How Does the Online Idea Party Work?
You have a dream or a wish, and an obstacle to getting there. (If you don’t think you know your wish, work through my kick-starter and read this post. To learn why you must put logic aside to find your dream, read the following.)
The online Idea Party is here to help you – and the other fellow party goers – with your wishes and obstacles.
Voices from Success Teams and Idea Parties:
Having a team to report to and hearing what everybody did each week is very exciting. It’s kept me moving all year. In the past I made some good starts on my own, but found, every time, when the energy ran out, I ran out. Now it doesn’t run out.
Jade G.
Children’s Playroom Therapist, New York Hospital
I would do a painting a year, a sketch a year. If it was only me I know I would never do it. Having to tell you makes all the difference. It’s crazy why I didn’t do this years ago, it’s so easy all of a sudden.
Caroline R. Personnel Executive, Macy’s Dept Store
Post Your Wish and Your Obstacle Here!
And help your team mates out when you can. Use the Reply link to help, the form below the comments to add your own Wish and Obstacle.
(Your first comment below has to be approved, so it may not display instantly depending on the time of the day. Once your email address is approved you can post instantly. If you want your own profile photo to show up beside your comments, instead of the cute little design, upload your photo on Gravatar.com and give them an hour or so to make it happen.)
Ted x fantastic!!!! Isolation is a dream killer,! I need this n want this so badly. I searched the internet with no good results, so I cane to the source!
Well then, you need to visit http://barbarasclub.com/telesummit right this minute, Joanne!!
My name is Jessica Victoria and I am a professional singer who is venturing beyond my comfort zone of classical repertoire into the world of songwriting and Celtic music. I am reading Barbara’s “Wishcraft” book. It has given me some great ideas and strategies!
My dream: To sell 20,000 copies of my new album that features my original work.
My obstacle: I need a personal introduction to heads of record labels for whom my work would be a good fit. Some examples are Nonesuch Records, Compass Records, Park Records, and De Montfort Music or its sister company Aim Higher. You can listen to some of my songs on Soundcloud.
Hi Jessica. I know a lot of Irish musicians because I used to live in Ireland, and most of them don’t bother with the big record labels any more. They either release their music online e.g. through iTunes, or they go to a local recording studio and produce their own CDs. Crowd funding is a good way to raise money if it’s needed. And Youtube videos and a Facebook page for promotion. I think the record labels are mostly scouting for new talent on Youtube anyway nowadays. They want to see that you’ve already got a fan base before they’ll take a chance on you.
Hi, I’m trying this out for the first time and can use some help: I’ve been reading Wishcraft and found I really love WWII history, especially aeronautical battle tech (Stupas vs. Spitfires, etc.). Should I be a history buff, or go full tilt and try to be a mechanical engineering student, since I wouldn’t mind making some fighter craft: I know I sound crazy, but it’s what I like. I really hope the illustrious B. Sher can step in and give me a few pointers : please, someone, get in touch.
Hi Luis. It’s great that you’ve found something you love so much. And we don’t think you sound at all crazy. But I think you’re jumping much too fast into the assumption that you’ve got to turn it into some recognised serious occupation that needs training and qualifications. There are a world of possibilities it could lead to, probably some that you can’t imagine right now. So I think you just need to spend some time exploring your interest. Giving it serious attention but having fun with it and discovering which is the bit you love best about it. As Barbara says, isolation is the dreamkiller, so search for other people with the same interest, online and in real life. If you Google I’m sure you’ll find people and facebook groups and meetup groups doing stuff like military re-enactments, making military models, making full-size replicas of tanks and planes, playing and designing WWII board games, writing blogs and books about the period, collecting and displaying military equipment, designing military video games etc. etc. Play around with it all and see where it leads to.
Hi, my name is Luis and I’ve been reading Wishcraft. I’ve come away feeling great about WW2 history, especially about battle technology and most of all fighter aircraft: my confusion is about where to go from here: do I just become a history buff, or go for the technology and study mechanical engineering. I don’t know if I have the stamina to be a part-time student for god only knows how long (my story is a tragic one: I had a nervous breakdown in Art School back in 1991, and have been on Disability ever since. My earning potential is shoestring past my stipend but I really believe Barbara’s message, and I haven’t felt this much hope since back then in ’91) Can someone give me some feedback and/or ideas?
Dear friends,
I can’t respond as fast as I wish owing to press of work, but I gratefully accept all gentle ideas!
