Quixoting® - A Quest for New Ideas

An introduction to Hugh Prather's "Notes to Myself"

Do you have books that you read and re-read over the years?  One of mine was written by Hugh Prather in 1970.  The book is called "Notes to Myself: My struggle to become a person".

When I think back to all of the the books, movies, people that have influenced me - especially as it relates to who I will be in life and work - this book hit me hard the first time I read it.  I had a reaction similar to the editor who first discovered the book.  He said "When I first read Prather's manuscript it was late at night and I was tired, but by the time I finished it, I felt rested and alive".

However, my reaction was also to feel calm.  You see, although my own thoughts will never match the deep, yet simple complexity of Prather's "Notes", it calmed me because I think this way as well.  My mind, perhaps like yours, is always working, churning and ideating.  Reading his words gave me comfort and, I think, spoke to me in a language I could understand.

When I wrote my stream of consciousness post last week, it made me think of Hugh Prather.  Not because that stream was deep or terribly thought provoking, but it felt a bit personal and invasive (even though I was the initiator, not you).  I imagine that "Notes to Myself" felt that way to Hugh Prather as well.

As you know, Quixoting™ is a place for sharing ideas and for inspiring folks to take action on them.  I think that my regular reading of Hugh Prather's book contributed to the building up of my own inspiration to take action - by launching this blog and Tim's Strategy™.  One quote that I can point to - one of the many underlined in my copy - goes like this: "Sometimes the only way for me to discover what I want to do is to go ahead and do something.  Then when I start to act, my feelings begin to clarify."

This quote dovetails with the words I shared from Kurt Vonnegut.  As ideas and concepts start to dovetail each other like this, it's time to start paying attention.  

Someone is trying to tell you something . . .

     

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First you had me, then you lost me - the idea I let go

One of the things I would love to be able to do is draw.  I have tried, believe me.  I bought the special pencils and the correct paper.  Those fancy erasers are pretty cool, too.  I even bought a book on learning to draw cartoons.

You see, I have a number of creative dreams. And my longtime struggle is separating out the fantasies.  The trick to succeeding in turning a dream into a business is finally figuring out which dream matches what abilities and then beginning to focus on that dream.  This dream of being an artist is a fantasy that is hard for me to break (as is the music fantasy, see below)

As someone who wanted to write, I also wanted to accompany myself as an illustrator (children's books and the like).  I'll tell the story of my song writing, guitar playing and singing attempts in a post in the near future.

So I had this idea for a cartoon back in the late 90's.  The main character was a basketball playing duck named "Slam Duck".  He was not a very good player but was passionate and always showed up at the court.  Basketball was going to be the metaphor for life as the cartoon strip matured.  So, even though I clearly could not draw, I decided to spend $39 and get the website www.slamduck.com.  No problem, it was available.

Now what?

Honestly, I had no clue.  I could not draw.  Didn't know any cartoonists or illustrators and really wasn't ready to be an entrepreneur anyway.  I had a new labrador puppy and a baby on the way.  Did I just blow $39?

Well, I paid for year two (another $39) with my dream barely hanging off the rim of the basket.  At year three I let it go.  C'est la vie. 

A few months ago, I searched my old website, and, course, someone owns it.  See below:

The pity is they are not really using it.  Other than to pitch search terms.  Maybe the people who own www.slamdunk.com bought it in case people trying to get to their site made a typing mistake.  Either way, did I do the right thing giving up on my old pal Slam Duck?  Is he out there somewhere in a "land-between" (envisioned but never born)?  Should I have spent $ every year keeping him alive with artificial life support?  

Hard questions, to be sure.

If you are an artist, illustrator or cartoonist who would like to explore a cartoon about a basketball playing duck that cannot jump high enough to live up to his namesake, send me an e-mail.  Who knows, maybe we could get out those shock paddles made famous on the TV show ER and bring him back to life.

Slam, are you out there?   

Idea generation is the easy part

When you think about it, I've got it pretty easy.  My job here on Quixoting™ is to come up with and share ideas.  Sure it takes time to think them through and write them up, but that's not the hard part.

