How to think and dream creatively
| Category: Personal Development For Marketeers | Date: 2001-03-13 |
In this chapter we will look at how to do it. No 'beating about the bush', like Aussie firefighters (an excellent and very hard job they have in the drought now, I may add). No more messing about with this rubbish and adding so much useless info about Aussie droughts. It's a lucky enough and prosperous country, so the 'Ockers' should be happy. Time to get straight into it...
I think the main points are as follows:
* Use creative thinking to find new and better ways to get things done.
* Develop your creative power by believing it can be done. When you believe that something can be done, your mind finds ways to do it. Your mind (creative subconscious) will create a way if you let it. So eliminate the word "IMPOSSIBLE" from your vocabulary.
* Fight old attitudes and traditional thinking, which freezes the mind rock solid (and other male assets like swimming at Clifton beach in Cape Town)...and thus stops your creative juices from flowing. Very rude! Don't let others say "you can't do it" or "it won't work" (SNOOPY-SNIOP).
* Strengthen your creativity by opening your ears and your mind - to new ideas and information. You too "big ears" - Joan! Use progressive (not regressive) thinking. Always be receptive to new ideas. Just because it hasn't been tried before doesn't mean that it won't work.
Look forward to the future with optimism. Try new things (or new ways of doing things) and new directions in life with a spirit of adventure. Then do it with excitement, enthusiasm, energy (the three E's), as well as not forgetting the optimism.
* Do more and do it better by turning on your creative power. Ask yourself: "How can I do it better?" "How can I do more?" (in terms of both quality and quantity). Do you know what is the mission statement of General Electric?: "Progress is our most important product". Do you have a mission statement for your life? I used to be terribly bored in my work and easily tired. Now I work all hours (sometimes even 3 am), because I enjoy it. I feel invigorated in my new "career", "my life's mission".
So then capacity is a state of mind and the mind can absorb unlimited information. Remember "still waters run deep". People with the most to say usually like the sound of their own voices...and are often the least successful. Quiet people who don't push their opinions too forcefully on others don't say much; but what they do say is often more important than the "loudmouths". So encourage the other person to talk - draw them gently out of their shells...and hear what they've got to say. It's probably very interesting and informative.
Big people do most of the LISTENING
Small people do most of the TALKING. - said by Joe Bloggs, listener.
* Stretch your thinking and stimulate your mind (nothing else, please).
* Harness and develop your horse, sorry your ideas which are the fruits of your thinking. Reach out and share them with other people (as long as you are comfortable with that). Not your horse! It'll probably make them want to get excited too. 'Whinee' (Mandela).
Broaden your thinking by associating with people outside your line of work. It also gives you a balance in your life - an additional perspective from the "other side of the fence". Looking at things objectively as an outsider can often help you think of new ideas and new ways of doing things. I always keep a notebook handy (and one at the bed side), as well as a "handy" wife at the bedside. Write down your ideas in a notebook as soon as they pop into your head. Review, cultivate and fertilise ideas...make them grow. "Sorry darling, can we stop the 'fiveplay' for a sec. I just thought of something; so excuse me a moment while I jot it down" (in case "luvvie" hasn't noticed, that is!)
Don't let ideas escape - especially if they are good ones. How many times haven't we woken up in the morning, knowing that we had the answer to our pressing problem, when we woke with a start at 2 am...but we can't remember the answer! This happened to me last night.
N.B:
## YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK YOU ARE
As I keep repeating like a cracked record, upgrade your thinking. Also watch your appearance carefully. Look important by dressing for success. It helps make you think you are important - even scruffy me; but then I can afford to be a "creative artistic type". Perhaps I'm totally wrong on that point, but at least I think so! Keeps me happy in my own little world!
Think your work is important and your subordinates will think that their work is important too. Confidence builds confidence, because it is infectious (just like small successes). So your confidence in yourself will help grow other peoples. How can other people have confidence in you, if you don't have confidence in yourself? For example, when applying for a bank loan for a business idea. Project an aura of confidence in your abilities (hard when you are a quiet modest type of person). Not too much, mind you. Give yourself a pep talk several times a day. Like Frank Spencer*, say to yourself in the mirror: "Every day in every way I'm getting better and better" (even if you're not really!). Or "I'm doing fine!" I do this regularly. I HAVE to. All this helps to build up one's self image (see Chapter Four or was it Five or Six? Putting it like that saves me looking it up).
