The Road Less Traveled

I was saddened to learn that M. Scott Peck, the psychiatrist and author of “The Road Less Traveled”, passed away this past week. I remember reading the book many years ago when I was at a cross-roads in my life. The book was insightful and packed with content. Certainly no fluff!

And that no fluff approach was consistent with his message. The book focused on Dr. Peck’s core belief that, as he stated in its opening sentence, “Life is difficult,” and that its problems can be addressed only through self-discipline.

As I have traveled my road less traveled, I have found a different path through life. I believe that the way in which you view the world is how you live. And I believe that life is easy; we only find ways to make it difficult. As per an earlier post of mine, “Discipline is not always the answer. Sometimes you need to find a passion that will pull you off of the sofa.”

I have tremendous respect for Dr. Peck’s work. I whole-heartedly recommend his book. And I hope he would agree that each person has their own path through life. For many, discipline, plans, and goals are that path. For others, like myself, the path of experiential living and joy is the road to travel.

Not-To-Do-Lists

In Goal-Free Living, you will read about an alternative approach to the “to-do” list: the “could do” list.

Here is a link to another interesting alternative: the “not to do” list.

Following just a few of these may save you lots of time — allowing you to pursue endeavors of even greater pleasure. Admittedly, I am guilty of doing many of the items on the “not to do” list. In fact in writing this entry, I violated one: “Do not post to your blog.”

Quote of the Day

From a button I purchased in a store in California — “I used to DREAM of making the salary I’m now STARVING on.”

Creativity: Combining Two Ideas into One

My corporate work focuses on creativity and innovation. Goal-Free Living is the personal manifestation of that work — creative living. From time to time I will post interesting tidbits on creative thinking in general.

As background, my perspective on creativity is very simple. It is not about invention. Rather it is about collecting and connecting dots — bringing together two (or more) ideas to create an altogether new idea.

What do you get when you combine a camcorder with an iPod? The JVC Everio G series. A digital camcorder that uses a hard drive rather than tape. Up to 7 hours of video on one hard drive. Plus you can do simple edits on the camera – like deleting scenes, even if they are in the middle of your “tape.” You can set up playlists (like on the iPod). Plus downloading to your computer is as simple as using iTunes. No need for the tape, which slows data transfer significantly.

As I think through the possibilities, I can see future generations of this product morphing into a video iPod-like player. Record not just your vacations, but potentially download your favorite videos or TV shows (a la TiVo To-Go) on this device. It is already portable enough to carry around. And, if they can separate the playback system from the lens and recording device, you might have the best of all worlds. A small detachable video player that can connect to a larger recorder.

Another interesting (yet less practical) combination of two things: a fork and a pizza cutter.

In your business (or life) how can you combine two ideas together to create something new? Stuck for ideas? Read magazines and rip out pictures or words that you find interesting. This is a great source of new ideas. Force yourself to make combinations.

In doing this, you may get an idea for a new product, a new service, or a new career.

Today, Feed the Ducks

Yesterday for lunch I did something I haven’t done in a while. I went to the local park, brought along a book, and watched people feed the ducks on the pond. One guy had several loaves of chopped up bread that he threw to the ducks and birds. I assume he bought week (or month) old bread at a steep discount. It was a spectacular way to unwind and appreciate life. I overheard comments of one couple saying, “We should do this more often.” Someone else said, “This is my favorite thing to do.” This park is only a few miles away from me, and yet I have not been there in years. Sometimes the best things in life are right there in front of our noses….and free. And yet we are moving so fast that we don’t think to take advantage of these opportunities. Look around your neighborhood. Read the local newspaper. What are the simple pleasures you have overlooked? The ones that either you have forgotten or are too busy to do. Or maybe you are waiting for a friend to visit from out of town, because that is when you do the fun stuff. Don’t wait. Make time…today.

Next Page »