Innoveering Nebraska

When we were kids, it was really easy to share what we loved with other people.  As we get older, somehow it seems to get harder.  I think this happens for two reasons:
1.  We’re more scared people will think less of us because what we love isn’t important or grown-up enough and
2. We get so busy doing “grown-up” things like paying bills, building careers, keeping up with the neighbors and being seen at the right places talking about having done the right things with the right people that we stop exploring our real passions and doing things we actually enjoy doing. 

We do carry some of what we loved to do as kids with us into adulthood.  For example, on a rough day when the creativity just isn’t there, I zip out for a swim at my gym’s pool. And on really tough days I stop in at the Subway on 40something and Dodge after my swim because they always have Goodrich‘s pink bubble gum icecream (they also put fresh spinach on sandwiches).  If I don’t have time to zip out, I get out an old practice book and pound away on my piano for ten minutes. 

I loved these things as a kid and, as an adult who still enjoys them, they’re useful for relaxing and redirecting my thoughts.  Plus they’re fun – and really when was the last time you did something that was fun?

I also think we find new things to enjoy as our taste’s change (Newcastle anyone?) as we’re exposed to new things (have you settled Catan yet?) and as we age  (I’ve become quite fond of naps).     

My point is that knowing what you  love – what really makes your heart race – isn’t as easy at it should be. It’s worth the time and effort though. I have some ideas on how to remember and discover what you love, but first I’d like you to make a list. Include everything you can think of.

If you like reading the sports page, list it. If you really like drinking beer while gossiping with your buddies about what you read on the sports page, then list that. If you like decorating cupcakes to look like various sporting balls, list it! If you enjoy balancing your checkbook each month list it! List everything that you either enjoy doing or have fun doing.
No one’s going to see your list so there is no need to worry about what the neighbors, your spouse or your friends will think.

Please make your list – or at least give it a good three minutes worth of trying. I’ll be ever so disappointed if you don’t.

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Driving back and forth to Lincoln this week I listened to Seth Godin‘s Purple Cow.  It’s one of those books that just sort of resets your focus.  Also, the version from the Omaha Public Library is read by Malcolm Gladwell or someone who sounds just like him.  Check it out if you don’t believe me.   

One of the key points in this book is the concept of otaku which is the Japanese word for something that is “more than a hobby but a little less than an obsession.”  Godin’s point is that if you create a product in an area that has a large number of people with otaku for that area, those people will market your product for you. 

My favorite example from the book is hot sauces.  Lots of people feel strongly about and go to extra effort regarding their hot sauces.  Mustards on the other hand can have even more variety, but far fewer people care about them. 

Being reminded of otaku made me realize how often it had come up recently in my life.  My financial bookclub just read Rule #1 by Phil Town which advocates strongly for only investing in a very small number of companies that A) fit a profile over the last ten years and B) do business in one of your areas of otaku.  For the record Town doesn’t use the word otaku, but his description matches the word. 

The other time I think otaku is relevant is when you’re choosing a business to form.  Often this is described as passion for the business, but passion is built into otaku.  If you start a business around one of your areas of otaku, you can’t help but be passionate about it. 

So what is your otaku?  What do you make time for even when you’re busy?  What brings you joy?  What are you doing when you experience flow?  My otaku is new ideas, writing, maintaining my home and various gardens and teaching.   Nearly everyone who knows me could tell you this.  If you can’t figure out your otaku, ask the people around you.  I bet they know. 

By the way, if you want to talk about this idea with someone, it’s pronounced ew’ tacu (almost like “oo! a taco.” but “tacu”).  I like this word a lot and would love to have it integrated into our American English.   Please help.  It’s a great word and idea.

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