* from the old British television series "Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em". In a way, you are making a television commercial about yourself - you are "selling" yourself to yourself. So make the most of your environment at all times. Say to yourself: "I'm here now, so it's up to me to make the most of it (my situation). Throw out all poisonous snakes and thoughts. Likewise, manage and make the most of your work environment.
People who tell you it can't be done almost always are unsuccessful people themselves, or are average/mediocre in terms of their accomplishments - just like the broad "conformist" middle class of society. Remember "SNIOP": don't be susceptible to the negative influences of others. Who runs writing courses or training courses for salesmen, er sorry salespeople? It's usually unsuccessful writers and salespeople themselves. Look out for my ads on creative writing courses coming up shortly? Who are usually the literary critics? Often unsuccessful (or moderately successful) writers ...or failed writers. Perhaps there's a job for me one day as a literary critic. Then I can criticise everyone else ...for a change!
Avoid gossip. Yes men do it too, especially in small towns like here in "Sleepy Hollow". Don't let negative people make you think of defeat. Jealous, small-thinking people want to see you stumble and "go down the gurgler". It then makes their mediocre lives seem better...and boosts their own sense of self-importance in their own unfulfilled little lives ("I told you so", they relish saying gloatingly). "No way, Jose". "It is best to seek advice from people who have DARED to try new things and who are successful in their own right.
N.B: Don't forget this one. Take time out to RELAX. I am the worst culprit in this. A real self-driver! Get plenty of psychological sunshine in your leisure hours, without overdoing it. Otherwise you get "melanoma of the mind", like me. Take up new hobbies. Discover new and stimulating things to do. Treat life as an adventure - it is really one long journey of self discovery...but only if you really WANT it to be.
* Grow the attitudes that will help you WIN and get what you want - always being TRUE to yourself and with the HIGHEST INTEGRITY... of course; because if you lose that, you've lost everything in life! Yes, there are wealthy business-people with integrity around.
* To activate others to get them to be enthusiastic, you must first be enthusiastic yourself - in all that you're trying to do. Do it. Like the flu, it's catchy!
* We receive the kind of treatment we THINK we deserve. Remember the saying: WE GET WHAT WE EXPECT.
* The critical factor is ATTITUDE. Have I mentioned that before? When our attitude is right, our abilities reach a maximum of effectiveness and good results inevitably follow.
Therefore, grow the attitude of "I'm activated" (but you can still touch the other person, because it doesn't mean charged with electricity). It means "put a cracker up your jack" and light it. Be activated as often as you can.
Grow the attitude of "I am important".
Grow the attitude of service first - then the results will come naturally. Good advice if you have your own business...even if I say so myself.
To activate others you must first activate yourself. I often tell Joan to light a rocket under her. Be enthusiastic yourself. Broadcast good news to others without being too "happy clappy". N.B: I think the desire to be important (ie. recognition), together with a sense of belonging is man's strongest and most compelling non-biological hunger. It's one of the most powerful psychological motivations in everything that we do (I'm not quite sure about myself). As a result, people do more for you when you make them feel important. When you help others to feel important, you help yourself to feel important too. You don't necessary have to "drop names", like my entire family do. I know nobody important, so it's pointless my dropping names. Anyway I drop enough "clangers" as it is!
Business-people, put SERVICE first and the money takes care of itself. Note that: especially people who own their own businesses. Always give people somewhat more than they expect to get. Put an extra dollop of cream on their ice cream cone (kids love that)...or give the customer an extra strawberry!
## THINK RIGHT TOWARDS PEOPLE. (As often as you possibly can).
Human beings are social creatures. We all need to interact with other humans for fulfilment...the reason why I am terribly unfulfilled here as "Kermit the social hermit". Similarly, success usually depends on the support of other people. So always be as positive as you can possibly be. A pleasant and happy disposition towards others works wonders for you (except for me in "Sleepy Hollow" - the only time anywhere 'my irresistable charm' has not worked for me).
Never mind, "diddums". Use what positivity you have and other people will like you for it. So I'll keep on trying...