Guess who gets the hard part . . . yep, it's you.  If you are an entrepreneur seeking to make your fortune through your own blood, sweat and tears, you've got a challenging road ahead of you.

The good news is that this road, while while loaded with mud puddles and rocks along the way, can be a highly valuable one to travel.  For many people, that road is only worth traveling if the reward will be great. For others, the travel (and adventure) is the reward - especially if it is your idea that you are pursuing.  Which are you?

With Quixoting and with Tim's Strategy I am on that road with you in a way.  My reward is the joy of writing and the knowledge that my ideas are free to roam the world - not suffocating in a bottom drawer somewhere.  Even though these two blogs are not businesses, they are still adventures that require long nights and an accompanying risk that my ideas and thoughts will meet with little interest.  But, like you and others, that's a risk I am willing to take.

If you haven't figured it out yet, these ideas I'm sharing are yours to keep.  If you have always dreamed of starting a business but are not an idea person, these ideas are for you.  If one of the ideas on Quixoting catches your eye, give me a call and I'll walk you through it.  I cannot promise every one is completely unique (I only do quick Google searches before I post), but they are starter ideas that could lead you somewhere else.  Do me a favor, though.  If you do decide to pursue one, let me know.

If you know others who may appreciate the ideas or this site in general, you can "Share This" using the button at the bottom of each post.

Thank you from Quixoting™

During this Thanksgiving weekend, I want to share a special thanks to all of the readers of Quixoting.

Whether you have bookmarked this site or signed up for the feed, I am glad to have you!  The "Quest" continues to be a joy for me and I hope you will continue to be a part of it!

Tim

quixoting@gmail.com

The Gilligan's Island Personality Test

So here's an idea for your next group meeting.  An ice breaker of sorts.  This idea works to not only break the ice but also to give you a sense of the personality types you'll be dealing with all day.

I created this back in 2000 for an off-site brainstorming meeting with my new cross-functional team.  It worked well because, while everyone knew the names of their co-workers, they knew absolutely nothing about them.

It is called the Gilligan's Island Personality Test.

I see now that there are other tests like this one out there.  Or at least others are talking about it. Like all good personality tests, its intent is to separate you from others in a way that makes you easier to understand. The tests also help you anticipate how your team members will react in different situations and how they like to be approached.

To include this test in your next meeting, you need two things:

1. Castaway profiles.  Go to www.gilligansisle.com.  This is a great fan site for the TV show.  Near the bottom of this main page you will see pictures of each of the castaways.  Click on each to view the castaway profile.  Print each profile. 
2. The downloadable workbook below.  You will hand out the participant page to everyone in the room.  This is where each participant (1) picks a castaway type for each one of their team members and (2) identifies the castaway they believe they are most like.  You will print out a copy of the facilitator page for yourself (or keep a copy on a laptop nearby).

Download GI Personality Test 

  

This is an Excel file with two worksheets (see tabs at the bottom of the page).  The first worksheet (Participant) is for the participant to fill out and it looks like this:

The second worksheet is called "Facilitator" and it looks like this:

The exercise does not take more than 15-30 minutes depending on your group size.  Note: focus most of your time allowing people to guess which castaway each team member chose for themselves (and how differently others may or may not see them).  May be revealing!

Let me know your feedback on this one and - as always - share this post with a friend!

Menu for tonight: stream of consciousness

Since I began this blog on September 1, I've had an idea to do a post solely based on what falls out of my noggin.  No judging.  No plan.  No topic.

Well, tonight's the night.  It's raining here in Southern California.  Never happens.  A good backdrop for this exercise.

