Wizard the Wonder Dog

Our dog died tonight. I just wanted to tell you, since many of you who read the blog had met Wizard.

We adopted Wiz from Wayside Waifs nine years ago. He'd been in a home where there was abuse, and, because of that, he considered it his job to protect us. And he always did his job, with unwavering love and devotion.

Everyone needs a Wizard.

It's All a Matter of Perspective, Take One

I wasn't going to post during the holidays, but I know you've been waiting to see how the scarf for Mary turned out.

Well, I think we could safely say it's gorgeous ...

It's All a Matter of Perspective, Take Two

Or, we could say ... what the hell is that?

It is an interesting shape for a scarf, isn't it?

But here's the deal: It's done. It taught me how to cast on, knit, and cast off. And, most importantly, Mary loves it -- because she is a creative soul, and a good, kind child.

My perspective? It's a fabulous failure. And the next scarf will be closer to scarfness. Because that's what fabulous failures do ... they move us toward success.

Happy New Year! And just let me know if you'd like me to knit something for you ...

And the winner is ...

Vicki is the proud winner of the first Creative Instigation book contest! Thank you to everyone who entered -- and keep up the good reading! (Vicki, I'll be in touch re: your book selection.)

Today's creativity tip: Take a break. Being creative requires energy and enthusiasm -- and this week is the perfect time to recharge both. While I don't always take my own advice, I will this time. I'll be back January 2, 2008.

Thanks for being part of my blog, and Happy New Year!

Friday Fun: Dance Better

Once upon a time, Gene Kelly was the choreographer for a show starring Tommy Tune. As the story goes, Kelly wasn't pleased with Tune's performance. So, he motioned the lanky dancer off to the side, and quietly said, "Dance better."

And that was all that needed to be said.

If you feel obligated to make a resolution for 2008, try the Kelly approach. Write better. Paint better. Cook better. Think better. Parent better. Drive better. Act better. Apologize better. Love better.

And, because this is the Friday fun post ... for goodness sake, laugh better! Start here ... with a couple who definitely "dance better."

Bonus! Two Creativity Tips and a Gift Idea.

Tip Number 1 for today: If something has already been done perfectly, don't redo it. This is especially important to remember if you're an editor. Sometimes, the correct editing response is, "That's great. I wouldn't change a word."

Tip Number 2: As we have discussed, there are times when what needs changing is your perspective. And that's the great idea behind "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs" by Jon Scieska. As he says:

"You may think you know the story of the Three Little Pigs. But you don't know the whole story until you've heard A. Wolf's side of the story. Mr. Wolf huffs, and he puffs, and he has a very bad sneezing cold. He also needs a cup of sugar to make a birthday cake for his dear, sweet granny's birthday. Read and learn. Then decide for yourself--Big Bad Wolf . . . or media frame-up?"

This is a great book for adults and kids. And, speaking of books, if you haven't entered the book contest yet, see the post below!

Read 'Em and Win!

I have this friend who believes print is dead. I need your help to convince him he's wrong. So, tell me, what book are you reading?

Leave me a post about what you're reading, and I'll enter your name in a contest for an incredibly wonderful book. (I'll pick the book to match your interests.) Winner will be selected from people who post by Dec. 23, 2007.*

If there's no book on your bedstand right now, here's a creativity tip to go with the query: Visit the library or go to a bookstore. Today. Seriously. Reading is at the very heart of creativity.

*I'm sure I should have some really small print here telling you about your chances to win, etc. Squint your eyes and pretend.

No Help for Neurosurgeons

Today's blog comes to you courtesy of my friend Vanessa Bonavia, who encouraged me to post the advice I gave her years ago. It's a little phrase that's good to remember whether you've made a slight slip-up or a moronic mistake.

"It’s not brain surgery."

Now, God love ‘em, I don’t know what advice to give neurosurgeons. But chances are, your mistakes aren’t life and death issues – even if they feel like it at the time. Go with the creative response to screw-ups big and small: Take responsibility, fix what you can, learn what you should, and move on.

