Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

Panic Versus Planning

Shane Hodge • June 3, 2021

Ok just in case you have not heard these, let's set the scene for this month's blog. First of all, let me introduce Benjamin Franklin who once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Now, Benjamin Franklin was a Founding Father of the United States. Franklin helped to draft the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, and he negotiated the 1783 Treaty of Paris ending the Revolutionary War, so he made some pretty good plans.
And then, we have Taylor Swift, a famous singer, once said: “Just because you make a good plan, doesn’t mean that’s what’s gonna happen.” Wow goooo Taylor.

We could also take a look at what God says about it. Proverbs is a book of wisdom and chapter 21 verse 5 advises, “The plans of the diligent surely lead to success, but all who are hasty surely head for poverty.”

So three schools of thought when it comes to planning. Good old Ben who said that planning is the key, and Taylor who said, what the heck maybe just go with the flow, and last but not least, God, and really who is gunna mess with God?

Ok, now the scene is set, let's put it all into context. It's obvious that in life and business, planning is a pretty important key, so it's a good idea to break out the pad and pencil, have the laptop or iPad lined up ready to tap tap and focus, dream, and plan.

But then, out of the blue, from nowhere, once in a lifetime, like a thief in the night, booom, Covid, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, floods, plagues of locusts, rivers turning red (got all Ten Commandments Charlton Heston lol) and all those awesome plans? Well, all that great planning can instantly turn to panic!

I think about all the business in Melbourne Australia. Yep, they, like all of us, got hit badly with Covid lockdowns, 100+ straight days in fact, but then things improved, less people got sick, and thank you, Hallelujah, lockdowns stopped and went back to business. Then? After a couple of weeks of planning to make hay while the sun shines, boom, more cases and when the clock strikes midnight, like Cinderella, your business turns into a pumpkin and you're in another lockdown.

You could have spent hours and hours creating the most perfect of plans but it's all going out the door so fast in a heartbeat and no doubt panic station zebra will set in and you could be reaching for Dr. Johnny Walker for help.

So at this stage you will no doubt be asking, “Ok, Camel Guru what's your advice on this?” Glad you asked.

My advice? Don't panic. Easier said than done, I know, but it's a fact. We must remember you’re the leader of the pack, captain of the ship, and your team, customers, family, bank manager, will be looking to you for a plan. So, what's it going to be?

You have to have a plan B, and my advice is don't be afraid to use the rest of the alphabet. Next, don’t fall into the trap of perfectionism, it’s tempting. But as the saying goes, it’s often better to “fail fast.” Get your new experience out there, and see if it’s working. Some people get so precious protecting the plans they have made, they fall into the “let's stick to the plan, I worked so hard on it”. Well folks, sometimes you have to bury your pride to survive.
So, my advice when all of a sudden, boom, things take a potential turn for the worst? Grab some chocolate and a can of whatever energy drink or Starbucks and start thinking way outside the nine dots and don’t be scared to give any plan a try. There is no such thing as a bad idea, it's all a matter of timing. Give it a shot, if that one doesn't work? Try another and remember that other old saying:
“If at first you don't succeed? Try, try again.”
Go get 'em.

Hugs to all.

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By Shane Hodge • November 1, 2024

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By Shane Hodge • September 27, 2024

Yes we have to pay humans (How dare they ask for money some ask) But Folks In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing, it's easy to imagine a future where robots are designing our logos, creating our advertisements, and even picking out the perfect shade of blue for our websites. But before we hand over our graphic design tools to our silicon-based friends, let's take a moment to appreciate why humans are still the reigning champions of creativity in the design world. Spoiler alert: it’s not just because we can appreciate a good cup of coffee while working! The Human Touch : More Than Just Opposable Thumbs AI might be able to churn out designs faster than you can say "Helvetica," but it lacks the human touch. There's something about the way a human designer can capture emotion, tell a story, and connect with an audience that AI just can't replicate. It's like comparing a hand-knitted sweater from grandma to a mass-produced one from a factory. Sure, they both keep you warm, but only one comes with a side of love and a hint of mothballs. Creativity : The Unpredictable Muse AI is great at following patterns and algorithms, but creativity often thrives on breaking the rules. Human designers have the ability to think outside the box, color outside the lines, and occasionally spill coffee on the canvas, creating a masterpiece by accident. AI, on the other hand, would probably just short-circuit at the sight of a coffee stain. Humor : The Secret Ingredient Let's face it, AI doesn't have a sense of humor. It might be able to generate a pun or two, but it doesn't understand the nuances of wit and sarcasm. Human designers can infuse humor into their work, making it relatable and memorable. After all, who doesn't love a good visual pun? Just imagine an AI trying to design a funny cat meme—it would probably end up with a picture of a toaster. Empathy : Designing with Heart Graphic design is not just about making things look pretty; it's about understanding the audience and designing with empathy. Humans have the ability to put themselves in others' shoes (or flip-flops, if that's your thing) and create designs that resonate on a deeper level. AI might be able to analyze data, but it can't feel the joy of a child seeing their favorite cartoon character or the nostalgia of a retro design. The Happy Accidents Some of the best designs come from happy accidents—those unexpected moments of brilliance that occur when a designer is experimenting and playing around. AI is programmed to avoid mistakes, but humans know that sometimes, a little chaos can lead to something extraordinary. It's like the time you accidentally added too much chili to your soup and discovered a new favorite dish. The Human Connection At the end of the day, design is about connecting with people. Human designers have the ability to build relationships, understand client needs, and collaborate in ways that AI simply can't. Plus, humans are much better at handling client feedback without overheating or needing a reboot. In conclusion, while AI is a fantastic tool that can assist in the design process, it lacks the creativity, empathy, and humor that make human designers truly exceptional. So, the next time you're admiring a beautifully crafted logo or a cleverly designed ad, remember to thank the human behind the screen. After all, we're the ones who can appreciate the finer things in life—like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee and a well-timed joke. Love & Hugs from TheCamel