What Do I Do?

Tip of the Week   Be Sweet Sometimes, all we need is a little sweetness to remind us of who we are. #BeSweet #BeKind #BeLOVE What do I DO? Recently I have received a number of emails from those of you creative geniuses who have watched the Draw Your Future TEDx talk and afterwards wondered, “What if I don’t know what I want to do?” Whether you are just starting off your career life or you're switching things up, “What should I do?” is a hard question. It's often loaded with expectations from parents, family or friends. People have lots of “shoulds” when it comes to your life and what you should do with it. Shoulds have a tendency to freeze us in our tracks. Let’s step back and start by asking a different question, to see if we can open up our options and turn our search into an adventure. Anyone can find a job or a career, but finding something that will fill you up and allow you bring your best self into the world requires a deeper dive into what you desire. I like to leap over my confusion and anxiety about “how” I do it, to imagine what it could feel like. In the best case scenario, what will I feel like 3 months, 6 months or a year from today. It's your turn. Start by getting a blank piece of paper and pen or pencil. Write DESIRED NEW REALITY at the top.  Then ask yourself: In this new reality, what are the qualities and characteristics I'm experiencing? On that piece of paper, write and draw what you want to experience. Scatter everything around the page, until you have a mishmash of the things you want to feel a year from today. Maybe you want to be more creative, or to feel more love. Perhaps you want to know what you are meant to be doing in the world, or you want more friends.  Write down all of these things in simple words like “Creative”, “loved”, “happy”, “clear”. Then add a few pictures to remind yourself what that might look like. If you don’t think you can draw, do it anyway, drawing, both good and bad, helps juice up your brain. Now you know what it will feel like. These are the things you want to be experiencing, no matter what you are “doing” in a career or in your life. Let’s add some booster fuel. On a separate piece of paper, create a list from 1 to 100.  Now, brainstorm and come up with 100 ideas for what you could do, and let yourself really have fun with this. When you have to come up with 100 you are bound to break out of your box. (I know belly dancer wasn’t first on your list, but put it down anyway!) Now look at the two pages you have created. There are bound to be two or three things on your “do” list that match the things you want to experience in your desired new reality.  Let the adventure begin. Choose one or two of your “do” things and come up with 1-2 actions that you could take right away to work towards that goal.  Right away today, go do something to help yourself move towards that goal. Keep it super simple to begin with. Maybe it's a phone call, a Facebook post or a Google Search. Start taking those baby steps towards your desired new reality. Know that you might not experience the feelings you desire right away because getting there takes work. At each step in the journey, pull out that Desired New Reality picture and ask yourself, “Does/will this new thing fill me with more…(creativity, love, friendships…etc) Finding your “What Should I Do?” is an evolving process.  Know that the more fun you have in the process, the more room you’ll make for #creativegeniusyou.

Lift Up A New You

Lift Up a New You For many people around the world this year has been filled with turmoil. It’s hard to say thank you for those challenges, but if gratitude truly is the grease for a happier life, then we must learn to. Thank you to all of you who demonstrated love and showed us how to be compassionate with others who are migrating, healing, and rebuilding. Earth is not an easy sandbox to play in, but it serves its purpose to test the holy hell out of us and see if we can still love despite what it throws our way.   The New Year is a time for change.  We get to turn the page, open a new calendar and start fresh. So why not lift up and bring into the light of day your greatness, your courage, your ability to say yes to whatever life gives you. Then when you are having a tough time, love yourself AND love those around you, no matter what kind of idiocy they sometimes demonstrate ;-0 Lift Up CreativeGeniusYOU in 2016.  Draw a pictureof your best year ever and step into it.  See how far and wide you can swing open the door of your heart, reach out with your talents, bring your true self into the light of day. This world needs each and every one of us. We can’t afford for you to wait until it feels safer to make that change, to shift your thinking, your career, your focus, your service to the world.    This past year I received dozens of emails and social media notes from people around the world who had drawn their future and were lifting themselves up to step more fully into their greatness. Thank you for sharing your drawings and inspiration with us!  Emer, my social media maven, suggested we start a webpage this year for these images and fill it with your greatness. If you want your image to grace that page, please send it to us! Big love to you and yours. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Patti Share Tweet Forward Tip of the Week Indulge before the New Year The New Year is almost upon us. Time to get those resolutions nailed down and enjoy indulging in bad habits one last time. Here's to the healthy, happy 2016! Watch More

