tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33772087897458266652024-03-08T01:33:32.781-08:00boringweeksAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593031062778258903noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377208789745826665.post-36257457833133782642013-07-27T07:01:00.004-07:002013-07-27T07:01:53.337-07:00I Wish I Were More Impressed With Authority and Bureaucracy - But Alas I Am Not<div id="article-content">
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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?<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06593031062778258903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3377208789745826665.post-40460973359921601512013-07-27T07:01:00.000-07:002013-07-27T07:01:02.564-07:004 Steps To A More Productive Creative Process<div id="article-content">
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.<br />
<strong>1. Space /Distance</strong>:
<br />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.<br />
<strong>2. Time</strong>:
<br />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.<br />
<strong>3. Self-Confidence</strong>:
<br />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.<br />
<strong>4. Laughter</strong>:
<br />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.<br />
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.
<br />Above all remember this is to be fun!</div>
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