Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Prioritizing vs. Posteriorizing
A Tuesday Tip:
I learned something this morning that, for many, probably seems rather obvious. I’ve found that for me, however, some things just need to be SAID. Too often, things that are just assumed are consequently missed by simple people like me. I heard the following in one of my audio books this morning, and it really resonated with me.
"Sometimes, in the process of restructuring, reengineering, reinventing and reorganizing, you have to be prepared to completely change what you are doing. You have to be prepared to discontinue some activities so that you can spend more time on other higher-value activities. Since your most precious resource is your time, and the key to time management is your ability to set proper priorities, there is another concept that is invaluable to you; this is the idea of setting posteriorities as well.
A priority is something that you do more of, and sooner. A posteriority is something, on the other hand, that you do less of, and later… if at all. A priority is something that you move up on your list of activities and focus on getting done earlier and well. A posteriority is something that you decide to cut back on or discontinue altogether.
Here’s the secret… You can only get your life under control to the degree to which you STOP doing certain things of low value, in order to free up more time that you can then use to do things of higher value.” (Quote by Brian Tracy)
Until today, I’d never even heard of a posteriority. I’ve heard the word posterior, but never would have thought to link it to this context before. I like the concept, though, of not ONLY prioritizing but also posteriorizing. It makes EVERYTHING on your “to do” list more intentionally planned and organized. It also puts things on your list that should be done LESS. These things would never be on any of my lists otherwise!
Its true, for me anyway, that when I create my “to do” list each day, I usually prioritize those things that are most urgent to happen first. Then, I move on to the important things. By contrast, however, I’ve often heard that when most highly successful people plan the consumption of their time, they first distinguish between what is urgent and what is important. Then they do what is important FIRST. Easier said than done, I think, but a wise and valuable technique nonetheless.
Prioritizing alone, results in a process of elimination method, which leaves other things which are, by default, just not high priorities. This isn’t a very thorough way of planning with purpose. It leaves activities that are simply un-prioritized things to do. They are just things to be done…”sometime.” These are usually the things that carry over from one day to another, or in many cases, from one month or even year to another. The ironic part is that had those things NOT been added to the “to DO” list at all, they would still be undone. We put them on a list, but we don’t do them because they have not been prioritized highly enough. The day expires and we’re left with the list’s left-overs…again. And not too many people like left-overs. Occasionally, we need to just through left-overs out. Free up the space in the fridge for other things that need refrigeration. By posteriorizing, we can determine whether an activity even merits any place at all on our list. By this same technique, we can also determine which of the many activities consuming our time throughout the day needs to STOP consuming our time.
I learned something this morning that, for many, probably seems rather obvious. I’ve found that for me, however, some things just need to be SAID. Too often, things that are just assumed are consequently missed by simple people like me. I heard the following in one of my audio books this morning, and it really resonated with me.
"Sometimes, in the process of restructuring, reengineering, reinventing and reorganizing, you have to be prepared to completely change what you are doing. You have to be prepared to discontinue some activities so that you can spend more time on other higher-value activities. Since your most precious resource is your time, and the key to time management is your ability to set proper priorities, there is another concept that is invaluable to you; this is the idea of setting posteriorities as well.
A priority is something that you do more of, and sooner. A posteriority is something, on the other hand, that you do less of, and later… if at all. A priority is something that you move up on your list of activities and focus on getting done earlier and well. A posteriority is something that you decide to cut back on or discontinue altogether.
Here’s the secret… You can only get your life under control to the degree to which you STOP doing certain things of low value, in order to free up more time that you can then use to do things of higher value.” (Quote by Brian Tracy)
Until today, I’d never even heard of a posteriority. I’ve heard the word posterior, but never would have thought to link it to this context before. I like the concept, though, of not ONLY prioritizing but also posteriorizing. It makes EVERYTHING on your “to do” list more intentionally planned and organized. It also puts things on your list that should be done LESS. These things would never be on any of my lists otherwise!
Its true, for me anyway, that when I create my “to do” list each day, I usually prioritize those things that are most urgent to happen first. Then, I move on to the important things. By contrast, however, I’ve often heard that when most highly successful people plan the consumption of their time, they first distinguish between what is urgent and what is important. Then they do what is important FIRST. Easier said than done, I think, but a wise and valuable technique nonetheless.
Prioritizing alone, results in a process of elimination method, which leaves other things which are, by default, just not high priorities. This isn’t a very thorough way of planning with purpose. It leaves activities that are simply un-prioritized things to do. They are just things to be done…”sometime.” These are usually the things that carry over from one day to another, or in many cases, from one month or even year to another. The ironic part is that had those things NOT been added to the “to DO” list at all, they would still be undone. We put them on a list, but we don’t do them because they have not been prioritized highly enough. The day expires and we’re left with the list’s left-overs…again. And not too many people like left-overs. Occasionally, we need to just through left-overs out. Free up the space in the fridge for other things that need refrigeration. By posteriorizing, we can determine whether an activity even merits any place at all on our list. By this same technique, we can also determine which of the many activities consuming our time throughout the day needs to STOP consuming our time.
Friday, October 17, 2008
"Attributes"
This is my latest Tangle piece. Yes, it is meant to be busy... it's got all of my tangles in it; Love, Joy, Honor, Family Peace, and Amor. In order to fit them all into a nicely shaped rectangle, however, some have been cropped. Serendipitously, this gives the effect that the tangles are boundless and just keep going forever beyond what you can see in this frame. Their ignorance of the black borders accentuates this effect. I've place the Harmon tangle in the center (for those who have a hard time distinguishing the tangles).
