Half Baked - November 18th, 2003

Half-Baked

November 18th, 2003

Jan Suchomski
Creative Realist
BizSmart

phone: 404.314.8094

email Jan

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

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A Greater Risk

November 18th, 2003 - Contents

1. Mind Map - Following your Inklings
2. Feature Article: A Greater Risk
3. Creativity Quote
4. A Picture
5. Shorts

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Mind Map - Following your Inklings

Uses: To capture your brilliant ideas, your inklings, your creativity, to act, and to document your results.

Background: Ever had a great idea and "lost it" because you failed to write it down? No more excuses! I challenge you to 1) write your idea on this map, and 2) quickly attach 3 actions that you can take (big or small) to move you towards making your idea real.

How to: Click on the map below you will see the expanded version via a web page. Review the example inkling - it is one way to use this map. Print out a copy and leave it on your desk to capture your inklings as they come to you.

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Feature Article: A Greater Risk

I finally did it! Something that I've been dreaming about and thinking about for months and months. Something I've wanted to do, but couldn't find quite the right time to do it.

I did it! With the help of a few new acquaintances, my dream became a reality just 10 days ago. I instructed, I watched, I experienced, and I enjoyed!

I bet you are wondering what I did. (I know, we are at paragraph three, and you still have no clue.) Pay attention, next sentence is key. We destroyed (literally, shred, tore into pieces) a traditional linear business plan in front of a live audience.

This was no ordinary business plan. This was an extraordinary business plan. Extraordinary indeed, because I wrote it!

I labored for hours and hours to complete the plan. I asked all the right questions. I challenged my clients and myself. I labored over each paragraph. And I micro analyzed each detail.

The finished product was an exceptional, well thought out, well supported brilliantly written (ok, close to brilliant), cohesive plan. And my clients absolutely loved it!

As much effort as went into developing the plan, as much skill I gained, as much as I defined myself by what I did, and as much as I was paid, I simply wasn't that person any more. I knew at that moment of truth, as the plan was shredded into pieces, I was reinventing myself.

The old way didn't work for me and honestly doesn't work for MANY people. Yet they still keep trying. And so did I.

I realized I needed a symbol, an experience, or an event to demonstrate to the universe that I had changed. I knew other people would be involved. And at the risk of being misunderstood, thought foolish, or simply off my rocker, I realized the risk of not doing this exercise was indeed my greatest risk.

Only since my experience 10 days ago, have I come to realize the extent at which I want to help people enjoy the process of planning. (its true, enjoy and planning all in one sentence) You see, I truly believe planning is supposed to be about joy, creativity, ease, and possibilities!

There it is. A statement about what I know. Stick around, I'll show you how!

Since it may be a few weeks until we connect again (it is up to you as you can always write or call, I'm around), I propose that you read on...

Inside of you, perhaps through an idea that won't go away, an inkling, (see mind map above) or a reoccurring thought, there is a desire to expand, grow, and evolve!

Put your ideas on paper! Then, take action. Any action. Tell someone. (Email me!) This is how to reinvent yourself, by simply paying attention to, listening to, and acting upon what you KNOW.

Say goodbye to what doesn't work - however big or small. Do this today and do it often! On the other side, the new YOU is waiting!

Creativity Quote

"The repetition of that which is known is not progress."

-Raymond Charles Barker, The Power of Decision

A Picture

Being able to see different perspectives is a great asset!

Please send me your interpretations of this picture to picture111803@bizsmart.net. I will compile the listing of the most thought provoking and publish in the next issue of Half-Baked.

If you want your name and city published, please specify in the email

	??? What does this picture represent to you? comment here
*Comments on the Oct 15th picture* "Someone having fun of course!" "Balance" "Looks like someone who has both strength and balance. It seems like a great combination!"

Shorts 1) What EXACTLY is in that can of evaporated milk in my pantry? (If it is supposed to be evaporated, what is that liquid substance in the can? And where did it go?) 2) Next year I propose that tree leaves sprout from the ground in the spring, and then are blown or gently ascend back onto the trees by early summer. Just the reverse of the fall process. That would be an interesting sight! 3) I completed a 11 mile training run this past weekend en route to participating in the Atlanta Half-Marathon on Thanksgiving Day, being held a week from Thursday. This is the longest run I've completed since 1999. :-) Keep me in your good thoughts! 4) Do something nice AND unexpected for someone today. Remember, you are a someone! 5) New publication schedule. Two times a month, 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Next issue will be December 9th.

Thanks for reading - see on December 9th!

p.s. Please pass this along to someone who will enjoy!

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.