Creativity Tip: Ooops

I clicked over to People magazine yesterday to read the story about Alan Rickman, and this popped up:

Mistakes happen. The question is: How do we respond? My suggestion is simple. Take responsibility, fix what  you can, learn what you should, and move on.

P.S. I enjoyed Alan Rickman's talent in everything from Love Actually to the Potter movies. May his memory be a blessing. And, while we are talking about too-soon deaths, if you haven't watched David Bowie's Lazarus video yet, you need to do that. Right now. Missing it would be a mistake.

Creative Exercise: Create the oomph

I'm always delighted when I find creative, fun copy in unexpected places. For example, I sent a message to Creative Mornings yesterday, and instead of the usual, "Thank you. Your message has been successfully delivered." kind of response, this popped up:

How spectacular is that? The info I needed -- yes, my message went through -- and a compliment. One that I thoroughly appreciated, since I was really rocking the jammies, bed-head and first cup of coffee look.

What's more -- this isn't brain surgery. It's simply an example of smart thinking about possibilities, words, audience and messaging. It's capitalizing on a moment, rather than letting it slip by.

Today, seize your moment. Take a look at some of the copy you use all the time -- something like the signature line on your emails. How could you make it more creative, strategic, meaningful? What would give it extra oomph?

It's a new year. Update your messaging. Delight someone!

Creativity Tips: I don't have time ...

So ... we had the holiday break. I was off from Dec. 24 through Jan. 3. Throughout that time, none of my usual exercise classes were scheduled. And, oddly enough, I never exercised.

OK, it's not all that odd. You didn't exercise either, did you?

Now, I don't know what your excuse is, but I was busy with holiday stuff. I mean really busy. Really, really, really busy. Like, there's no way I had time to exercise.

Hmmmm. The busy-ness of the past few weeks is a legitimate excuse. But, we need to put the emphasis on excuse. I had the same 24 hours per day last week that I had mid-December, when client work was piling up all around me.

I didn't exercise because there wasn't a class scheduled, no one expected me to show up, and no one noticed if I did or didn't do a bicep curl. It wasn't a matter of time. It was a matter of priority. I didn't make it a priority. I didn't make myself a priority.

As we start a new year, it's the perfect time to look at what really matters. Do you want more time with your family? Would you like to paint/sew/redecorate/unclutter/rest more this year? Is there a really cool book agent waiting for a revised proposal from you?*

Once you've decided what the priorities are, consider what makes them happen. For me, outside accountability matters. Shanna expects me to show up at circuit and yoga. That, along with my own desire to stay healthy and strong, is incentive enough to spend time on exercise. The scheduled classes are also essential -- I produce on deadlines. It's my career. It's my life. No deadline? No progress.

This week, determine your priorities and your motivators. Then, go for it! We've got a new year ahead, folks. I have the feeling it's gonna be great.

Shanna.
The woman who taught me to enjoy exercise.
We all need a cheerleader.

*Woot!