Dream: write/speak often (monthly or more) with young women who are dreamy, loyal, and gently caring, as I am
Obstacles: shy, not well connected, can’t travel far, often don’t have much time after working…
I am 64, and I’ve wanted to learn how to do computer repair work for about 10 years, but I just haven’t been able to find a way. I know quite a bit about how computers work but now enough to take a broken computer diagnose the problem and then fix it. There so many things to learn it can be overwhelming. I’ve had a couple of tutors but personality conflicts got in the way of those succeeding. Because of my age, I didn’t get into computer till I was about 50, whereas younger folks have been at it since they were young children. There’s a test you have to pass to be able to get an entry level job which I haven’t taken. The book to study is over 1,000 pages. I could probably pass it if I already had some experience, but trying to study the book without any chance in sight of working in the field, I don’t have the motivation to read and study it. And there’s one more obstacle I face. I have a physical handicap called Spinal Stenosis and have to use a walker for distances longer than a mid-sized room. I don’t need it for balance and can walk short distances without the aid of a walker. Please help. Any ideas you have, even if you think they’re way out there, would be welcome. Thanks in advance.
I’ve found a good way to get past motivational blocks is writing down how I feel whenever I think about doing it. Barbara details that practice in one of her books. If you had to read your book right now, how would you feel? Let yourself acknowledge and feel that, and any emotions that stick around, write why. They give you a “map” of your obstacles. You can then break those obstacles into tiny, doable steps. Whenever you want to make progress on your goal, just do the next step.
Hi Ron. I suggest you teach yourself with online tutorials. I just tried googling “teach yourself computer repair” and quite a lot of stuff came up. There are also tutorials for buying the components and building a new one from scratch. And if you can get hold of some broken down computers to practice on, you can google the models for specific instructions. When you get good at it, I’m sure you could start fixing computers in your neighbourhood without doing any tests. Or you could sell the ones you’ve repaired and make some money that way.
Hello! My name is Jennifer, and I live in rural KS. I had written off my dream because I feel selfish for even voicing it. But I know that my whole family will be happier if it happens, so here goes. I am in my mid thirties and have never seen the ocean or mountains. I do not want my kids to be in the same position, so…
MY WISH is to take them to the ocean and the mountains, not necessarily in the same trip. I would love to have at least a few days at each to allow them to learn, explore, and enjoy the beauty of the world. I would be happy if I was able to do at least one of these sometime in the next few years.
MY OBSTACLES:
1. Money is the big one. I homeschool because of my childrens’ medical conditions, so that limits my work options. I spend the day caring for them and teaching them (grades K, 4, & 9), and when they go to bed, I work. I teach online college classes. But, being an adjunct, they limit my work load significantly and my salary only averages to about $2 an hour (about $200/month). My husband works maintenance at a factory and works overtime every week so we can just squeeze by each month. We do not have enough extra money for a savings, let alone traveling. I just cannot figure out how to make this happen when we are both stretched so thin. We *might* be able to pay for gas, but we definitely cannot afford a place to stay.
2. The place we stay in must 1) have its own kitchen and 2) be close to emergency medical services. One of our children has a long list of food allergies, and we are unable to eat at any restaurants. I would need a kitchen to sanitize and use exclusively for preparing his meals. Due to his allergies and my other child’s epilepsy, we would have to be reasonably close to medical help, if needed. So, rural areas are probably a no-go.
3. My daughter has chronic migraines. One of her major triggers is riding in a vehicle. We have not tried the motion sickness bracelets, and I will definitely try them. But, we need a backup plan (or 3) if this does not work. It would be hell for her if they are not under control. Due to her epilepsy, she is cannot use certain treatments, such as motion sickness meds or essential oils.
So there it is. As silly as it sounds, I think doing this for my kids and enjoying a cup of coffee near the ocean or mountains would just sing to my soul. I would love to hear any ideas regarding the obstacles. Thank you for taking the time to read! 🙂
Could you look up house sitting websites? I know someone who did that, lived in beautiful place for a year rent free!
Hmm. I might have to look in to that. I wonder if they would mind a whole family coming. That might be tougher to find. And I wonder if they would need something more short term, like a week or so. I will have to do some research. Thanks for the idea!
So I looked up house sitting, and it is something I would be comfortable doing with the husband but not with kids in tow. Too many horror stories. Generally, the sitters pay utilities while there, so that would make it difficult as well. Back to the drawing board… 🙂
We had house sitters five times and never asked them to pay utilities. Opportunities vary.
