I am an idea person. I always have been. I have more ideas than I have time in the day to make them happen. Sometimes, that’s a good thing! Not every thought is brilliant, so keeping it safe within the confines of my brain is the right choice. But sometimes I do have a bright idea that really needs to come out into the world.
As a woman over 40, I feel like I’m in a really creative phase of life. One of the exciting things about being over 40 is that lowering levels of estrogen trigger a decreased care about what other people think. Yes, that’s right! My lowered consideration of other peoples’ opinions isn’t just me being tired of dealing with them– it’s physiological!
Women over 40 (like me) likely feel more optimistic about bringing your bright idea out into the world now than in previous years. Harness your creativity! Use your physiology to your advantage!
As I get older, I also find it easier to discern which ideas deserve to see the light of day. But then I run into the problem of trying to figure out exactly how to transition from dream to reality! I may know the high level steps of the process, but the details of bringing it to fruition are fuzzy.
Thank goodness other people are better at the process than I am.
The Idea Sanctuary is a luxe hardbound book that is part-journal and part project planner. This little book guides you step-by-step from idea to reality.
To begin with, it helps you determine which of your ideas is best to pursue. Then, through a thorough and practical series of questions, leads you through next steps. While The Idea Sanctuary was designed for creative entrepreneurs, the guidance is suitable for anyone who has a bright idea they want to share with the world. Whether you have a business idea or a personal endeavor, The Idea Sanctuary distills the ideation process into actionable steps.
From clarity of mission activities to project planning calendars to marketing advice, The Idea Sanctuary is like having an Idea Coach with you every step of the way. And I LOVE that this is a paper-based workbook. I have a special pen that I use when I work through my bright idea to remind myself my work has value. The Idea Sanctuary fits easily in my handbag, so I can carry it with me to jot down brainstorms as I have them (like while I’m sitting in the car waiting for track practice to let out).
Take a look at two of the interior pages:
Wouldn’t it be great to have a guide like this?! You deserve an Idea Sanctuary to coach your ideas to life!
Because I know you have a fabulous bright idea, I’m offering a giveaway of The Idea Sanctuary!
Simply enter your details in the box below:
I want to support you as you move from dream to reality! Imagine how great you’ll feel as you move through the process of birthing your bright idea into the world.
But because I’m just a little bit nosy, I’d love for you to tell me your bright idea! You’ll receive a bonus entry in the giveaway for leaving a comment on this post sharing how you’ll use The Idea Sanctuary. Enter the contest and comment today!
One winner will be chosen at random from all entries received between April 16-20, 2018. Winner will be announced in the Well Balanced Women weekly enewsletter on Friday, April 21, 2018. Winning entrant will receive one copy of The Idea Sanctuary via mail. Chances of winning based on total number of entries. Contest void where prohibited.
In 2 days I will be 61 yrs old. I’ve worked hard, on disability, and done for everyone but myself. I feel creative side wanting to kick in. I want to find ME. Not sure if this will help, but love to win and someone is willing to try. Thanks to you!
What a great attitude Debra– never too late to tune in to yourself!
I am just re-starting my journey as an entrepreneur so my big idea is to keep on track with my fiance’s support!
How exciting, Jocelyn! The Idea Sanctuary would be perfect for you. Good luck!
I’m just starting my journey as an entrepreneur and have ideas flowing. I now have some focus, but the ideas continue to flow. I would love to use your workbook to continue to gain clarity on my mission to help increase the self-worth and sense of belonging of youth who struggle academically and/or socially-emotionally.
What a fabulous idea, Sherry! Keep focused, and you’ll be changing lives. Woo hoo!
I definitely need some focus for my ideas. I’m a musician and a creative but often find I have too many ideas and not enough focus!
Oh, I feel you Karis! I’m long on creativity and short on follow-through sometimes. Planning out a full project is absolutely necessary if I ever want to get it done.
My bright idea this year was to finally fulfill my dream of starting a blog. Now I need to work on scheduling my day to fit the blogging in. I am making progress.
Go, Pam, go! I’ve been blogging for NINE years, and there’s still new things to learn. Just take it day by day, but having a plan and a structure really does help!
At 55 I went back to college and got my bachelor’s degree. Just recently I quit my job of 20 years that I hated and I am finding multiple ways of bringing money in without the 9-5 job. You are never to old to try new things and change your life.
How awesome, Jeanne! Good for you for going and creating the life you want. Rock on, Sister!
This is so cool! Love this. I would use it to track my “Happiness Project” that I started, and also to help me stay focused on my dreams and goals !:)
A Happiness Project is always a great idea. Anything that moves you toward your dreams and goals is worthwhile.
The idea sanctuary looks like a great tool and I love that it is purse sized!
Yes, Emily, the form factor is one thing I love about it…so easy to carry with me and jot down ideas as I have them. You can’t schedule creativity!
My bright idea was to buy the ultimate homemaker bundle (which is simply amazing) I have been feeling overwhelmed with everything revolving around being a stay at home mom and am trying to get back on track with budgeting, family, and really want to work on taking care of me also
Hey Shelby– It was a bright idea to buy the UHB. So many awesome resources to support your new life. Pace yourself as you move through the bundle. It’s an embarrassment of riches!
I’m trying to find ways to continue my work in global health and midwifery while taking a break at home with my kids. Staying engaged with my midwifery community.
Fantastic goal, Laura! My three kids were all born with midwife support. Do you know about the Edna Adan Foundation? http://ednahospitalfoundation.org/ Might be up your alley.
I’m 38 and I feel the same way you do about creativity. I’ve just started my blog and I am working towards making it as successful as possible. Life experience helps us sort out the ideas to try versus ones to leave in the box. The Idea Sanctuary book sounds like a great resource! Thanks for the review!
Happy you stopped by, Jamie. Good luck with the blogging– it’s such a fun creative outlet.
So, I don’t see this happening any time soon. But, it seems that all of this junkmail that we get needs to be made into artisanal usable paper for writing letters. The Southwest School of Art here in San Antonio actually offers papermaking and other book arts classes, so I’ve thought I should do this (and painting) at some point. I really just want to paint, so maybe someone else should take the paper idea and run with it. 🙂
Hey Jane, I was just reading a study today that said that 30 minutes of creative activity a day markedly reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. And the first step to making a dream happen is to say it out loud. You’re already on your way!
I am starting to work on programming that combines senior citizens with pre-schoolers. I’m off to a good start with the willingness of a couple of seniors and the pre-school program at my Parish.
Yes! Yes! Yes! There was just an article in The Guardian (UK paper) today about this concept and how well it was working for everyone.