1. Art is made by a human being.
2. Art is created to have an impact, to change someone else.
3. Art is a gift. You can sell the souvenir, the canvas, the recording… but the idea itself is free, and the generosity is a critical part of making art.

By Seth’s definition, most art has nothing to do with oil paint or marble. Art is what we’re doing when we do our best work.

I so LOVE this expansive view of what art truly is. It can be how you craft just the right words for your next presentation, selecting them with care and the intention to move your audience to take action, or the beautiful proposal that you put together for your newest client, or the way to bring your fun loving self to the meeting lifting spirits and being productive as a team.

I’ve recently taken up painting with acrylics, honoring a long time burning desire… My first go-round at this has been a rather large undertaking… to paint an abstract painting to go into our living room. What can I say, I am an overachiever

Here’s where I started and here’s where my painting is today

1. Brainstorm Potential Solutions – I recently did a call that is jam packed with “how to” jump start your creativity so that you have fresh,viable new ideas to work with. I highly recommend you listen to this as a starting point. They say that necessity is the mother of invention and on this call I teach you 7 ways to Rev’ Up Your Results with these creativity jump-starters. Here’s the link to the MP3 recording: Click here to listen…
   
2. Assemble a Top-Notch Team – Once you’ve got a great idea that you want to implement, then you need to assemble a top notch “dream team.” By creating a  team culture of  excellence, receptivity, respect, and a healthy dose of fun, creativity flourishes. That being said, assemble your team wisely! Identify the roles for your team. Who has the “creator energy? Who’s the “critical eye” on your team? ( They can help you to refine your idea and get rid of “bugs”) Who has the “get it done” energy? Many great ideas never get off the ground. Why? There isn’t someone in place to “drive the project forward.”
3. Make a Plan & Work Your Plan - A big mistake is to fall madly in love with your brilliant new idea and begin to take action on it without a plan and without the right support. You will booby-trap your success. Take the time to create your project plan. Project plans are easy to create and well worth doing. Bottom line? First, you will want to clearly identify your goal. Second, create a list of the steps involved (don’t overlook this part; write down every single step necessary to complete your objective). Third, designate WHO is responsible and WHEN the task deadline is. That’s it! Now you’ve got a way to move forward with your great new idea! No more flying by the seat of your pants!

I’d love to hear what your “Big Idea” is and how you “made it happen.” Let me know!

To Your Success,

Diana Long

The Results Expert