(Do you wonder why it's a screw up and not a screw down? Why we mess up and don't mess down? Why we f... oh, you get the drift.)

I Should Be Having More Fun

Why should I be having more fun? Because I'm a blonde, no matter what that little photo over there in the corner indicates.

Now, oddly enough, I didn't realize I was a blonde. Oh, sure, I knew I was paying a lot of money for highlights. But, in my mind's eye, I still had dark hair. Why? Because I had dark hair when I was a kid. I had dark hair when I was in college. I had dark hair when I was a reporter.

Then, I hit 30, and it all went white.

Trouble is, I never adjusted my mental picture. So this weekend, when I decided to buy the little package of hair dye that lets you cover up the roots, I selected a lovely brown. Fortunately, my daughter stopped me, and pointed out the obvious: I needed the bottle of blonde.

Am I leading up to a blonde joke? No, although it's tempting and would give me a reason to point my friend Barb toward this post. (Sorry, Barb.) Here's where I'm going, and how my hair color ties to your creative life: What you know to be true isn't always true. Your opinion isn't always right. And, even if perspective is reality, your perspective needs adjusting now and then.

Trust me on this. Blondes don't lie.

Friday Fun: Pearls Before Swine

So, have you heard the one about Dorothy Parker and the debutante? Seems the two women arrived at the Algonquin Hotel at the same time. The debutante opened the door for Miss Parker, and snipped, "Age before beauty." The never-at-a-loss-for-words author smiled as she swept past, saying succinctly, "Pearls before swine."

Which leads us to today's Friday Fun -- my favorite comic strip. Check out Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis:
http://www.comics.com/comics/pearls/archive/pearls-20071128.html

Exercise: Get Out a Clean Sheet of Paper

Thursday is a good day for a creativity exercise. (I know this is true, because any day is a good day for a creativity exercise.)

Here's what I want you to do:

1. Take out a clean sheet of paper and a pen.
2. Write the phrase "I used to be someone else" on the first line of the paper.
3. Using that phrase as a starting point, write for the next five minutes. Don't think -- just go with the stream of consciousness wherever it flows.
4. At the end of five minutes, give yourself the Jan-approved smiley face on the top of your paper.

You can use this as a great start to a poem, an essay, or a memoir. Or, you can just toss it in the trash, happy that you got your brain moving in a different direction!

Creativity Tip: Don't be a Beak Performer

There’s one sure way to deliver peak performance: Just say “no” to beak performance.

Beak performance is a common and insidious ailment that kids on a farm understand and CEOs don’t. Here’s how it works. If you draw a line in the dirt, and you put a chicken’s beak to the line, the chicken will faithfully walk that line. Day in. Day out. He won’t lift his beak, he won’t look around, he won’t move off the line.

In business terms, the chicken accepts, “We’ve always done it that way.” In personal terms, the chicken believes, “There’s nothing I can do about that.” The longer you’re on a job, or with a person, the more likely you are to display the dreaded beak performance signs.

But here’s the good news: You’re not a chicken. So lift your head up and take a good look around. You’ll be amazed at what you see.

P.S. This is an excerpt from my book in progress -- based on my creativity presentation. The chicken is the fine work of Mike Brown, who illustrated the presentation and is collaborating with me on the book. You're encouraged to encourage me to finish the book. Leave a post. Or, a personal contact with a publisher. (Ah, the fine art of subtlety. Never my strong suit.)

Creativity Tip: Warm Up with Frost

On a morning when the world outside my window is covered with ice, I can use a little extra inspiration to feel creative. One quick cure? Listening to Robert Frost. No one wrote like him. No one sounds like him.

Take the road less traveled by. Or, don't take any road today. Stay inside, and listen to the world around you -- a world that should always include poetry.

http://town.hall.org/radio/HarperAudio/012294_harp_ITH.html

You Gotta Love Jennifer Love Hewitt

Chances are good you saw some of the online buzz re: Jennifer Love Hewitt and the photos taken during her recent Hawaiian vacation. If not, check out the cover of People magazine.

