October 2023

Today, we will explore the concept of creativity and how it applies to our everyday lives. I’ll be sharing some insights from Adam Savage’s book, “Every Tool is a Hammer”, as well as my own experiences with podcasting and project management.

First up, let’s talk about the power of deadlines. As creators, we all have unique ways of expressing ourselves, but sometimes we need a little push to make decisions and move forward. That’s where deadlines come in – they can help us prioritize and fine-tune what’s truly important in our projects. I’ll be sharing some tips on how to set effective deadlines and how they’ve helped me improve my own work.

Next, we’ll delve into the world of project management and diagramming. Even if you’re not a natural artist, there are plenty of tools and apps available to help you create diagrams and visualize your work. I’ll be sharing my own experience with using Visio to diagram a project plan at work, and how it helped us identify a crucial gap in our process.

Then, we’ll explore the concept of learning by iterations. It’s all about understanding that the first few attempts at something may not be perfect, but each attempt gets us closer to perfection. Embrace the journey of creativity, even when it doesn’t go as planned. Sometimes, the most joy comes from the unexpected turns in our creative journey.

We’ll dive into the topic of capturing and retaining attention in an increasingly distracted world. As a host, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to maintain focus in various situations. We will review some useful tips and strategies to help you improve your communication skills and hold your audience’s attention.

One of the key things to keep in mind is that attention must be earned, not bought or stolen. That’s why I highly recommend checking out “8 Seconds: Communication Secrets for a Distracted World” by Paul Hellman. This book is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to gain people’s attention and make a lasting impact through communication.

One of my favorite techniques is using a clear structure in presentations that addresses the audience’s questions: why they should listen, what the main topic is, and what action they should take after receiving the information. It’s also important to use impactful words and avoid unnecessary details, as saying less can often lead to better understanding and retention of information.

By implementing the strategies we’ve discussed today, you can make a big difference in how you capture and hold your audience’s attention. So, take these tips and put them into practice in your own communication sessions.

https://expresspotential.com/youve-got-8-seconds/

We will discuss how to improve our problem-solving skills by generating more ideas. As we all know, a library is a great place to find inspiration and endless resources to help us generate ideas. From books to the internet, we can find a wealth of information to aid in our problem-solving endeavors.

In this mini-series on problem-solving, we are focusing on how to come up with new and innovative ideas to solve problems. The key is to generate a variety of ideas, which increases the likelihood of finding effective solutions. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, try doing something outside of your comfort zone, like traveling, to expose yourself to new perspectives and spark inspiration.

Jack Foster, the author of “How to Get Ideas,” emphasizes the value of generating as many ideas as possible and not dismissing any of them as bad. By being known as someone who generates many ideas, you become a valuable resource for others. To be a successful problem solver, it’s important to think outside of the box and be the go-to person for innovative solutions. Foster also stresses the importance of collaboration in the problem-solving process.

By working with others, you can generate even more ideas and find solutions that are more effective. In summary, generating a large number of ideas and not dismissing any of them as bad is key to finding effective solutions to problems. Being known as someone who generates many ideas makes you a valuable resource, and collaboration is key in generating more ideas and finding more effective solutions

I talk about generating new and fresh ideas! This skill has the power to change the world and solve problems effectively, and I’m excited to share some insights and techniques that have helped me and can help you too.

Let’s start by acknowledging that generating ideas can be tough. I’ve struggled with it in the past, but I’ve also learned that it’s a skill that can be mastered with preparation and practice. One book that I recommend is “How to Get Ideas” by Jack Foster, which provides great techniques for overcoming creative blocks and finding innovative solutions.

So, how exactly do you generate ideas? Well, it all starts with preparation and gathering information. But it’s also important to give ideas time to develop subconsciously. This is where incubation comes in – taking breaks from actively thinking about a problem and allowing the mind to make connections subconsciously.

There are various approaches and techniques that can be used for generating ideas. One is questioning assumptions, another is combining old elements in new ways, and yet another is seeking inspiration. And let’s not forget about the role of self-image and mindset in generating ideas. It’s important to believe in your ability to come up with creative solutions.

Visualization is another important aspect of generating ideas. Imagining the successful outcome of an idea can help bring it to life. And sometimes, breaking free from routine and seeking new experiences can also stimulate creativity. It’s crucial to take action on those ideas and make them a reality. But it’s also important to be realistic and avoid falling into the trap of utopian thinking. But by nurturing creativity and taking small steps, you can unlock your potential to generate innovative ideas and make a positive impact in your life and the world.

https://www.goodreads.com/ms/book/show/534758.How_to_Get_Ideas