- Paperback: 140 pages
- Publisher: Creative Genius Press (November 29, 2011)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 098398560X
- ISBN-13: 978-0983985600
- Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.3 inches
Synopsis:
Do you long to make a change in your life but aren’t sure where to
start? Do you talk about your dreams with other people but find yourself
doing the same behaviors that keep you from making change happen? Do
you want something more? Drawing Solutions will show you how to use
visual goal setting to turn your dreams into reality.
Filled with stories of personal and client experiences, this book
will convince you that you don’t have to be an artist or know how to
draw to use these tools. You just have to be willing to honestly explore
where you are, dream where you want to be and choose the three bold
steps you will take to make it happen. Using the latest neuroscience
findings, test out how to trick your brain into helping you get what you
want.
My Thoughts:
I love watching TED speakers, so when I stumbled across Patti Dobrowolski a short time ago, I made a point to add her book, Drawing Solutions to my summer reading list. So, when I was sent a copy to review, I added to my stack of books, which I planned to take on our vacation, to read at the end of the day. But, after reading the first few pages upon receiving it in the mail, I ended up finishing it in under a week's time. This book is not long, but with two young girls, I don't have the time each day to read like I would like. So, when I did find a spare few minutes, I would pick it up, read it, and then jot down notes in my journal regarding useful tips.
Like I said, prior to reading Patti's book, I watched her TED lecture, which you can see here:
I always find myself writing down notes when watching these speakers, as they offer valuable information and amazing statistics. Based on Patti's talk, I had scribbled the following down:
- According to research, Patti told the audience that the odds that you will make a change in life is 9 to 1. In order to achieve your goals, you need to visualize them, then you will believe it.
- "How can you use a picture to get what you want? Simply draw it!" Start by drawing your current state, followed by your desired new reality -- this will give you a road map to achieving your goals.
- Patti says that "We remember things 65% better when it is attached to a picture." This is true for both my husband and I. Even though I am one to read through instructional manuals, while my husband simply goes by what he sees on the box, when it comes down to it, we both remember what we see if it is illustrated for us.
Just by watching this talk, I was eagerly waiting to get my hands on her book and see how I could use visual goal setting to change my life.
When I was diagnosed with cancer back in 2008, I have what seemed like all the time in the world to decide what I wanted from life, after I beat my cancer. I realized through this stage 2 diagnosis that life is short, and that I wasn't going to sit on the side lines any longer, Prior to my diagnosis, I would just through the motions daily -- get up, dread going to work, sit behind my desk, all while dealing with crabby bosses, who really didn't care about me or what I was contributed to the company, only to return home grouchy and waiting for the cycle to begin again the next day. This was not how I wanted to live, and thanks to this wake up call (yes, cancer, was my wake up call), I knew I needed to make a change. But, how would I do this?
Once I graduated college, I thought I would get a great job, which would help change the world, or at least make me look forward to going to work daily. In the beginning, I was in love with what I did, but as the years went by, I began to lose the passion, as I wanted more -- but, again, didn't know how to make that change. I switched jobs, only to hit that wall time and time again. After talking with friends and fellow co-workers, many were in the same boat. The only difference between me and so many of them, was that I didn't have children yet. My co-workers would use the excuse that they had to stay in their jobs to receive a payment, and have health insurance benefits. I remember back then thinking I would not be that type of person -- one who settles. I valued myself more than this. So, back on May 1, 2008, when my final radiation and chemo treatments were done, I sat in my room, and began to seriously evaluate what I wanted from life. Now that I was given a new lease on life, I would make the most of it.
I always wanted to be my own boss, so I began working as a virtual assistant, offering both administrative and marketing services to start up companies and individuals I found through online job boards. I began to find that spark again -- the passion and drive to achieve my goals. But, then as time went on, I began to wonder what it would be like to have my own business with people under me. I had been spending the past two years helping others achieve their goals and reap the successes through my efforts, but that was it. I didn't get recognize that I had hoped for. And, thus, I began to re-evaluate what I wanted out of life.
At the beginning of my treatment, doctors told me that I would not be able to have children due to the treatment I would be receiving. I could, however, spend upwards of $120,000+ to have eggs frozen, and then use a surrogate down the road. At that time, my husband and I had just moved into our first house, and went from 2 salaries down to 1. And, my mindset was not worrying about children. I wanted to beat cancer, and come out a survivor. But, in 2009, my biological clock began to tick and my husband and I decided to try and see if we could get pregnant. And, sure enough, we welcomed our daughter, Savannah in July of 2010, and then Arabella in November of 2011. Yes, it has been a very busy few years, but I would not change it for the world. While pregnant with Savannah, I came up with an idea for a baby product, received funding through the Huggies Mom Inspired Grant, and began my blog.
As I sit here today, I am happy as I am able to do what I have a passion for --writing. I also feel that I am helping other moms out there, by promoting their businesses through my Spotlight on Mommy Monday features, all while watching my two daughters grow up. Before I read Patti's book, I was only mentally visualizing my goals and road map in life. I found myself stumbling or getting sidetracked, as I wasn't able to see it on paper. When life throws you a curve ball, the last thing you want to do is try and remember your mentally visualized game plan. But, if you can see it on paper, then you are more likely to pursue it. Even today, I want more out of life and continue to strive for these things. Hopefully down the road, my daughters will feel inspired to reach for their goals, after seeing how I reached my total bliss in life. And, the first way of getting there is by drawing my dreams, and working to make them a reality. With Patti's book, you, too, can learn how visual goal setting with change your life, and make you wake up every day happy in what you are doing.
My husband is now reading Patti's book, and working on putting his goals/aspirations down on paper. Once he has his road map made, I'll have it hang it up next to mine in my office, so that we can work together to help each other achieve them. It is one thing to work towards your goals yourself. But, when you have support from your spouse and close family and friends, you will find the strength to push on when you hit a roadblock or don't see an end in site. I hope you get a chance to pick up Drawing Solutions by Patti Dobrowolski. I have her booked all marked up, and will continue to use it for reference, as she offers an abundance of information, that is not only easy to understand, but will make you want to grab a blank sheet of paper and pen and begin to create your road map.
--BUY NOW--
You can order Drawing Solutions online through many popular retailers, including Amazon.com, in addition to picking up at a local book store. In addition, you can order the book directly from Patti's website for only $14.00. Click here to order it now -- http://upyourcreativegenius.com/#store.
About the Author:
Patti Dobrowolski is the founder of Up Your Creative Genius, a
consulting firm that uses visuals and creative processes to help
companies and individuals around the world accelerate growth and create
positive change that enhances culture, employee performance and the
bottom line. An internationally recognized keynote speaker, critically
acclaimed comic performer, writer and business consultant, she has
brought her innovative visual practices to NGOs, Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and individuals around the world.
Known for her high energy, quick wit and commitment to helping people
and businesses achieve their goals; she lives in the rainforest of
Seattle, Washington.
Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review. The views above are mine and mine alone.
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