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.

TRAINING THE ZOMBIE IN YOU!

I've been reading a phlethora of books on the brain.  My current favorite is by David Eagleman,Incognito:  The Secret Lives of the Brain.  In his book, Eagleman talks about the different lives inside our brains.  The one that I got a kick out of is the inner zombie - you know - that part of your brain that gets you to your destination and once you arrive you wonder, "Wow, I don't even remember driving here!  How did that happen?!"  According to the latest neuroscience, what got you there was the "automaton" or zombie part of you.  Your brain is a pattern making machine and you can get it to become an automaton and go all zombie on yourself when it comes to doing a lot of things, especially the things you want to change.  Yay!

For example, how can you train your brain to help you eat less pumpkin pie?         

Put that pie in front of yourself and then push it away while saying "No, thanks!"  The first time you do it, according to Eagleman, you won't really register a higher level of dissuading ability.  But after you do it 3-4 times, your ability to say "No", goes on autopilot and as it becomes a routinized pattern, it just gets easier.  Just like in real life, practice makes perfect for that zombieizing of self.  The more you practice saying no to the things you don't want, the easier it gets. Conversely, the more you say YES to the things you do want, the more you will get them!

Achieving your goals is simply a combination of training your brain to focus on what you want, while taking routine steps towards accomplishing your goals.  That's why picturing your dreams, both inwardly and outwardly, works!  It trains the zombie in you to "Bring me that which I want!"

Don't believe me or Eagleman? Test it yourself!  Before you press the "power up" computer button, sit down in a chair, grab a piece of paper and pen, shut your eyes and ask yourself, "What's one thing I want more of in my life?"  Then, QUICK, write down the first thing that comes to you.  After you have a few words, let yourself fantasize about it a little, build out a picture.  Draw some symbols to see what else will be present in that new world of you.  

Finally, pretend that it has already happened and interview yourself about what it's like to be you in that new experience. Pretend to be the interviewer and ask yourself some questions like, "In the past, you were known for ____, and now you have become so ______!  What is the biggest tip you can give our audience about what you did?" or "What is the most exciting part about your _________ today?"  Then everyday, so back and revisit that super fun new you!  Watch how quickly you step into it.  #believeit.

Have fun!  And be sure to share some of your cool ideas with me so I can pass them to the rest of our readers. Go ahead and get zombified over Thanksgiving!

Let me add how thankful I am for each of you. It has been a magnificent year thanks to you.  You inspire me and thanks for being here.

CONVERSA- TIONS I had a fantastic time with Vicki St. Clair.  She does a weekly talk show on KKNW 1150AM and is so gracious and smart!  If you missed our interview, you can catch it here.  My part starts at about 1215 on the podcast player.

PENCILS & PIXELS Talk about game changers.  What I loved about being able to record this conference was the great ideas that came from this breakout session discussing social media in higher ed.  Check out their  CONFERENCE and find out what they are up to.

WHAT'S COMING UP This January I am donating my time to this fantastic Harlem school,The Children's Storefront and flying in to show these students Visual Goal Setting.  If you want to get in on this project, I am looking for someone to donate 20 copies of my book,Drawing Solutions to the teachers to use in their classrooms. Contact me if you are interested in helping.

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