I just finished reading a very clever book. It's called "Made To Stick" and is written by brothers Chip and Dan Heath, and the premise of the book is that there is a formula to making ideas "stick".
Why do we remember the Wendy's ad "Where's the beef?", but other fast food commercials have past on into advertising oblivion? How do we make our ideas - no matter what the topic or who the audience - stick? Why is it that urban legends are so quick to travel the globe, but many true stories struggle to find an audience? Mark Twain once observed, “ A lie can get halfway around the world before the truth can even get its boots on.”
The formula? SUCCESs. Simple. Unexpected. Concrete. Credible. Emotional. Stories. The stickiest of ideas employ most or all of these six concepts.
It's a concise book with a concept that can be applied to sales and marketing, colleagues and family, in the board room or the play room. If you have trouble getting people to buy in to your ideas without bribery or coercion this might be just the book for you. It's a relatively light read and I really enjoyed it.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Recovery.
If you have checked out our family blog then you know that we spent Friday (last week) through Tuesday (before school started) on a five-day sprint of child fun. Each of the five days was designed to do something fun for the kids, and give us an activity to do together.
On Friday we went to Six Flags Great Escape in New York for a full day of rides, noise, water activities, and sun. On Saturday we went to the Granby Zoo in Granby Quebec for the animals and water park. On Sunday we took the canoe and went to the Green River Reservoir near Morrisville Vermont for a little canoe ride, fishing, and splashing in the water. Monday we spent the morning doing some much-needed yard work and then hit the fairgrounds with friends for the annual State Fair. Tuesday was windy and chilly, but we went to Lake Iroquois in Williston so that Patrick could fish and Katherine could play in the water. It was five days of sensory overload, noise, fun, sun, and activity.
On Wednesday Patrick had his first day of school as a second grader, Joerg went back to work, and I began the recovery process; cleaning, laundry, unpacking the car, catching up on e-mail...the list goes on. Now it's Saturday. Joerg is packing for a brief trip to Germany for the funeral of his uncle Juergen who died earlier this week after a battle with cancer. The kids are playing video games (playhousedisney.com) on their computer and I am STILL working on the laundry. It's been rainy outside so we feel no guilt for not going somewhere or doing something. It's nice to just be home.
My to-do list is long and my motivation is short, but there are many things that need my attention in these next few days. I guess I should stop blogging and start doing.
On Friday we went to Six Flags Great Escape in New York for a full day of rides, noise, water activities, and sun. On Saturday we went to the Granby Zoo in Granby Quebec for the animals and water park. On Sunday we took the canoe and went to the Green River Reservoir near Morrisville Vermont for a little canoe ride, fishing, and splashing in the water. Monday we spent the morning doing some much-needed yard work and then hit the fairgrounds with friends for the annual State Fair. Tuesday was windy and chilly, but we went to Lake Iroquois in Williston so that Patrick could fish and Katherine could play in the water. It was five days of sensory overload, noise, fun, sun, and activity.
On Wednesday Patrick had his first day of school as a second grader, Joerg went back to work, and I began the recovery process; cleaning, laundry, unpacking the car, catching up on e-mail...the list goes on. Now it's Saturday. Joerg is packing for a brief trip to Germany for the funeral of his uncle Juergen who died earlier this week after a battle with cancer. The kids are playing video games (playhousedisney.com) on their computer and I am STILL working on the laundry. It's been rainy outside so we feel no guilt for not going somewhere or doing something. It's nice to just be home.
My to-do list is long and my motivation is short, but there are many things that need my attention in these next few days. I guess I should stop blogging and start doing.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Who Put That In There?
This morning as I was baking and preparing desserts for a MOPS event at my home, I found myself one cookie sheet short. I know I have three, but where is the third one? After looking around in all the cabinets (in case it just got put away in the wrong place) and in the camper (in case it was used during the boys' camping weekend) I surmised that Jörg must have decided it was too gross and thrown it away. I guess that's okay...two should be enough.
Preheat oven to 375...done. Put the cheesecake in the oven, but wait...what's that? There's a cookie sheet in my oven and there are little black blobs sizzling on that cookie sheet. Slowly it comes back to me...those little blobs are veggie balls that I had warmed up for a dinner one evening (about a week ago), but (clearly) had forgotten to take out of the oven. I thought that dinner seemed incomplete somehow.
Anyway, I cleared away the now overcooked and dried out veggie balls, put my cheesecakes in the oven and things are moving right along.
Speaking of moving right along, I had better get back to work.