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
We interrupt this blog...
On this blog I typically don't post about topics that don't relate to my interest in entrepreneurialism or about my business aspirations and observations. However, the following topic is SO important to me that it merits the interruption of my typical blogging theme. Please view this video, and check out the following links. I would STRONGLY encourage everyone reading this blog to do whatever you can to take a stand for what is right as it relates to the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman:
http://www.protectmarriage.com/
http://www.whatisprop8.com/
... we now return to the regularly scheduled blog already in progress...
http://www.protectmarriage.com/
http://www.whatisprop8.com/
... we now return to the regularly scheduled blog already in progress...
Friday, October 03, 2008
Project 10 to the 100th
A buddy of mine recently told me about a contest that the mega-company GOOGLE is doing. They’ve called this contest "Project Ten to the Hundredth” and it has captivated my interest. The winner(s) of the contest will be the one(s) who have the most broad-reaching idea. The idea is to help as many people as possible. The following are the areas which each idea should cover:
Community: How can we help connect people, build communities and protect unique cultures?
Opportunity: How can we help people better provide for themselves and their families?
Energy: How can we help move the world toward safe, clean, inexpensive energy?
Environment: How can we help promote a cleaner and more sustainable global ecosystem?
Health: How can we help individuals lead longer, healthier lives?
Education: How can we help more people get more access to better education?
Shelter: How can we help ensure that everyone has a safe place to live?
Everything else: Sometimes the best ideas don't fit into any category at all.
Now, normally, after hearing about a project like this, I would have wanted to come up with an idea. However, this time, it was quite different. This time, just such an idea already existed in my head. In fact, I had an idea several weeks ago that seemed too large for me. I wondered why it had been sent to me at all, until this contest came along. It’s almost as if the idea came in anticipation of the contest, or perhaps the contest came along to accommodate the idea.
So, when I heard about the contest, my recently conceived idea IMMEDIATELY came to the forefront of my mind. It was weird. Now, I’m not retarded…I don’t expect to place in the top 100 finalists, let alone win. The only reason I’m entering is only because the idea came to me and I have nothing else to do with it. Out of the context of this contest, my idea is too big for my otherwise incapable hands. So, I’m going to use this contest as a way to help the idea along to someone else who, if noticed, could get the attention and resources it would require. That isn't me.
So, today, I wrote it all out and entered. The idea is so grandiose that I'm embarrassed to even mention it here. It's sufficient to say that I've entered and my idea conduit is cleared again having had a movement and passed a rather large.... well, idea. I've entered the contest as myself, so on the 27th of January, my entry will be visible to the public with everyone else’s.
Community: How can we help connect people, build communities and protect unique cultures?
Opportunity: How can we help people better provide for themselves and their families?
Energy: How can we help move the world toward safe, clean, inexpensive energy?
Environment: How can we help promote a cleaner and more sustainable global ecosystem?
Health: How can we help individuals lead longer, healthier lives?
Education: How can we help more people get more access to better education?
Shelter: How can we help ensure that everyone has a safe place to live?
Everything else: Sometimes the best ideas don't fit into any category at all.
Now, normally, after hearing about a project like this, I would have wanted to come up with an idea. However, this time, it was quite different. This time, just such an idea already existed in my head. In fact, I had an idea several weeks ago that seemed too large for me. I wondered why it had been sent to me at all, until this contest came along. It’s almost as if the idea came in anticipation of the contest, or perhaps the contest came along to accommodate the idea.
So, when I heard about the contest, my recently conceived idea IMMEDIATELY came to the forefront of my mind. It was weird. Now, I’m not retarded…I don’t expect to place in the top 100 finalists, let alone win. The only reason I’m entering is only because the idea came to me and I have nothing else to do with it. Out of the context of this contest, my idea is too big for my otherwise incapable hands. So, I’m going to use this contest as a way to help the idea along to someone else who, if noticed, could get the attention and resources it would require. That isn't me.
So, today, I wrote it all out and entered. The idea is so grandiose that I'm embarrassed to even mention it here. It's sufficient to say that I've entered and my idea conduit is cleared again having had a movement and passed a rather large.... well, idea. I've entered the contest as myself, so on the 27th of January, my entry will be visible to the public with everyone else’s.
Now, with that idea out of the way, I can get back to writing my "Training Wheels" stories again. Whew!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Another One Down
My latest “SOP” Project is finally finished! For the past few weeks I’ve stolen a moment here and a few moments there while at work and in my home office late at night to work on my most recently finished “Training Wheels” story. This one (the longest one so far) is called ‘The Stilt Garage,’ a strange title, no doubt, until you’ve read the story. I debuted it officially the other night to my two daughters at bed time and was impressed (and a little surprised) at how much of it my 6-year-old understood. As she always does at the end, she eagerly repeated to me what she had understood to be the underlying plot, moral, and varying details of this new story. My 4-year-old, on the other hand, had fallen asleep during the reading. Nice. Ah, well….she is only 4.
