This week we were blessed to welcome our new son "Matteo" into the world. At just over 7lbs at birth and now a little lighter than that, he has reminded me about the importance of the "little things" in life. When it comes right down to it, most of the important things in life are the little things. Yes your wedding day, the birth of a child, the big promotion, can all be major days in your life and provide lots of great memories. But the quality of your life isn't determined so much by those few great "big" moments, as much as it is by the accumulation of all of the amazing little ones.
The same is also true in the business world. While the major decisions you make are important, the success you have will be determined more by the multitude of small actions - the little things - that you do each day, each week, and each month, that accumulate to shape your destiny.
This is a critical concept to understand because it can be easy to miss. Many of us fall into the trap of focusing so hard on the few milestone moments in our lives that we gloss over the multitude of little moments and small decisions we make where the difference is really made.
So this week I encourage you to become more aware of the many wonderful little things in your life and appreciate them. I also want you to take a look at how you manage your days to see how you are using those little things you do each day. Are you executing them at 100%? Are you giving them the attention they require? If not, start. This is where success is gained or lost.
Showing posts with label Live Life from the Heart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Live Life from the Heart. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Pushing Through to the Next Peak
Yesterday I completed another long run in my training for a marathon in November, 19km, and it as a doozy! A well-known truth distance running is that on any given day you can have a great run or a horrible run. Today was one of those tough ones. I finished it, in a decent time even, but I felt like crap, and many, many, times, I felt like stopping. Why didn't I? 1) Because I have nurtured a desire and an ability to push through pain, discomfort, and fatigue, in order to achieve a goal and 2) I knew it would pass.
Another truth of distance running is that when you start to feel crummy, and you often do, it doesn't mean that you're day is near it's end or that you will necessarily feel that way for the rest of the run. Long distance running, like life, has it's ups and downs. In one day, a runner may experience three or four peaks and valleys. Moments where you feel like you want to stop are followed moments later by feeling like you could run forever. So when they hit a rough patch, experienced runners know that all they need to do is push through it, and a better stretch is sure to follow. The catch is, you actually have to push through the tough stuff and keep running, in order to experience the good run on the other side. What a great metaphor for success in business and in life.
In the Book of Proverbs in the Bible it says, "It is always darkest before the dawn". In other words, our greatest moments often follow our toughest ones. If you are like me and you find this to be incredibly accurate, have you ever thought about why? Have you ever wondered why it is that our greatest achievements, our proudest moments, and our best memories, often come after our worst failures, saddest defeats and worst nightmares? I believe it is because for those who choose to, obstacles can supply an even greater desire to succeed. Those who fail know how it feels, and they don't like it. That feeling is a great motivator to work harder and succeed next time, and it provides the strength and determination you need to push through the inevitably difficult times in life so that you can experience the success that awaits on the other side.
A business that succeeds after going bankrupt, an athlete who wins the gold after falling in the race the year before, the candidate who wins the election after having been defeated four years earlier, know how special their achievements are and able to appreciate them in ways that those who manage to go straight to the top without hitting many bumps, don't. And they are able to experience those successes only because instead of giving up when they encounter discouragement and defeat (as many others would), they push through to the other side.
So are you pushing through? Are you focussed on the peak when you're going through your valley, or do you hit a dip and quit? The choice is yours, and the level of your success will be determined by your choice.
And victory never tastes so sweet as when it comes after a loss
Another truth of distance running is that when you start to feel crummy, and you often do, it doesn't mean that you're day is near it's end or that you will necessarily feel that way for the rest of the run. Long distance running, like life, has it's ups and downs. In one day, a runner may experience three or four peaks and valleys. Moments where you feel like you want to stop are followed moments later by feeling like you could run forever. So when they hit a rough patch, experienced runners know that all they need to do is push through it, and a better stretch is sure to follow. The catch is, you actually have to push through the tough stuff and keep running, in order to experience the good run on the other side. What a great metaphor for success in business and in life.
