As a typical visual artist, I still struggle with a bit of an inferiority complex about my work, and a perfectionist nature.  This isn’t helped much by my goal to be a professional in all things business.  If anything, it’s only amplified.  However, I recognize these tendencies and try to keep a relatively tight leash on them.

Because I try to keep “raising my own bar”, I also appreciate other creatives that do the same.  They’re good to align with.  It’s good networking and reflects well on my judgement in matters such as referring business to them.  Loyalty is bred 3 ways.

However, these connections are rare exceptions to the rule.  The nature of the creative is alive and well – in every stereotypical sense.  That which makes you a great entertainer also makes you terrible with punctuality, planning, and many other business skills.  Ultimately one will be stronger than the other (which is why agents have such a powerful responsibility.)

While the networking works, a part of my own worst enemy is knowing when I’m networking and when I’m babysitting a relationship. 

My wife will agree that I have a tremendous amount of energy.  I’ve both enjoyed it and also found it frustrating to be alone with my endurance when others have gone to bed.  As such, my endurance for relationships is equally long – I remain loyal, invest a lot of energy to them, and try to do all I can to help/mentor/promote/etc.

But I’m seeing more and more that successful people are not only tenacious with opportunity – even generating it from scratch - but often just accept what comes their way.  They act, they do the diligence and they invite more.  It’s another kind of endurance.  Still, as another return-on-an-investment, there comes a time when the energy put in isn’t reciprocated.  The energy would be better applied to a fruitful direction.

I’m learning to accept that sometimes I need to allow my own progress to distance myself from “like minds”  and enjoy my own ride.  Hopefully I’ll even find someone who will allow me to ride with them to the next level.

Call me a rebel, but when it comes to gifts, I believe it really is “the thought that counts.” With the struggling economy, perhaps we should all focus a little less on materials and more on making memories.

Some of the greatest memories I have of the holidays had little-to-nothing to do with purchasing. I cherished the classic Christmas music playing throughout the house, helping my mom decorate (she was so particular about the way the tinsel lay on the tree!) and especially helping make cookies!

When it comes to making a similar impact on your children, there are several timeless directions to consider:

1) Snow-flake-a-rama! How easy and low-mess to create paper snow flakes. Use colored construction paper for a fun twist that can fit with your décor.  Fold, snip and discover. It nurtures a child’s curiosity, creativity and provides quick results. Fill up the house for a few bucks in paper and a pair of scissors.

2) DOUGH! Even if you’re not a fan of baking, grab a few tubes of pre-made cookie dough and see what happens. You don’t have to use cookie cutters – older children and a butter knife can make for some fun results. Younger chefs can even sculpt an original. Whether you cook up the products or just video tape the experience, you’ll be amazed at what your child thinks up. Don’t forget the colored sprinkles!

3) Time capsule: You may think you take enough photos/video/scrapbook material but how many do you actually save or print? Record your child’s thoughts about the holidays, even record them or just their voice in a mock interview. While you may find it commonplace now, that innocent perspective will be priceless to you and them in years to come. Make it an annual tradition and let it grow to include eventual spouses and grandchildren.

4) Remember where you came from: For your parents or even grandparents, compose a list of what you valued most about the holidays with them. They’ll be surprised at some of the things that made an impact. Use parchment paper, write in calligraphy, put a hand print on it – whatever makes it special and “frame-worthy.” At their age, they’ll appreciate it much more than “just something else to dust.”

It’s almost cliche’ thanks to the famous marketing campaign, but it’s a good challenge nonetheless.  Have you been heard or just listened to?

Many of us confuse “hearing” with “listening.”  When we check for understanding, especially in the download at many business meetings, the nod is all we look for.  It’s a pack mentality.  No one wants to admit weakness - who wants to admit they don’t “get it” and risk being the only one?  And when it’s crucial information and you can’t afford for the team not to understand, you need assurance.

Take a page out of a school teacher’s book – ask direct questions to confirm that everyone understands it the way YOU want them to.  Leave no doubt in your mind that the expected material is retained.  Check for note-takers, ask for an e-mail recap from select individuals – even solicit their opinion on the meeting.