I’ve already got an idea for the next two stories that I’ll be writing soon. In the meantime, as they develop, I think maybe I’ll start illustrating my first one now that I have several stories finished. Believe it or not, I think illustrating them will be the hard part for me – fun - but a bit of a challenge. I’ve flirted with the idea of hiring another artist to illustrate them simple to have them get done sooner. I’ve enjoyed writing them so much that illustrating them has seemed almost a chore. Last night, however, while discussing this point with my better half, I was reminded about dumb I would feel having a series of books on the market who’s cover said, “Written by Ty Harmon and illustrated by Mr. Some Other Dude.” A good point. She’s totally right. No matter how long it takes me to illustrate them, I NEED to be the one do it.
I’ve already got an idea for the next two stories that I’ll be writing soon. In the meantime, as they develop, I think maybe I’ll start illustrating my first one now that I have several stories finished. Believe it or not, I think illustrating them will be the hard part for me – fun - but a bit of a challenge. I’ve flirted with the idea of hiring another artist to illustrate them simple to have them get done sooner. I’ve enjoyed writing them so much that illustrating them has seemed almost a chore. Last night, however, while discussing this point with my better half, I was reminded about dumb I would feel having a series of books on the market who’s cover said, “Written by Ty Harmon and illustrated by Mr. Some Other Dude.” A good point. She’s totally right. No matter how long it takes me to illustrate them, I NEED to be the one do it.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The Amazing Glennardo!
I just got off the phone with my kid-brother Glenn, who just happens to be one of my very favorite people. I look up to him a lot. He’s shown a lot of ambition in the last few years in chasing his dreams to become a big time animation artist, and this week, all his work has finally paid off! He just told me that he’s moving to L.A. to take a job as a Story Artist with Sony Pictures!!! I’m SOOO excited for him!!! Selfishly, I’m secretly excited, too, because he’ll only be 4 hours away from me now! Just a few days ago he was on the verge of accepting an offer to work for Blue Sky Animation in New York. That would have AWESOME for him, and really hard for us. L.A. will prove to be a GREAT opportunity for him too! Here is a link to a site that shows some of the TYPES of things he'll be working on. Oh, and did I mention that I taught him everything he knows about art??? (pshhhh, right. I wish....)
Congratulations Glenn!!!
Congratulations Glenn!!!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Keeping the Bunny Energized
I’ve always been a very up-and-down kind of guy. I’m the type of person who wears his emotions on his sleeve for the entire world to see ALL the time. I have a really hard time concealing it. The change in my continence is not only obvious, but often. I’m like a roller coaster… up, down, up down, up, down… If I’m feeling disappointed or depressed, it’s obvious from my deflated posture and sullen facial expressions. When I’m successful or excited, there’s a noticeable spring in my step, a grin splitting my face in half and a palpable energy around me. I can barely contain myself with the need to share my glee! Mad, nervous, stressed, frustrated, confused… it’s all the same. Obvious, and…. up, down, up, down, up down. My face is like a billboard exclaiming to all passers by how my day is going. I don’t do any of this intentionally. I’m not sure how to NOT do it. Conversely, and inconceivably, I have friends who, upon winning the lottery, would react as though they had just heard the beep of a microwave telling them that their hot pocket lunch is ready. “Oh, that’s good.” That's it?? That kind of temperment and mentality baffles me to no end. No passion, no exageration, no zeal...
I’m also a very idea-infatuated person. I’ve got more ideas bouncing around in my little head than Las Vegas has hotel rooms! Some of them are even good ideas. With all of this neural activity, one tends to shift from inspiration to ambitition, then distraction, deflation, and finally frustration… all in short succession.
I’m no Energizer Bunny! The constant mixing of all that brain traffic and roller coaster mood-swinging can be exhausting. And being this way, my ABs (Ambition Batteries) often require recharging. Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention. I agree. And I’ve not only discovered the necessity to recharge my ambition batteries, but I’ve also invented several methods to do it. These work for me anyway…
Discover what inspires you, and inspire yourself with it regularly: For me, this means audio books, success stories on YouTube, and casual drives through rich neighborhoods. Although I’m always looking for new ones, I listen to the same 2 audio books over and over and over again. Each time, I get something totally new from them and ALWAYS a charge to my “ABs!” I love watching clips from interviews and documentaries on YouTube about successful people. There’s just something very inspiring about see “how they did it.” I love driving through neighborhoods of the wealthy. I like to see their lavish yards, fancy cars and amazing houses. It helps me to remember what’s possible with hard work, creativity, and innovative thinking.
Surround yourself with like-minded “birds of a feather”: You don’t play in the mud with pigs without getting dirty, and you don’t surround yourself with smokers without eventually smelling like one. The same can be said about cleanliness, education and success. Becoming what you want to be can be greatly accelerated by associating with those who are already living it.
Keep your eye on the prize through lists: Achieving many little goals leads to achieve the big ones. Slow-going or not, a step in the right direction every day will eventually result in arriving at the desired destination. I’m a total list-maker. Every day I create a new list, check things off when they’re done, and then start over again the next day. Writing things down not only frees up my mind for more active brain traffic, but it also helps me sleep more soundly, feel more accomplished, actually achieve more goals, and, in the end, keep my “ABs” charged.
I’m also a very idea-infatuated person. I’ve got more ideas bouncing around in my little head than Las Vegas has hotel rooms! Some of them are even good ideas. With all of this neural activity, one tends to shift from inspiration to ambitition, then distraction, deflation, and finally frustration… all in short succession.
