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!