1. Life is short and continues to feel shorter each month and year I am here.  Ages 1-10 felt like an eternity.  The last 10 years feel like a weekend.
2. Why does it feel like there is always something on the to do list?  That there are few or no hours of just pure relaxation anymore.  I no longer watch pro football.  This is something I used to do every Sunday, waking up with the specific intent of getting coffee and watching two full football games.  In my pajamas. 
3. I feel a sense of hope again with the recent election and sense that the aircraft carrier is slowly starting to pull back around.  I wonder how our smartest could either be that greedy or that distracted to let our country come to the point that we have one week to decide yes or no on $700B.  Sounds like a cliffhanger Hollywood movie that I've seen before.  I worry that even with all the real financial danger there will still be those who take advantage for their own personal gain.  And there will be many who pay no price for hijacking my 401k.
4. I wonder the state of our world when we spend hours updating Facebook and less time socializing in person.  It shows an incredible trust in the world to share all of this information.
5. What would the world be like today if Bush had held back on Iraq?  If we had tapped the overwhelming world empathy for good?  Who would be our new President-elect in the absence of all the overt stumbling?   
6. When I was a kid, I remember looking forward to the musical segments on Saturday Night Live.  A chance to see your favorite musicians and singers perform live.  Now I just fast forward through it all.  Is it because all the new artists are not my cup of tea or because I've lost the spirit of adventure that comes with discovering new music?  
7. Why does Anderson Cooper always look so sterile and detached in all his publicity shots for CNN?It is true for all the TV journalists - can you not be credible unless you are "dead serious"?  Also on CNN - I am amazed that Nancy Grace continues to have a show, taking advantage of family tragedies.  It feels like the worst kind of journalism.     
8. I was thinking the other day about the continuing loss of community.  No more milk man, the garbage man doesn't slow down and may not speak English.  The mailman is a nice guy but is also in a rush.  No one knows you at the grocery store anymore - until they look down and say "thank you, Mr. (name on receipt).  
9. Every time I go to the grocery store or to Blockbuster these days I get a 16" receipt and 6 printed coupons that I don't need.  If I gave them my e-mail address, could they e-mail my receipt? Wouldn't this be a nice way for retailers to "go green"?
10. I saw a sketch on MADTV that was a parody of Obama.  In the parody, the comedian sounded like a mix between Obama and an over-dramatized Captain Kirk from Star Trek.  I wanted to get tape of Obama and William Shatner to compare their cadence side by side.  There must be a web site that will let me do that . . .  

 OK, that felt like a therapy session.  Now I can breathe!  What's your stream telling you?

Another website idea - kids beware!

If you have small children, please cover their eyes or quickly escort them out of the room.  I cannot be responsible for what action they may take upon reading this post.  I'm not talking fire and brimstone, but it won't be pretty.

You see, this idea is a tool for parents to educate their kids on the right things to do and the right way to act in this world.  If you are a parent who already has your kids on the straight and narrow, feel free to shift back to You Tube.  For the rest of us, I have an idea that might just get the right message across to our kids and be the solution that curbs childhood behavior forever.

Before you call Oprah to book me in the next open slot, let's all realize that there is no real solution here.  But there are ways and there are better ways.

As background, I have three kids (12, 10 and 10).  They are wonderful but not perfect.   OK, honestly, they can be frustrating and illogical on some days.  One day, a number of years ago, I got tired of my raised voice and decided I wanted to provide a punishment with a purpose.  We were up in Bass Lake, CA visiting the grandparents and one of my kids was being disrespectful to Grandma (completely unacceptable, right?).

So instead of a "timeout" or "no tv" or "no lake time", I gave him a project.  His project was to:

1. Look up the word respect in the dictionary and write the definition on a piece of paper.  
2. Based on the dictionary's words, write his own definition (in his words). 
3. Interview Grandma asking questions like: "how did it make you feel when I . . ." 
4. Ask yourself: why was I so angry at the time when I said those things?  
5. Ask yourself: what could I have done differently for next time?  

Now depending on the age of your child, these questions may be asking too much.  But I think there is a version of these questions that can work.  Once he was done, my son read me his paper and we talked about it.  The kicker for me?  I was now having a calm discussion with my son instead of feeling bad about raising my voice and, by the way, completing losing him be being angry. 

So here's my idea.  A website where kids can learn the key lessons in life through a structured internet based mini-study.  I'm not talking about Dr. James Dobson stuff here.  Just good basic, respectful behavior.  Topics would include kindness, respect, caring, no bullying, etc.

I'll call it Lessons for Kids™

Would you use this?  If not, what are your best tools to teach these lessons?     

If you are an internet entrepreneur, lessonsforkids.com is available based on a quick search . . . send me an e-mail and I'll tell you more!