I’m no Energizer Bunny! The constant mixing of all that brain traffic and roller coaster mood-swinging can be exhausting. And being this way, my ABs (Ambition Batteries) often require recharging. Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention. I agree. And I’ve not only discovered the necessity to recharge my ambition batteries, but I’ve also invented several methods to do it. These work for me anyway…
Discover what inspires you, and inspire yourself with it regularly: For me, this means audio books, success stories on YouTube, and casual drives through rich neighborhoods. Although I’m always looking for new ones, I listen to the same 2 audio books over and over and over again. Each time, I get something totally new from them and ALWAYS a charge to my “ABs!” I love watching clips from interviews and documentaries on YouTube about successful people. There’s just something very inspiring about see “how they did it.” I love driving through neighborhoods of the wealthy. I like to see their lavish yards, fancy cars and amazing houses. It helps me to remember what’s possible with hard work, creativity, and innovative thinking.
Surround yourself with like-minded “birds of a feather”: You don’t play in the mud with pigs without getting dirty, and you don’t surround yourself with smokers without eventually smelling like one. The same can be said about cleanliness, education and success. Becoming what you want to be can be greatly accelerated by associating with those who are already living it.
Keep your eye on the prize through lists: Achieving many little goals leads to achieve the big ones. Slow-going or not, a step in the right direction every day will eventually result in arriving at the desired destination. I’m a total list-maker. Every day I create a new list, check things off when they’re done, and then start over again the next day. Writing things down not only frees up my mind for more active brain traffic, but it also helps me sleep more soundly, feel more accomplished, actually achieve more goals, and, in the end, keep my “ABs” charged.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Simple Words of Wisdom
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic and power in it. Begin it now.”
~ W. H. Murray
~ W. H. Murray
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Most Recent Logo Design
I just finished this logo design for a company in California called "House of Chocolate."
I've been told that the difference between a customer and a client is "repeat business." Most of the logo design work I do is for one-timers. Not too many people need more than one logo design unless they're ambitious enough to have more than one business venture going on. Consiquently, I typically don't hear back from my customers after finishing their logo designs. Every once in a while, though, I'll get an extra ambitious customer who, after having worked with me before and loving what we came up with, will commission me for another project, thus officially becoming one of my "clients." I love these business relationships. Typically all that is required are the details of the new design and we're off and running.
This logo was done for a "Client." This particular client was a delight to work with. She didn't even contact me to let me know she needed a new logo in an email. Instead, I suddenly had a 50% deposit arrive in my Paypal account with a little note from her saying that she need another design. What a lovely surprise! Wish all my business dealings could be so easy. Thanks House of Chocolate! Mmmmm... Kind of makes your mouth water, doesn't it?Monday, September 01, 2008
"Training Wheels" #5
Well, today was a holiday (Labor Day) and I used my free time to write. Knowing how important my creative time is to me, my wife was kind enough to "allow" me to hide in my office for a large part of the day. Eventually I came out long enough to get some "extra Saturday" work done in the garage, but by then I had already had my fill of being creative.
I finally finished writing my 5th "Training Wheels" children's story today! I've been working on this one for a while, and I'm really happy with it. It's called "The Tree-Man's Trade." I tested it out tonight on my two little daughters for their bedtime story tonight. They were entertained, and that is all I could ask for. My oldest, being my biggest fan, paid extra close attention to the story, and when it was finished, told me that she was very proud of me for writing such a great story. What a good kid.
Now I've got to get these first 5 stories illustrated and find myself a good literary agent. Not sure what that's going to run me, but I'm assuming it won't be cheep. I'm going to start my 6th title tomorrow. I've already got a lot of ideas for it.
I finally finished writing my 5th "Training Wheels" children's story today! I've been working on this one for a while, and I'm really happy with it. It's called "The Tree-Man's Trade." I tested it out tonight on my two little daughters for their bedtime story tonight. They were entertained, and that is all I could ask for. My oldest, being my biggest fan, paid extra close attention to the story, and when it was finished, told me that she was very proud of me for writing such a great story. What a good kid.
Now I've got to get these first 5 stories illustrated and find myself a good literary agent. Not sure what that's going to run me, but I'm assuming it won't be cheep. I'm going to start my 6th title tomorrow. I've already got a lot of ideas for it.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
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Friday, August 22, 2008
The Theory of Mediocrity
There's a funny (and I use the word "funny" very loosely here) relationship between most bosses and their employees. It's been said that the word "JOB" is an acronym for Just Over Broke. This would fit right into my perspective on employment. The way I figure it, employees work just hard enough to not get fired, and employers pay just enough to keep their employees from quitting. It’s a horrible tug-of-war between two parties who have only themselves at heart and only mediocrity in mind.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Quote for the day:
"Sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn."
- Robert T. Kiyosaki (Rich Dad, Poor Dad)
- Robert T. Kiyosaki (Rich Dad, Poor Dad)
Friday, August 15, 2008
Casual Friday
Reason #476 to not work for someone else;
Office “Equality” (Psshhhh….right!)
Like every Friday morning, I started out the workday in a good mood. Not only is it Friday, but “casual Friday.” Every Friday is casual Friday at my office. Like many offices, though, the word “casual” is used quite… well, casually. All it really means is that you’re allowed to wear jeans instead of slacks, a t-shirt instead of a dress shirt, and, if you’re feeling really lazy (which I always am on Friday mornings) a hat. So, this morning, I’m wearing one of my many Hard Rock Café hats, as usual.
