Today I made time for play by participating in

Smarts and Culture’s Society for the Secret Playdate.

The Secret Playdate is a way of giving yourself permission to do seemingly frivolous things like coloring with crayons, knitting a few rows of a scarf or painting with ketchup.
It’s a way to feed your creative side while you subconsciously meditate on the projects on your front burner.

I love that it forced me away from the computer and onto the floor with a big piece of  poster board and a stack of colored paper.

My goal was to incorporate as much color as I could stand without getting all rainbows and unicorns.

What emerged was a color-coded mind map.

I wanted to synthesize the responses from a survey I am running about Facebook for Small Businesses (<— take it – it’s quick!) and use that information to develop either a speaking topic or a product or both.

What was wonderful about this way of working was being so immersed in the process, losing track of time and wanting to keep going after the hour was up.

Part brainstorm, part art project, it kept me focused and engaged.

This could open up a whole new way of working.

Stay tuned…