Preheat oven to 375...done. Put the cheesecake in the oven, but wait...what's that? There's a cookie sheet in my oven and there are little black blobs sizzling on that cookie sheet. Slowly it comes back to me...those little blobs are veggie balls that I had warmed up for a dinner one evening (about a week ago), but (clearly) had forgotten to take out of the oven. I thought that dinner seemed incomplete somehow.
Anyway, I cleared away the now overcooked and dried out veggie balls, put my cheesecakes in the oven and things are moving right along.
Speaking of moving right along, I had better get back to work.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
A Glimpse into the Future?
I was sitting in the car this morning listening to Patrick and two of his closest friends, old buddies from Montessori School and fellow second graders, plan a big business venture. We were on our way to Audubon camp "Junior Naturalists" where the three of them have spent every day this week.
The business venture that they were planning seems to be something between zoo and novelty restaurant, loosely modeled after the Sharks Underwater Grill at Sea World Orlando. It was quite an intriguing look into the personalities of these three boys. First, they brainstormed the features of the place. Then they started drafting rules (no putting your hands in the piranha tank, no fishing for puffer fish, etc.) when one of the boys - not much of an underwater guy - added the rule 'no diving' (as in SCUBA). As if he had just said that the earth was flat, the other two boys - in unison - said "OF COURSE you can dive!" Not missing a beat he responded that if there was going to be diving in the shark tank then they would have to buy dive gear.
Now, they had already established that this was going to be an expensive venture. They would need at least one tank measuring 30 feet deep, 50 feet long, and about 15 feet wide. They would have to collect fish for this tank and build a coral reef (once they decided that growing a natural reef would take too long), and they would need people to feed the fish and clean the tanks. By their calculations they would need AT LEAST $1,000. They were stuck on how to raise that much money (I later suggested that they get investors) when one of the boys brought the whole thing down to earth suggesting that they all had to go to college first. After a brief pause (clearly contemplating the torturous years it would take to complete college) one boy suggests that maybe they don't have to go to college. This kicked off a new discussion about the pros and cons of going to college (pros included things like gaining knowledge on how to run a business, capture and care for sharks and marine animals, run a restaurant, and manage money, cons included things like the amount of time it would take, the expense - money better used for the venture, and living away from home for four to eight years. One of the boys pointed out that going to college would ensure that they earn "way more money" than if they didn't finish college.
They returned to their venture discussion once they decided that they can still go to college and run the business at the same time. Two of the boys were clearly the "big picture" idea guys. The third one was a details guy. I heard him say - more than once - "if you're going to do [xyz] it will be important to also do [abc]". This serious discussion lasted all the way to the Audubon clubhouse.
From their posture to the words that they used, to the way they talked with their hands, this entire conversation was a glimpse into the future. I could clearly see these three guys, thirty years from now, dressed in Dockers, Polo shirts, and Penny Loafers, sitting around a Starbucks table plotting their next big venture over a latte.
The business venture that they were planning seems to be something between zoo and novelty restaurant, loosely modeled after the Sharks Underwater Grill at Sea World Orlando. It was quite an intriguing look into the personalities of these three boys. First, they brainstormed the features of the place. Then they started drafting rules (no putting your hands in the piranha tank, no fishing for puffer fish, etc.) when one of the boys - not much of an underwater guy - added the rule 'no diving' (as in SCUBA). As if he had just said that the earth was flat, the other two boys - in unison - said "OF COURSE you can dive!" Not missing a beat he responded that if there was going to be diving in the shark tank then they would have to buy dive gear.
Now, they had already established that this was going to be an expensive venture. They would need at least one tank measuring 30 feet deep, 50 feet long, and about 15 feet wide. They would have to collect fish for this tank and build a coral reef (once they decided that growing a natural reef would take too long), and they would need people to feed the fish and clean the tanks. By their calculations they would need AT LEAST $1,000. They were stuck on how to raise that much money (I later suggested that they get investors) when one of the boys brought the whole thing down to earth suggesting that they all had to go to college first. After a brief pause (clearly contemplating the torturous years it would take to complete college) one boy suggests that maybe they don't have to go to college. This kicked off a new discussion about the pros and cons of going to college (pros included things like gaining knowledge on how to run a business, capture and care for sharks and marine animals, run a restaurant, and manage money, cons included things like the amount of time it would take, the expense - money better used for the venture, and living away from home for four to eight years. One of the boys pointed out that going to college would ensure that they earn "way more money" than if they didn't finish college.
They returned to their venture discussion once they decided that they can still go to college and run the business at the same time. Two of the boys were clearly the "big picture" idea guys. The third one was a details guy. I heard him say - more than once - "if you're going to do [xyz] it will be important to also do [abc]". This serious discussion lasted all the way to the Audubon clubhouse.
