What's with the What-ifs
As promised, a little background for my “what if, weekly” – still vaguely ambiguous.
But one thing is clear, I have an incurable case of the what-ifs and don’t want the remedy.
I went to art school in Chicago, studied fine art and design, then worked as a designer/art director for several years. All the while, continually taking classes to fill my creative cup and need for knowledge – realizing every class was yet another tip of the never-ending sea of icebergs.
Upon reflection, I realize the questioning has been a constant for me, especially as a child, and thankfully I never let go of the curiosity. Not quite the child asking “why, why, why” there was another dear friend in the neighborhood that took on that role. Now, I think she is one of the most dramatic storytellers I know.
I was more like “what if…” an adventurer, a practical optimist and natural inquisitor.
Is there is a unique attribute in DNA related to curiosity? If so, I definitely possess that gene. I’m grateful my parents the precise combination of “what if” and “you can do that.”
My questioning ways were even more apparent while finishing my undergrad, I wasn’t there to just “get it done.” I was a hand-raiser – asking questions, sending out tangent thoughts and parallels. But more than answers, I noticed, the more I asked questions, the more it opened the door for others to ask their questions, too. Starting a dialogue, the discussion often ending in aha moments.
So whether, in a meeting, when starting a new painting, at a client kick-off meeting or taking in a workshop – I observe, then ask what if? which usually gravitates to… why? then for who?
and then listen for the answer.
