“Creativity-Innovation” Book Reflections Week 2…
This week I read the first seven chapters of O My Soul by Tom Peters. O My Soul tells the life story of Tom Peters and is a very interesting read. In the first seven chapters Peters discusses his ancestry and where his roots came from. Highlighted within his ancestry one will find multiple business owners, as well as, various experiences that impacted Peters’ life. Often one takes for granted their ancestry and roots. It is easy to forget or even never know where one came from. Yet, the past does have an impact on one’s life and I expect we will find in the case of Peters this is true as his story unfolds throughout the book.
Some insights that I have taken away from the first seven chapters is that those in our past have an impact on who we are. Creativity and innovation of our ancestors impacts the world today. Nothing was created that has not impacted some form of life today. For example, the invention of the car is mentioned. Another interesting part of the book mentions how two of his ancestors who lost each other while traveling, each arriving in the United States at different times. There was no way to call people by phone to locate them; the newspaper was used. An advertisement was taken out in the newspaper and Peters’ relatives were able to find each other again (Peters, 1991).
Many of us today take for granted the creativity and innovations that exist today.
Another insight that I gained from reading Peters’ story, was to appreciate the journey that we are on. Our past impacts our future. However, the journey is our journey. We each have our own creations and innovations to add. Sometimes in life, we have a part of our journey that we would rather not have. Peters also had this experience. The inspiration for the book came only after he was accused of crimes and was on trial for those crimes…we shall see how the story unfolds and I will share it with you over the next several weeks.
If you are facing an unexpected part of your journey, I want to take this time to encourage you not to give up. I have written a book that may help you, Fight the Giant, Not the Journey: When Your Life Takes a Detour Down an Unexpected Path. This book is available on Amazon at the following link:
In closing this blog post, I ask you these questions:
How has your past contributed to who you are today?
What creations and innovations are YOU bringing to the world?
Do you believe you can impact the world through creating and innovating?
Believe, You Can!
References
Peters, T. (1991). O my soul: The inside story. Elyria, OH: Betterpubpress.
Kay,
Very inspiring post! Combing through the vast array of entrepreneurship books and literature over the years, I have noticed a common theme. It is clear to see those wanting to pursue a new venture have the same mindset pertaining to optimism and a deep understanding of who they once were and also a clear projection of what innovation will lead them to the next new concept or idea. From your summary, Tom Peters displays these traits and I believe he is encouraging the reader to dig deep in their current mindset and lay ground for what is to come.
Dating back to a book I have read in the past, “Rich Dad Poor Dad” I believe he touches on a similar topic basing entrepreneurs to their “family roots.” Within it, Robert Kiyosaki (the author) states something to the likes of families with past entrepreneurs seem to produce generations of entrepreneurs. He also stated that families with a “worker bee” mindset also tend to be more conservative and stick with employment rather than taking a risk in entrepreneurship. This seems to be true from what I have seen as well. I do believe through proper training and education “workers” can develop entrepreneurial mindsets through time, although it may take a lot of effort to convince.
Referring back to some of your questions….. I have been influenced in the past mostly by the mindset of obtaining a secure job and sticking with it till the end. I am now trying to open my eyes and enlighten myself to the new possibilities of developing and starting my own business. In the end only time will tell and like Peters, I am learning to appreciate it one step at a time! Thank you for the insight this week and I will talk to you soon!
Hi Kay,
WOW!!! I loved this post and I might have to buy this book because it sounds wonderful and inspiring. I believe that we can all learn something from our pasts but we do not have to let it control us or take over our lives. I have always tried to practice the thought of “learn from it and let it go.” If you spend your life living in the past, are you really living at all?
I went through a rough patch in my life in 2015 and even though it was very hard for me, I learned a lot. I learned about myself, friends, family, and other people in my life. It was also an inspiring time because I learned what I am capable of and what I can get through when faced with trouble. I do not let that year define who I am, it is a part of who I am today but not all of me.
I believe 100% that I can impact the world through creating and innovating and I already am. I have been able to help 2 very good friends with skin issues and insecurities because of my products. one of my friends was able to avoid taking acutane for acne because of the products that I make. I have always said that if I can help one person have better skin because of my products, then that is all I need.
Thank you for your wonderful and inspiring post. Hope all is well.
Warm Regards,
Dani
Kay,
“Many of us today take for granted the creativity and innovations that exist today.”
Definitely have to agree with you here! This is something that I suspect will only get worse with the general population as time goes on.
It definitely helps to take a look into what the past was like to not take things for granted like many of us do today.
Thank you,
Tom
Hi Kay,
It is Eric Cornette from our first two classes. I enjoy reading your post, and they always make me think a little. In this one, I was able to reflect on how my roots may have something to do with where I am in life. Both of my Grandfathers were in business for themselves. One was in dental prosthetics, and the other had a successful welding business. My uncle, cousins, and brother have been successful in being self-employed. The genes are there, so it makes me feel more confident in working toward my endeavors.
Another thing I like about your blog is that you give us an easy way to answer it by adding questions. I love this, it is a great idea, and it is something I hope to add to my site.
1. How has your past contributed to who you are today? It has helped in many ways, but the most obvious being is coming from a background of not having much. Being able to understand not having much has given me a drive that makes me want to become successful.
2. What creations and innovations are you bringing to the world? I want to convey ideas of being able to farm vertically to the mainstream.
3. Do you believe you can impact the world by creating and innovation? Yes, and I think that anyone who wants to change the world can do so.
Thanks, Kay, for the great site. I look forward to what else you will share as we progress.
Eric