THINK RIGHT TOWARDS PEOPLE. Because they come in all shapes and sizes, accept them as they are...and they're sure to LIKE YOU (even here they do). Live and let live by accepting people just the way they are...with all their little foibles and faults (nice word that foibles!). Recognise the fact that we are all different individuals. Also accept that no person is perfect - me least of all! The other fellow/girl has a right to be different and to have different views to you (especially on politics or religion). So avoid these subjects at all costs on your first introduction. Oops put my foot in it again!
Build rather than buy friendships...because friendships are precious; they are never for sale, except at "Rent-a friend", which we've joined. But even that hasn't worked! Expand your contacts through what is known as "networking". Introduce yourself to others at every opportunity...but don't tout for business on social occasions. It's OK to hand out a business card though. Except in a church service (though these often need livening up). Mention the person's name after being introduced; it imprints it in your memory. I've mentioned that one already Mr senile penile!
Remember as I said ("Yes Boss"), the person who does the most talking and the person who is most successful are rarely the same person. So as I mentioned before, listen rather that tell. Be generous in your praise without being overbearing. A genuine compliment is the best form of human motivation possible. I'm good at that one - getting other people to do all my dirty work for me! Because I'm hopelessly impractical, as well as being a bit of a 'lazy sod'. Listen and make a mental note to store the information up in your head (the "top two inches"), if you think it may be useful to you some time in the future. But not idle gossip. Try to learn something new every day.
Be courteous at all times. Don't blame others when you receive a set-back. How you think when you lose determines how long it will be before you win. So learning in losing (NB: not learning to lose) helps you to win. More on that subject in my next book on sports psychology. Plug plug!
N.B: ## GET INTO THE HABIT OF ACTION:
Don't be like Shakespeare's Hamlet, who spent his time in inaction (does that sound right? - yes sort of) wondering what to do next. Hamlet was a lost, an introspective sort of soul ("a lost fart", perhaps). Sounds like me standing around at cocktail parties.
Be a self starter, rather than a "going to do, but never does" sort of person; but never be as dull as a car part. For example (in case you don't get it): why "my best friend" Joe Soap never married. He was waiting for the perfect girl to come along...but she does not exist. So don't bother to wait for perfection...because you'll never get it! Anyway, my dear wife Joan is the closest you'll get and she's married to me. Shame!
Only cross your bridges when you come to them. Don't worry about what might happen...because it usually doesn't. The saddest words in the English language are "It might have been", or "if only". ACTION helps you to cure fear and gain confidence (remember the chapter on fear). However, before you commit yourself to action, you need to have created an idea (or ideas) in the form of a PLAN. It is then best to map out your plans by putting them to paper. Writing them down is the best possible COMMITMENT. Then show it to a close person/partner.
In all that you do, try to be...
a crusader and a volunteer.
## THINK IN TERMS OF NOW. Don't procrastinate. Nice long word! Don't wait until conditions are perfect to do something. They never will be. So there is no better time than NOW.
Anticipate problems without becoming discouraged. See them as a challenge. Expect future obstacles and difficulties and solve them as soon as they arise. Tackle the biggest obstacles first; because this boosts confidence...and the rest is easy ("plain sailing").
It's all in ones ATTITUDE to life. Remember ideas alone won't bring success. Ideas have value only when you ACT on them to bring them to fruition.
## HOW TO TURN DEFEAT INTO VICTORY:
(not how to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, as so many sportsmen and women have contrived to do)
Mr/Mrs 'Mediocre' feels defeated. He/she then slinks away, tail between their legs, hoping that no-one has noticed the "failure". Why this strange behaviour? Simply so he/she won't be knocked down again - they can't take it. On the other hand, Mr 'Success' took the blow on the chin and got knocked senseless. He/she then picked himself/herself up groggily from the canvas, or perhaps even bounced up, like a rubber ball on the count of 'nine'. Yes females box too!
Similarly, the positive successful person soon forgets the "beating". They have learnt a lesson, which they won't forget in a hurry. Through this hard experience of adversity they have moved upward in life, although it was "a bitter pill to swallow" at the time. At that point it is so easy to give up hope. The recipe for success is a persistent man, who never thought he was defeated. Women too, of course! That is often the difference between a winner and a loser...the winner picked themselves up off the canvas one last time.
