I am currently staying at a small bed and breakfast in Park City, UT. Lovely place, even better people. The thing I love about Bed and Breakfasts is the communal atmosphere that they have. Since you are, essentially, in someone's home everyone feels a little more at ease.
It's a bit like having a family wherever you're staying. At this particular Bed and Breakfast there is an older couple staying here (the husband told me he was 79 but I would have believed 69) from Louisiana. Northern Louisiana they will quickly inform you, lest you think they are from the foul basin known as New Orleans.
I was spending time with the husband tonight talking about what he does and his thoughts on life. It was completely fascinating. I figured he knew a lot more than me so I decided to stay quiet for most of the conversation. I'm glad I did.
Although he works in construction his brain was wired much the same way my own is. He talked about the need for creativity and creative problem solving. He talked about directionless people who sort of float through life. He talked about how he could not imagine a life where he was not doing some sort of work, using his mind and his hands.
Very inspiring. There were two things he said that stuck in my mind. One from him and one from his father (who also has a pretty incredible story).
You need to get your education. And get your union card too.
He was talking about how easy it is for people in academia to think that education is the goal. The end point. He disagrees with that and thinks that while education is important it's equally important to get your hands dirty. Do some honest-to-goodness work.
My father used to say, "not a wheel turns till somebody sells something."
He used this as a validation for what we both do (and for the importance of account people in construction and advertising). Some of the most creative minds in the world can't communicate with other people, they can't provide themselves the outlet to channel their creativity. Nothing can happen until somebody sells something. Then it's game on.
This was also a great reminded that good advice can come from anywhere. It doesn't have to be an advertising book or, god forbid, a self help book. Just talking to people can be a huge treat. You might learn something too.