When a brainstorming meeting hits a dead end, people tend to sigh and say they wish that they were more creative. They attribute their shortcomings to the way their brains function and think it’s something they cannot change. The answer to this problem, however, is not to fault the brain. People simply take the wrong approach to creativity. It may … Read More
Meeting Break Ideas
Do you ever hit a point on a project where you are completely stumped? Where it seems as if every path leads to a dead end? I definitely know the feeling! In times like those, I often feel much more productive when I leave the project for a moment, and then come back at it with fresh eyes. During these … Read More
February 2017 Newsletter
Think Space February 2017 Newsletter Secure your 2017 dates soon! 2016 was an amazing year of growth for us here at Think Space. The word is spreading that a passionate focus on unique space design and user-experience can yield big results for meetings and retreats. In fact, 2017 is off to a busy start with our calendars filling up fast. … Read More
Metaphors, Lessons, & Paddle Boards
Six years ago, I stood up on a ten foot board of fiberglass and immediately fell into the ocean as a giant (three inches high) wave toppled me over. I was hooked. Paddle boarding quickly became one of my favorite past times even after I learned to stay upright. I have always loved the water, but when I discovered stand … Read More
Good Failure (Part 3): Making Failure Fun
We can all relate to a certain “F” word that often accompanies failure. I am certain the word “fun” was not the first word that came to your mind. As I discussed in my first post in this 3-part series on failure, we as humans are hard-wired to avoid mistakes. Our self-preservation programming is set to avoid unnecessary risk. This … Read More
Good Failure (Part 2): Fast & Flexible
If you think simply learning from your failures will lead to success, you are wrong. “Wait just a minute,” you might say. “Grandpa Wilbur’s axioms of life never steered me wrong when I lost the little league game while trying to catch a fly ball with my face.” We all remember when someone picked us up when were down by … Read More
When is failure a good thing?
It is usually written on a poster of inspiring scenery or something depicting triumph in the face of strong odds. It can take the form of a mountain climber at the summit or a tired and ragged athlete shedding tears of joy over a championship trophy. It is most often found in a cheap black frame hanging in the office … Read More
Blankets & Telescopes
Have you ever stared up into the night sky and let your mind wonder “what if….”? When I was in college, I explored several academic disciplines beyond my major in public policy. One of those subjects that drew me in quickly was astronomy. I became fascinated by the vast openness of the universe. More importantly, my other studies were focused … Read More
Focus & Just Say No!
The recent death of Nancy Reagan caused me to reflect on three of her most famous words, “Just Say No”. As any child of the 1980’s will remember, these were the words Nancy Reagan told us to remember in an effort to stem the drug epidemic sweeping the country. As I reflect back, however, the First Lady’s words may have … Read More