As you read this issue, think about these insightful words from Annette Simmons:

Those who never venture into the world don't have many stories to tell.

As time went on, the notion of lifelong growth took root in my mind until I simply assumed it was something that would be a daily part of my life. However, I spent hours in seminars, with my nose in books, journaling all in pursuit of growth. The best of these experiences pointed me in the right direction, but the real work was done in my real life.

You can create your own growth laboratory and design a formal curriculum that will stretch you in new directions. Wherever you are in your own journey, there's always another place to explore. Here are some basics for building such a laboratory.

Be ferocious about planting yourself in fertile environments. Identifying what you want to do is only a tiny first step. You must then place yourself in situations that support your success.That means finding others who can nurture and teach you. As Sir Ken Robinson points out, "Connecting with people who share the same passions affirms that you're not alone." They can also help broaden your perspective. Don't plant yourself or your dreams in a desert and expect to see growth.

Find a way to do something you've always wanted to do, but haven't. All those exercises that urge you to imagine your own funeral really are meant to put you in touch with the things you've been neglecting. This is a difficult exercise for people who have buried their dreams far in advance of their funeral.

Make a list of old and new adventures not yet taken. Pick one and commit to making it happen. Then do it again. Nothing is better exercise for your imagination-and confidence-than making this a regular activity.

Build an Option Bank. An Option Bank, just like the place where you store money, is a repository of good ideas, dreams and goals. Like an ordinary bank, the more you put in, the more you can draw out. The best way to get started at this is by realizing that there is never just a single option available to you. On the other hand, if you are stuck and believe that your only way out is closed for repairs, your life will begin to shrink, not expand.

Be an instigator. "Parties who want milk," said Elbert Hubbard, "should not seat themselves on a stool in the middle of a field in hopes the cow will back up to them." Personal growth is about taking personal responsibility. Waiting for things to happen won't cut it. Stirring things up in your own laboratory will.

Got an idea for a board game? There's a place that can make it for you. Ditto with fabric designs. I promptly shared the list on Facebook and Twitter and everyone seemed to love it as much as I did.

Check it out even if you don't have a specific product in mind. You could be struck by inspiration visiting these Websites. The possibilities are endless. No kidding.

15 Places to Make Money With Your Products

Then, of course, my new favorite way to spend a couple of days--Follow Through Camp--is happening on Friday and Saturday. I must say this event is as close to a yeasty idea laboratory as you're going to find. Can't wait to get there. Alice Barry and I decided to open up three more spots today so if you're quick you could snag one...even on short notice.

Follow Through Camp

Entrepreneurship Classes at Colorado Free University

Just as exciting, are the kind comments that have been coming in from people who've already read it. Sandy Dempsey wrote a terrific review at The Dreaming Cafe and said, "I am blown away and even though I have read the original numerous times, the new edition has so many new stories, ideas and resources to inspire, my head is spinning."

If you want your very own autographed copy, I'm paying the postage until October 1.

Making a Living Without a Job

Barbara