Honor yourself

Marsha Sinetar's 1987 book titled "Do what you love, the money will follow" has been an inspiration for me.  And, in some ways, I think it helped to create the concept of Quixoting™.  You see, Quixoting is synonymous with taking action.

If you have ever wondered how you got to this point in your career and weren't one of those who had "accountant" or "doctor" written on a white lace pillow in their nursery, Marsha's book can really help.

There are many great quotes in the book.  I will share a few that not only support the spirit of this site but also, hopefully, will inspire you to go pick up a copy.  It's that good.

First, on taking action and the result of doing so:

"As people honor the actions the value most - by doing them - they become more authentic, more reliable, more self-disciplined.  They grow to trust themselves more; they learn to listen to their own inner voice as a steady, truthful and strengthening guide for what to do next and even how to do it."

By starting to write Tim's Strategy, my other blog, and by beginning to share my ideas on this one, I feel these same benefits for the first time.  I feel them as powerfully as I felt the repression of NOT having done so.

Second, on learning to trust yourself:

"In reality, I did not truly trust myself.  I was afraid to cross uncharted, unconventional waters to get to a more desirable place in life, afraid that - when truth be told - I would not have the requisite strength and competence to accomplish what I so dearly wanted.  I could not even imagine how to start."

Idea For A New Website: Who Was That?

Like other bloggers and internet-focused folks, I am always thinking of ideas for new websites. I'm sure you've thought of some as well. 

Staying true to the spirit of Quixoting, my ideas are better in the public eye than stuck in a bottom drawer or crammed in the corner of my brain. But I've also thought: if it is such a great or interesting idea, why don't you launch it? Good ideas don't become great just because you tell people about it. It has to be launched, money has to be risked and blood must be spilt, right?

But I don't really believe that anymore. I believe that if I do not have the time, the knowledge or the inclination to start it, why not tell others? Maybe someone else would like to launch it. I believe there is good karma in that. And I've, in sharing, reduced my idea inventory (fewer headaches that way!). 

So, the first I'll share is one called www.whowasthat.com and it was inspired by a family trip to Bass Lake, CA.  

We stopped at a rest stop for food. As we were leaving, I noticed a sweet looking Escalade with 3 or 4 big guys around it. Of the four, one of them looked very familiar. African American, tall, impeccably dressed, etc. My wife and I went through all the scenarios including musician/singer, professional athlete, actor but could not figure it out. To this day, I still wonder "who was that"? 

Now you could argue "who cares" instead. I get it. But we are a culture that likes to stare. We are curious about people who are on TV and pictured in magazines, right? Haven't you had an experience like this at a restaurant or on a plane? 

So how will it work? 

Basically I envision you going to the site with all the details you can remember (race, height, weight, car type, city, etc). If you are good with a pencil, you could even upload a drawing. You would then input all that data into a database. The key to this is obviously creating and maintaining a database that could quickly match the provided description with all the database content. It would be like the FBI database on CSI. After you hit "Submit", you would get back your results (like Google). The better your input, the fewer your results. 

Once you find your correct result, you click a button which "rings a bell" letting others on the site know that you were successful. Any unsuccessful searches, would be opened up to the community for anyone to take a guess. 

So, what do you think? If you are a web entrepreneur, like this idea, and have an interest, send me an e-mail. I'll tell you more! 

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Blogging can be a lonely business

Yes, I know you must think blogging to be a glitzy hollywood type of thing.  Your name all over the internet and people clamoring for the opportunity to shake your hand or even to accidentally see you at a local restaurant say:  "there he is!".

But I've got news for you.  This blogging business is hard, lonely work.  It takes you away from other things you love because it takes a long time to write these posts.  Because I work full time, I blog into the wee hours with nothing but my Powerbook screen to light the way.

So every once in a while you get a comment on your blog.  Your eyes light up.  You envision that you are just days away from the moment when your wife calls from downstairs "Honey, Anderson Cooper is on the phone again."  And you think to yourself, "that guy just doesn't give up!"

I got an e-mail tonight from a reader of this blog who said he really liked it.  It made him smile.  I wrote him back and said.  "Thank you, now I'm smiling".  Now before you get all choked up and start dripping tears onto your laptop, realize that most of us who blog don't get 100,000 hits per day like the big shot "A list" bloggers out there.  In fact, many blogs receive less than a few hundred page views a day or even per week.  Believe me when I tell you that it means something to hear your feedback - even if you don't smile each time you read a post here at Quixoting.