You may even notice trends towards your leadership style in the way everyone responds.  Are you a leader your team feels comfortable discussing concerns with?  Do you promote leadership qualities in your team – such as questioning directions and challenging ideas?  Build character, not sheep.

Now tell me what I just said……

I’m living the dream.

I may not be living your dream, or even your idea of what my dream should be, but I am enjoying success.

It’s an eerie feeling in a way – almost as if this is the end of it all, I should be awarded a medal or somehow credits should be scrolling in front of my face. 

On the other hand, not a lot of people ever get to this point.  It’s worth savoring for a while.  And the fact that I’ve achieved it at so young an age, (again a relative point) is even more exciting and disconcerting at the same time.

The dichotomy is a bi-product of a clear focus I’ve had since I was in 2nd grade.  I’ve always known that I wanted to be a professional artist.  I still remember the internal dialogue and had it all figured out by lunch time.

Yes.  very rare.  Freakish even, no?

Of course I’ve run into nay-sayers, negativity, backlash – all the things that can either galvanize your resolve or derail you completely.  I don’t know anyone I could define as “great” in any category of life who hasn’t had such adversity.

So, at the continued risk of sounding cocky, what do I do now?

I spend a lot of time reflecting on the choices, decisions, paths I’ve taken, and the directions I’ve influenced or led others to take.  The conclusion I’ve come to is that it’s important to keep raising your own bar.

I don’t know anyone who will continually challenge or expect more of me.  I’ve got to be ready to shoot for the next step.  Even if I’m living the dream, maybe it’s time for a new one.

People I find interesting are always doing this.  It’s not the same as job-jumping or being one of those annoying free-spirited people with no responsibilities or (even worse) someone who never has to worry about money.  It’s a paradox of satisfaction and hunger.

So it may take a change in attitude, outlook, location or even circle of friends, but what do you expect?  And even more important, what happens WHEN you achieve it?

I love Halloween!  As an artist, I find it inspiring.  My mind fills with ideas for décor, atmosphere, and the ever-exciting “what will I be this year?”

Of course I’m allowed to enjoy it as an adult – it makes for great role modeling for my children.  They too become infected with my zest for the holiday and all the imagination-building fun. 

So in the spirit of creativity, I have the following design-on-a-dime costume ideas for kids-of-all-ages:

1)      Skip the mask:  Masks are fun but can also be expensive, hot and hazardous.  Anyone who remembers the plastic “blinders” with the single rubber band will agree.  If you couldn’t see or breathe very well, at least you could look forward to the rubber band breaking and snapping you in the eye.  Parents, try makeup instead.  A little rouge and you have instant clown.  Some well placed mascara and voila – instant diva (or princess) (Tip: Avoid grease paint unless you like scrubbing tired cranky dirty children for hours.)

2)      Oh the many joys of garbage bags:  plastic is a great insulator and trash bags come in more than one color.  They can also fit over just about any layered undercoating.  Uses:  Togas, robes, even capes if trimmed carefully.

3)      Go cerebral:  A good costume isn’t always obvious.  Sometimes it’s more fun to have a conversation piece.  Ask the kids to make up an obscure super-hero like Captain Happy – dress them all in yellow and let them canvas the neighborhood laughing.  Or put a small chair on their head and go as “gum” (get it?)

4)      Size can be everything:  Fit more than 1 kid in an oversized sweatsuit and you’ve got 2-headed monster!  Dad’s clothes and a little extra stuffing and you have “mini-me” or your home-made “Hulk.” Try the opposite effect with undersized clothing and be “The Incredible-growing-child” (a little faux 5 o’clock shadow will enhance the effect.)

5)      Wrap n’ roll:  T.p. your child and instant-mummify.  Some well-adhered holiday paper and you have “The Walking Gift.”  Save the empty rolls for horns, fake noses, spikes, anything you can imagine.

When it’s all over, you’ve spent some quality bonding time in the pursuit of free sugar.  You could even say you’re making a political statement (“old-fashioned”, “timeless”, “economical”, “just like I wore when I was his/her age”) You may even be surprised by some of the ideas your child can come up with. 

Enjoy it while you take your inspector’s cut of the candy.