Back in my college days, one of my favorite memories was walking out of a class feeling enlightened. You know, the feeling of having that a-ha moment. I still remember a media studies lecture which explored small group behavior through the characters in the movie The Poseidon Adventure. That lecture was both profound and incredibly entertaining. Today, I can proudly admit that I am an idea geek. While I am no longer in school, the internet provides us with many places we can exchange ideas.
One such place is at TED. While TED originally stood for technology, entertainment and design, their focus has evolved to “ideas worth spreading.” For me, the TED site makes me feel like a kid in a candy store and it allows me to have those a-ha moments over and over again.
This past week, I had the opportunity to attend the TEDx Windy City event, which explored the theme of creative convergence. I went into the event incredibly tired after a day of painting, but walked out feeling energized and enlightened.
I particularly enjoyed Donald Marinelli’s lecture about blending theater and craftsmanship with computers and technology. Marinelli, from Carnegie Mellon University, worked closely with the late Randy Pausch. While his presentation was delivered via Skype due to weather-related travel problems, Marinelli’s entertaining delivery held everyone’s attention.
Other speakers included Dawn Hancock, creative director and owner of Firebelly Design and Zach Kaplan, CEO of Inventables. Both Hancock and Kaplan, through their example, challenged all of us in the audience to explore our passions and follow our bliss.
If there happens to be a TED event in your area, I invite you to check it out. Or visit the official TED site.
Another place that I like to visit for some great ideas is ChangeThis, a site loaded with numerous PDFs and manifestos. According to their site, ChangeThis is “on an important mission to spread ideas and change minds.” On it you’ll find downloadable documents from great thinkers such as Seth Godin, Sally Hogshead, Jonathan Fields and Keith Ferazzi to name just a few.
I really enjoy how ChangeThis gives everyone the opportunity to spread a great idea or find out about new ideas. Some recent topics include How to Read a Business Book, The Myth of Overnight Success, Seven Ways to Reinvent Yourself or the Need to Remember Our Aging Veterans. I know I’ve downloaded my share of manifestos over the years.
If you think you have a great idea or if you’re curious about other great ideas, please visit ChangeThis…who knows, maybe it will change you.
Have a great weekend!