Sabtu, 27 Juli 2013

I Wish I Were More Impressed With Authority and Bureaucracy - But Alas I Am Not

I know that most people are very impressed with titles of authority. And that's fine and wonderful, we need lots of followers and Indians, as we already have too many chiefs in our society. I think what bothers me the most is having people demand respect for their authority when they've done nothing to promote the leadership of the organization. Rather they have climbed the ladder of bureaucracy by agreeing with everyone who's ever been ahead of them on that ladder and protecting their legacy, waiting for their turn to take another step upward.
In some regards I wish I was more impressed with authority and bureaucracy, but if I were I'd be living a lie, I would not be living true to my word or my ideals. If I willy-nilly respected authority and the bureaucracy without challenging or asking questions that would show, in my opinion, a low level of personal character on my account. Not long ago, I went to an interesting Homeowners Association (HOA) meeting which had hired a firm to help them manage their affairs. Each time a homeowner brought up a concern it was deflected, and an excuse was made based on the procedures set forth in the little bureaucratic fiefdom which was previously created.
In other words, nothing got done, nothing can get done, and everyone has agreed to follow procedures which prevent them from doing anything until there is a crisis and they have to make a decision. At that point they don't know how to make the decision because they haven't had any practice, and there is no procedure for dealing with reality.
In fact not only is this particular HOA a problem, but I would submit to you that municipalities, county governments, special assessment districts, government agencies, and anything having to do with the state or federal level is all the same. It doesn't work, and those who defend the hierarchy, bureaucracy, and rigid authority are doing themselves a huge injustice.
We've been told by many wise men in previous periods that you should challenge authority, question authority, but when you do you are often called a rabble-rouser. There is a right way and a wrong way, and a line (unwritten and often arbitrary) which cannot be crossed before one is labeled a loose cannon, or problematic individual, or even a terrorist in some regards. Are you beginning to see the problems?
If we are unable to question authority, and the bureaucracy isn't getting the job done always making excuses about procedures, rules, and regulations, then why do we need it? It doesn't work.
Sure, I suppose all this authority and hierarchy gives human something to look forward to as they climb their ladder and it gives a sense of purpose to those with the titles of that particular bureaucracy or authority. That's all well and good, but what a meaningless way to live your life.
If something isn't working it should be fixed, but if we can't fix it because of the rules we put in place, then we are a victim of our own stupidity and the blob of bureaucracy, one which we have created and one which is now consuming our lives. If we truly want to get the most out of our life experience we are going to have to curtail some of this nonsense and get back to common sense. Please consider all this and think on it.

4 Steps To A More Productive Creative Process

Deadlines and stress can be damaging to the creative process. It causes our creative energy to freeze up and often mis-fire. I will admit there are the few individuals out there that thrive under stress but for the rest of us maintaining a productive flow of creative thoughts while dealing with stress is difficult. There are 4 steps that I have found beneficial to nurture the creative process.
1. Space /Distance:
When you feel overwhelmed by the "stuff" that needs to be done, it is difficult to focus on the playful quality that is necessary to tap in into creative energy. First find a quiet place that you can spend time and not be interrupted by anything. Turn off the computer, the phone and anything else that might make noise. Place distance between you and everything that might distract you.
2. Time:
Allow yourself a set amount of time. Whether this is per day, week or month make sure that you schedule the same amount of time for each session. Break this down into two sections: For example: you have two hours to dedicate for being creative time. The first 30 minutes you can focus and banish the extraneous things out of your mind. Write down ideas or go through notes or doodles that you have accumulated. This is your time to explore, fumble, ponder things and even make mistakes. This time allows space for your brain to switch gears. The next 90 minutes you find that you have produced a firm platform for a better quality mindset. You will find that you are more focused, and energized. Your ideas will be better organized and you will have a better idea of how to move forward with them. This will bring an element of fluidity to your creative process.
3. Self-Confidence:
You have to be willing to stand your ground with the understanding that you will create the very best that you can. Go boldly forward, if you make a mistake step back reassess and decide if you want to continue on this path or chose a different one. This is your time to explore be brave and have fun with it.
4. Laughter:
Creative adventures are meant to be fun. So relax and enjoy the journey. Explore your creative ideas and discover what wonderful places they may lead you. Make it fun; remember something that is created from joy will be much more fulfilling then something created from stress.
Over time this process will become easier, and before you know it, you will look forward to your creative time and be amazed by not only the amount of creative ideas that you produce, but you will be proud that you were the one that created them.
Above all remember this is to be fun!