How would you fill in the "blanks"?

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here

Inspiration sparks creativity and creativity powers action, and this, as we know leads to getting it done - And getting it done, more often than not, takes us to wonderful places... if only to say, "Hey everyone, look what I did!" 

Inspiration is defined as something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create, and is very much individual. For me, inspiration seems to come from watching the "hustle and bustle" of the world, nature, friends, as well as the biographies, lives and creativity of others* (a majority of whom I will never have the pleasure of meeting) - It is in the creativity of others where I have found my latest inspiration.

It came to me as an "interactive" birthday quote by Neil Gaiman** where the sender can fill in the blanks for the well wishes of the coming year (at least this is how I've interpreted it). The quote looks like this before it is filled in: 

" I hope you have a {fill in blank} year, that you will {fill in blank} dangerously and outrageously, that you'll {fill in blank}, that you will {fill in blank} and that you will {fill in blank}, and that you will have {fill in blank}. And most importantly (because I think there should be more {fill in blank} and {fill in blank} in the world right now) that {fill in blank}, when you need to be, {fill in blank} and that you will {fill in blank}."

Neil Gaiman filled it out like this - 

"I hope you have a wonderful year, that you will dream dangerously and outrageously, that you'll make something that didn't exist before, that you will be loved, and that you will be liked, and that you will have people to love and like in return. And most importantly (because I think there should be more kindness and wisdom in the world right now) that you will, when you need to be, be wise and that you will always be kind."

Inspiration is found in the quote itself to be sure, but it is the creativity behind the quote that has captured my imagination. This creativity offers a framework to make something that has amazing birthday wishes, thought and meaning... and as we all know, fifteen minutes of heart felt effort will trump a pricy gift anytime.

Being more creative still, if you "fill in the blanks" as if you are sending this to your self, it can be used to develop your mantra, your goals and your aspirations - The core values at the heart of who you are, where you want to go, and what you want to be. 

And there is an importance in doing this... it can help ensure your plans, your activities and everything you are doing are aligned with your core vision. Because as you know, being misaligned with this will have you spinning your wheels, missing your goals and probably making you unhappy more often than not.

The utility of this quote is really quite versatile it seems and with all of that said, here what it looks like when I fill in the blanks:

" I hope you have a phenomenal year, that you will explore dangerously and outrageously, that you'll continue to stretch yourself beyond what you know, that you will be mindful and that you will be exhilarated with what you do, and that you will have fun with it. And most importantly (because I think there should be more involvement and collaboration in the world right now) that you will, when you need to be, be present and that you will help those around you."

And if you decide to fill in your own blanks, don't be surprised if it takes you longer than you thought. 

All rather inspirational don't you think?

iamgpe

* The creativity of my daughter offers me regular inspiration.

** Neil Gaiman is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theatre and films. His notable works include the comic book series The Sandman and novels Stardust, American Gods, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book. He has won numerous awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker awards, as well as the Newbery and Carnegie medals. His commencement speak entitled "Make Good Art" is a must see.

Is your vision aligned?

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

I was at a meeting a while back when a business leader suggested the need to spend some time together to ensure our "visions are aligned" - There was great leadership in this simple request. In it, he would ensure the parties around the table truly had a vision and in turn understood their goals, as well as ensuring that there was a commonality and in that effectively work together. 

A vision, or vision statement is sometimes called a picture of you in the future, but it'’s so much more than that. Your vision is your inspiration, the framework for all your planning and all of your activities. Individuals and organizations should have a vision and it should be in a form that is easy to articulate... it should roll of the tongue effortlessly.

One obvious reason is that "everything you do" should be connected to your "vision for the future", allowing you will achieve whatever you have in mind for yourself. As the conversation between Alice and the Cheshire Cat tells us , "if you don't know where you are going, it doesn't matter what road you take" ( What they didn't mention is that some roads are easier to travel than others ).

Another reason for an articulated vision, and I will suggest even more important than above, is that very few things are ever built alone... success comes when you work with others. Having a vision that is very easy to articulate makes it simple for people to understand, engage, and align - People rallying around a common vision is how momentum to do incredible things gets started, and more importantly sustained. This is where motivational sayings are made. 

But, what happens when you find yourself in a situation where your visions do not aligned?

• Differing agendas and personal conflict.
• Poor and ineffective execution.
• Frustration.
• Lost opportunity and wasted effort.
• Mediocrity. 

This is a result of not being able to clearly articulate visions and determine if there is commonality, synergy and alignment to make things happen. Understanding this, is where leadership is made. 

Having different visions is just fine, but trying to build something with misaligned visions is precarious to say the least. It is important that all of us bring a clear vision to "the table", so we all know what we will rally behind ... or not.

gpe