If you tell a true story, you can't be wrong.
--Jack Kerouac
Sometimes you need to hear your Creative Genius reflected back to you. Sound bytes and rambling stories. The defining moments that others see in us that we can't see ourselves.
Most of us rarely have the opportunity to be the subject of a focused interview. Having the honor of being in that hot seat can be incredibly illuminating, and it's an effective way
to clarify your driving force and Creative Genius. You just gotta ask.
Worksheet 1: The All-About-You Interview
Arm the best-known listener in your life, a professional copywriter, or your very own talented self with these prompts for storytelling and philosophical insight.
1. What Do you know to be true, unquestionably beyond doubt, certain with every cell of your being, completely, passionately, righteously certain?
2. What was the dumbest thing that you used to believe? What changed your mind?
3. What do you know the most about?
4. Why do you do what you do?
5. One word: breakthrough. What comes to mind?
6. What has been one of your most memorable experiences in your
career?
7. What global policy, credo, practice, or law would you like to decree?
8. What experience tested your mettle but made you a better person?
9. Finish this sentence: "It's a good day when . . . "
10. When was the last time you thought, "Yes! That person has so got it
going on!"?
11. What question in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
12. What are you positively addicted to? (Psych 101 defines positive addiction as "a healthy high that makes you stronger." As long as the craving for it doesn't take you over, then it's, like, totally cool.)
13. What's the best advice you were ever given in terms of business?
14. What's the most common life advice that you give to your friends?
15. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word devotion?
16. What are you most interested in?
17. What are you incredibly grateful for?
18. What's your form of service to the world?
Worksheet 2: The Ask-A-Friend Survey
Oh would some power the gift give us,
to see ourselves as others see us!
--Robert Burns
Asking someone who cares about you how they actually perceive you is courageous. It's the kind of vulnerability that could crack you open. Sometimes another perspective can create a quantum leap for us. So take a deep breath and just ask.
The prerequisite is this: Send these questions (or make up your own) only to someone whom you respect, who makes you feel more like yourself, and who actively adores you. This isn't about being critiqued or toughened up. The purpose of this exercise is to see yourself more clearly so that you can rise to your own fullness.
Dear Friend,
I'm taking a leap. Reaching out. Trolling for insights, reflections, and objectivity ... from you so that I can see myself more clearly.
1. What do you think is my greatest strength?
2. How would you describe my style of living?
3. What do you think I should let go of?
4. When do you feel that I am at my bes t?
5. What do you wish I were less of, for my sake?
6. When have you seen me really shine?
7. What do you think I could give myself more credit for or celebrate more?
Missed It? You can still participate in '30 Days To Fire Up Your Creative Genius':
For more by Danielle LaPorte, click here.