In the Book of Proverbs in the Bible it says, "It is always darkest before the dawn". In other words, our greatest moments often follow our toughest ones. If you are like me and you find this to be incredibly accurate, have you ever thought about why? Have you ever wondered why it is that our greatest achievements, our proudest moments, and our best memories, often come after our worst failures, saddest defeats and worst nightmares? I believe it is because for those who choose to, obstacles can supply an even greater desire to succeed. Those who fail know how it feels, and they don't like it. That feeling is a great motivator to work harder and succeed next time, and it provides the strength and determination you need to push through the inevitably difficult times in life so that you can experience the success that awaits on the other side.
A business that succeeds after going bankrupt, an athlete who wins the gold after falling in the race the year before, the candidate who wins the election after having been defeated four years earlier, know how special their achievements are and able to appreciate them in ways that those who manage to go straight to the top without hitting many bumps, don't. And they are able to experience those successes only because instead of giving up when they encounter discouragement and defeat (as many others would), they push through to the other side.
So are you pushing through? Are you focussed on the peak when you're going through your valley, or do you hit a dip and quit? The choice is yours, and the level of your success will be determined by your choice.
And victory never tastes so sweet as when it comes after a loss
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Momentum... Keep it Going!
Physics textbooks say that the formula for momentum is Mass x Velocity. In other words, an object in motion tends to stay in motion. I've learned this lesson in my running and training many, many times. While I follow a 10 & 1 training program for running (which means that you run ten minutes and then walk one minute and repeat this process for the desired distance) I've learned that, especially nearing the end of a long race (1/2 marathon +) it becomes increasingly difficult to start running again after that one minute walk break. The body slows down to walk and then it wants to stay slowed down. It take more and more work to get moving again.
The same is true in a training program. I can't count the number of times that I have gotten myself into great shape preparing for an event and then, after the event is over, I take a break that becomes a hiatus and pretty soon I've lost my fitness level and have to start almost back at zero. This is an example of the law of Momentum and also the inverse law which is that an object at rest tends to stay at rest. In other words, it takes a lot more energy to get something moving than it does to keep it going once it's started. I recently finished another half marathon program and this time I've been continuing to train 3 times a week and getting a long run in fairly consistently. I'm trying hard to take advantage of the law of Momentum. I've already gotten into shape, so now I'm just trying to maintain it. While it took 4-5 days a week of fairly intense training to get here, it takes much less to keep it going. That's momentum.
If you study the lives of successful people in any field, you'll discover that what they are better at than others, is that they're really good at capitalizing on Momentum. They understand that it takes a TON of work to get a business, career or project off the ground, and relatively small amounts of energy to keep it going after that. That's why venture capitalists exit. They understand that while they could continue to start new companies, develop them, nurture them and then sell them for a profit, it's much more efficient to buy companies once they are already up and running and successful. We need to apply the same principal to our lives.
Too many of us experience success in some aspect of our lives and then rest on that success. We enjoy the feeling of having achieved something too long and don't capitalize on the momentum we've generated. Maybe you've just done a great job on a project at work. You've landed a big account, or finished a big report and you've been praised and recognized for your good work. There's a temptation to stop and bask in the glow of recognition, but if you do that, you'll be missing a great opportunity. instead of resting on your laurels, ask for another responsibility, or talk with your supervisor about your accomplishment to see if there something else that he or she can see you doing. Maybe it's even the time to ask for that raise or promotion.
Publicists know that once you've been able to generate a little interest or buzz about your client, the next step is to keep that person in the media as much and for as long as you can. In other words you use the recognition of the first media appearance to generate the next one. Momentum. Just like the little snowball at the top of the hill, once it gets moving and starts to gain speed and size, it becomes increasingly difficult to stop it. Your life and you success can be the same way.
So take advantage of whatever momentum you have currently generated in your life. If you've taken the first step toward a goal, hurry up and take the second step. It you've just lost ten pounds. Don't stop to enjoy those ten pounds, work on the next ten. After all, if Momentum = Mass x Velocity, your mass has just decreased so you need to increase your velocity that much more! :) Keep it going! Use Momentum to your advantage.