As many of you know, I write this blog as well as the other one, because I absolutely love doing it. Sure, it is disappointing when there are fewer people reading the posts.  Some days it can bum you out a bit.  But I keep roaring back.

One of the other things the reader said was that he liked Quixoting as a verb.  I agree (although the trademark office may not agree with us, so let's keep that between us, OK?).

For me, Quixoting is a way of life, a way of thinking and a way of defining my creative self.  To use it in bumper sticker language:  

I'd rather be Quixoting™.

If you've found a home here, tell a friend.  I'll send them a free bumper sticker!

Bye Bye Miss American Pie

When I was in high school and with $900 burning a hole in my pocket, I purchased my first car.  A 1968 Datsun Roadster 1600.  My Mom thought I was crazy and fought with my Dad.  My Dad was driving a 1971 Toyota Corona at the time and, while full of envy, convinced my Mom that money hard earned is money well spent.

We all, I'm sure, have memories of our first car.  Mine was a bit more beat up than the one pictured above (including a piece of plexiglass replacing the missing driver's side window).  This car was imperfect, but it was mine.

So why is it that the best music I ever heard was out of the AM/FM stereo of this little car?  With tinny little speakers!  I figured it out the other day as I was planning on the combination of music, news and podcasts I would be listening to on my 50 minute drive home from work.  I realized how uninspired I felt knowing exactly what was coming on the drive home.

So, what made my music experiences so powerful in that little convertible?

It was the unplanned, unexpected and incredible timing of your favorite song hitting the radio - just as you finished dropping off your high school girlfriend.

It is hard to explain the rush of that moment.  There is a freedom and a sense that Nirvana is more than just a popular cult band.

Where are those moments today?  I fear they are gone for me, perhaps for good.  Maybe because I am no longer the young, impressionable teenager.  But also because as a society we have innovated ourselves out of these experiences.

1.  Our music is available at the ready via iTunes and through our iPod.  It is scripted and categorized.  It is also at the ready in the car via Sirius Radio.

2.  Our TV is pre-recorded and available when appropriate times allow.  Remember plopping down on the coach, hitting the remote and seeing your favorite movie just starting?  Wasn't that movie more fun to watch than the same one that's been on your TIVO/DVR for two months?

3.  You Tube allows you to see and share unique and fun homemade videos with the world.  While I love the creativity that this service allows, I miss the accidental tripping over these vs. having them e-mailed to you by your third cousin.

4.  DirecTV and cable brought us hundreds more channels - significantly reducing the quality of the average channel.  Despite it being the only place my kids go for TV entertainment (and the educational aspect is nice), I miss going to the TV, seeing nothing on and heading out with bat and glove to meet my friends at the ball field.

Before you call me old fashioned or out of touch, I do not suggest that we reduce our use of all these fantastic innovations.  They have and will continue to make our lives dramatically easier and more dynamic.

But I'd like to challenge the companies in these industries to find some ways to allow the impulsiveness of radio, TV and other media to return.  Surprise us every once in a while with a little less predictability (not in service though).

You see as a kid who woke up every morning listening to the radio up in the bay area (610 KFRC and Dr.Don Rose), I often needed that special song to get my lazy rear end out of bed and in the shower.  

Does anybody know where I can get a deal on a 1968 Datsun Roadster?     

Audience participation time. Seize the day!

For the last 10 weeks I have been selfish.  Downright prideful.  All this time, I have used 100% of this blog's space for my own personal use.  Shameful, I know.

Well, let me tell you that I have seen the light.  While I have been blissfully emptying my bottom drawer of ideas and placing them at your feet, you have been quietly (and patiently) waiting for your turn.

So here's your chance to be impulsive.  To let Don Quixote's daring nature rise up in you.

But before you do that, here's a little visual motivation.  A favorite movie of mine includes a scene called "Sieze the Day".  Robin Williams plays the teacher who encourages his students - click to see the scene on You Tube.  My favorite line:

"We are food for worms, lads.  Because believe it or not, each and every one of us in this room is one day going to stop breathing and die."