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CELEBRATE YOUR FREEDOM ON LABOR DAY  Why do we celebrate Labor Day?  In 1894 workers in the company town of Pullman, Illinois went on strike. In Pullman, everyone worked for the Pullman Railway Car Company. Where you lived in town was based on what you did: the workers lived in row houses, the managers in modest victorians and George Pullman himself lived in the opulent hotel where his business contacts stayed while in town. There were town stores and a town bank. Rents were automatically deducted from your paycheck.  A national depression in 1893 forced Pullman to layoff hundreds of workers and reduce wages for those remaining, but living costs remained the same, and were deducted off the tops of their checks. Oh that sounds fun. The workers went on strike and were joined by the American Railway Union. National transportation and mail deliveries came to a standstill, and riots broke out. President Cleveland called out 12,000 troops to suppress the chaos and declared the strike illegal. In the chaos that ensued, two men were killed by Deputy Marshals in Kensington, Illinois before the strike was finally over. Shocked by the violence, people created an anti-Cleveland demonstration (boy this sounds familiar). Congress stepped in to quickly pass an act making the first Monday in September a national holiday,  Labor Day. This day was to celebrate American workers; their productivity and contributions to society and the economy. If you are wondering what to celebrate over that ice cold beverage and awesome barbecue this Monday, here's an idea...because of this and other early labor strikes, you and I got to go to school as children and play during summer months. (Remember that when your neighbor's children wake you from your nap by shrieking while running through the sprinklers!) That's still not a luxury for children insome parts of the world. Many of you reading are entrepreneurs running your own businesses. That's an amazing thing to celebrate! But if you aren't working for yourself, thanks for what you do to make the world a better place. PS you might end up looking like this guy in the Cliff Merritt labor cartoon books series:  #hunk Whatever you end up doing this Labor Day, celebrate that you are unique. You and only you bring your perspective, value, talent, skill and humor to the world.  You are free to make your own choices and decide where to put your energy and enthusiasm to your piece of the world. If you choose to call it labor, remember it's a labor of love.  If you or someone you know are feeling a lack of freedom and want to shift what you are doing, go Draw Your Future, and catapult yourself into the "labor" that's right for you. Special thanks to those who went before us and paved the way to our freedom!  Have a Happy Labor Day! GENIUS TOOLKITS #CREATIVEGENIUSYOU We are coming out with some awesome downloadable toolkits to help you be the creative genius at your offsite. To get in on the early bird special pricing email us atinfo@upyourcreativegenius.com ENVISION WALL MAKE A SPACE FOR INTERACTIVITY What to do with that extra wall space? Put up a blank sheet of paper and put some pens by it. Let your team interact with you. Or let us help you at your next all hands meeting. We'll capture key comments in a picture so they last longer than a word cloud. ;-)  SHOUT OUT LIVEYOURDREAM.ORG if you are looking for a place to help make a difference for girls around the world, here it is: Live Your Dream a self-motivated community of people who wish to support women and girls in their quest to lead a better life, while gaining inspiration in their own lives.  Check them out and do something today!

BRING YOUR 500% TO THE NEW YEAR When my partner Julie and I were first together, we lived in Denver and she was between jobs. She had been job hunting for awhile and was feeling disparaging about herself and her ability to ever get one. In my mind, she was (and is) a truly fantastic leadership and talent development expert, so I couldn't go down that slippery slope with her.  I was leaving on a business trip to work in Slovakia, but before I left I said to her, "I see you as 500% more than what you can see in yourself right now. If you could see yourself from that 500% bigger person that you really are, why not look for a job from that perspective?" The second night in Slovakia, my cell phone rang.  It was Julie, she was over the top with excitement, "You said 500%, right?" Cool! I responded, "Where did you get a job?"  "Seattle!" she shouted.  I thought, Seattle?  Now how did your 500% suddenly become my 500%?! That job brought us to this great city. Here we have had one adventure after another. We've worked with amazing companies, met new friends, expanded our abilities to serve and be served by life. Her 500% took me to my 500% as well and I can't thank her enough! WHY NOT BRING YOUR 500% TO 2013? Ask yourself, if I were being 500% of the person I see myself to be, what would I be doing right now?  Then, get going.  Take a moment to draw a simple picture of that new you.  If you have forgotten the power of the visual, review my 8 minute TEDx talk.  Then take a few small bites of that elephant to get yourself started living that "500% you", today. MAKE GIVING GO VIRAL  This is my theme for 2013.  I had a fantastic 2012 and this year, in addition to my regular paid speaking and client work, I'll be giving back.  If you know of an organization or company who needs a kick start, please send them my way. I will be speaking to the following groups in January and leading workshops across the country.  I'd like to come to your city or your team. JANUARY 6: Seattle UNITY Church Services & Spiritual Goal Setting Workshop: 9AM & 11AM Services - "Love is the Portal" The UNITY church is an all embracing church located at 200 8th Avenue just off of Denny Way in Seattle. Their music and services are magnificent and this is a lovely community of people. They have invited me to be the speaker for both services. I'd love to see you there, no matter your faith. 1-3 PM NEW YEAR, NEW YOU:  Spiritual Goal Setting to Help You Lead Your Best Life If you or that "friend of yours" needs a boost in 2013, give them this workshop as a gift and kick start 2013 by goal setting from the highest place.  I can't wait to meet you or them there! $25 in advance, $35 at the door. www.seattleunity.org JANUARY 15 & 16: Children's Storefront - Harlem I met the Board President for this amazing school, in a restaurant in New York, when I was stuck during a snowstorm. He invited me to teach visual goal setting to this school's students. I'll be there during the week of January 14th.  If you are a teacher, a parent or principal, and know a school that would like to bring visual goal setting to your students, send me an email: patti@upyourcreativegenius.com and let's add you to this year's schedule. For workshops or talks in your area, check the calendar on my home page.  If your city isn't there, contact me and let's make it happen! Join me to make 2013 a 500% year for you.  You deserve it and those around you will be lifted up by your belief and action. MAPS YOU DREW DRAW YOUR FUTURE Here was Rohit's map that he drew for last year! Send me your map so I can feature it here! SUSTAINABLE YOU KYLE ZEPPELIN NEXT TO THE SHIPPING CRATE POOL Zeppelin Development are doing some amazing things in Denver. If you live there, go see the TAXI loft area.  We did a team/company visioning session a few years back and that vision came to be and more! SECRET WEAPONS CREATIVE GENIUS TEAM Scott Ward Art.  Yep I know you all think it is all me all the time, but honestly Scott Ward (Seattle) and Brad Clemmons (Denver) are the secret sauce in Up your Creative Genius.

