thankfulforamillion

Posts Tagged ‘ideas’

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TGIM

In You on May 7, 2012 at 8:34 am

 
Thank goodness it’s Monday, get it? Okay, I’ve never heard anyone say that. I’ve only heard complaints about the end of the weekend. So, in lieu of complaining about the beginning of a new week, I’d like to share 3 things that I’m thankful for.

 
1. Second Chances

For everyone already skipping through their week and looking forward to Friday, consider the following. We’re all liable to mess up. At least in my case, I learn by trying. And, often, learn more from failing than succeeding. So, in order for me to even have an opportunity to use what I’ve learned, I need second chances. They don’t come along often, but I’m ready to take advantage when they do. I’d like to think of my Monday as a new opportunity. No matter what happened professionally or personally last week, Monday is my chance to try again.

 

2. Close Friends

You know that person you can call and vise versa, no matter the situation: You’re stressed at work, you’re worried about family, you have an exciting secret, you need advice, or you’re bored. I don’t know what I’d do without them. They’ve been as important to me as family. And, I’m very selective about who my close friends are, so they become a part of my family.

 

3. ‘Aha!’ Moments

People say that  ideas are a dime a dozen. That may be true, but an ‘Aha!’ moment is a must if you want to have a good idea. It’s that moment where you figure everything out, or at least something that’s been stumping you. It’s that moment when you come up with an idea so good that you have to write it down. Most of my ‘Aha!’ moments come right before I’m going to sleep. It could be because I’m finally clearing my mind. Whatever the case, I keep a box full of index cards in my bedside table. If I have an idea while I’m trying to get shut-eye, I turn over immediately to write it down.

 
I hope that you all are embracing your Monday and taking advantage of the fresh start! When the beginning of a week seems daunting, I just give thanks to important things in my life. Now it’s your turn! Click the link below to share, or share in the comments section. And, by the way, it’s Teacher Appreciation Week. So, if you see a teacher, give thanks! Happy Monday!

~Thankful

 

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Creative Karma

In You on April 12, 2012 at 7:27 am

Create or Consume?


Instagram, the phenom of an app, was started from the seed of an idea. One day, Kevin Systrom decided to take his passion for photography and make it useful for other consumers. And, while this ultimately made him a billion dollars, at its inception, the idea was really simple: he took something he loved and used it to enhance a positive aspect of our society, the desire to document our lives and become increasingly connected.

We are given options: create something that adds value to our lives and the lives of others, or to sit back and simply consume. The latter requires little to no effort, while the former requires an idea and bravery.

Each and every one of us are filled to the brim with plans and ideas. The difficulty sometimes lies in activation. Ideas are very personal. From the start, they are only conscious to the individual. They become progressively more public as the creator erases self-doubt and becomes more firmly rooted in the power of their idea. Some decide to wait for the validation of  others, and some plow forward and trust that their passion will be enough. I am convinced that those who move forward without validation become the most successful.

Now, if you have an idea and you’re brave enough to fail, consider one more thing: how will you affect other people? This applies to anyone who has plans to pursue their passion, whether that be music, filmmaking, medicine, law or environmental policy. Step outside of yourself and consider your creative karma. Whatever you choose to create, your work will have an expansive reach. And, assuming that you want to have a positive impact, be sure that your idea has the potential to do so. If not in the best interest of others, then perhaps consider that what you create will come back to you.

If you’re looking for a little inspiration as you take a chance on your ideas:

Robert Krulwich 2011 Berkeley School of Journalism Commencement Speech: here

Fast Company: The Dirty Little Secret of Overnight Successes: here

~Thankful

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