Today I'd like to invite you to jump into the discussion either through a comment (very simple to do if you've never done it before) or by sending me an e-mail (see link in sidebar).  Write about an idea that has always been gnawing at you.  One that, untested or not shared with the world, will fall atop your list of death bed regrets (OK, maybe that's a bit strong).  Regardless, it is time to take a risk.

Hey, I may even (with your permission) feature one of your ideas and write a review.  Imagine, your idea - up in lights!

If not, I have plenty more to share.  If you are willing to listen . . .

DON"T MISS OUT ON ANY MORE POSTS - SIGN UP FOR MY FEED VIA RSS OR E-MAIL.  THERE'S PLENTY MORE ON THE WAY!

When a crutch is used, well, as a crutch

Sometimes (when your mind works like mine does) you see something and the phrase just pops into your head: "there's got to be something better than this". The the other day I was driving and saw someone on crutches. Did I feel sorry for the guy? No. Did I worry that he might not get home safely? No. I thought:

Why, in 2008, are people still hobbling around on old metal sticks from the middle ages?

See the picture below - even high-caliber athletes are using these outdated things!

So, instead of just complaining about it, I decided to create my own crutch. Not because I feel for the people suffering out there but because someone might be able to make a business out of it. But before I share that, there are a few companies innovating out there in this space:

1. Crutch Tote™ created a cool little bag that attaches to the crutch. According to their site: Being on crutches is challenging enough. Having no way to carry your stuff only makes things worse. That’s the beauty of Crutch Tote™ - the ultimate crutch accessory!. Good idea.

2. LemonAid Crutches™ makes designer crutches in different colors and with different, fun fabrics. According to their site: No one wants to be on crutches. They hurt your hands, they hurt your arms and they certainly hurt your sense of style. Many have tried to tackle the challenge of adding comfort to an uncomfortable item, but duct tape and washcloths look…well…tacky. That’s why we created designer crutchwear that’s not only comfortable, but fun and fabulous looking.
Also a good idea.

So, back to our title "When a crutch is used, well, as a crutch" . . . How is it possible that folks with gobs of money are using crutches that could be used as torture devices? Is it the doctor's fault for just using the "standard crutch" that insurance allows? Is it the fault of the insurance companies for not allowing for innovation in the crutch business by limiting crutch expenses? Is it the crutch industry that has no incentive to change? No clue.

Here's my stab. See below:

I call these Forward Motion™ Crutches. Because after all, crutches are supposed to help you walk, right?

Here are my innovations:

1. The wider under arm support not only softens the pain (flex aluminum) but it spreads the pressure in the arm pit.

2. The use of thick memory foam on all under arm and hand spots are there to easy stress.

3. The shock absorbing air or spring chamber makes each step less "jarring".

4. The forward angle of the hand support automatically leans the person forward to allow for an easier step.

5. The pad on the bottom of the crutch is a unique "V" shape to begin and finish each step more effectively.

Now, I know most of us do not get hurt often enough to remember the pain of being on crutches. But think back . . . wouldn't this be better?

My apologies to the folks at Benihana

I have to apologize to the people at Benihana for what I am about to say. I'm sorry, but this act is getting tired.

Now, please understand. Benihana has been my favorite restaurant for many years. It is usually where I ask the family to take me for my birthday and other special occasions. The kids like it. The food is good and it is a fun, interactive environment. Sure it's expensive, but it's dinner and a show, right?

According to their website:

“The Benihana combination of blending great food and a knife-wielding experience has established the most successful and longest running dinner show on earth.”

I'll admit that my grumbling here is not just as a result of Benihana-only dining experiences. I'll admit that I've strayed and cheated with other similar outfits.

BUT, here are my issues:

1. The "knife-wielding experience" has become so routine that even the chefs look tired.

2. I get that the chefs are supposed to be authentic, but this stoic "I'm your chef not the waiter" bit has got to go.

3. They need to find a new, fun way to fill the mouths of guests - tossing fried rice at small children seems a bit much, don't you think?