Hmm. This might be a huge stretch, but I live in Oregon about two hours from the coast. We are literally five minutes from the ER/hospital of a very well respected hospital. I myself have multiple food allergies, and am starting to practice and hone my (very amateur) medical intuitive skills. We live in a beatiful area that is sort of mountainous, very green, a bit south of Portland. We don’t have room here at the house, but the house next door is up for rent, and I see the owner fixing it up with painting, gardening, ect. Would you and your husband be willing to trade work/maintenance for a short stay? Like I said it’s a stretch, but I could ask. If you like the sound of this area I can keep my eyes peeled for any other choices. Come to think of it, if you’re into camping, I’ve heard the Quaker church property allows camping on their scenic property, also a very short drive from the E.R., and the family that lives by/runs the church might be ok letting you use their kitchen.
My wish: I am trying to set up in business as an artist – I have been drawing for years, friends have been asking me for portraits/ pictures for their lovers’ birthdays/ special commissions for ages. For ages now, people have been saying incredibly encouraging things to me like ‘You could really be selling these’ or ‘You should put these on Etsy/ you should have a website’, ‘These should be in a gallery’, etc. For years I really had no idea how to get ahead in this. Recently, I’ve made friends with a designer who has her own business, and she’s really helped me get the show on the road!… I have set up a website, I have had my drawings exhibited in a gallery and a pub, I’ve been on the RADIO and TV, and I have a business plan all worked out for the next few weeks (set up Etsy page and put unsold drawings from exhibition on there; print postcards of my work to send to galleries as freebies; approach a list of galleries, which my friend has found for me.) I also write comedy, perform, do various things which I know can be used to promote my business.
So that’s all great. Now, my obstacle:
At the moment, I have a pretty badly paid day job (I am an hourly-paid lecturer in a university; no maternity pay, no benefits, no pension). For the last few years, having failed to get a full-time University lecturing job, I have been trying to get a job in university admin, thinking that I would be a good fit there and I would finally have a good basic income to free me from worrying about money; but it’s been incredibly hard to get in. I am also qualified to teach in schools – a job which I tried and really don’t enjoy – and I’ve been wondering recently whether I should actually be trying for a teaching job, even thought I’d hate it, because no-one else seems to want to hire me (and there are lots of teaching jobs about because, well, teachers are leaving the profession in droves). In the words of my mentor and friend, it takes a long time to grow a business…
Obviously, setting up an art business requires money – I’ve had to pay for scanning and framing, which can be expensive, and for exhibition fees – and at the moment I’m not making enough money to cover those costs through the art alone (this summer I sold three drawings, which is wonderful, but I’m not exactly rolling in wealth 🙂
I guess what I’m saying is: I don’t know where to invest my energy right now. Should I put 100% effort into growing my business and somehow not care about the money, trusting that I’ll be successful and that I will make loads of it, or should I look for a schoolteaching job (where you work 7 days a week for 10 months of the year – meaning you can only really do the business in the summer)… Struggling to support myself is not cool, and it affects how seriously I take my art business (I’m vacillating between imagining how successful it can be, and taking steps to get things done, and then thinking ‘Aaaagggh, I’m not making enough money this month, I need a job!!’ – and wasting my time applying for jobs which I then don’t get.)
Thank you for reading this, anyway 🙂
I feel like you almost answered your own question in the last paragraph. It sort of sounds like you know you *need* the job, not only to live but to support your artistic endeavors. What other job do you have three months off per year to focus on your art? In addition to the summers, you would have fall break, winter break between semesters, spring break, snow days, and any other school holidays free to work on your art. Also, some evenings and weekends might be an option. And I wonder, could you sketch during your planning periods or office hours if your other teaching related tasks are finished? Also, I wonder, what do you teach? If it is art related, I wonder if they would let you take a semester or year long sabbatical to work on your art. This would, of course, benefit your employer, particularly if you do a show for them after your break. Hope something here is useful to you. 🙂
Thanks for replying!… I teach French, by the way. There is a shortage of language teachers in schools in the UK where I live, hence I know that it would probably be possible to find a job. I guess one thing I don’t like about school teaching is how regimented it is (the bell going on the hour every hour, the timetable, the fact that lessons have to be structured a certain way, the fact that you have 30 kids in your care and it is your job to force them to do the work you give them, whether they like it or not… I have done a teacher training year, where I worked in two schools, and it was hard!… There is also the constant stream of marking and assessment, filling in forms, paperwork… It is quite a draining, punishing job. It also takes a couple of years before the kids start to respect you – when you’re the ‘new teacher’, they feel they don’t have to listen to you. You have to really adopt a bit of a tough skin for this job.