When I got to the office, I noticed that everyone else had dawned their “Friday-best” as well. “Ace” had his t-shirt, jeans and hat on to match his funky shoes (the guys got more shoes than most women!), “Hyena” (don’t judge me…every office has its cackler…) was wearing her khaki capris, “Dung” was wearing his jeans…wait…go back. Hyena was wearing capris? Ugh… No, this wasn’t the first time, by any means, but today it got to me for some reason. Those nasty, pudgy, pale, white legs… for only showing about 6 inches length of skin per limb, they’re pretty gross. My mood soured a bit.
I must have been in a trance, because I didn’t even here my supervisor approach. Suddenly he was just standing next to me with my paycheck in hand. “And how’s Ty doin’ today?,” It fell out of his mouth almost like an involuntary reaction to seeing me. He says it that way verbatim every single day. I wonder if he even knows he's doing it? I always want to look around the immediate vicinity, and say back, “Oh, are you talking TO me? Why don’t you ask Ty directly and maybe Ty will tell you.”
“Fine, thanks, how are you?” This was my actual reply.
I’m usually pretty tame at work. I don’t talk a whole lot, though I am a bit of a jokester. I work well with others and I blend into the productivity model well. I always have good marks in my reviews. So, as I stared at Hyena’s capris, it surprised even me when out of my mouth came the words, “So, what exactly is the difference between capris and shorts?”
My supervisor, “Poptart” was a bit taken back. Of course I don’t call him Poptart to his face. Ace and I call him that because he always seems to pop up whenever we’re off-task or chit-chatting. He followed my gaze to Hyena, looked back at me, and replied. “Capris hang below the knees.”
“That’s it?” I snapped. “So if I were to wear shorts that hang below the knees, that would be fine?”
“No, shorts are not allowed.” He said.I knew this, and I knew he knew I knew it. This seemed like a technicality, though, and a matter of work-place semantics. Seeing Hyena in capris had totally changed my mood because it reminded me of something that has bugged me ever since I started working here. Other co-workers had been breaking the company’s dress code long before this incident, but I’d always just ignored it before. Today, for some reason, I had to say something.
“Why is it that business casual is different for women than it is for men?” I said semi-sarcastically. When no reply came quickly I went on. “This office is full of women who where spaghetti strap tank-tops, capris, low-cut blouses, short shorts, open-toe shoes, and even outfit-matching hats on a regular basis! And that’s not even on casual Friday! Why can’t a man wear shorts or flip flops on casual Fridays?”
“Ugh…” sputtered Poptart.
“If you say it’s because I’m a man, you’d better be careful, because THAT is sexual discrimination.”
I pulled out the employee dress-code book and looked up the details of casual Friday and read them aloud. I tried to keep my voice light and jokey, but didn’t want to compromise the legitimacy of my point. No names were mentioned in my descriptions of the office's eye-sores, but many generalities were made. In the end, my supervisor jokingly threatened to put us all in uniforms. I told him that was a GREAT idea, as long as all of us had to do it.
After all, men and women are equals now, right? Isn't that what they've been fighting for all these years; the right to be treated equally in the workplace??
Psshhh… Yeah, right.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Recent Logo
I just finished a logo design for yet another gift basket business. Usually women, the owners of these gift basket businesses are always a delight to work for. Then again, creating logos for any business is usually a good gig. If you think about it, anyone who needs a logo is probably starting a NEW business, and if you're starting a new business, you're probably excited about it.
Hence, 99% of all my logo clients are excited and a joy to work with! Gotta love that! Not to mention, my logo work becomes my own employee in disguise. I send my work out there and people see it. The owner of the new logo is proud of their logo and they show it off with enthusiasm. They WANT people to see it and WANT to talk about it when asked about it. There rarely any need for me to advertise beyond that. After all, it's true what they say; word of mouth really is the best form of marketing.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Amor
Last night I finished the design of the "Amor" word tangle at the request of someone who had been browsing my Etsy storefront. His request was actually for the word "Amore" (notice the "e" at the end), which is Italian. So, I decided to create two versions of this tangle reasoning that the Spanish version (with no "e") would probably also be valuable as a finished tangle. So, I've got two new word tangles... sort of.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
My first official S.O.P. project
So, after weighing my options over the weekend, I carefully narrowed down my list of ideas, and have decided that my first S.O.P. (Succeed On Purpose) project ought to be children’s books. Of all my ideas, this seems to be the one that I have the most control over. Control, in this case, translates into a higher probability of success simply because there are fewer outside factors to inhibit me. I’m only dealing with my time, my talent, my motivation. I’ve always enjoyed writing, and illustrating comes naturally to me. I’ve already written several things that will all go into this project.
Happy with my new focus, I told my wife on Friday night about my S.O.P. strategy. She thought it was good too, until she heard which of my ideas I had settled on to start with. She’s never shared my vision for this one, and that’s okay. Don’t get me wrong, she thinks I’m a good writer and artist, but she thinks the particular project I’ve decided on isn’t the most promising. Let me explain.
As a big ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ fan, I realized some years ago that there is a virtually un-tapped market out there waiting for someone to dive into. It’s the rich (or soon-to-be rich) kids, the smart kids, and kids with proactive parents and anyone else who just wants to start educating…well, sooner. I believe kids are much smarter and capable than we give them credit for. I think kids now days are brighter, and that their general learning curves are shorter than ever before. I think they’re capable of learning things earlier than we actively teach them. Robert Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad” started teaching him as a young boy to be financially literate. He started early and on purpose, and he kept things simple at first. The resulting foundation that was built was sturdy and has far exceeded mere endurance.