Keep Your Eye on the Prize to Calm Your Doubting Mind

I just did a number of workshops, both in Colorado where I was able to speak at the DU Women's Conference, as well as for a couple of organizations celebrating Administrative Professionals Week in Seattle.  One of the key questions that was repeatedly asked was "How do we deal with a doubting mind in the process of getting to our success?"

That amygdala part of your brain is programmed to respond when you step out of the familiar.  When activated, it will send adrenaline into your system and subsequently can derail your progress.  So how do you keep that amygdala at bay?  One way to actively take charge is through noting and connoting any positive success you have made either towards this goal or in goal achievement from the past.  By reminding yourself of the movement and shifts you have been able to make you automatically shift your thinking into the right side of your brain which houses all of the potential and possibilities you can imagine.

Another suggestion from Dr. Ellen F. Weber* is to "Focus on your endpoint, even as you first step out of the gates. Glance toward that next well-paced addition to your plan, much the way drivers glance ahead on a highway. Center in on dividends you expect, and navigate sharp curves along the way, like the skilled driver you are. With each of the estimated 22 stressors that will hit you on an ordinary day, you’ll want to execute well-chosen strategies toward new directions that win."

How do we keep focused on our endpoints?  By going back to that image you drew of your Desired New Reality.  Here is what you said:

" I attended your seminar at the Women's College at DU. I left right after and didn't go to a final session because I didn't want to kill my buzz. Thank you so much for you energy!!"

What "buzz" is she talking about?  The buzz of serotonin you get when you envision and build the life you want.  Here's what another woman wrote:

"Thanks to your inspirational presentation at the DU Women's Conference I took the first bold step.  Yep, you may as well have been speaking directly to me...Thank you!"

If you (or those around you) aren't living the life you desire, why not take your own bold step?  Watch and forward my TEDxRainier talk.  You can take steps today to draw your future into reality.

 #meanit #drawingyourfutureworks





*Weber, Ellen (2012-04-25). Making Change Easy (Novelty with the Brain in Mind) (Kindle Locations 82-85). Mita International Brain Center. Kindle Edition.

Getting Beyond Yourself to Lift Up the World

Recently I have been traveling around both in the physical and in the virtual worlds, sharing my "Snapshot of the Big Picture" vision to reality process.  There is emerging a common theme to what I am hearing.  Some of you who are working to dream big dreams have set beliefs about what is or is not possible.  I am hearing you say things like...

One of the ways you can begin to break through your limiting beliefs is by reflecting on the past and what you have already accomplished - big or small.  Make a list of your past successes. This will raise your serotonin level and help you be more inspired to shake things up and get them going.

Another serotonin lifter is by being inspired by others.  Watch Intel's Ekaterina Walter, Russian immigrant, who shares in her TEDx talk, her story of living the American Dream.  She will definitely help you remember how important it is to take advantage of the opportunities you have.  Take a look at Balloon Kenya and how they have committed themselves to making a difference in their communities and forging relationships around the world.

You can also get over that doubting mind by doing things that take you beyond yourself.  If you are worried about your capabilities, challenge that belief by going out and helping someone else.  Volunteer at a local charity walk, or the library or senior center.  Offer to watch your neighbors' child or walk their dogs.  Giving will open your heart, which makes way for good things to drop into your consciousness.  (That left side of your brain is a trickster!  You have to forge a pathway through that critical mind, rooted in fear, with a chisel of pure love.)

Finally let me beat my personal vision to reality drum.  Keep the picture of what you want, your dream, at the forefront of your mind by drawing out a picture of that future state and putting it somewhere where you can see it everyday.  When you find yourself saying that something is not possible to have or do, ask yourself to look beyond those limiting beliefs.  Train your brain to work for you, step into those dreams you have, right here and right now. Lift up the world by becoming all that you can be.  Be good.  Do good.