Basically, TMZ.com (and now People) ran photos of JLH in a bikini. They're not her best shots, but then again -- she wasn't posing for one of her Hanes underwear ads. She was relaxing. Also keep in mind: She's a size 2.

I don't even remember size 2. I clearly went past it at some point, but I was probably in grade school at the time.

On her blog, JLH said, "I've sat by in silence for a long time now about the way women's bodies are constantly scrutinized. To set the record straight, I'm not upset for me, but for all of the girls out there that are struggling with their body image. A size 2 is not fat! Nor will it ever be. "

TMZ apologized on TV, saying "We did go too far."

What does all this have to do with creativity? Two things.

1. Beauty isn't an absolute -- whether we're talking about a woman, a poem or a painting. It's an opinion. So be aware of whose opinion you value. (Jennifer Love Hewitt gets major brownie points for taking TMZ to task, rather than taking this to heart.)
2. TMZ ran the photos with the headline, "We know what you ate this summer." Clever? Sure. Creative? You bet. Vicious? Absolutely. And creative is no excuse for mean.

Friday Fun: Creative Doodling

Ever written a great idea on a napkin? Then the waitress comes by, clears your plate, and the idea is lost forever? Problem solved. Check out today's Friday Fun spot, click on "sketch" and enjoy! http://www.napkinnotebook.com/

Need another creative boost? I got the Napkin Notebook link from my good friend Neil Neumeyer at BR Advertising. Check out their Web site http://www.bradv.com/ -- very cool.

Knit One, Purl Two is NOT a Score

Since my post on knitting, several of you have been kind enough to ask how my first attempt is coming along.

The scarf is a thing of beauty.

Now, if I were keeping score (and I always keep score), the scarf would be losing. Some rows are long, some rows are short. None of the rows are tight.

Ordinarily, that could be a bad sign. But this creative project has an enthusiastic champion and an unbreakable deadline. My daughter Mary loves it, and plans to wear it on Christmas Eve.

And, on Mary, this scarf will be beautiful.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Forget what you've heard. There is such a thing as a stupid question. Take, for example, the question I am periodically asked, "Are you always this happy?"

No. I am not always this happy. Which is why, a few years ago -- during a less than cheerful moment -- my daughter Kate gave me this mantra: "Breathe in. Breathe out."

Simple? Absolutely. Effective? You bet. Oxygen is the true miracle drug.

So, as December keeps wrapping you in expectations and demands, follow the classic airline advice: If you're traveling with small children or big business, put your own air mask on first.

And breathe.

Creativity Tip: Don't Be A But

In the previous blog, you may have noticed that I complimented myself. People who know me aren't surprised by this: I have a fairly healthy self esteem.

I owe this to my parents, who raised me and my siblings with the firm faith that we are the best thing on God's green earth. Unconditional positive regard -- heartfelt praise with no "but" attached -- is as much a part of my childhood as blintzes and bagels.

As an adult, I've discovered some unexpected advantages of high self esteem:

1. Since I believe I'm good, others believe I'm good. They are predisposed to like what I write, what I say, what I do.
2. I am free to appreciate the talents of all those around me. The undeniable fact that Jody Summers is a fantastic writer doesn't scare me. Even better, Jody and I learn from each other.
3. Full circle to point 1: People who have faith in my talents believe me when I tell them how talented they are. That matters, because people rise, or fall, to meet expectations. And my expectations are every bit as high as my self esteem.

Bottom line? We're all here striving to improve, to be more creative. That's good. We're good. And there's no "but" about it.

Creativity Tip: Not Tonight, Dear

Having a headache is a classic -- and occasionally valid -- excuse for behavior avoidance. (Isn't that a nice way to put it? How creative of me.) However, not being "in the mood" for creativity is no excuse for not being creative. Whether you're going to write, paint, be a powerful source for good in a business meeting, or decide what to make for dinner tonight, at some point today you will need to be creative.

So, to start your week off right, here's my creativity gift for you this fine Monday morning.

Get out a pen and a piece of paper. Draw a big smiley face. Now, draw a star. Very good.