Accordingly, my idea is to create a series of books based on the principles and concepts that we, sponges of information, don’t typically learn until a little later on. I think many things are not learned earlier simply because they’re not taught any earlier. But kids pick up on much more of what they’re exposed to than just what they’re actually taught. For instance, how many kids sense marital tensions between their parents and figure out there’s a problem? How many parents discover that the “code” they’ve been using (be it Pig-Latin, sign or just spelling things out) to keep their kids in the dark hasn’t worked for months, and all of a sudden, Junior knows there’s no Easter Bunny? My own six-year-old, who hasn’t even started 1st grade yet, is already sending me text messages on my wife’s phone and building a miniature empire in the online world of Webkins for heaven’s sake!
I told "K" that my idea is to create these books to introduce young kids to principles (which they will eventually learn anyway) through rhymes and fables. Will they understand the principles immediately when reading the rhymes and fables? Not likely. Does that even matter? Not at all. How many kids understand the lesson behind “Oh, The places you’ll go” by Dr. Seuss? The POINT is to entertain them, like any other book. If the underlying message is perceived at all, it’ll be merely to introduce them to the principles…perhaps only via osmosis. I’ve always believed that when it comes to children’s books, you sell the words to the parents and you sell the illustrations to the kids. Eventually, though, the words will sink in. Entertain them now with illustrations and clever rhymes and perhaps someday, while in an elementary or middle school class learning about some fundamental principle, they just might look BACK at these childhood stories and say something like, “Oh, hey, this is just like the story of the….” The trick here is to keep things simple, and not to give in to the temptation to over explain or complicate. Teach just the principles.
The types of books "K" would like to see me writing and illustrating are the kind of books that have withstood the test of time and sales. They’re the type that focus more on morals, values, attributes, and personal character. While I can appreciate her perspective as a mother and consumer, and certainly her sense of “what already works and sells”, I also feel like that defeats my whole novel idea; the idea that kids are capable of handling more complex principles. Both of these perspectives are useful, but only one is novel. Anyone can write about the ABC’s or the 123’s. Anyone can write about opposites or colors. Anyone can create characters and wrap them in a cute story that teaches bravery, honesty or helpfulness. But that’s been done…over and over and over again. I want to tackle the challenge of simplifying general priciples for KIDS! Not everyone can do that.
In the end, I think there’s a very good chance that "K" will be right. I think my idea will be a tough sell. But, it’ll either sell or it won’t. Those are the only two outcomes. I’ll never know if I don’t try, and I’ll always regret it if I opt to conform. I like the idea, so I’m going to go for it. This project will be much more interesting to me than writing something that will ultimately become camouflaged in the sea of conventional children’s books.
Happy with my new focus, I told my wife on Friday night about my S.O.P. strategy. She thought it was good too, until she heard which of my ideas I had settled on to start with. She’s never shared my vision for this one, and that’s okay. Don’t get me wrong, she thinks I’m a good writer and artist, but she thinks the particular project I’ve decided on isn’t the most promising. Let me explain.
As a big ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ fan, I realized some years ago that there is a virtually un-tapped market out there waiting for someone to dive into. It’s the rich (or soon-to-be rich) kids, the smart kids, and kids with proactive parents and anyone else who just wants to start educating…well, sooner. I believe kids are much smarter and capable than we give them credit for. I think kids now days are brighter, and that their general learning curves are shorter than ever before. I think they’re capable of learning things earlier than we actively teach them. Robert Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad” started teaching him as a young boy to be financially literate. He started early and on purpose, and he kept things simple at first. The resulting foundation that was built was sturdy and has far exceeded mere endurance.
Accordingly, my idea is to create a series of books based on the principles and concepts that we, sponges of information, don’t typically learn until a little later on. I think many things are not learned earlier simply because they’re not taught any earlier. But kids pick up on much more of what they’re exposed to than just what they’re actually taught. For instance, how many kids sense marital tensions between their parents and figure out there’s a problem? How many parents discover that the “code” they’ve been using (be it Pig-Latin, sign or just spelling things out) to keep their kids in the dark hasn’t worked for months, and all of a sudden, Junior knows there’s no Easter Bunny? My own six-year-old, who hasn’t even started 1st grade yet, is already sending me text messages on my wife’s phone and building a miniature empire in the online world of Webkins for heaven’s sake!
I told "K" that my idea is to create these books to introduce young kids to principles (which they will eventually learn anyway) through rhymes and fables. Will they understand the principles immediately when reading the rhymes and fables? Not likely. Does that even matter? Not at all. How many kids understand the lesson behind “Oh, The places you’ll go” by Dr. Seuss? The POINT is to entertain them, like any other book. If the underlying message is perceived at all, it’ll be merely to introduce them to the principles…perhaps only via osmosis. I’ve always believed that when it comes to children’s books, you sell the words to the parents and you sell the illustrations to the kids. Eventually, though, the words will sink in. Entertain them now with illustrations and clever rhymes and perhaps someday, while in an elementary or middle school class learning about some fundamental principle, they just might look BACK at these childhood stories and say something like, “Oh, hey, this is just like the story of the….” The trick here is to keep things simple, and not to give in to the temptation to over explain or complicate. Teach just the principles.