About the Author
C.Lock@xtra.co.nz
http://www.celebrityhowto.com/CLock.html
I think the main points are as follows:
* Use creative thinking to find new and better ways to get things done.
* Develop your creative power by believing it can be done. When you believe that something can be done, your mind finds ways to do it. Your mind (creative subconscious) will create a way if you let it. So eliminate the word "IMPOSSIBLE" from your vocabulary.
* Fight old attitudes and traditional thinking, which freezes the mind rock solid (and other male assets like swimming at Clifton beach in Cape Town)...and thus stops your creative juices from flowing. Very rude! Don't let others say "you can't do it" or "it won't work" (SNOOPY-SNIOP).
* Strengthen your creativity by opening your ears and your mind - to new ideas and information. You too "big ears" - Joan! Use progressive (not regressive) thinking. Always be receptive to new ideas. Just because it hasn't been tried before doesn't mean that it won't work.
Look forward to the future with optimism. Try new things (or new ways of doing things) and new directions in life with a spirit of adventure. Then do it with excitement, enthusiasm, energy (the three E's), as well as not forgetting the optimism.
* Do more and do it better by turning on your creative power. Ask yourself: "How can I do it better?" "How can I do more?" (in terms of both quality and quantity). Do you know what is the mission statement of General Electric?: "Progress is our most important product". Do you have a mission statement for your life? I used to be terribly bored in my work and easily tired. Now I work all hours (sometimes even 3 am), because I enjoy it. I feel invigorated in my new "career", "my life's mission".
So then capacity is a state of mind and the mind can absorb unlimited information. Remember "still waters run deep". People with the most to say usually like the sound of their own voices...and are often the least successful. Quiet people who don't push their opinions too forcefully on others don't say much; but what they do say is often more important than the "loudmouths". So encourage the other person to talk - draw them gently out of their shells...and hear what they've got to say. It's probably very interesting and informative.
Big people do most of the LISTENING
Small people do most of the TALKING. - said by Joe Bloggs, listener.
* Stretch your thinking and stimulate your mind (nothing else, please).
* Harness and develop your horse, sorry your ideas which are the fruits of your thinking. Reach out and share them with other people (as long as you are comfortable with that). Not your horse! It'll probably make them want to get excited too. 'Whinee' (Mandela).
Broaden your thinking by associating with people outside your line of work. It also gives you a balance in your life - an additional perspective from the "other side of the fence". Looking at things objectively as an outsider can often help you think of new ideas and new ways of doing things. I always keep a notebook handy (and one at the bed side), as well as a "handy" wife at the bedside. Write down your ideas in a notebook as soon as they pop into your head. Review, cultivate and fertilise ideas...make them grow. "Sorry darling, can we stop the 'fiveplay' for a sec. I just thought of something; so excuse me a moment while I jot it down" (in case "luvvie" hasn't noticed, that is!)
Don't let ideas escape - especially if they are good ones. How many times haven't we woken up in the morning, knowing that we had the answer to our pressing problem, when we woke with a start at 2 am...but we can't remember the answer! This happened to me last night.
N.B:
## YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK YOU ARE
As I keep repeating like a cracked record, upgrade your thinking. Also watch your appearance carefully. Look important by dressing for success. It helps make you think you are important - even scruffy me; but then I can afford to be a "creative artistic type". Perhaps I'm totally wrong on that point, but at least I think so! Keeps me happy in my own little world!
Think your work is important and your subordinates will think that their work is important too. Confidence builds confidence, because it is infectious (just like small successes). So your confidence in yourself will help grow other peoples. How can other people have confidence in you, if you don't have confidence in yourself? For example, when applying for a bank loan for a business idea. Project an aura of confidence in your abilities (hard when you are a quiet modest type of person). Not too much, mind you. Give yourself a pep talk several times a day. Like Frank Spencer*, say to yourself in the mirror: "Every day in every way I'm getting better and better" (even if you're not really!). Or "I'm doing fine!" I do this regularly. I HAVE to. All this helps to build up one's self image (see Chapter Four or was it Five or Six? Putting it like that saves me looking it up).
