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Have you ever
found yourself staring at your computer screen with absolutely
no idea of how to respond to the email or what to write
in a proposal or how to plan your upcoming presentation?
Do you ever find it difficult to stay awake, never mind
be creative, during meetings? Well, take a hike! Seriously.
Research shows
that sometimes all we need to stir up a little creativity
is different scenery, movement, or a change in our attitude.
Try these proven techniques:
"Running
helps me think," states Ash Huzenlaub, Chairman and CEO
of Emergisoft Corporation. "Some of my best ideas come
while running – and, so I don't forget them, I stop in
mid-stride to send myself an e-mail via my Blackberry."
I agree; my best ideas come to me when I'm out running,
walking, or rollarblading. Luckily, I always have my cell
phone with me – so I just call and leave myself a voicemail.
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Invite
a Friend to go Netwalking™
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Joe Sweeney,
author of I Know I Should Exercise, But… says, "If you
need to network or brainstorm…with a client or colleague,
replace the traditional sit-down meeting…with a healthier
alternative: Netwalking™…where business matters are discussed
afoot. The outdoor
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environment…can
create a relaxed atmosphere for the two of you. The physical
movement, besides being healthy for your bodies, can stimulate
creative thinking."
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Take
a Walk Down the Hall
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You don't
have to leave the work environment to stir up some creative
thoughts. For a change in scenery, sit in the chair across
from your desk. Take a walk down the hall. Work in the
library or conference room. Or outside on the picnic table
or bench. I'm not sure how this works, but a different
view can offer a different perspective. Try it!
When our house
got flooded back in 1994 my husband was out of town. With
less than an hour's warning that the creek was making
its path toward our house, I found myself immobilized
with fear – unable to move things upstairs fast enough
and not sure who to call for help. When my four year old
daughter, sensing my fear, got extremely upset, I realized
that I had to change my attitude. So I said, "Remember
in that movie Annie, where Daddy Worbucks had that neat
indoor swimming pool and you asked if you could have one
too? Well, now we have one!" Once we both started laughing,
I crushed the fear that was immobilizing me – and I knew
exactly what I had to do. I took charge!
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