The following message was posted by Francie Ward, CEO of Idea Cafe, on 6/14/2006:

"As company founders and owners, we appear always in control,
undaunted by whatever challenges come our way. But,
underneath our calm, cool veneer we may be coming apart,
feeling our sanity slipping away under the pressures to be so
many things to so many people, juggling task-hats at a frenzied
pace.

But, hey, there are techniques for preserving your brain and your
sanity. We've all found a few that we can pull out of the magic
hat when we need to. Lose the stress and keep your sanity with
these tips and tricks from the experts, and from our Idea Cafe
Regulars.

So share your own Sanity-Saving Tips & Tricks to help
others stay intact. Your brilliant, wacky, spiritual or
psychological Sanity-Saving Tip could win you a unique Idea
Cafe T-Shirt if we judge it best of the week.


Get Out For Lunch.
Don't eat at your desk, workshop or wherever. Having a change
of scene can be a mood enhancer. Even if you pack a sandwich
to work, get out to a park bench or wherever to consume it. Even
feeding pigeons is better than being chained to your desk for 10
hours a day.


Decorate Your Workspace With Things That Make You
Feel Good.
Received any awards or mentions in the local newspaper lately?
Well, frame them and hang 'em up! Keep any emails and cards
that thank or compliment you for a job well done in a top desk
drawer. If you have family or special friends who are an
important part of your life, keep mementos of them in your
office. Plaster those children drawings all around you. Keep that
special photo from last year's reunion nearby. Display your
favorite collectibles around your computer/desk. Paint the walls
sunshine yellow! The point is to liven up the room with your
personality, fame, and passions! Don't make your office seem
dry or too mechanical.

Surround Yourself With Positive People.
Optimism can be contagious. Gather up a team of happy-go-
lucky, energetic people who will feed into your self-esteem and
create some infections positive energy. And if you can't afford
new, or any, employees right now? Try for volunteers, interns
and friends who are willing to help. Start a focus group, chat on
the Internet, or join an organization of like business-oriented
people. Search out these peppy people and soon you will be
feeling the power of their creative vibrations.


Keep Progress Reports.
Praise yourself and your employees with monthly progress
reports. Do NOT focus on what you have NOT done -- it's all
about what you HAVE done. Create a goal chart on the wall and
as you reach each goal you can shade that area in with red. Once
the goal chart is finished -- and on time (say - every quarter) --
do something fun and positive. A pizza lunch for the crew is a
way to say "thank you."
Institute Morale-Boosting Activities.

If you have a crew that works with you, put up a challenge to
your team. Set a goal, like a group weight-loss competition, or
form a race-walking team.

Cheers,
Francie Ward"