Did you ever find that when you wanted an answer, it just didn’t come?
Me, too.
The word “creativity” comes from the 14th Century Latin word “creare,” which means “to make happen.” It doesn’t say, “make happen on Dianne’s time,” it simply says, “to make happen.” After all, who am I to demand that things happen when I’m ready? Like the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, we can choose to run around feeling overwhelmed, unfocused, and unaccomplished. Or we can accept that a bigger force may very well be in place to “make things happen” for us.
Creativity is the stuff we are made of and made from. Think about it. Everything and everyone has been created. This force, this energy, and this Higher Power wants to create to keep itself alive – and to keep all of us alive.
I recently moved to the Chicago area from New York/New Jersey, into a suburb, and into a house that I’m redecorating to put my mark on. Anyone who is trying to do things on their time with renovations will soon learn that a simple shade takes 5 – 7 weeks so get the sheets out and start hanging! I thrive on feeling a sense of accomplishment and yet I have had to tell myself, constantly, that it is okay that things don’t get done. It’s okay that my creative process isn’t working as quickly as I would like – and moreso, it’s important to enjoy myself in the process. My partner, Michael, put it succinctly: get things to a stable place, a place that gives balance and peace, and then build from there.
This same concept is for business practices. We make plans, we expedite them, and we remain flexible with all the changes because the changes are the universe’s way of guiding us to what will be. One of the key lessons being creative taught me in a time of change is temperance. Being patient and knowing that my vision, my plans, and my goals will happen when they are to happen, is a wonderful feeling. The acceptance of believing this and living in contentment is one we have to remind ourselves of daily. Life is not a race unless you are running from yourself.
Be patient; accept. And never stop creating
DD
Last November, I launched a mastermind group called The Creative Circle Forum for women in hospitality, meetings, events, exhibits, and all aspects of marketing. This stemmed from the idea that women in our industries could benefit a trusted community where each member contributes, learns, and grows, both personally and professionally. We meet through weekly meetings, talk through meaningful issues, relevant readings, and inspiring educational tools. But most of all, we develop and build resources that we share, all uniquely catered to each individual involved. And in tandem with that, we all benefit from each other’s milestone achievements and accomplishments, making the group stronger and even more extraordinary. I thought I’d share one of the exercises the group is doing with you because sometimes, it can feel like we aren’t accomplishing anything. But, when we take a minute to recognize what we accomplish each day, a mind shift occurs. We feel empowered and in control of ourselves versus. being lost in thought of what to do next or where to go.
Starting today, I challenge you to keep a 90/90 list. Make a commitment that for 90 days you will write down one thing that you accomplished each day. If walking the dog or going food shopping was the biggest accomplishment, list it. Don’t overthink of what to list, just list one thing you did. And after those 90 days (and throughout), take time to look at the list and review it. You will see patterns emerge that will reflect in neon lights what your personal patterns are, how you spent your time, what you did, the actions you took, and the incentives you made to start or finish something. It will seem jarring at first, but will only continue to inspire you. You’ll feel a change happen within you that accomplishment, at any scale, changes the needle of our inner compass and always keeps us looking forward.
Some say, showing up is half the battle. Others say it’s 90%. You’ll determine this for yourself when you see how you accomplished 90 tasks, actions, or projects.
Congratulations to you and all your accomplishments, today, tomorrow, and every day after. But keep in mind - you’re not finished! This is just the beginning of an exciting paradigm shift that will allow you to possess an unparalleled work ethic, sense of self worth, and hunger for creative empowerment. Now, start the next 90/90 today and then, then do it again, and then again. We are all a work in progress, and your time to work on something new and brighter begins now.
Good luck - I have all the faith in the world you will accomplish extraordinary things!
Dianne Devitt
Re-emerge, re-surface, re-connect, re-launch, review, and re-invent. These words are synonymous and yet uniquely different. Whichever one works for you, I challenge you to embrace it. Moreover, apply it and enforce it.
We are living in an era where the prefix “re” can be applied everywhere and to everyone. Advertising, public relations, marketing, meetings and events have been brought closer together as we all collaborate and work on screens. From our desks, we have been able to successfully deliver powerful messages, create brand awareness, and offer community. And so with re-launches, re-discoveries, and revelations, there is an implied message of doing it over. But the question remains: are we doing things over again without offering much thought to the process, or are we taking steps towards a new sense of evolution?
I’d like to think of this time as an opportunity to “reinvent with passion.” Reinvention has become a responsibility for all of us because how you change and what you do ultimately affects me and, conversely, what I do affects you. This pandemic has only made us all more aware just how much our actions, however small, affect everyone in our circle and outside of it. We all breathe the same air; we all share the same energy. To move through this transition effectively, we need a new degree of creative and deliberate thinking.
