I'm Not Thankful For ....

I know, not a very gracious headline. But here's the deal: Everyone is telling us to make a list of all the things we have to be thankful for ... yada yada yada.

Let's not.

Instead, take out a clean sheet of paper, and list five things you're not grateful for ... things you're not thankful for ... rotten stuff. For example, the current state of my retirement account goes on my list.

Got it? Good. Now, rank those five things, using this measuring stick: Is it brain surgery? Is it life and death?

Hmmm. No? Not a one of your five things is a life-and-death issue? Not even that temporarily disappointing 401(k)? Well then ...

Enjoy the holiday weekend, and I'll see you back here on Monday!

Creativity Tips: Learn from Your Mistakes

Back in June, I told you the sad but true story of my research call from Victoria's Secret.

They called again last week. Guess what? I haven't gotten any younger. And my opinions are still of absolutely no interest to Victoria, although she will take my money. And my daughters' money. Which, (gasp!) is my money.

So, here's the secret: There's absolutely nothing wrong with making a mistake. Once. That's how we learn. Making the same mistake twice? That's something else.

When you make a mistake, in a creative project or anything else, don't beat yourself up for it. Tell yourself to stop the negative thoughts. Literally. Stop. Then, quickly analyze what went wrong and why. And make yourself proud -- do better next time.

P.S. It's a Van Gogh painting. An Old Woman of Aries. He apparently saw some value in old women.

Creativity Tips: Be Strategic

I'm guessing you love words, or you wouldn't be visiting this blog. So, you might think that I added the thesaurus widget a while back because we're all such wonderful word wizards.

Nope.

I added it because Google Analytics told me that the blog gets a number of hits from people who Google "another word for (something)." The widget fits the CI creative approach, while also being a strategic magnet for new readers.

Which brings us to an interesting exercise/query, based on one person's Google: What's another word for stay?

Friday Fun: Digital Conversion

Analog? Digital? I'm with granny.

(I can't even figure out the multiple remotes we have in the house.)

Thanks to Kat for the link!

Site Seeing: Everyone Has a Story to Tell

One of the first things I learned as a reporter is that everyone has a story to tell -- and almost everyone is eager to tell it.

Check out this fascinating site, Write In My Journal, where David has figured out a very cool way to get those stories, and share them.

P.S. Thanks to Leslie for the link!

P.P.S. You gotta love a man who loves Moleskine notebooks. The only way to write ...

Creativity Exercise: Thank a Friend

Today is Barb P.'s birthday, and as regular readers of the blog know, we never miss a reason to celebrate. So, all together now:

Happy Birthday, Barb!!!!

And, in honor of Barb, here's your exercise for today -- take one minute, and send an email to an old friend* and say thanks for something they did, maybe years ago, that meant a lot to you.

*Gosh, Barb. I didn't mean old old. But I do understand. They say the sense of humor is the first thing to go ... (And thank you for always making me feel appreciated, while gently prompting me to do better!)

Creativity Exercise: Define Doldrums

Have you ever found yourself in the doldrums? Of course you have. We've all been there. But, where is there? Help me out here. Define "doldrums." (And if you have an escape route, let us know.)

P.S. For those of you not in the Midwest: Kansas City in November may be the definition of "doldrums."