CreativityNow

Bonus 11: Planning by starting at the end

To illustrate the planning by working backward method, I’ll tell you how I worked backward to create the “Tame Your Inner Critic” programme that I sell via the internet.

 I knew that the end product I wanted as a complete programme that would help people who have a really stubborn inner critic to transform it into a constructive inner guide.

 Taking one step back, I knew that the process I have used successfully many times to do this is a guided visualisation, so that at least part of the programme would consist of an audio track containing that extended visualisation. That one would be to listen to only when the person would not be disturbed and that it would take them into a deep state of relaxation.

 But before that, it would be useful for people to know how their own inner critic works.

 And even before that, it would be useful for people to understand the whole concept of the inner critic in a general way.

 I decided to create one audio track for each of these sections.

 While the transformation audio has to be listened to, I felt that some people might like to have a transcript of the first two sections to read, if that was their preferred way of learning). So I decided to include transcripts of those two sections as part of the package.

 I also knew from my experience that while people often use these kinds of visualisations once or twice, to really cement the transformation it’s useful to be reminded every day for at least 21 days. So I decided to add a whole month’s worth of little audio tracks that I call Power Boosts. People can listen to these at the start of every day to remind themselves to be positive.

 Finally, I also know that some people who are hurt by their inner critic also are very sensitive to criticism from other people, so I decided to include a bonus short report on how to deal with ‘outer’ criticism.

 Then of course it made sense to create a “read me” file that tells people in which order and how to use the materials. That file would be the start of the whole programme.

 Working backward gave me the road map to all the elements of the project. Then I took them one by one and worked backward for each of them. For example, in order to record the visualisation, I had to record it. In order to record it, I had to write a script. In order to write the script I first did a mind map to get down all my thoughts.

 I followed that process for all three of the audio tracks/transcriptions.

 I was already experienced in recording audio tracks, but if I hadn’t been, I could have followed the same process: in order to record, I would need a computer and software (I use Garageband with my Mac); in order to get the sound into the computer with high quality, I would need a microphone (I use a Snowball USB by Blue microphones); in order to listen to the sound as I record it with the microphone, I would need headphones (I use Plantronics headphones) and so on.

 Working backward like that makes any big project a lot easier to achieve by turning it into smaller chunks and leads you logically to the order in which you need to do them. Give it a try yourself the next time you tackle a larger project.

 (PS: if you want to find out more about the Tame Your Inner Critic programme, go to www.tameyourinnercritic.com/sales.html)

Bonus 12: Mind mapping software

I do much of my mind-mapping using paper and pen but there’s no question that mind mapping software can be extremely useful, especially if you want to incorporate your mind maps into Power Point or Keynote presentations or include them in books, handouts, etc. Here is a quick overview of some of the best mind mapping software available:

 Free

 Compendium – PC, Mac, Linus. The site says: Many people use Compendium to manage their personal digital information resources since you can drag+drop in any document, website, email, image, etc, organise them visually, and then connect ideas, arguments and decisions to these. Compentidum thus becomes the 'glue' that allows you to pool and make sense of disparate material that would otherwise remain fragmented in different software applications. You can assign your own keyword 'tags' to these elements (icons), create your own palettes of icons that have special meanings, overlay maps on top of background images, and place/edit a given icon in many different places at once: things don't always fit neatly into just one box in real life. The tutorials include videos and exercises and shows you how the programme is being used within the Open University. See www.compendium.ac.uk.

 

FreeMind – PC, Mac, Linux. Somewhat barebones, but it’s free. Good if you need a minimum of hand-holding. See www.freemind.sourceforge.net

 

Sort of free

 

TheBrain –PC, Mac, Linux. TheBrain technology can be utilized on corporate intranets, desktops, and the Internet. Some applications include: customer care, project management, dynamic mind mapping, IT management and helpdesks, impact assessment, competitive intelligence, marketing and sales support, and personal information management. TheBrain has two primary products: PersonalBrain for individual users and BrainEKP, an enterprise knowledge platform for group collaboration. The interface is unusual in that it’s a dynamic “floating” image and when you click on any of the links you have created, that one moves to the center and you see the relationship of it to all the other elements. You can try the latest version for 30 days; after that you can pay ($259) to keep this version or revert to a free version with fewer features. See www.thebrain.com.