From their posture to the words that they used, to the way they talked with their hands, this entire conversation was a glimpse into the future. I could clearly see these three guys, thirty years from now, dressed in Dockers, Polo shirts, and Penny Loafers, sitting around a Starbucks table plotting their next big venture over a latte.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
A Journey Out
It didn't occur to me until I was standing in line to buy my ticket that I don't remember the last time I saw a movie in the theater. Perhaps Katherine was a baby? Patrick thought I hung the moon? I don't remember for sure when it was, but I'm reasonably sure it cost less than $8 to get in...now it's almost $9.
Six moms, a chick flick, and a chocolate nightcap; not a bad way to spend a Saturday evening. We saw Mama Mia (I haven't laughed so much in ages) and stopped at Chili's afterwards. It was a nice journey out with the girls.
Six moms, a chick flick, and a chocolate nightcap; not a bad way to spend a Saturday evening. We saw Mama Mia (I haven't laughed so much in ages) and stopped at Chili's afterwards. It was a nice journey out with the girls.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Journey to the the Depths
Today's journey took me deep into enemy territory. I encountered child ambushes as the kids fought over toys, space, movies, and snacks. I was sniped at by grumpy, sassy monsters who repelled against any form of correction, redirection, or regulation.
Now, if you're thinking that describing my darling little children as enemies is somehow wrong or indecent, let's have a little vocabulary lesson. According to Merriam-Webster an enemy is one that is antagonistic to another, especially seeking to confound or frustrate an opponent, or can be a hostile force. There are other parts of this definition (like military enemy), but this one seems to be quite on point.
Unlike highly trained soldiers who are primed, coached, and prepared for combat, days like this do not bring out the best in me. After hours of hand-to-hand combat and tense negotiations (actually not...I don't negotiate with terrorists) I am exhausted, frustrated, and angry. I was so rattled and unwound that I couldn't even complete a bedtime routine with my daughter. That seems like so little to ask; a story, a little belly rub, and a "big one" (good night kiss blown across the room) from the door. Yet it was more than I could muster.
As Rex (the dinosaur in Toy Story) says, "Oh great! Now I have guilt! I shouldn't have yelled. I shouldn't have said this, done that, or behaved this way. I should have... well, you get the picture.
So I move from one enemy territory directly into another; from the world of misbehaving, disobedient, disrespectful children to the world of self-doubt and regret...just the gap needed by an enemy who can make use of even the smallest weakness or briefest moment of indecision.
Sitting in my chair at the end of the day I feel defeated, consumed, and depleted. "I'm sorry." seems so insufficient to remedy the day, but that's all I have to give my son as we sneak in a short bedtime snuggle.
So what do I do with this day? Is there anything to salvage from the ruins of this experience?
In Paul's second (or third, depending on your view) letter to the Corinthians he confronts them on issues of their actions. This confrontation results in repentance, but not before the Corinthians felt duly miserable for their behavior to which Paul responds, "...yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret..." (2 Corinthians 7:9-10).
Godly sorrow...no regret. Tomorrow is another day.
Now, if you're thinking that describing my darling little children as enemies is somehow wrong or indecent, let's have a little vocabulary lesson. According to Merriam-Webster an enemy is one that is antagonistic to another, especially seeking to confound or frustrate an opponent, or can be a hostile force. There are other parts of this definition (like military enemy), but this one seems to be quite on point.
Unlike highly trained soldiers who are primed, coached, and prepared for combat, days like this do not bring out the best in me. After hours of hand-to-hand combat and tense negotiations (actually not...I don't negotiate with terrorists) I am exhausted, frustrated, and angry. I was so rattled and unwound that I couldn't even complete a bedtime routine with my daughter. That seems like so little to ask; a story, a little belly rub, and a "big one" (good night kiss blown across the room) from the door. Yet it was more than I could muster.
As Rex (the dinosaur in Toy Story) says, "Oh great! Now I have guilt! I shouldn't have yelled. I shouldn't have said this, done that, or behaved this way. I should have... well, you get the picture.
So I move from one enemy territory directly into another; from the world of misbehaving, disobedient, disrespectful children to the world of self-doubt and regret...just the gap needed by an enemy who can make use of even the smallest weakness or briefest moment of indecision.
Sitting in my chair at the end of the day I feel defeated, consumed, and depleted. "I'm sorry." seems so insufficient to remedy the day, but that's all I have to give my son as we sneak in a short bedtime snuggle.
So what do I do with this day? Is there anything to salvage from the ruins of this experience?