4. Other things that feel tired are the steam escaping volcano, the piece of shrimp that lands in their hat or shirt pocket and the salt and pepper bongo drum thing.

5. Doesn't it seem that the "show" has been dramatically shortened?

Now, before you say it. I'm sure part of my issue is that I go there more than the average joe. If you've never been or are with people who have never been, I'm sure it is a lot of fun and my issues seem somewhat pedantic.

Now, how about some ideas for Benihana to spice things up a bit . . .

1. Do more with fire. I'm not talking about big explosions here. Think opening ceremonies in Beijing. Think Cirque du Soleil.

2. Identify some new vegetables. Bean sprouts. Mushrooms. Squash. Onions. Every time the same thing! Here are my suggestions. Grill up some of those little baby corn cobs. How about some asparagus?

3. Pull out a machete. Wouldn't that be fun? Maybe a quick rendition of John Belushi from SNL?

4. Come up with a grilled dessert. Keep the chef out there a little bit longer and send us off with something better than mint ice cream.

OK. That's it. What are your suggestions?

The language of your life

I was on the phone with a friend last night. We were talking about the timing of things in life. My example was this blog and if you've read my posts you'll know that I spent many a year wondering when the time would be right to begin acting on my ideas. I was frustrated with myself and angry with a perceived laziness toward concepts that I, at one time, thought were pretty cool.

Near the end of our conversation I said something that came out of nowhere. As I heard myself saying the words, I found some clarity in something that has eluded me for some time. Here's what I said:

"Over time, your mind learns the language of your life"

Now, is that quote destined for the leader board on a top quote website? Probably not. But it sounds about right to me.

Here's what I meant when I said it: Certain aspects of your life that you thought should have happened didn't happen. Perhaps they didn't because you weren't ready for it. You weren't able to recognize that it was time to do that particular thing.

So what's the lesson here? Don't beat yourself up. Most people don't really know what they want to do in life or at different points in their life - a precious few know their life's purpose early on and are consistently able to translate it.

Use a Mac? I may have an idea for you.

This blog is written on a Mac Powerbook laptop. While there are software struggles to deal with and websites that do not comply, I love this computer and wouldn't give it up.

But I do have one little pet peeve.

As a new writer and a full time marketer (and a father, husband, volunteer . . .) I don't always get the sleep I need. When I do get to sleep, my ability to get to sleep and stay that way is kind of important. So, you'll understand if any small distraction catches my attention.

So, the distraction I wanted to solve was the pulsing light on my Mac that indicates the computer is sleeping. It goes bright then soft, bright then soft, bright then soft. Oh sure I could throw a towel over it or a t-shirt. But this is my Mac and there are always cool and quirky solutions out there for Macs.

Here's my solution . . . introducing Snuf™

A small piece of foam with an exterior coat of white pearl plastic. It slides gently over the closed laptop while at rest. It would also fit over my Airport Express wireless extender (which burns bright green when operating properly).

Any other Mac users out there?

Does this solve a problem for you? Or am I just sleep deprived and light sensitive?

Need a place to share a few ideas?

I wanted to offer a few sites that allow you to share your ideas and comment (or build) on those of others. As I've said, Quixoting™ is about acting on your ideas. If you have not acted on them they will either become obsolete or die in your "bottom drawer" (my opinion, anyway). So, one way to act on your ideas is to share them on an idea site. This way, not only can you release them to the world, but you can also get feedback (positive or negative).

So, what happens if you release them? Well, there is some risk. If you really thought that you might launch this idea some day, get a patent or other protection. But, hey, there really should be a little bit of risk in all of us, right?

So here they are:

Creativity Pool
Their intro: Welcome to a database full of creative and original ideas. The Creativity Pool is the home of future innovation and tomorrow's most (in)famous inventions. This service is basically free and works like the penny cup next to the cash register. Have a brilliant suggestion or ideas for a new invention? Add it and be rewarded. Looking for inspiration or some great ideas for your business? Just ask. They may already be there.

Creativity pool works because it is an open format. Anyone can add an idea and get comments back from others. A great place to let your ideas fly!

WhyNot? Idea Exchange
Their intro: Yale professors Barry Nalebuff and Ian Ayres engage readers in an intriguing oxymoron. They believe invention can be automated. Why Not? outlines a populist high-octane approach to creative problem solving.