 

Paid

 

Novamind – PC, Mac – This is one of the best-established mind-mapping programmes and it comes in several editions: NovaMind Express for schools, primary school pupils and beginning Mind Mappers; NovaMind Pro for advanced Mind Mappers, senior school and university students, coaches and general business use; NovaMind Platinum for power Mind Mappers who want to make compelling presentations and also for screenwriters, project planners and business people. They offer a 30-day free trial. After that, The NovaMind Pro costs $149 or £99.18, and the Platinum version is $249 or £165.75 (the UK prices will fluctuate depending on the exchange rate at the time you order).

 

Inspiration – PC, Mac, Palm. This is the first mind mapping software I used and I still like it even though it doesn’t have as many fancy features as some others. Its integrated Diagram and Outline Views work together to help you organize concepts and information from your desktop or laptop. Using highly effective graphic organizers, Inspiration gives you a mental model to assist with analysis, comparison, classification and evaluation of information. They also have a version for kids. There’s a free 30 day trial, then the basic version costs $69 in download format. The US site is www.inspiration.com and they have a list of dealers in other countries—at the UK dealer the price is £59.

 

iMindmap – PC, Mac, Linux. This software comes from the mind-mapping guru himself, Tony Buzan, and it supports the guidelines he advocates, like putting no more than one word or very short phrase on each branch, using colors and images. There are four versions: elements, professional, ultimate, and ultimate plus, and most of the features a personal user would want are in the two lower-price levels. This includes editable text mode, the ability to attach data, and a sketch tool, as well as exporting your maps in PDF. You can download a free trial version. One license for the basic (elements) version is £49, one for the pro is £99.

See www.imindmap.com

 

Smartdraw – Windows only.  The USP of this software is its large selection of templates, including flowcharts, organisation charts, project charts, timelines, floor plans, landscape plans, maps, presentations—70 different kinds of visuals. Using these can save you a lot of time and would be very handy if you are preparing visuals for presentations. The interface looks very easy to use. You can try it with a trial download. The price of the personal version is $197 at the US site, £149 on a UK distributor site.

 

Omnigraffle – Mac only (OSX 10.5). It features attractive charts and diagrams. MacWorld said this about the Pro edition: While OmniGraffle Professional 4.0 is probably overkill for simple diagrams, this fantastic program is a revelation for anyone who needs to explain processes and concepts visually. A newer edition has just been released. There is a free trial, then the standard edition costs $99.95, the professional costs $199.95.

 

There are many more that you can check out, by Googling them, including: 

Mindgenius

Xmind

Mindjet

Visual-mind

The bottom line

 My recommendations: if you want a simple interface, go for Inspiration. For extensive functionality, go for NovaMind or Ominigraffle. But my top recommendation is to take advantage of the free trial periods from whichever of the above sound most appealing and then buy based on your own impressions and experiences.  

 

 

Bonus 13: What you can learn from the casinos in Las Vegas

“Hey, isn’t this supposed to be a video!?”

 Yes, but my trip to Las Vegas has been delayed, so for now it’s just text and I’ll add the video later. In the meantime, here are some of the ways casinos keep your attention focused on what they want—to keep you gambling.

• No clocks. Casinos don’t have clocks because they want to create an atmosphere in which time doesn’t matter. You can keep feeding the one-armed bandits or putting money on the blackjack tables without any concerns about whether it’s time to eat or see a show.
• No windows. Windows would be another distraction from gambling—you’d be able to tell whether it’s day or night, or that it’s a great day for being outside
• Lots of noise when somebody wins. Even a little win on a slot machine starts bells ringing and lights flashing to keep you aware that it’s possible to win and lots of others are getting money out of these machines, so you could be next. (Wouldn’t it be interesting if there was a sound, maybe an automated moan or groan, very time someone has lost a month’s salary?]
• Free weak drinks. Those attractive ladies who come around and give you free drinks help keep you in a mild state of inebriation—enough to feel good, not enough to get overly tired or pass out.

How can you steal these ideas?

This bonus goes with the section called “steal their ideas” so how could you steal and adapt some of the methods above?

 For instance, a retail store could also avoid clocks and windows, and for the “everybody wins” noise maybe every 100^th customer could get a 25% off coupon for one purchase and that could be announced over the store’s public address system.