The types of books "K" would like to see me writing and illustrating are the kind of books that have withstood the test of time and sales. They’re the type that focus more on morals, values, attributes, and personal character. While I can appreciate her perspective as a mother and consumer, and certainly her sense of “what already works and sells”, I also feel like that defeats my whole novel idea; the idea that kids are capable of handling more complex principles. Both of these perspectives are useful, but only one is novel. Anyone can write about the ABC’s or the 123’s. Anyone can write about opposites or colors. Anyone can create characters and wrap them in a cute story that teaches bravery, honesty or helpfulness. But that’s been done…over and over and over again. I want to tackle the challenge of simplifying general priciples for KIDS! Not everyone can do that.
In the end, I think there’s a very good chance that "K" will be right. I think my idea will be a tough sell. But, it’ll either sell or it won’t. Those are the only two outcomes. I’ll never know if I don’t try, and I’ll always regret it if I opt to conform. I like the idea, so I’m going to go for it. This project will be much more interesting to me than writing something that will ultimately become camouflaged in the sea of conventional children’s books.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Succeed on Purpose
For the last few days, I’ve been doing a lot of research on JK Rowling. Internet searches have led me through pod casts (or “Potter Casts” as they’re called in the Harry Potter world), videos, interviews, documentaries, statistics, and images. I’m VERY interested in her, first as a writer of my favorite science fiction book series, and second as a person who has achieved phenomenal success just by doing what she loves. She’s very realistic and humble about her success. Like that.
My existing deep interest in JKR has been super-heightened over the past few days after a conversation I had with my mom and wife while the former was in town visiting this last weekend. I was discussing with them both how much I enjoyed the HP books (I’ve been listening to Jim Dale’s audio reading of ‘The Deathly Hallows” at work), and how much talent she has when, all of a sudden, my wife blurted out how creative I am. I was a bit taken back. She mentioned to my mom about a book idea I had described to her years ago. This particular idea has always been severely underdeveloped, but she (evidently) thought the idea had real potential even back when I had first mentioned it to her. Until this conversation, though, I’d never known her enthusiasm for the concept. I was flattered, to say the least. She's always been supportive of my aspirations, but never this openly interested about any of them, besides maybe LittleLDS.
Anyway, after discarding my humility about the idea, I finally consented to explain the little detail I did have formulated for the book idea. My mom seemed to think it was an interesting idea too. Both of them suggested that day that I ought to explore, even if only for fun, the option of actually fully developing and writing a book. I laughed but admittedly began working it out in my head.
I’ve been toying with the logistics writing a book for the last week or so. This is why my interest in JKR has intensified so much. I’ve been hypothesizing, fantasizing, and even daydreaming of the idea ever since. I’ve fleshed out a few solid ideas, but haven’t committed myself to the idea fully. Like always.
Like always… Hhhh…
This morning, this really started eating at me. The fact that, “like always” I’ve not fully committed myself to the idea. If I’m truthful with myself, I’ve never really fully committed myself to ANY idea. I’ve played with ideas before, and even made seemingly good strides in the development of some of my ideas. But, where my ideas are concerned, LittleLDS, I think, has been my single greatest achievement. Writing it out even now, though, seems almost pathetic. Nothing substantial has ever come of that idea. Granted, as ideas go, it’s gotten much farther than any other. It’s gone from concept to actual sellable product. That’s something, right? I mean, it’s given me a small taste of what it’s like to actually DO it. But even with all the tradeshows, marketing ploys, and commercial networking attempts, it’s still gone nowhere. Very few people even know it exists. It’s generated a negative net value overall and hasn’t got any foreseeable future without serious effort. I’m not above effort…Even I know that’s just due process, but I am a realist. It’s probably not ever going to go much further than this.
After watching dozens of videos on my favorite entrepreneurs and role models, I’ve been given a renewed perspective that I can appreciate. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from any successful person I’ve ever really admired, it is that they didn’t give up. They had an idea and WENT for it. They saw it through to completion. The scale of their success may have been unforeseen, but their disire to accomplish their goals were pre-determined and absolute.
Now, because I don’t know any of these successful giants personally, I don’t know how really focused there were during their respective journeys toward success. For all I know, they were all as scattered as I feel with my many ambitious ideas. I doubt it, but it’s possible. As I’ve reflected on this point today, however, I’ve realized that I really need to add purpose and focus to my effort. I need to CHOOSE just ONE thing I believe in and go for it. I’ve done that once – with LittleLDS – and though it wasn’t the raving success I envisioned, I am VERY proud of having done it. It feels good to have one under my belt. I still feel very satisfied whenever the planets align just right and I actually do get that one single sale each year. What really matters is that my idea…this ONE concept, was nothing more than a thought before I did something with it. LittleLDS exists because I pulled it out of my head and did something.
So here’s my NEW resolution: to succeed on purpose. This means to DECIDE in advance what I want to achieve, PLAN how I want to work it out, and then DOING what I’ve set out to do. To this end, I’ll do three things each day. First, I’ll review my goal and recharge my motivational drive, then I’ll take action toward achieving that goal with a reachable milestone for that day, and finally, I’ll document my progress and then begin again. If I step forward every day, even if each of my steps are miniscule, tomorrow will always find me closer to my successes than yesterday did.
Because I have so many ideas, the most important thing for ME will probably be to prioritize first. I need to look at all my ideas, and decide which ones are realistically achievable, and which ones are more likely just pipe dreams.