The star is from me. You get a gold star for being incredibly creative. How do I know you're incredibly creative? Heck, look at that smiley face.

Seriously? How do I know you're creative? Well, given the number of posts on this blog, chances are good that I personally know you, and I don't know a single person who isn't creative. And, on the off chance that I don't know you, I still know you're creative.

We all are. Trust me on this. But only my special creative wizards are starting their day with a gold star!

Here's to a great week, filled with creative fun.

Friday Fun: Now That's Motivating

Aren't motivational posters wonderful? Truly. One picture, one headline, one line of copy. For office decor, it just doesn't get much better than that.

Or does it? You tell me. Have your Friday fun at a site my husband Tom recommends ... it's motivational nirvana. I suggest you click on "random picture" to get started, because that's easy.

And easy is always motivating.

http://wigflip.com/automotivator/

Exercise: Drop and Give Me 17. Syllables.

To instigate a little creativity today, I want you to write a haiku. It's easy -- if you can count, you can write haiku. If you can't count, you need more help than I can provide in a blog.

Just follow the haiku formula: The first line has five syllables, the second line has seven syllables, the third line has five syllables. Here's a quick example:

Driving in my car,
Radio cranked, windows down
Your voice still comes through.

There are zillions of 17 syllable possibilities. Write one. Post it if you like!

Creative Query: Got Knitting?

No matter what your favorite creative outlet is, it's good to try something new now and then -- keeps those brain cells working.

My favorite creative outlet is poetry. My next choice is collage art -- another activity with words. I'm sensing a pattern here.

So, speaking of patterns and aging brain cells, I'm learning to knit. I'm not following a pattern. I'm simply staring at some charming grandma from England on the Internet, trying to follow her flying fingers. My best friend says the scarf I'm knitting features the "Florida weave." Lots of openings for air. This is one of the many reasons why she's my best friend.

But, I digress. The creative query for the week is this: When was the last time you tried a new creative activity? If I can knit, you can .... fill in the blank.

Creativity Tip: Tell Me About ...

When a little kid shows you a drawing, do you stifle the urge to say, "What is it?" while staring at the scribbles?

Good. In this case, stifling is good. Now relax, and repeat after me, "That's great! Tell me about your picture."

More good news: The same approach works with adults. Try it. The next time someone brings you an idea you don't understand, take a deep breath, smile and say, "That's interesting. Tell me more about your idea."

Keep an open mind, and you'll be amazed at what those scribbles can lead to ...

This Blog's for You

I work with ad agencies, where copywriters and designers are commonly referred to as "creatives."

That's not a word. Or, if it is, it shouldn't be. It's a creative misnomer.

Creativity has nothing to do with a job and everything to do with a mindset. Doctors develop unique protocols to treat patients. Plumbers stop leaks, even when they don't have the one faucet they really need. Exhausted parents find the perfect mix of swaying and singing that will lull their crying baby to sleep.

We're all creative. That's why this blog is for you -- regardles of what you do. Look around and let me know what you think!

Sage Advice

Legend has it that when Thomas Edison was hiring a new researcher for his lab, the final job interview was conducted during a meal. If the prospective employee seasoned the food before tasting it, the interview was over -- preconceived notions were a deal breaker.

Your creativity tip for the day? Before you salt the stuffing tomorrow, take a bite. The cook may know more than you do. Now, there's an interesting notion ...

Happy Thanksgiving, and I'll be back with a new blog on Monday!

Creative Query: Amazing You

During this week of Thanksgiving, give a minute to appreciate your amazing self. Posts on the blog can be anonymous now, so it's easy to answer this creative query -- no need to sign in. What wonderful talent, trait, ability, skill are you thankful for?

I'll start. I'm thankful for my ability to listen. I'm a really good listener. Ask my friends. And, oddly enough, it's a skill I've honed because I'm deaf in my left ear. So, as my mom would say: Everything happens for the best.

Your turn!