 A service provider could also give unexpected and unpredictable extras or discounts. Research shows that unpredictable rewards are much more motivating than those awarded on a schedule (e.g., upon having spent a certain amount of money or after a set number of transactions).

 A personal or business coach could send out a newsletter that includes stories of “wins”—the success other clients have had.

 Give it a try yourself, you may find a way to make these strategies pay off for you instead of just for Las Vegas!

Bonus 14: Apply the 80/20 rule to your to-do list

 As you read in the book, the 80/20 Rule says that 80% of your value comes from 20% of what you do. Let’s see how you can apply this to our to-do list.

 Start by making out your to-do list in the usual way. For most people, this list is a mix of what they should do, want to do, or could do that day, not what they really will do that day.

 From now on, make that kind of list your first draft. Use it to blurt out all the things you might do.

 Finding the crucial 20%

 Go over the list and for every ten items choose the two—and ONLY the two—that will give you the most value.

 Only you can define “value” as it applies to you. Often people interpret it as whatever will bring in the most money, but if your office has descended into such a state of chaos that you can’t do essential tasks, then clearing up your office may be the most valuable thing you can do.

 If you have ten or fewer items to start with, then you now have the two that you will tackle first. If you started with 20, you now have four and must go through the process one more time: of these four (or six, or however many you have), which are the two that will give you the most value?

 Why you must do the 20% first

 Do these two first, if at all possible. That will probably require a bit of will power, because the most important tasks are not usually the most enjoyable ones. It’s much easier to put them off and do something less taxing in order to warm up, or to get them out of the way, or some other rationalisation. Having warmed up, we find suddenly there is something else that needs our attention, and we really must check our e-mail again, and then there’s a phone call…and before you know it (the end of the day) the crucial things have to be moved to tomorrow’s to-do list.

 Doing the really valuable tasks first means they will get done. They also lighten the rest of your day because you will be relieved to have finished them so early. Sometimes we avoid doing the most valuable tasks because they are big and seem overwhelming. In that case, break the task down into smaller components until you have a chunk that you can do in 45 minutes or less. Then chip away at the bigger task bit by bit and you’ll soon realise you are making great progress.

 Watch your productivity soar

 The approach I’ve described here sounds simple, doesn’t it? Yet if you apply it every day, you will soon be astonished at how much more you are getting done—and because you are getting the most important things done, the return will be exponential. The best time to start applying this strategy is now!

Bonus 15: How you and I might piggyback

Social media, the internet in general, and the pressing need to find new ways to solve problem all combine to make this the era of collaboration. I know this book is going to reach a good number of very creative people, so I wanted to open the possibility that perhaps we can collaborate on some projects.

 First, just to be clear, let me say what I’m NOT looking for:

• I’m not looking to finance other people’s projects or setting up projects that will require a big investment;
• I’m not looking for get-rich-quick schemes or multi-level marketing;
• I’m not looking for projects where we have the same skills—the best collaborations take place when skills are complementary.

 So here are my skills:

•  information desig
• writing scripts
• writing non-fiction books
•  teaching and lecturing
• coaching people to achieve their cherished goals

 If you have projects in mind that could benefit from those skills, please let me know.

 Your skills that might be complementary:

• setting up writing workshops / conferences
• marketing information products to your lists
• film or TV production or animation
• setting up coaching programs where a top coach is needed
• graphic design (where a combination of my text and your illustrations might create a great product)
• programming, web design or SEO skills that could boost the success of an information product

 If you have any of those skills or others that might be complementary, let me know that, too, and perhaps we can cook up some interesting projects together. I’m into projects where the work and the rewards are roughly 50-50 and I also believe any agreements should be in writing.

 The easiest way to reach me is via email to [email protected]. I am fairly busy, so if I can’t collaborate with you, please don’t take it personally! And of course I will treat your ideas in confidence and expect you to do the same with any that I communicate to you.

Bonus 16: A roundup of quirks that work

When you have a “crazy” idea, don’t give up on it just because it’s never been done before or other people tell you it’s unlikely to work. Often the real breakthrough products or services are the ones that seem too quirky at the start. Below are some example of quirks that have worked—let them inspire you!

 COMING TO A SITTING ROOM NEAR YOU

 Musical duo The Candle Thieves began a U.K. national tour recently—of their fans’ back gardens. They used social networking sites to arrange in-home gigs and sometimes spend the night at the fans’ houses as well. The publicity spin-offs have included being written about in a national newspaper.