In Paul's second (or third, depending on your view) letter to the Corinthians he confronts them on issues of their actions. This confrontation results in repentance, but not before the Corinthians felt duly miserable for their behavior to which Paul responds, "...yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret..." (2 Corinthians 7:9-10).
Godly sorrow...no regret. Tomorrow is another day.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
A To-Do List For Another Day
My to-do list had only five things on it. I accomplished two - one was a directive from a higher power (husband) and the other just needed to be done (pick up camper from shop - our mechanic has a very small parking lot so a camper in the middle of it is a serious obstacle to his work flow).
Despite my desire to stay home and have the kids play in the play room or watch a movie I decided to let my son's desire to visit Church Street win out. Biting my lip I left my to-do list at home (figuratively speaking of course, since my to-do list is in PDA which I take with me everywhere) and took the kids for a fun afternoon on Church Street.
We had drinks together, played by the water fountain, shopped in the book store, watched a one-man-band entertain the tourists, and stopped for ice cream on our way back to the car. It was a fun afternoon, and guess what...
The to-do list is still waiting for me. I guess it will be my to-do list for tomorrow.
Despite my desire to stay home and have the kids play in the play room or watch a movie I decided to let my son's desire to visit Church Street win out. Biting my lip I left my to-do list at home (figuratively speaking of course, since my to-do list is in PDA which I take with me everywhere) and took the kids for a fun afternoon on Church Street.
We had drinks together, played by the water fountain, shopped in the book store, watched a one-man-band entertain the tourists, and stopped for ice cream on our way back to the car. It was a fun afternoon, and guess what...
The to-do list is still waiting for me. I guess it will be my to-do list for tomorrow.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Journey to Simplicity
Katherine and I have had a quiet weekend here while the "boys" were gone camping with the Blue Wave Tae Kwon Do Association. We had a quiet Saturday morning at home followed by a relaxed afternoon of shopping, lunching, and playing together. It was reminiscent of the times that Patrick and I used to have when he was little and we would spend time out and about doing things together.
Since then life has become hurried, busy, full. Obligations to be here, go there, work on this, do that, and the desire to just sit still often pull in opposite directions. A life with little stuff, less clutter, and fewer requirements sounds pleasing, yet the convenience of having supplies for crafting, tools for doing house projects, and the space to spread out and play is equally pleasing. Still, a simpler life would probably be good for all of us.
But what, exactly, is a simpler life? What does it mean to be simple? I guess simple can have different meanings depending on who you are and where you are in your life. It probably involves eliminating everything that is not essential, freeing up time from doing an endless list of tasks and spending more time doing what’s important to you; getting rid of the clutter so that what you have left is only that which gives you value, pleasure, joy.
Since then life has become hurried, busy, full. Obligations to be here, go there, work on this, do that, and the desire to just sit still often pull in opposite directions. A life with little stuff, less clutter, and fewer requirements sounds pleasing, yet the convenience of having supplies for crafting, tools for doing house projects, and the space to spread out and play is equally pleasing. Still, a simpler life would probably be good for all of us.
But what, exactly, is a simpler life? What does it mean to be simple? I guess simple can have different meanings depending on who you are and where you are in your life. It probably involves eliminating everything that is not essential, freeing up time from doing an endless list of tasks and spending more time doing what’s important to you; getting rid of the clutter so that what you have left is only that which gives you value, pleasure, joy.
Getting to that point, however, isn't a simple five-step process that gets you to a fixed destination. It's more like a journey; a journey in which you learn to say "yes" to the things that you do want in your life (that add value) and "no" to the things you do not.
Friday, August 1, 2008
A Page of My Own
After spending so much time designing websites and blogs for our family, groups that I participate in, customers, and friends I decided it was time to create one of my own; something a little girly with a hint of fun and a splash of introspective. I don't yet know what it will look like or how often I will post, but I like that it's out here and when I have a moment (like now while my husband and son are away camping) I can sit down and write. I miss writing. I miss having long periods of uninterrupted time to write or to think, or to...
So where was I? Oh yes, I was remembering the old days when I had time to think and write. Now I have children, a husband, responsibilities, chores, and not so much time as before. But it's a good life. It's a life filled with joys, when I remember to look for them and observe them. It's a life filled with friends and connections. It's a good life; a full life.
Welcome to a page of my own.
So where was I? Oh yes, I was remembering the old days when I had time to think and write. Now I have children, a husband, responsibilities, chores, and not so much time as before. But it's a good life. It's a life filled with joys, when I remember to look for them and observe them. It's a life filled with friends and connections. It's a good life; a full life.
Welcome to a page of my own.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)