“A creative mind is an open
mind – a mind that questions assumptions and seeks new ideas and new
approaches. Sometimes creative thinking demands we put aside the rules of logic
and make an intuitive leap to completely new range of ideas,” writes Pat
Williams about Walt Disney.
As business owners, we are
required to be innovative, resourceful and creative with solutions in our daily
stewardship of running our companies. Being creative is not just the ability to
pick up a paintbrush or guitar and weave your artistry. Creativity involves
being a master at problem solving and seeing beyond all limitations. Walt
Disney changed the world with his brilliant creativity and imagination.
As a passionate fan of Walt
Disney and his fascinating life, I’m currently reading a remarkably inspiring
book by Orlando Magic’s Sr. V.P. Pat Williams called “How to Be Like Walt: Capturing the Disney Magic Every Day of Your Life.”
Walt’s life represents one huge inspiration where imagination is as
important as the air we breathe and passion is the food you feed your heart and
soul. From the book I’m sharing 7 creative insights Pat summarized from Walt’s
life that you can apply to your business immediately.
I’d love to know how this
ignites your creativity and imagination – it has been raising my standards to
new heights with every word I embrace. Here you go!
1. Draw on all your life experiences. In my branding strategy, I coach you how to use the
power of your story – your life – to create an emotionally compelling brand that
speaks to your core values and authenticity. Similarly, Walt’s imagination was
packed with nostalgia and memories of his life in Marceline, Missouri which was
the foundation of many of his cartoons, films, and theme park attractions. He
shared his life in creative ways that turned into gifts of inspiration and
entertainment for the world. What can you do to draw from your own life to
inspire others?
2. Remove the limits from your imagination. You’ve heard this many times that our limitations
are self-imposed. The moment we place limits on our imagination – our creativity
shuts down. Solutions can’t be created. Free your imagination. Release the
negative voices that were not yours in the 1st place! Don’t be afraid
to go to extreme limits of your creativity. Push the envelope on what you think
you can do and then push even more. You can always find a way to your goal. Walt
never held back his imagination. He always required himself and others to go
beyond their box. He inspired and influenced more people than any other man to
be more than they can and live their dream. You can do that for your people,
too.
3. Consider all possible solutions to every challenge. Creative people look at all possible solutions from
every angle. They don’t want one – they want hundreds. Get in the habit of
coming up with plenty of options as a solution. Walt always required his
artists to bring him dozens of renderings so he could choose. He pushed the envelope
with his team so they would expand their imagination and grow. You can, too.
4. Silence your inner critic. Oh that annoying little voice that tells us how
unworthy or not capable we are to have the success we desire or achieve that
long awaited goal. Stop. It inhibits your creativity. No progress can be made
when we listen to that voice. “Every child is born blessed with a vivid
imagination,” said Walt. Do whatever you must to rid yourself of the habit of
listening to the wrong voice. Your life depends on it.
5. To be creative, be courageous. Be
fearless and go for your dreams. Pull out all the stops and when the gremlins
show up – tell ‘em to take a hike! Walt risked everything often to see his
dreams come true – and thank goodness – I can’t imagine how our lives and culture
would have been without him. Can you? Approach life creatively and
courageously. Blaze a new trail!
(Photo copyright The Walt Disney Company)
(Photo copyright The Walt Disney Company)
6. Work hard.
“Some people are dreamers and others are builders says Tom Connellan author of
Inside the Magic Kingdom. Walt didn’t just dream – he executed his dreams and
made them real. How about you? Dream big and take consistent action all the time.
7. Ask yourself “What if?” Walt had an incredible way of drawing out
the creativity in his artists. He’d question everything and require his team to
come up with possibilities beyond their limited scope. By asking yourself and
others”what if” you are igniting their imagination and resourcefulness. Make
your great idea into an extraordinary idea and take action on it!
There you have it! When you come
up against a creative challenge use Walt’s life lessons to steer you in the
right direction and never, ever, give up on your dreams no matter how long it
takes.
I’d love to know how this
helps – post a comment below which one of these hit home for you!
Happy New Year with Tons of Blessings!
Embrace Your Spotlight
www.marladiann.com
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