WhyNot? is a fun and competitive site. After you add your idea, others can vote. See how your ideas get ranked! Like Creativity Pool, you can also submit your ideas by category.

Edison Nation
Their intro: Edison Nation is for anybody who has ever had a great idea. Learn from others who have been there before you. Use Edison Nation to turn your ideas into real world products - and get paid for doing it.

If you are an inventor, this is a site you might really like. Here's a real chance to commercialize an idea. Brought to you by the creators of the PBS Series, Everyday Edisons.

Give these a try and let me know what YOU think!

The hands-free rolling suitcase. Want one?

OK, so here's an idea I added to my ideas book back in 2003. At the time I was doing a lot of traveling including lots of long airport walks (Chicago, San Francisco and the like). During these trips I had many moments with roller bag in one hand, briefcase in the other and a need to also be holding my music player, a cup of coffee and my airplane ticket. Ever been in this spot? So, I started thinking about ways that I could simplify my life on the road.

How could I free up a hand or two? Well, the one written up here is pretty low tech and since then I have a number of additional ideas that I'll share - here's the original idea:

If this is the first time reviewing an idea here, please know that I fully recognize that these drawings are dreadful - hopefully you get the point!

So, the handle of the roller bag (think TravelPro) has a "quick-clip" that attaches easily to a belt or strap on the waist. Instead of wheels on the bottom, there are a series of round roller balls that allow quick and easy directional changes and balance the bag so that there is no weight felt on the hip.

Here are the pros and cons:

PROS
- Hands free
- Easy direction changes
- Comfortable and pain free

CONS
- People will stare at you
- Perceived lack of control

A build on this would be to create a bag that is battery powered and follows you (within 1 foot) based on a tracker carried in your pocket. As you move it moves. Don't they have high end golf bags that follow you?

In terms of the first "CON", you might just look a bit silly walking through the airport with your bag attached to your hip. But, hey, remember the first business trip where you used a roller bag instead of the heavy and painful garment bag? Any embarrassment you felt at that time quickly dissipated as you realized that your back actually felt pretty good!

OK, now it's your turn. Comments? Tell me the truth, I can take it . . .

The risk of launching a new idea

Launching an idea comes with many rewards. Initially you reward your ego simply by the act of initiating your ideas. By doing so, you are telling yourself that your ideas count. Longer term there is real satisfaction in seeing your idea develop and, hopefully, seeing your idea turn into cold, hard cash.

Launching an idea also comes with risk. The same way you are asked by your financial advisor about the risks you are willing to take, ask yourself similar questions before you step off the cliff.

So, what are the risks?

1. People may not like your idea. Hard to hear, but better to hear early than not at all, right? You'll have to adjust to hearing bad news. After all, you liked your idea enough to launch it. So, your internal discussions (between you and yourself) went pretty well. So, the first negative comment might hurt.

2. You may not get any objective feedback. This could mean that people don't like your idea and aren't comfortable sharing this with you. It could also mean that your idea has not driven any strong reaction (positive or negative). Both suggest a lack of commitment (in other words, you may never find out what people think). Furthering this issue is that this ambiguous feedback may take a long time to come and may cost you a lot of money.

One of the first ideas that I decided to test was my other blog titled Tim's Strategy™ - Ideas for Job Search, Career and Life. My way of testing the concept in a low risk fashion was writing the blog. Perfect, right? You can tap into free blog engines and test your idea with the only investment being blood, sweat and tears. The only problem is in getting honest feedback. I've had a number of positive comments on the blog but very little concrete feedback on the plate spinning analogy which is the original core idea. So, I will continue writing the blog and, at some point here in the near future, I will digitize the concept on a web page to force some real feedback. The lesson learned is that feedback takes time. In fact, some say that it could take 6-12 months before you will know whether a blog has found the right audience to succeed and build a long term readership. Patience.

While I have tried to manage my expectations and look forward to getting objective feedback, I'm not looking forward to bad news. Hey, I have put a lot of time into this! And if the feedback is negative, what does that say about me and my ideas? Not as creative as I thought?

Say it ain't so.