Looking Backwards to Move Forward
Many protective walls have come down during this time of personal transparency as we redefine what is not acceptable anymore. The old ways are merely that – old. Like Alice in Wonderland, peering through the big or small door not knowing what to expect, we are challenged to think with our brains, our courage, and our hearts. Why? Because our world starts with us and everyone one in it; we have the ability to influence and inspire everyday, so we need to feel the weight of that responsibility.
So, how do we harness the fortitude, resilience, and patience that we have learned through this time? We start by welcoming the notion that we have a choice in where to direct our energy and where we are going, and finally, where we belong.
Lessons Learned from Days Past
The Hindus have a theory describing man’s progression that’s based on 2000 year cycles and is symbolized by the four legs of a table. The first leg represents 500 years of kings and power, man against man. The second is the age of accumulation and materialism. The third is confusion, and fourth is the Golden Age. I’m learning more and more how profoundly accurate this cycle may be.
Think about the shifts throughout the different ages in history such as the Age of Discovery and Exploration from the 1400s to the 1600s. Seafarers, astronomers, and sailors of all kinds traveled to uncharted territory every day using the tools that were becoming increasingly available. Nowadays, the tools of discovery we hold in our hands are Macs or PCs. They’re powered by a variety of search engines helping us make more discoveries everyday - down to every nanosecond.
Regardless of which age in history, the concepts are the same: the thought preceded the trajectory. It doesn’t strike me as coincidence that the Apollo landing on the moon happened in 1969 and the song “The Age of Aquarius” came out the year prior. It truly was the dawning of a new age - and an age of confusion - and with each new exposure, discoveries were made, and growth and development emerged.
No doubt that navigating through uncharted seas or uncharted space had its challenges: fear, doubt, loneliness, and always attempting to maintain a sense of endurance to persevere during the darkest days. But what’s extraordinary is that the individuals making it happen forged ahead. Fueled by vision, hope, and the indelible human spirit, discoveries were made that stand the test of time. We can all learn how that vision created a reality much bigger than the human beings themselves.
The Future and The Change That’s Needed
Embracing the cycle of life, where we fit in, and how much progress we are making are all part of our development into the next generation. Each cycle offers a paradigm shift that awakens something new within us. There was much loss, both personal and professional. But there were also new beginnings, new babies born, new companies founded and created, and new needs defined. Loss is a part of renewal and growth. It’s as important as the journey itself.
The future is what we choose to make it and how we choose to plan for it begins now. We have to get back to the future and feed into tomorrow’s assets. The meetings and events industry is akin to the stock market and real estate businesses – it goes up and down. Although our stages are now virtual platforms, we will soon be back to distinctly designed hotel environments that support live interaction. People need to meet with other people because we matter to each other to move forward.
In alignment with that, there’s a concept called the “science of regenerativity” that states that whenever you do something routine just a little bit differently, it becomes something new. It is, in a sense, related to the tipping point where change subtly accumulates until it becomes profoundly noticeable. All businesses, associations, and universities have an opportunity to re-group and re-define themselves now. Some will be lost in the process but a “new” will be formed to meet the new needs that are being developed.
Now is the time to challenge yourself and revitalize the new you by reinventing your own passion and embracing the changes. Create them through regenerativity. Is it loss that is holding you back or do you feel lost? I learned in yoga that “chaos and confusion is a bridge between where you were and where you’re going.” It is hard to walk across a bridge and look down into a dark abyss and trust you are headed in the right direction.
But you are. We all are.
What Part Will You Choose?
We are redefining our roles in business. We are communicating more with people outside of our traditional circles, seeing a renewed strength in humanity’s collaboration. We are lifting up and celebrating the voices of those that have been silenced for too long. And we are making sure to be seen and heard in exactly the ways we choose to be. We all have a role to play.
In order to reinvent ourselves we must reinvest in ourselves. Consider each of the five layers of personal development and communication: physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and completion. It is a constant investment in development to take care of each of these because all of these work in harmony with the other four.
Choose to be a part of humanity’s evolution and look inside at what part you can play. One thing to be involved with could make the difference of feeling lost to feeling needed. You are needed. We are all needed.
Although we may not understand it, as it doesn’t always make sense, thank what was lost and the experience it gave you, recognize your losses, what lessons they taught, and look ahead into the great unknown. Choose to embrace it with passion.
Transition is about Change and there is no denying we are all changing – every day in every way from our head to our toes – literally.
This is not just one more webinar – I promise. You want critical information, informal, engagement and that’s what these programs offer. I ask you to make a choice this week and join me.
