I’m getting ready for a business conference created for members of my church.
It’s a unique event, undoubtedly the most important one of my year.
There’s nothing like it.
We have discussions about the balancing act of serving in the Church, being present at home, and growing a business.
The part that I personally love is the walls of formality come down. No one is trying to put on a show. There’s no pitching.
If you think you’re hot stuff, just look one table over and there’s a billionaire.
As a writer and someone who hasn’t captained a Fortune 500 company, I can feel out of place.
But like Julie reminded me again last night, “They’re just people. Be you. It’ll be fine.”
The conference, taking place in Tucson this go around, is familiar territory.
I served in Arizona as a missionary 15 years ago.
I learned Spanish there. I ate my first lengua taco. I felt 120°in my shirt and tie and chatted with border patrol.
Walking next to giant Saguaro cactuses and across sand dunes, it was an otherworldly adventure.
It was a new place physically, but it also opened my mind psychologically and spiritually.
Leaving Cleveland and entering the desert unlocked new thoughts, experiences, and purpose.
I uncovered a deeper meaning for my life.
What else happens in these fresh spaces, be it a business conference in the desert or a music festival in the city?
It’s a melting pot of humor, controversy, candor, time wasting, relaxing, bonding, moving—provoking penetrating and unpredictable thought.
No boundaries or guidelines to adhere to, connection happening everywhere you look—an electric current of creativity flowing.
Can you imagine what would happen if a strict agenda and zoom connectivity issues governed this type of activity?
Let’s just say that it wouldn’t be productive..
..or fun.
So I ask you:
How would your life or business be different if you channeled similar creative electricity?
Got into a new place physically or psychologically?
Where would you go?
..
Here are three great books to pick up on creativity, crazy ideas, and writing.