The same is true in a training program. I can't count the number of times that I have gotten myself into great shape preparing for an event and then, after the event is over, I take a break that becomes a hiatus and pretty soon I've lost my fitness level and have to start almost back at zero. This is an example of the law of Momentum and also the inverse law which is that an object at rest tends to stay at rest. In other words, it takes a lot more energy to get something moving than it does to keep it going once it's started. I recently finished another half marathon program and this time I've been continuing to train 3 times a week and getting a long run in fairly consistently. I'm trying hard to take advantage of the law of Momentum. I've already gotten into shape, so now I'm just trying to maintain it. While it took 4-5 days a week of fairly intense training to get here, it takes much less to keep it going. That's momentum.
If you study the lives of successful people in any field, you'll discover that what they are better at than others, is that they're really good at capitalizing on Momentum. They understand that it takes a TON of work to get a business, career or project off the ground, and relatively small amounts of energy to keep it going after that. That's why venture capitalists exit. They understand that while they could continue to start new companies, develop them, nurture them and then sell them for a profit, it's much more efficient to buy companies once they are already up and running and successful. We need to apply the same principal to our lives.
Too many of us experience success in some aspect of our lives and then rest on that success. We enjoy the feeling of having achieved something too long and don't capitalize on the momentum we've generated. Maybe you've just done a great job on a project at work. You've landed a big account, or finished a big report and you've been praised and recognized for your good work. There's a temptation to stop and bask in the glow of recognition, but if you do that, you'll be missing a great opportunity. instead of resting on your laurels, ask for another responsibility, or talk with your supervisor about your accomplishment to see if there something else that he or she can see you doing. Maybe it's even the time to ask for that raise or promotion.
Publicists know that once you've been able to generate a little interest or buzz about your client, the next step is to keep that person in the media as much and for as long as you can. In other words you use the recognition of the first media appearance to generate the next one. Momentum. Just like the little snowball at the top of the hill, once it gets moving and starts to gain speed and size, it becomes increasingly difficult to stop it. Your life and you success can be the same way.
So take advantage of whatever momentum you have currently generated in your life. If you've taken the first step toward a goal, hurry up and take the second step. It you've just lost ten pounds. Don't stop to enjoy those ten pounds, work on the next ten. After all, if Momentum = Mass x Velocity, your mass has just decreased so you need to increase your velocity that much more! :) Keep it going! Use Momentum to your advantage.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Why Should I Care?
Have you ever asked yourself this question when thinking about a particular situation? Have you ever heard about an event, read a news story, or been solicited by a charity and thought; "why should I care"? I have to admit that I used to have that reaction. I used to hear about wars in far off lands, natural disasters etc and think, "why does that matter to me"? But I don't anymore. I don't because somewhere along the path of my life I realized that we are all responsible for each other in this world. When something happens to one of us, it happens to all of us. When one of us succeeds, we all succeed and when one of us is hurting, we're all hurting. Of course I'm speaking figurative to a certain extent here, but our interconnectedness is very much a real thing.
On September 11th, 2001 many of us in North America began to think about things in a way we never had before. Even those of us miles away and in another country, felt, to some degree, the pain, fear and loss of our neighbours to the south. I'm sure none of us can fully grasp how New Yorkers felt that day, especially those who lost loved ones that day. And yet, we all feel someone connected to the victims of that horrible day.
What we can learn from that event, and any other incident where our fellow human beings are threatened, hurt and victimized, is that while there are many things we can't do anything about, there are far more that we CAN do something about. And in those cases, we should do whatever we can, whenever we can.
In the past few years I've had the chance to listen to many speakers at conferences around the country where I was also speaking. One of those who made the greatest impact on me, was Craig Kielburger. Craig started a charity called "Free the Children" when he was just 12 years old to help children around the world who were affected by, and often forced to fight in, wars around the world. Craig saw a problem and unlike many others, chose to do something about it. His charity has since built more than 500 hundred of schools around the world and positively impacted the lives of thousands of children. Why? Because Craig cared. He chose not to let his fellow human beings suffer when he could do something about it.
