Did I tell you about the time I caught the Dali Lama as he stumbled on a plane?

I realized last week that the book I set out to write is not exactly going to be the book I will complete. And thank goodness for that. My first draft was focused on getting the content right and organizing it in a way that readers could easily navigate. I was determined to capture every lesson learned and successful approach tried so whatever a change leader could face would be addressed. 


My editor, Ken, says there's the book you intend to write and the book that it could be. The book I had written was technically sound but wasn't very interesting to read. Why couldn't my book do both? My first step is to include amusing stories that happened while being on change assignments. The ones I love to tell and people enjoy. Change is about people and not including the lighter side of being on change projects is a miss. Friends have suggested this from day-one, and so has Ken, but not until now have I understood the importance of doing so. 


I see these stories (and pictures) being displayed in sidebar boxes. Not too many; just enough to make it interesting. I am excited about the possibilities. I may even be writing a book I would be interested in reading. So, did I tell you about the time I caught the Dali Lama as he stumbled on a plane? 


Phil

What does your wallet say about you?

I told my son Sam that I was late writing this week's post, and I had to stay up late to do it. He replied, "If you weren't you, would you read your blog?" My first response was, "The personal ones, where I show a part of me." Then I added, "Since I'm into change management, I would read all of them but only enjoy the personal ones." Sam gave me a look that only a teenager can give: "Are you crazy?" or "What are you doing?" - more like "Are you crazy?" I decided to change my topic to something more interesting. 


It was very cold on Sunday (-13 C/8.6 F) when I reluctantly headed out for a 20 mile run. The thought of running for 3.5 hours outside was not "interesting." Once I got started my mood improved and it was fun waving at the sprinkling of fellow frozen runners along Lake Ontario. 


As I passed the half-way mark  my mind wandered. I thought wouldn't it be great to find a wallet on the trail. Four minutes later, right before my eyes, was a huge wallet on the path. I couldn't believe it. I picked it up and opened it. Everything looked in place: credit cards and I.D. were in their side slots, money and receipts were in the back compartment, and a picture of a loved one was behind the protective plastic cover. I looked around, saw no one, and put it in my pocket. 


As I ran home I wondered who had lost it, how he had lost it, and what he was doing now? "Was there any foul play?" my over-active mind wondered. Once home I looked through the contents to find a phone number or email address by which I could contact him. I found an address but no other information. His number was not listed so I was stuck. Taking a closer look I found a yacht club membership. I called the club and eventually they got in touch with him. 


That evening he came to our home to retrieve his wallet. We talked for a few minutes, which told me more about him than his wallet. Later on, I looked through my wallet and realized it was similar to his (except for the yacht club membership). It could have been anyone's wallet.


This theme of identity and personal expression has been raised about my writing. My readers and editor have counselled that I need to create more of a personal narrative so that my book will be more reflective of me and be more interesting. I am now making edits. You never know where you will find inspiration - even a wallet or a perceptive question from my interesting son.


Phil

Diegogarcity - I've got it and I want to keep it!

Have you ever been exposed to something new, say a word or a product, and then you see it everywhere? You buy a car and then see the same model on the road. "I didn't know they were so popular," you might say.


This is called 'diegogarcity,' which sounds more like a destination than an affliction. I have been experiencing diegogarcity since I started researching book proposal writing. Books are everywhere - no kidding - and the publishing industry is extremely prominent, too. It seems that every newspaper, magazine or T.V. news program is covering some aspect of this business. 


Diegogarcity isn't always positive. The publishing industry is going through hyper-change and the printed book is being challenged by cheaper media alternatives, industry consolidation, and shrinking distribution channels. This wave of discouraging news can dampen spirits. It can also awaken the warrior within.


Knowledge is power and the more I learn about this fascinating industry, the better I am positioned to be a part of it. Perhaps I should start thinking more about victory.


Phil

What presence?

Every year during the holidays, a friend and I choose a destination to visit  in the summer. We've been to many cities in the US and Canada. Each one has its special attractions and memories. 

Ernest Hemingway's study, Key West

This year we discussed going to Key West, Florida, the southernmost city in the continental United States. It would be great to visit Ernest Hemingway's home to see where he wrote 'The Snows of Kilimanjaro.' 


Why are we fascinated by environments that produce great things? Is it the belief that we, too, can get something positive from these spaces, that something magical will rub off on us? If so, is it the physical space or the spiritual presence that holds this magic? Could we get it by sitting in Hemingway's writing chair or by closing our eyes and taking in the essence of his study?

Inspiration

Reading

I started thinking about how my environment has played a role in my writing.  What made it productive? What facilitated the connection between intention and output? Perhaps, like most things, it's a collection of factors versus one 'silver bullet.' 


If you get inspiration by visiting famous places, that's great. If you create your own productive space, that's great, too. As long as an environment helps you get to where you want to go, you are in the right place. So far, it's working for me.  Phil

Writing: 1. Source materials, calendar, to do list, and latest draft, 2. Where thoughts turn into words, 3. My plan - front and centre, 4. My printer that churns out numerous drafts, 5. Reference materials