* from the old British television series "Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em". In a way, you are making a television commercial about yourself - you are "selling" yourself to yourself. So make the most of your environment at all times. Say to yourself: "I'm here now, so it's up to me to make the most of it (my situation). Throw out all poisonous snakes and thoughts. Likewise, manage and make the most of your work environment.
People who tell you it can't be done almost always are unsuccessful people themselves, or are average/mediocre in terms of their accomplishments - just like the broad "conformist" middle class of society. Remember "SNIOP": don't be susceptible to the negative influences of others. Who runs writing courses or training courses for salesmen, er sorry salespeople? It's usually unsuccessful writers and salespeople themselves. Look out for my ads on creative writing courses coming up shortly? Who are usually the literary critics? Often unsuccessful (or moderately successful) writers ...or failed writers. Perhaps there's a job for me one day as a literary critic. Then I can criticise everyone else ...for a change!
Avoid gossip. Yes men do it too, especially in small towns like here in "Sleepy Hollow". Don't let negative people make you think of defeat. Jealous, small-thinking people want to see you stumble and "go down the gurgler". It then makes their mediocre lives seem better...and boosts their own sense of self-importance in their own unfulfilled little lives ("I told you so", they relish saying gloatingly). "No way, Jose". "It is best to seek advice from people who have DARED to try new things and who are successful in their own right.
N.B: Don't forget this one. Take time out to RELAX. I am the worst culprit in this. A real self-driver! Get plenty of psychological sunshine in your leisure hours, without overdoing it. Otherwise you get "melanoma of the mind", like me. Take up new hobbies. Discover new and stimulating things to do. Treat life as an adventure - it is really one long journey of self discovery...but only if you really WANT it to be.
* Grow the attitudes that will help you WIN and get what you want - always being TRUE to yourself and with the HIGHEST INTEGRITY... of course; because if you lose that, you've lost everything in life! Yes, there are wealthy business-people with integrity around.
* To activate others to get them to be enthusiastic, you must first be enthusiastic yourself - in all that you're trying to do. Do it. Like the flu, it's catchy!
* We receive the kind of treatment we THINK we deserve. Remember the saying: WE GET WHAT WE EXPECT.
* The critical factor is ATTITUDE. Have I mentioned that before? When our attitude is right, our abilities reach a maximum of effectiveness and good results inevitably follow.
Therefore, grow the attitude of "I'm activated" (but you can still touch the other person, because it doesn't mean charged with electricity). It means "put a cracker up your jack" and light it. Be activated as often as you can.
Grow the attitude of "I am important".
Grow the attitude of service first - then the results will come naturally. Good advice if you have your own business...even if I say so myself.
To activate others you must first activate yourself. I often tell Joan to light a rocket under her. Be enthusiastic yourself. Broadcast good news to others without being too "happy clappy". N.B: I think the desire to be important (ie. recognition), together with a sense of belonging is man's strongest and most compelling non-biological hunger. It's one of the most powerful psychological motivations in everything that we do (I'm not quite sure about myself). As a result, people do more for you when you make them feel important. When you help others to feel important, you help yourself to feel important too. You don't necessary have to "drop names", like my entire family do. I know nobody important, so it's pointless my dropping names. Anyway I drop enough "clangers" as it is!
Business-people, put SERVICE first and the money takes care of itself. Note that: especially people who own their own businesses. Always give people somewhat more than they expect to get. Put an extra dollop of cream on their ice cream cone (kids love that)...or give the customer an extra strawberry!
## THINK RIGHT TOWARDS PEOPLE. (As often as you possibly can).
Human beings are social creatures. We all need to interact with other humans for fulfilment...the reason why I am terribly unfulfilled here as "Kermit the social hermit". Similarly, success usually depends on the support of other people. So always be as positive as you can possibly be. A pleasant and happy disposition towards others works wonders for you (except for me in "Sleepy Hollow" - the only time anywhere 'my irresistable charm' has not worked for me).
Never mind, "diddums". Use what positivity you have and other people will like you for it. So I'll keep on trying...