 WHAT GLAM EYES YOU HAVE, AUNT ROBERT

 When Robert Suchan hosted his first Tupperware party he decided that it would be more fun to do it in drag, channelling the personality of his Aunt Barbara. It was such a hit that he now makes more from his Tupperware sales than from his day job and is booked well into next year doing five parties per week.

 SHE’S MADE UP

 Lauren Luke is an ordinary nice young woman from Tyne and Wear who was selling make-up on eBay to earn some spare cash and put some videos of applying the make-up to herself onto YouTube. Like you do. The clips have now had more than 54 million hits world-wide. A manager saw them and signed her. She now has her own make-up range that sells online and in 135 stores across the US, a book deal, a Nintendo DS game (“Supermodel Makeover”), and is in talks with television producers about hosting her own show. Her deals are estimated to be worth more than a million pounds.

 THE PROFITABLE TABOO

 Children’s author Werner Holzwarth spotted a gap in the market: poo. He wrote a book called “The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew It Was None of His Business,” about a mole trying to find the “owner” of a poo. He was turned down by all the major publishers at the Frankfurt Book Fair for two years in a row. But now it has been translated into 27 languages, had a print run of more than two million copies, and has also been turned into a musical.

THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOE BUSINESS

 Having seen how children in the villages of Argentina often didn’t have any shoes to wear, Blake Mycoskie wanted to figure out a way to help them. Instead of a charity, he wanted to start a business that had philanthropy built in. He designed a more durable version of the traditional Argentinian style of shoe and began to sell them—for enough that each sale would also pay for a pair of shoes for a child. Now Tom’s Shoes has given away more than 150,000 pairs of shoes and is on target for 300,000 by the end of the year. Not only that, the shoes he sells look cool and comfy (you can see them at www.tomsshoes.com).

 A (BIG) ROOM OF THEIR OWN

 Duncan Craig and his girlfriend Eleen were tired of living in a tiny flat in Wimbledon Park. Instead of just daydreaming about living in a mansion in their dream area of Blackheath, they leafleted 100 homes in that area. Their offer was to give help around the house, £40 a week, and house-sitting in exchange for a nice room for six months while they saved to buy. They had three responses. Now they live in a five-storey, multi-million pound property, in a huge to-floor room served by its own staircase and door and with views across the heath. They have their own bathroom and storage room. They have become friends with the couple who own the house and enjoy the company of their children and pets. The six months has turned into “indefinite” residency—and meanwhile, Craig and Sue are saving £2000 a month toward the deposit when they do buy their own place.

 WHAT’S YOUR CRAZY IDEA?

 Can you imagine what these people’s friends and colleagues probably said to them when they announced their ideas? I’m guessing it was something like this:

 “Do a tour of gigs in people’s homes? What’s the point?”

 “Do a Tupperware party in drag? That’s just weird!”

 “A video of you putting on make-up in your living room? Who’s going to care?”

 “Write a kids’ book about a mole that wakes up to find a turd on his head? That’s gross!”

 “Start a business based on giving away much of your profits? You’re just an idealist!”

 “Find people who will let you live in their mansion for practically nothing? Good luck!”

 Do you have a “crazy” idea that makes people laugh or scoff? You might want to print out this e-bulletin and hand it to them. Or just wait, because the day may come when the laugh is on them. I believe it’s the people with crazy ideas that make the world go ‘round.

 HERE’S ONE OF I THOUGHT OF EARLIER…

 Here’s one of my ideas: I want to help thousands of people realize their dreams and their goals, both through my books and my Breakthrough Strategy coaching program. My mission is to help you unleash your creativity on an unsuspecting world—pretty crazy, eh? (If you want information about how to join my Breakthrough Strategy coaching program to help you achieve your most cherished goals, send an email request to [email protected].)

Bonus 17: Link to your anti-procrastination mini-course

The Number One Block is…

 

Contrary to popular opinion, it’s not writer’s block that stops most people from creating the things they want to create. It’s something much more pedestrian:

 

Procrastination

 

There are a variety of ways to overcome procrastination, but it really helps to be reminded of them over a period of time rather than just reading about them once. That’s why I’ve come up with a free course of 8 mini-lessons in overcoming procrastination. You can sign up for them at:

 

www.TameYourInnerCritic.com

 

They will be delivered to you one per week.