This week we are focusing on Transition as we are all changing faster than we can keep up with. JOIN ME in this virtual conference, "Traveling Through Transition: Navigate the New Business Landscape on Tuesday at 12 p.m. EST. I personally promise a solid investment of your time and resources – and the video is accessible for a week following the program!
Visit https://diannedevitt.com/traveling-through-transition/ for more information!
KEY accomplished business leaders, consultants and forward thinkers will help YOU to navigate these times with solid information and perspective. Data and statistics from the Incentive Research Foundation will give a sound perspective on travel.
Changing business and future thinking, universal travel perspectives, data from IRF, selling, tools, transition, innovative thinking and more – yes, more with technology and entertainment, because we ALL need some entertainment in our lives now.
And life will go on as will we – I promise.
Stay well,
Dianne
Working for the common good is the one thing we are all sharing right now whether in Italy, Illinois or Indonesia. “We” replaces you or I.
With this collective conscience in most people’s minds, I am reminded of the value of industry associations and the sense of community they offer. The very definition of association according to the dictionary is “a group of people organized for a joint purpose” or “a connection or cooperative link between people or organizations.” During my career, I’ve automatically joined related industry associations with the attitude that you get out of something that you put into it. Through these, involvement grew in committees and service in various board positions.
In the MICE industry, meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, there is a governing body called the Event Industry Council www.eic.org The EIC is the umbrella organization for over 30 associations, all who serve the professionals who make meetings happen from hotels, DMCS, event producers, venues, caterers, planners, and all related services for those who plan, produce and organize professional gatherings. Some of these are ILEA (International Live Events Association), MPI (Meeting Professionals International), IACC (International Association of Conference Centers), PCMA (Professional Conference Management Association), NACE (National Association of Catering Executives), ASAE (American Association of Association Executives), FICP (Financial Insurance Conference Planners), ADME (Association of Destination Management Executives). They work on behalf of the industry and are related to the bigger picture of tourism and travel www.USTA.org
The collective power of these organizations is in the numbers. Membership relies on the association to represent them, and in the current environment in the meetings, events, tourism, travel industry, government has been and will continue to be made aware of the industry through its executive management in the associations.
In every industry sector, there is a specialized association or entity that brings together its members and experts to share information – for any special interest. In real estate, RealComm www.realcomm.com is one of the leading event companies focusing on the real estate and technology marketing. In retail, the National Retail Federationwww.nrf.com, and fashion, Fashion Group International www.fgi.org.
I encourage you today to research the associations and companies that focus on bringing people together because when this pandemic is over, WE will all need to come together and move forward. Because I know that #ForwardMatters tm.
Every moment of every day has the potential to provide endless inspiration – if we allow ourselves to be open to it. As a yogi, I understand the power of a full, meaningful, and compassionate breath that says ‘thank you’ to all around me. This inhale keeps me focused and grounded, regardless of the other factors which surround me. I am continually learning the immense value of concentration and focus. Settling into stillness allows me to truly hear that little voice inside me, the one that gives direction and guides me throughout my work and my life.
A compassionate breath instills calmness that opens our receptivity. Be still – and LISTEN.
I rely on a few tried-and-true methods to stimulate my creative ability, but I also constantly seek new approaches. The practice of intentionally inviting creativity is critical to the artistic process. When you grasp the thoughts which come intuitively, you are not letting your ego mind judge them. Below I list a few of my favorite methods, and I look forward to hearing your preferred practices as well.
I want to design an experience for a company whose logo is blue.
Why?
They’re my client and branding is important to them.
Why?
Because the color is a subconscious reminder of their product.
Why?
Because that’s the way color works. It is a language of the senses and makes a lasting impression. Therefore, it gives us choices on how to design the experience.
Why?
Because the company is going to invest in an event, and we want it to make a lasting impact.
Why?
Because it will keep them in business, which means more business for me as well.
You get it. Whichever question word or form works best for you, I encourage you to try this exercise. Games like this one can help us to think objectively and focus on innovative solutions.
Listen to everyone working alongside you in order to fully understand the task at hand and the ways in which a creative solution will help. Ask questions before providing the first thought that comes to mind. Often, we instinctively offer solutions without understanding the whole picture. I have a friend who finishes my sentences with quick-fix ideas. More often than not, I find myself saying, “But I haven’t finished yet; there are more details, facts, and objectives we need to consider before determining a creative solution.”
In today’s click and return age, there is more to see and experience if we take a moment to pause before our actions. Our awareness invites wisdom and illuminates invaluable creative opportunities.
Listen, ask, and breathe – the answers always come.
…Because I know that you can do it.
