortable with and was inspired by our conversation. Without any hesitation, we moved into a coaching relationship.

Fast forward to today, and I'm still working with graphic design clients. In fact, now over 50% of my coaching clientele consists of CREATIVES!

I continue to laugh to (at) myself. I enjoy coaching this group immensely. I learned about being creative - the ups, the downs, and the in betweens. I also learned that most of my clients could be no other way. And herein lies the rub…

… A few weeks ago, I'm having breakfast with a friend/colleague who I've known for over 15 years and she says, "Jan, you are the most creative person I know". I stopped, let it sink in, and my jaw dropped.

My mouth quickly transformed into a smile, eyes included. I felt a tremendous amount of gratitude and appreciation. My heart beat faster. Clearly, that was the first time in my life I said to myself, “I AM a Creative!”

My creative clientele was just a mirror for me! They were in my life to show me the truth about myself. I always thought that ‘artistic’ creative defined creativity. And because I am a visual ‘ideas’ creative, I had overlooked my incredible gift!

I've realized that I can't hide from who I am any more. My secret is out. And even though my friends and colleagues have known this for years, I'm just getting it! – and really appreciating it!

Whoever you are, and whatever your gifts, you can't ever fully hide from them! You may rationalize why you aren't or can't be that person, but that doesn't change who you are! Your gifts will always be part of you.

Sooner or later, in some way, I wish for you to recognize and claim your gifts. I bet when you do, your heart beats a little faster and your mouth quickly curves into a smile.

You can't hide from yourself!

Creativity Quote

"Creative people let their minds wander, and they mix ideas freely. Innovation often comes from unexpected juxtapositions, from connecting subjects that aren't necessarily related."

Vinton Cerf, as quoted in Fast Company

A Picture

Being able to see different perspectives is a great asset!

Please send me your interpretations of this picture to picture082503@bizsmart.net. I will compile the listing of the most thought provoking and publish in the next issue of Half-Baked.

With permission, I will also publish your name and city.

	You are unique!

Shorts 1) This morning I woke up and it was raining. Not all that unusual, except the weather forecaster was wrong for the umpteenth time. Is there a place I can go to check out weather forecaster statistics? Isn't forecasting a sport? 2) Either weather forecasters don't have to be right 100% of the time, don't need to be right 100% of the time, or it is impossible. I wonder if I could apply this to my life? :-) 3) My 11 year old niece is a brilliant businesswoman, although she doesn't know it yet. I hope her education, her friends, and her socialization serve her instead of limit her. 4) My sister was infected with the 'nasty virus' going around. She spend an ENTIRE day de-virusing. She writes, "after many hours, I believe I finally killed the sucker." Need I say more?

Thanks for reading - see you in a few weeks!

p.s. Thanks Kristin for your help with the premier issue of Half-Baked!

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. For other purposes, contact jans@bizsmart.net.