Otterocity!

I saw this video on Yahoo and thought it was cool.  It demonstrates several of the qualities I write about in my book Otterocity.  Otters are very smart creatures.  They are one of the very few animals that can problem solve and use tools.  It is no surprise that the otter in this video actually thinks to jump up on the boat to escape the killer whales hunting it.

Another trait that otters possess is perseverance.  They live their whole lives in the water and are constantly hunted by killer whales, sharks, and eagles.  They must endure hardships, like bad weather, losing a pup to a predator, and foraging for food.

Otters are truly amazing creatures.

Creativity is the spark of all things new. It is the beginning of innovation. We would still be huddling in a cave to keep warm if it weren’t for creativity. The creation of a camp fire, and using it for heat and cooking, brought human kind out ofthe dark and into the light.

Fire brought the creation of tools and the dawn of the Bronze Age. Creastivity brought forward mankind through the Industrial age and into the Technology Era. Just think of all the advances of medicine, technology, travel, etc. that we have today. What great things will we create in the coming century?

Possessing a creative mind is one quality that Otters show. They learn how to use their environment to survive. For example, they use rocks to help open shells and tie kelp around their young so they don’t float away. If an animal can create, then we should beable to use our creative minds to figure out the problems of society and bring peace and joy to the world, solve world hunger, or reduce waste.

Creativity isn’t just about thinking up some invention, or finding a cure for a disease. It is about problem solving. It is finding solutions to a challenge, or creating a unique idea that will improve your life. It is about using your mind and creativity for whatever challenges you face. It is about new and different ideas that spark change for the good of an endeavor.

Creativity is all around us, in art, music, science, agriculture. It is at work, home, school, or whever you are. It is unlimited. Only we place limits on it.

Ask yourself this one question:

What creative thing can you think of that can improve your life, or the life of others around you?

So, go out there and possess a CREATIVE MIND!

HARD WORK:

You can work really hard. You can go all out onwhatever thing you set out on, and invest a lot of energy on accomplishing anendeavor. But that is where the comparison between hard work and smart work ends. Often when you work hard you look busy, spin your wheels, and take unnecessary steps.

But what have you really accomplished.

SMART WORK:

When you work smart you get more accomplished. You work less, but get more done.

Here are several things that you can do to incorporate smart work in your life:

You can work smart, be more productive, and happier too!

(For more, stay tuned for the forthcoming book Otterocity Field Guide.)

WORK SMART
WITH OTTEROCITY!

In the words of Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, “Tim tebow has IT!”

What is this "IT" Deion is talking about?

Is "IT" Tebowoing? Or is "IT" something else?

Tebowing is the phenomenon. The "IT" is his intangibles. Tim Tebow’s intangibles are unifying a talented Denver Broncos squad. His intangibles are the catalyst for bringing this team together. For the first time in a long time, the team is unified and playing together collectivley. They have an unorthodox enthusiasm that carries them to victory and an enormous will and drive to succeed that is unparalleled in the NFL.

Is it all because of one man?

No, it takes a whole team to win on game day.

But, can enthusiasm come from one man?

Yes, I believe one man can spread or destroy enthusiasm. Tim Tebow is brining a joyful spirit to a team that has been down for several years and they are now having fun on the field and it is translating to their success.

So what are the intagibles?

I believe those intangibles are what is found in Otterocity!

Those intangibles are, Smart Work, Innovative Mind, Adaptation, Playful Disposition, Communication, Teamwork, Individual Uniqueness, Perseverance, Unconditional Love, and a Joyful Spirit.

SMART WORK: Everyone says he is the first one on the practice field and the last one to leave. Anyone can work hard, but what about working smart? What makes a person better is the ability to recognize your weaknesses, work on your faults, and improve. But what does he do to work smart? He practices what he knows works and what he is comfortable with. In a game, he protects the ball. He is minimizing turnovers, and is making smart decisions.

CREATIVE MIND: Tim Tebow is the master of improvising when it is most important. When it is “Tebow Time” He uses his mind on the field to extend plays and find the weakness of the opponent.

ADAPTATION: He is showing the ability to adapt. Each week he is growing and learning. At times, you see him stand in the pocket and throw some accurate balls. He has brought his talents to the forefront and morphed the way that the offense is played in the NFL. He plays to his strengths. On top of that, the team has adapted to him too. They have modified their style of play to incorporate his talents.

PLAYFUL DISPOSITION: You see his playful nature when he is on the field or in an interview. He is always smiling.

COMMUNICATION: He communicates well with his team on the field. When it is crunch time, he knows how to elevate their spirits and instill hope in them.

TEAMWORK: Tim Tebow contributes to the team and the success of the team. In his interviews he does not take the credit but credits his offensive line, his receivers, his running backs, and the defense. He knows that without them, he wouldn’t have the success he is having.

INDIVIDUAL UNIQUENESS: Although he is part of the team, his individual uniqueness and individual talents contributing to the team’s success. The Denver Broncos have changed their whole offense around one player. Yet, his individuality is not construed as egotism. That is the difference between individual uniqueness that elevates, or destroys.

PERSEVERANCE: All his life, others have told him what he cannot do and he has proven them wrong time and time again. In his official FRS Healthy Energy Fuels ad he says:

"They said I couldn't be a High School quarterback."
"They said I couldn't get a D1 Scholarship."
"You can't make it."
"You're not good enough."
"You're not skilled enough."
"They said I couldn't win a Heisman."
"They said I couldn't win a National Championship."
"They said I wouldn't be a first round draft pick."
"They siad I couldn't play in the league . . ."
". . . I APPRECIATE THAT!"

Tim Tebow was drafted in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He sat on the bench for a year and a half before he was made the official full time starter for the Broncos. The critics say he will never be a good NFL Quarterback. So far, he is proving them wrong. Tim Tebow shows what it takes to persevere in the face of adversity.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE: First and foremost, he loves his creator unconditionally, and is not afraid to show it. He loves the game, his teammates, and other people. He displays this on the field with his teammates and off the field through his foundation.

JOYFUL SPIRIT: The smile in the picture above says more than I can write here.

When the sharks are circling, the eagles are soaring above, and the hunters are near, Tim Tebow has Otterocity!