I had the chance to meet Craig after his presentation and after thanking him for his message, I had just one question for him, "how do you stop yourself from getting discouraged in the face of all of those whom you can't help?". After all, while his organization is doing so much great work, there are still so many whom he just doesn't have the time and resources to help. His answer was incredibly powerful to me. It provided the response to anyone who's excuse for not caring is that they can't make a difference because the problems are too big. When I asked Craig how he stopped himself from being discouraged by the sheer size of the problems facing the children of the third world, he used the words of Saint Theresa. He said, "Mark is once had the opportunity to meet Mother Theresa and when she was asked that question she said, 'God doesn't require that you succeed, he only requires that you try."
So why should you care? Because it is our duty as human beings. Because we are bound by our humanity to try. So go out there this week and care for someone else. In fact, care for everyone else. Be kind. Show compassion. Offer a smile. As Ghandi said "Be the change you want to see in the world".
To support Craig Kielburger's organization Free the Children, CLICK HERE
On September 11th, 2001 many of us in North America began to think about things in a way we never had before. Even those of us miles away and in another country, felt, to some degree, the pain, fear and loss of our neighbours to the south. I'm sure none of us can fully grasp how New Yorkers felt that day, especially those who lost loved ones that day. And yet, we all feel someone connected to the victims of that horrible day.
What we can learn from that event, and any other incident where our fellow human beings are threatened, hurt and victimized, is that while there are many things we can't do anything about, there are far more that we CAN do something about. And in those cases, we should do whatever we can, whenever we can.
In the past few years I've had the chance to listen to many speakers at conferences around the country where I was also speaking. One of those who made the greatest impact on me, was Craig Kielburger. Craig started a charity called "Free the Children" when he was just 12 years old to help children around the world who were affected by, and often forced to fight in, wars around the world. Craig saw a problem and unlike many others, chose to do something about it. His charity has since built more than 500 hundred of schools around the world and positively impacted the lives of thousands of children. Why? Because Craig cared. He chose not to let his fellow human beings suffer when he could do something about it.
I had the chance to meet Craig after his presentation and after thanking him for his message, I had just one question for him, "how do you stop yourself from getting discouraged in the face of all of those whom you can't help?". After all, while his organization is doing so much great work, there are still so many whom he just doesn't have the time and resources to help. His answer was incredibly powerful to me. It provided the response to anyone who's excuse for not caring is that they can't make a difference because the problems are too big. When I asked Craig how he stopped himself from being discouraged by the sheer size of the problems facing the children of the third world, he used the words of Saint Theresa. He said, "Mark is once had the opportunity to meet Mother Theresa and when she was asked that question she said, 'God doesn't require that you succeed, he only requires that you try."
So why should you care? Because it is our duty as human beings. Because we are bound by our humanity to try. So go out there this week and care for someone else. In fact, care for everyone else. Be kind. Show compassion. Offer a smile. As Ghandi said "Be the change you want to see in the world".
To support Craig Kielburger's organization Free the Children, CLICK HERE
Monday, January 04, 2010
Dealing with Post-Holiday Stress
This is a time of the year that can be very stressful for many of us. Vacation is over, and there are no breaks anywhere in sight for the next while. The credit card bills start rolling in after holiday over-spending, and many people can get pretty stressed out. Add to that the short days, darkness and frigid temperatures and this can be a very hard time of the year to deal with. So this blog entry is about how to deal effectively with this stress.
1) Sort out what you're worries are - Sometimes that means writing things down. Make a list of everything that you have on your mind. Then, go through them one by one and examine which you have control over and which you don't. Those you don't; put out of your mind, you can't do anything about them anyway and focussing on them will only cause stress and anxiety. Those you CAN control, set to work on sorting them out or solving them all together (ie: If mounting bills are stressing you out, go through them, find out exactly what you owe and either pay them, or make a plan with a bank on how you'll deal with them). Often just dealing with the issues and knowing you have a plan can make a lot of difference.
2) Focus on Today - Just like I mention in my book (Live Life from the Heart: 52 Weeks to a Life of Passion and Purpose - click here to get your copy), the more you can remain in the present and focus on one day at a time, the easier life gets. Let's face it, there is lots you can control, but even more you can't and the sooner you accept that and strop trying to control those things, the better. Focus on enjoying each day as best you can (not with the idea that you won't have tomorrow, but just because every day is special:)
3) Stay Busy - For me the most effective thing I can do to help my mood and my ability to cope with life's stress is to stay busy. The more I can keep my mind distracted with other things, the better I feel. That held true when I was in hospital and is still true today. When I have too much time on my hands I can get neurotic and begin worrying a lot, but if I stay active and busy, life goes well. I'm not advocating that you ignore reality or anything, but simply that you don't dwell on negative things and instead focus on living life as actively and fully as your health will allow.