Creativity Tip: Monday, Monday

I am writing this tip on Sunday night, rather than Monday morning, because I need to be at a client's office at 7 a.m. and I will not be feeling creative at the crack of dawn. On a Monday. In November. Why? Because I am NOT a morning person. At any time of the year.

Fortunately, I know a few early morning tricks to get creativity instigating:
1. Drink massive amounts of coffee. (Hey. I never said this blog would be good for your health.)
2. Read the comics. I recommend Pearls Before Swine.
3. Listen to a different radio station on the way to wherever you're going.
4. Take a new route. You may even remember how you got where you're going when you get there.
5. Park as far from the door as possible. The walk will help wake up your brain. And exercise is good for you. Or, so I've been told ...

There you have it. A Monday morning creativity espresso. If you have any comments, I'd be glad to discuss them with you. After 9 a.m.

Friday Fun: You Can't Handle a Bigger Logo

It's been said that those who laugh, last. In keeping with that concept, Fridays will be fun days at Creative Instigation. Today's laugh comes to us courtesy of my friends in the Graphics Department at YRC Worldwide. A tip of the hat to Jade, Dave and Matt!

This video is a perfect way to end the week for anyone who's worked in a creative department. If you aren't a copywriter or a designer, I still encourage you to take a look.

And welcome to my world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnnoiZni4B0

Creativity Tip: Listen Up!

Every now and then, instead of a creativity tip, I'll give you a creativity assignment. Here's what I want you to do today. Stop, look and listen. Consider it the adult equivalent of stop, drop and roll. Forget whatever fires you have to put out at work or at home. Give yourself -- and someone else -- the gift of undivided attention.

Here's the exercise: When someone asks, "How are you?" today, stop rushing around, look that person in the eye, and answer the question. Then, return the favor. Ask how they're doing and listen to the response.

What does this have to do with creativity? Everything. Listening requires focus. Creativity thrives on focus.

And, by the by, so do we.

Creativity Tip: Don't DIY

Over the years, I've received a number of compliments regarding my title: Chief Creative Instigator. My response is to smile broadly, try to look both creative and instigative, and say, "Thank you." Rarely, do I say, "Thank you. I didn't come up with it. Mike Brown did."

So, for those of you who like the title: "Thank you. I didn't come up with it. Mike Brown did."

Mike is a nationally known speaker on strategy, innovation and cool business topics (check out mikebrownspeaks.com). Among other responsibilities, he handles strategic market research for YRC Worldwide, a Fortune 500 company. He is also an essential member of my creative team.

Who's on your team? When you're trying to come up with the perfect title, a different approach, an acceptable idea for dinner, who do you ask for advice? My tip for the day: Ask someone. Don't Do It Yourself. And to get really creative input, ask someone unexpected. A four-year-old. Your significant other. The colleague with the candy dish. Take their advice, or use it as a jumpstart. Either way, you both win.

P.S. Did DIY start with the unfortunate idea of self service gas stations? And how can we call it "service" if I have to do it myself? And if I was interested in self service, would I be married? (Ah, but that's a different post, isn't it?)

This Week's Creative Query

My creativity presentation -- Horsing Around: A Strategic Creativity Break -- begins with the lesson of Mr. O'Neill, the art "teacher" who told me I couldn't draw.

What have you been told you can't do?

Creativity Tip -- Get Outta Here!

Take a hike. And I mean that in the nicest possible way. If you've got a problem, challenge, opportunity, whatever to handle today, take it outside. Walk around your office building. Stroll around the block. Find a park and savor the colors of fall. Change your visual perspective, and you'll change your mental perspective.

See Jan. See Jan Blog.

Jan Sokoloff Harness is the award-winning creative force behind Sokoloff Harness Communications, the firm she launched in 2002. If you need to give her a title, she’s the Chief Creative Instigator, owner, President, CEO and CEB. (Take a guess.)

In all her roles, Jan brings a special blend of innovative energy and strategic smarts to her clients, her colleagues and every single project.

And those projects now include this blog. Yep, Jan is taking the big leap of faith into the blogosphere.

Hmmm. In a blog, Jan probably has to write in the first person. She'll work on that.