The Power of Purpose

Last week I was struggling to create the first project description, the first presentation of what we want to achieve with our journey. Marcio and I had everything quite clear in our minds, but it still took me over 48 hours to put it down in words, it was not easy, even frustrating. But the feeling at the end paid off, it was great to have a one-page document describing our dreams. I sent across to some people for feedback and I got great comments and powerful questions. Time to work on the description 2.0!

Current Project Description

The challenge and biggest learning was to get to a Purpose Statement. Not something that sounds cool and attractive, but something compelling and powerful, that comes from our hearts and it’s bigger than Marcio and I, in a sense that allows other people to feel welcome and able to join. We both have our personal objectives and ideas with this project, but the purpose is bigger than that, more powerful, it’s a kind of attractor for all those involved – partners, sponsors, collaborators, fellow travelers. The more clear the statement is, the sharper it’s effect is, like a sword cutting someone else’ heart, we feel it when we read it, it touches us.

We will continuously sharp out Purpose up. It’s part of the journey!

The Purpose of the Magic Kombi project is to create (global) awareness on alternative ecolifestyles and solutions that help creating a more sustainable world

Innovation Lab Denmark

Last week I had a workshop on User Led Innovation and Rapid Prototyping, and got the chance to meet Innovation Lab, here in Aarhus. The workshop was organized and hosted by Espen Siversen, a Kaospilot graduated in 2007, and since then working for Innovation Lab.

We got to experience some new technological gadgets and understand how fast technology is changing. Are we able to cope with that? Are we able to grasp what nanotechnology or 3D-printing mean to our lives in the near future?

In the afternoon we discussed about methods for product development, and I got inspired to think big in terms of technology and the Magic Kombi. New satellites, real-online video streaming, social networks, twitter+… next week we’ll continue the workshop and I’ll have the chance to explore…

Got any ideas?

2009 and new perspectives!

OK. All previous posts were published here with the intention to give an idea of the background of this project. It really took off officially after the new-years, when I came back to Aarhus. I arrived quite sad and disappointed with myself, because I was unable to put into practice my ideas and use my time more effectively.

A couple of days after my arrival, my colleague and good friend Mark came with a simple question that changed everything: “why don’t you just plan your project now and travel after you graduate?”

Suddenly a new perspective appear and I got full of enthusiasm once again. My “final project” for the Kaospilots (and my final exam in June) would be the planning and preparation of the project (including logistics, fundraising, partners, communication), and perhaps some “testing” of our assumptions and hypotheses. I immediately checked with Marcio and it fit really well with his plans and possibilities to get a leave, and allow us to make it into a longer trip (6 months).

The Magic Kombi was reborn, this blog was created and here we are. What is needed at this moment:

• a first draft of the project description, for further feedback
• a plan of action for the next 4-5 months
• research in order to focus the purpose of the project properly

Today is Saturday and I’m working on item # 1

But wait! We have a logo!

One of the first steps we took on the project was to create a visual identity, a temporary logo that we could use from day 1. By September I contacted Gabriel Vedana, a student of graphical design and by coincidence my brother

He came with the logo that we use in the website. The provisory name for the project remained as Magic Kombi.

And the idea floats in the air…

… but has no foundation!

The initial plan was to travel from mid-Feb until mid-June, which would fit nicely with my final project calendar at the Kaospilots. Marcio had to arrange “a leave” from his consulting job. We’re positive and optimistic that things would work out.

What happened was that none of us worked much further to develop the idea, or take the initial concrete steps needed. By the end of December, we hadn’t done much more than our initial brainstorm, and the possibility of our project taking off in February looked far away.

When I came back to Aarhus after new-years, I was actually sad and disappointed. The chances were minimum, although we kept reaffirming to each other our commitment. But no major actions…

The learning I got from this: it’s not enough to have a brilliant idea, it’s not enough. Achievement comes from 1% inspiration and 99% transpiration, someone said. Or in Thoreau’s words: “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.”

It all starts with an idea…

One day in early August, Marcio told me about his idea of traveling around Latin America, driving an old Volkswagen van (kombi), visiting our neighboring countries and learning from their way of living, culture, language and history (and stories). Much better than backpacking, and adventure for at least 6 months. Of course I said I would love to join!

A couple of days later we sat around the table while cooking dinner and we came with the initial ideas, answering a few questions:

• Why do we want to do this (besides the fun of traveling)?
• What is the result (products)?
• Who could be our potential partners?

The idea was launched in the air. The name The Magic Kombi was a reference to one of the most inspiring books/movies we have seen: Into The Wild.
The Magic Bus is also a single released by The Who a few decades ago.

The Who's Magic Bus

It would take us a few months to move from idea to action. And here we are.

We’ll update a bit more info about ourselves, about the project plan so far and the next steps, during the next week.

What gives YOU the courage to move from idea to action??

The Magic Kombi Project!

This project was born from a conversation between two friends in Brazil, back in August 2008. Sort of dream, it’s now taking off!

This blog is a journal about the adventure of making this little dream coming true.

Stay tuned, follow us and JOIN US!