1. The other day I heard a local gardener talking on Nevada Public Radio. He got my attention when he said, “I want the gardens that I tend to develop deep root systems. People think that you need water for that, but you actually need air.” I see so many entrepreneurs–especially new ones–who overwhelm themselves with information (which can paralyze) and totally neglect the inspiration aspect of running a business. Air trumps water if you want to grow a business with deep roots.
Know what inspires you and breathe it in often.
2. Adult education programs have suffered from lack of attendance in the years since information became available with the click of a mouse. Google’s a godsend in many instances, but getting information from a computer screen is nothing like being in a room with other people who bring their own insights and ideas to the discussion.
I was so conscious of this during Follow Through Camp last week. If I had simply offered the handouts as a PDF the accelerated learning (and planning) that happened in that room would never have occurred.
3. A long trip with a kindred spirit can be full of idea sparks. I flew into Denver and then hitched a ride with Jami Yanoski to Dodge City. It was a six hour ride down, five hours back. Even though I didn’t know Jami before the drive, we chatted away like long lost buddies. Not only did I hear some great stories, I also got a terrific book recommendation or two and all sorts of insights.
4. Ordinary people make excellent change agents. In Blessed Unrest, Paul Hawken talks about efforts to save the planet and points out that the environmental movement hasn’t been led by political leaders, but by folks from around the world who have taken action on their own. As a result, he says, we may be bringing about what may one day be judged the single most profound transformation of human society.
Every single person at Follow Through Camp was determined to make the world a better place. Passionate change agents are a force to reckon with; being in a room with them for two days was profoundly inspiring.
5. More time doesn’t make for better decisions. As Seth Godin points out, “More information may help. More time without information just creates anxiety, not insight.” Decide, act, move on.
I just put #5 on the Stickies on my computer. Decide, act move on. It may become my mantra.
Great idea. That’s a fine mantra. I really needed that reminder about time not making decisions easier.