THINK RIGHT TOWARDS PEOPLE. Because they come in all shapes and sizes, accept them as they are...and they're sure to LIKE YOU (even here they do). Live and let live by accepting people just the way they are...with all their little foibles and faults (nice word that foibles!). Recognise the fact that we are all different individuals. Also accept that no person is perfect - me least of all! The other fellow/girl has a right to be different and to have different views to you (especially on politics or religion). So avoid these subjects at all costs on your first introduction. Oops put my foot in it again!
Build rather than buy friendships...because friendships are precious; they are never for sale, except at "Rent-a friend", which we've joined. But even that hasn't worked! Expand your contacts through what is known as "networking". Introduce yourself to others at every opportunity...but don't tout for business on social occasions. It's OK to hand out a business card though. Except in a church service (though these often need livening up). Mention the person's name after being introduced; it imprints it in your memory. I've mentioned that one already Mr senile penile!
Remember as I said ("Yes Boss"), the person who does the most talking and the person who is most successful are rarely the same person. So as I mentioned before, listen rather that tell. Be generous in your praise without being overbearing. A genuine compliment is the best form of human motivation possible. I'm good at that one - getting other people to do all my dirty work for me! Because I'm hopelessly impractical, as well as being a bit of a 'lazy sod'. Listen and make a mental note to store the information up in your head (the "top two inches"), if you think it may be useful to you some time in the future. But not idle gossip. Try to learn something new every day.
Be courteous at all times. Don't blame others when you receive a set-back. How you think when you lose determines how long it will be before you win. So learning in losing (NB: not learning to lose) helps you to win. More on that subject in my next book on sports psychology. Plug plug!
N.B: ## GET INTO THE HABIT OF ACTION:
Don't be like Shakespeare's Hamlet, who spent his time in inaction (does that sound right? - yes sort of) wondering what to do next. Hamlet was a lost, an introspective sort of soul ("a lost fart", perhaps). Sounds like me standing around at cocktail parties.
Be a self starter, rather than a "going to do, but never does" sort of person; but never be as dull as a car part. For example (in case you don't get it): why "my best friend" Joe Soap never married. He was waiting for the perfect girl to come along...but she does not exist. So don't bother to wait for perfection...because you'll never get it! Anyway, my dear wife Joan is the closest you'll get and she's married to me. Shame!
Only cross your bridges when you come to them. Don't worry about what might happen...because it usually doesn't. The saddest words in the English language are "It might have been", or "if only". ACTION helps you to cure fear and gain confidence (remember the chapter on fear). However, before you commit yourself to action, you need to have created an idea (or ideas) in the form of a PLAN. It is then best to map out your plans by putting them to paper. Writing them down is the best possible COMMITMENT. Then show it to a close person/partner.
In all that you do, try to be...
a crusader and a volunteer.
## THINK IN TERMS OF NOW. Don't procrastinate. Nice long word! Don't wait until conditions are perfect to do something. They never will be. So there is no better time than NOW.
Anticipate problems without becoming discouraged. See them as a challenge. Expect future obstacles and difficulties and solve them as soon as they arise. Tackle the biggest obstacles first; because this boosts confidence...and the rest is easy ("plain sailing").
It's all in ones ATTITUDE to life. Remember ideas alone won't bring success. Ideas have value only when you ACT on them to bring them to fruition.
## HOW TO TURN DEFEAT INTO VICTORY:
(not how to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, as so many sportsmen and women have contrived to do)
Mr/Mrs 'Mediocre' feels defeated. He/she then slinks away, tail between their legs, hoping that no-one has noticed the "failure". Why this strange behaviour? Simply so he/she won't be knocked down again - they can't take it. On the other hand, Mr 'Success' took the blow on the chin and got knocked senseless. He/she then picked himself/herself up groggily from the canvas, or perhaps even bounced up, like a rubber ball on the count of 'nine'. Yes females box too!
Similarly, the positive successful person soon forgets the "beating". They have learnt a lesson, which they won't forget in a hurry. Through this hard experience of adversity they have moved upward in life, although it was "a bitter pill to swallow" at the time. At that point it is so easy to give up hope. The recipe for success is a persistent man, who never thought he was defeated. Women too, of course! That is often the difference between a winner and a loser...the winner picked themselves up off the canvas one last time.
About the Author
C.Lock@xtra.co.nz
http://www.celebrityhowto.com/CLock.html
Copyright © 2005-2006 Powered by Custom PHP Programming