How many times have you heard someone say, “Whatever you think you are is what you will be?” My guess is more times than you can probably remember. This morning I was thinking about this piece of wisdom and trying to remember specific instances where my life experience has given me proof of this truth.
photo credit Patricia A. Patton
How to Unlock The Creative You
For example when I worked a 9-5 job full time job, and felt unfilled, I found ways to create new tasks within my authority on the job. It was 1998 and I was hell bent on getting involved in the Internet. I knew how to write and communicate a message although I was paid to manage an office and to track money in and out of North America. This was before the the onset of the “storytelling” and “branding of individuals” conversation that is so prevalent now. I knew that computers could amass more data than the brain and probably would become a vehicle for sharing information. At 18 I had worked as a librarian at the Boeing Computer Center moving ginormous files on carts from engineer’s desks to shelves. I was enough of an early adapter, although not a millennial, to perceive the coming trend in terms of the travel industry. Perhaps most importantly, I was able to translate some of what was happening in the wider world to those who were paying me. This temporarily supported my creative undertakings. I helped my superiors understand the need for the company to rethink its public engagement. For me it was either be unhappy or make a way. I chose to find a way, make one. For my own sanity I created a vehicle for learning for myself. And until 911, this solution was enough to keep me somewhat occupied.
When You Must Change Your Mind
In my current life as a Boomer strategist and Futurist helping women find ways to articulate and implement their What’s Next, I revisited the same challenge of unlocking my creative self. I needed to find a way to penetrate the wider blogging public’s consciousness. I wish life was such that once you learn a lesson you don”t have to repeat the lesson. But I have not found this to be true in life. Sometimes it takes repeating a lesson to fully internalize it. In the blogging arena because things change rapidly you can lose both your focus and your way. If you are lucky enough to get back on track, and for this I mean, you are able to get back to doing what gives you occasional goosebumps or makes you feel fulfilled, then you can pivot and do that rather than chase recognition or affirmation. When you are doing what you love, you don’t need affirmation. Eerily, affirmation will come looking for you.
Can’t Find a Way Then Make One
It’s not enough to simply know one’s truth. The real deal is to be able to live what one believes. I have become really adept at the ” If you can’t find a way make one” skill. Just this past winter I totally focused on putting one aspect of What’s Next in my personal life in place. I wanted to begin spending winters in a warm place. Hurricane Sandy kicked me to the curb emotionally and I no longer want to spend hard winters in the East. I began working to make this major life shift possible. I am happy to report that this became a reality from December 7th 2014 to March 1, 2015 (more on that another time). It wasn’t because I had more resources than many of my friends that I was able to do this because I don’t. What I do have is the ability to make something happen. It’s my own little genius skill and it started with my belief that if I can’t find a way, then I make one. And I can help you do the same.
Is there anything you’ve been trying to put into place that you’d like help on? If so, send me a message or set up a free 10 minute consultation.
teri speight says
Wow. Reading this made me think what can I make happen, what strategies do I need to embrace to make positive movement happen in my world? Thanks for the manna for thought……
Patricia A Patton says
My absolute pleasure.