Then I need to decide which of my achievable goals I can do without the assistance of others. I know this probably doesn’t sound smart, but it seems like every time I try to achieve a goal that depends on the time, talents or motivation of someone else I fail. So, for me, I need to narrow down my ideas to just ones that can be worked out alone. I alone can control my time. I alone will motivate my actions, and I alone have full access to my talents. Therefore, I need to focus on an idea that involves only me.
Next, I need to decide which of these few ideas, have the greatest potential when finished. Which have the greatest chance to catch someone’s eye, open someone’s wallet, or ultimately close the deal? Which one has the greatest leverage with respect to my invested time & talent vs. a profit margin?
Finally, I need to decide HOW I want to bring the idea to completion. I need to create a completion schedule with waypoints, dates, and contingencies plans.
I begin today.
My existing deep interest in JKR has been super-heightened over the past few days after a conversation I had with my mom and wife while the former was in town visiting this last weekend. I was discussing with them both how much I enjoyed the HP books (I’ve been listening to Jim Dale’s audio reading of ‘The Deathly Hallows” at work), and how much talent she has when, all of a sudden, my wife blurted out how creative I am. I was a bit taken back. She mentioned to my mom about a book idea I had described to her years ago. This particular idea has always been severely underdeveloped, but she (evidently) thought the idea had real potential even back when I had first mentioned it to her. Until this conversation, though, I’d never known her enthusiasm for the concept. I was flattered, to say the least. She's always been supportive of my aspirations, but never this openly interested about any of them, besides maybe LittleLDS.
Anyway, after discarding my humility about the idea, I finally consented to explain the little detail I did have formulated for the book idea. My mom seemed to think it was an interesting idea too. Both of them suggested that day that I ought to explore, even if only for fun, the option of actually fully developing and writing a book. I laughed but admittedly began working it out in my head.
I’ve been toying with the logistics writing a book for the last week or so. This is why my interest in JKR has intensified so much. I’ve been hypothesizing, fantasizing, and even daydreaming of the idea ever since. I’ve fleshed out a few solid ideas, but haven’t committed myself to the idea fully. Like always.
Like always… Hhhh…
This morning, this really started eating at me. The fact that, “like always” I’ve not fully committed myself to the idea. If I’m truthful with myself, I’ve never really fully committed myself to ANY idea. I’ve played with ideas before, and even made seemingly good strides in the development of some of my ideas. But, where my ideas are concerned, LittleLDS, I think, has been my single greatest achievement. Writing it out even now, though, seems almost pathetic. Nothing substantial has ever come of that idea. Granted, as ideas go, it’s gotten much farther than any other. It’s gone from concept to actual sellable product. That’s something, right? I mean, it’s given me a small taste of what it’s like to actually DO it. But even with all the tradeshows, marketing ploys, and commercial networking attempts, it’s still gone nowhere. Very few people even know it exists. It’s generated a negative net value overall and hasn’t got any foreseeable future without serious effort. I’m not above effort…Even I know that’s just due process, but I am a realist. It’s probably not ever going to go much further than this.
After watching dozens of videos on my favorite entrepreneurs and role models, I’ve been given a renewed perspective that I can appreciate. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from any successful person I’ve ever really admired, it is that they didn’t give up. They had an idea and WENT for it. They saw it through to completion. The scale of their success may have been unforeseen, but their disire to accomplish their goals were pre-determined and absolute.
Now, because I don’t know any of these successful giants personally, I don’t know how really focused there were during their respective journeys toward success. For all I know, they were all as scattered as I feel with my many ambitious ideas. I doubt it, but it’s possible. As I’ve reflected on this point today, however, I’ve realized that I really need to add purpose and focus to my effort. I need to CHOOSE just ONE thing I believe in and go for it. I’ve done that once – with LittleLDS – and though it wasn’t the raving success I envisioned, I am VERY proud of having done it. It feels good to have one under my belt. I still feel very satisfied whenever the planets align just right and I actually do get that one single sale each year. What really matters is that my idea…this ONE concept, was nothing more than a thought before I did something with it. LittleLDS exists because I pulled it out of my head and did something.
So here’s my NEW resolution: to succeed on purpose. This means to DECIDE in advance what I want to achieve, PLAN how I want to work it out, and then DOING what I’ve set out to do. To this end, I’ll do three things each day. First, I’ll review my goal and recharge my motivational drive, then I’ll take action toward achieving that goal with a reachable milestone for that day, and finally, I’ll document my progress and then begin again. If I step forward every day, even if each of my steps are miniscule, tomorrow will always find me closer to my successes than yesterday did.
Because I have so many ideas, the most important thing for ME will probably be to prioritize first. I need to look at all my ideas, and decide which ones are realistically achievable, and which ones are more likely just pipe dreams.
Then I need to decide which of my achievable goals I can do without the assistance of others. I know this probably doesn’t sound smart, but it seems like every time I try to achieve a goal that depends on the time, talents or motivation of someone else I fail. So, for me, I need to narrow down my ideas to just ones that can be worked out alone. I alone can control my time. I alone will motivate my actions, and I alone have full access to my talents. Therefore, I need to focus on an idea that involves only me.
Next, I need to decide which of these few ideas, have the greatest potential when finished. Which have the greatest chance to catch someone’s eye, open someone’s wallet, or ultimately close the deal? Which one has the greatest leverage with respect to my invested time & talent vs. a profit margin?
Finally, I need to decide HOW I want to bring the idea to completion. I need to create a completion schedule with waypoints, dates, and contingencies plans.
I begin today.
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