(Photo Creds: We Heart it)
“We all have, let’s say, two or three dozen massive pain points in our lives that everyone can relate to. I try to basically write about those, and then I try to write about how I attempted to recover from them.” James Altucher, quoted in Tim Ferris’ new book ‘Tools of Titans,’ which I highly recommend.
James is a hedgefund manager, entrepreneur and best selling author. I agree with this statement, but hesitate to think I have an even two dozen pain points to deal with, unless you count my lack of patience waiting for the elevator. At any rate, he may be overly stressed or just counting his “elevator” issues. Regardless, I found this section in Tim’s new book compelling. The one liner that caught my attention:
“James made his specialty exploring his own pain and fear.” (By generating ideas.)
Essentially, “what if” we walk straight into those issues and ask some really good questions to get us to the other side… James recommends WRITING DOWN 10 IDEAS EACH DAY for the sake of focusing your brain on generating a creative thinking habit. If you get in the routine and then are confronted with one of those pain points – think that ONE person at work, school, etc that just is beyond your comprehension – you will be able to more efficiently work through the issue because this “brain/creative muscle” has developed.
I have identified below some of his sample “lists” which I think some are just fun. I’m going to try this exercise and I’d love to hear about it if you do!
Sample Lists:
- 10 ridiculous things I would invent
- 10 books I could write
- 10 things I disagree with that everyone else assumes is religion
- 10 people I want to be friends with
- 10 things I learned yesterday
- 10 ways I can save time
- 10 things I was interested in as a kid that might be fun to explore now (hello, teeter tot and tether ball)
I think I’ll start with….
10 ways I could serve better this year! How fun would it be if you each sent me 10 blog ideas? I’d so love that!
Happy Tuesday everyone!