I venture to guess that most of you reading this have heard these words at one time or another in your life. Perhaps you remember that first time when someone ‘let go’ of the two-wheeler bicycle and you glided on your own, like a bird flying out of the nest for the first time. What a thrill, how free, how light, how happy basking in this exhilarating feeling, or you recall a challenging time in your adult life that took courage and motivation to complete a task or address a situation. Regardless of what the situation is, someone believed in you and trusted you more than you trusted your ability at the time. You were learning self-confidence; you were learning to trust that little voice inside your head thatknows you can do it.
One of my dear friends passed suddenly a couple of years ago. What happened prior, is that her beautiful daughter learned of a life altering disease that demands surgery and has affected the use of her right arm. What Mary has done is to embrace this situation and hone her trade as a left-handed photographer and her work is astounding. Many of us have urged her – just keep working because we know you can do it, Mary. She faces self-doubt constantly and that, I remind her, is what makes her art reach so many people. For creative thinking and expression is about interpreting a situation that can better help people communicate and connect.
“If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.”
― Vincent Willem van Gogh
Creativity is the ability to create solutions - and it applies to everyone. It is not restricted to people in the arts or communication. It is a part of our thought process whether you are in the military, an accountant, a mechanic, a Mom, an athlete. When anyone is in a creative moment, there is a flow that comes from within. I believe IN-SPIRIT is true IN-spiration. I’ve often silenced at the little voice in my head that says, you can’t do it or why it can’t be done or how my work is not good enough. The good voice says, I know you can do it.
Professor Patricia Sternberg believed and trusted in me when I was in college. Majoring in Theater, one of my focuses was costume design. The annual play was being produced and I was asked to design the costumes – and I did design 33 costumes on $300 budget. Pat trusted me to produce the costumes without seeing one image, one drawing. All she said was I know you can do it. I loved to sew and design, but my illustration skills were a little beyond stick figures. The costumes were perfect for the show but that little voice won because of this doubt that my illustrations weren’t good enough, that I didn’t pursue costume design. Little did I know that illustration was a separate talent.
I did the same with considering being a television anchor. That little voice telling me that I would never remember all the words and lines – again, little did I know about teleprompters and signs and reading from a script!
The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”
― Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath
I know that YOU can do it! Don’t limit you. Don’t limit your talents because you can’t see where the next step is. It is our obligation to be the best we can be so when you feel the seeds of self-doubt, try the following:
AND REMEMBER THAT I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT!
It takes plenty of practice to bring awareness to your brain and to allow the flow of creative ideas. In the same way you head to the gym or take a yoga class to increase your physical strength, it takes work to improve your creative confidence. We are all creative beings, and each of us expresses ourselves differently. Your creative workout is just as important as your physical workout, and like a physical workout, it may be different for everyone.
Here are a few ways to stimulate those right brain neurons and spark your creativity:
1. Start your morning with a ten-minute meditation. Focus on inhaling for four counts and exhaling for eight counts. Relaxation encourages free thoughts.
2. If you work at home, take a walk in the middle of the day, varying your route each day. Look up and make a note of all that you see: the details, the flowers blooming, a new street sign, construction. The fresh air, physical activity, and change of scenery will increase blood flow and fill your mind with new ideas.
3. If you commute, stimulate and surprise your thoughts by driving an alternate route or listening to different audio each day. Audiobooks are a fantastic source of inspiration. Mixing up your music will fire up your neurons and increase your creativity.
4. Doodle. Use a favorite pen or pencil that moves easily on paper and make whatever you like! Forget what you were told in school: doodling is a healthy habit that enforces concentration. Our brains shift every 20 minutes from right to left dominant thinking. Hence, the phrase “writers block” is real. Be aware of your breath as your thoughts mirror your pen, shifting from analytical to free form.
5. An afternoon working at a desk can sometimes feel like a vortex. Give yourself permission to get up and move. Movement stimulates blood flow and keeps your thoughts freely flowing.
6. Carry a notebook, so you are prepared whenever creativity strikes.
7. We live in an Instagram society, so feel free to take photos. However, remember that your eyes are your best camera. Sometimes we lose an irreplaceable moment in time while focusing on a lens.
8. Visit museums, and immerse yourself in all types of art. The best way to visit a museum is to focus on one piece. Absorb it, make it your muse, and walk away with insights and your own vision. Visiting an entire gallery in a few short hours will not allow you to contemplate and absorb the creativity in the same way.
9. Find inspiration in all types of design: fashion, architecture, linens, even automobiles! All ideas and patterns reflect the design of their time.
10. Be yourself. Each one of us is a different design, made for a unique reason. Like flowers in a garden, we grow together, but each one has its own beauty and purpose.
Creativity is a heightened state of awareness that allows to see things differently. However, you must be certain that you are seeing and understanding the entire situation before offering solutions.
Once you have followed these 10 steps, let your inner creativity flow!
Dianne Devitt
