Originality, vision, invention, and a fearless approach to life. Who embodies these traits best? Before you answer that question, consider this: when kids play with coloring books, they don't worry about crayon drawings that smear past designated lines or matching exact colors with 'reality.' Children color the grass purple, the sky yellow, and the ocean pink. Think about it—when we become grownups, we learn words like "taboo," "politically correct," "censorship," and "convention." Rules, regulations, and boundaries help us live in proper societies, but can stifle the Muses of Creativity.

So how can we pocket a bit of that freedom of expression and breath new life into our endeavors? Listen up...

1. Ideas are about freedom—budgets, strategies, executions—those come later.
2. Great ideas hatch in unlikely places.
3. If you're unhappy with the picture, crumple it up, and grab a new crayon.
4. The other kids will join you in the sandbox once they see you're building a sandcastle.
5. Don't be afraid of mistakes; they happen, so pick up your crayons and color on.

*This article is dedicated to COSTA IMC's new parents. May your little ones always remind you to play in the sandbox.