Another thing i don’t like is a culture I’ve observed in certain schools where teachers will compete how late they had to stay up to finish their reports, for example : “I’ve stayed up till three.” “Oh, that’s nothing; i stayed up till three thirty.” Being exhausted is seen as part of the job.
I’ve spent the last few years feeling confident that I can find something that suits me better, but it is actually incredibly hard to get hired to do something else when you have a CV that screams “teacher”… (I did choose to train for this, and then decided I didn’t like it; if I am in a pickle now, it is entirely my fault.)
On the other hand, you are right – you get a summer holiday, and few other jobs give you that. The trouble is, the culture really is one of working 7/7 for the rest of the year. (The other holidays unfortunately get taken up a bit with planning work for the term!) I wonder if I could sustain that and still stay committed to my art on the side, or if I would just wind up exhausted and vegetate in any bit of spare time. (Teaching is one of those jobs that really wants your soul!…)
I’m really stuck trying to make the decision of what to do next; I feel like I’ve gone for all the wrong things over the past few years, and like I’ve limited my options. One upon a time I was a graduate from a top university, feeling like I could do anything. Then I stepped back and shied away from anything that sounded exciting and that i wanted to do, for some reason fearing failure too much, and now I feel like I’m pretty much unemployable.
I think you may possibly be right – I just feel like getting things off my chest, and trying to straighten out my ideas in my head… Thank you again for commenting! <3
I feel your pain. I also teach and am having trouble finding something else that better suits me. It can be an exhausting and less than ideal job, despite the benefits of summers off.
Maybe since you seem to have a business plan going, you don’t need to be teaching? What if you found a part time job that is “good enough” to get you by financially, but that does not require the commitment that teaching requires? Just enough to let you scrape by while you focus on your art business and build that up? Something that would allow you to quit with no regrets once you have your art up and going…
By the way, what is your website? I would love to take a peek! 🙂
ewaszypula.com 🙂
I also forget to in (dicate two other steps. One I made and the other in my head.
After burnout in entreprise, 5 years ago began kids yoga and mindfulness meditation for kids training. For 3 years I have had two small groups of kids at home, I contacted schools… I also gave 1 hour lesson per week in a school. I did connect with the relax and emotional accompanying of kids (accompany them to listen to themselves, their inner strenghts..) but I did not connect so much with yoga postures stuff. I could not do many extraordinary poses and at the end I ended not having confidence in what I was doing.
I feel like organising a trip to Vietnam, maybe next year if family and money situation possbile . To feel again my adventorous and idependent soul.
Voila, too many stuff roaming around I guess.
I am 47. I need urgently to reconnect with my inner spark, to live fully , vitally. I have 3 kids, 13, 10 and 9. Sti and ll educating and bringing them up. However, I am at the stage of doing an anlysis of who I am, how I live, how I feel, is it coherent with my soul needs ? not fully.
I look at the young Olga , active, vital, sparkly, courageous in life…. Where has she gone ?
I crave for finding the real heart job that noursihes me.
* Creating a kindergarten , for little kids and encourage their moms ? Uff, Olga that is a real big investment and I do not have the money and my kids still need me with homework, afterschool activities, we need to safe some money for future studies for them…
* As a teenager I wanted to study tourism in uiversity , travel around the world, have a travel agency, speak languages, ….. Now I have no tourism studies, too many travel agencies, not availability to travel, my parents old and ill, my kids too young, I am in the middle with all that responsability
* Biodance teacher. I did a one year training. I love biodancing. The real good training implies 3 years : money, time . 3 years for the training too long ?
I really resonate when saying that action brings selfsteem. Now that I have been disconnected from the world during the bringing up of my kids with many difficulties I feel with no action, without self esteem and hiding from people and the world due to this feeling of not having accomplished any real interesting job for my soul.
A real mess up within me.
As the first action, after so many trainings etc…. I have subscribe myself to a 3 day workshop in Madrid, to do “The Work” of Byron Katie and it really implies that I dare do a scary action for me. Just being 3 days with people and to show how the real Olga feels, very little, and fraagile, leaving my proud and ego aside.