4) Exercise - In that same vane, I'm a runner. People often ask me, "why?". Why running? Why is it important to you? and the truth is, I do it because I love it and I want to stay in shape, but most of all, I do it because of how it makes me feel. After a run (even if it's only a few km) I feel more energized, more calm and have a general sense of well-being. I would strongly encourage you to get active. It doesn't have to be running. Walking is great too, so is swimming. Anything that gets your heart rate up for a while is good. It will help your mood, ease stress and also make you stronger physically which, especially when you're fighting disease, is really important.
5) Pray, but Act Too - Faith is a huge part of my life. I couldn't have made it through my health issues without God. Sometimes he provided that little push or support, sometimes he carried me completely. I pray daily and I think it can be a great source of comfort and strength. That said, I also think that God expects us to help ourselves and that he often does his work through us and others. If you don't already, start praying. Trust me, God is waiting to hear from you:). But also don't expect miracles without any work. I want to take nothing away from God and his infinite power to help us and even cure us, but I do think he expects that we'll use the gifts and abilities he's given us to help ourselves as well. So don't sit around waiting for him to work miracles without taking action yourself. At the same time try surrendering as much of your future to him as you can (that's a daily struggle too) but in the end, we know he's in control and he loves us and cares for us more than we can ever understand. He only wants what's best for us and so the more we let him work, the better things will be.
I hope this was helpful to any of our readers dealing with the post-holiday stress common to so many. Remember your life is what you make it. Don't waste time being stressed over things you can't change.
1) Sort out what you're worries are - Sometimes that means writing things down. Make a list of everything that you have on your mind. Then, go through them one by one and examine which you have control over and which you don't. Those you don't; put out of your mind, you can't do anything about them anyway and focussing on them will only cause stress and anxiety. Those you CAN control, set to work on sorting them out or solving them all together (ie: If mounting bills are stressing you out, go through them, find out exactly what you owe and either pay them, or make a plan with a bank on how you'll deal with them). Often just dealing with the issues and knowing you have a plan can make a lot of difference.
2) Focus on Today - Just like I mention in my book (Live Life from the Heart: 52 Weeks to a Life of Passion and Purpose - click here to get your copy), the more you can remain in the present and focus on one day at a time, the easier life gets. Let's face it, there is lots you can control, but even more you can't and the sooner you accept that and strop trying to control those things, the better. Focus on enjoying each day as best you can (not with the idea that you won't have tomorrow, but just because every day is special:)
3) Stay Busy - For me the most effective thing I can do to help my mood and my ability to cope with life's stress is to stay busy. The more I can keep my mind distracted with other things, the better I feel. That held true when I was in hospital and is still true today. When I have too much time on my hands I can get neurotic and begin worrying a lot, but if I stay active and busy, life goes well. I'm not advocating that you ignore reality or anything, but simply that you don't dwell on negative things and instead focus on living life as actively and fully as your health will allow.
4) Exercise - In that same vane, I'm a runner. People often ask me, "why?". Why running? Why is it important to you? and the truth is, I do it because I love it and I want to stay in shape, but most of all, I do it because of how it makes me feel. After a run (even if it's only a few km) I feel more energized, more calm and have a general sense of well-being. I would strongly encourage you to get active. It doesn't have to be running. Walking is great too, so is swimming. Anything that gets your heart rate up for a while is good. It will help your mood, ease stress and also make you stronger physically which, especially when you're fighting disease, is really important.
5) Pray, but Act Too - Faith is a huge part of my life. I couldn't have made it through my health issues without God. Sometimes he provided that little push or support, sometimes he carried me completely. I pray daily and I think it can be a great source of comfort and strength. That said, I also think that God expects us to help ourselves and that he often does his work through us and others. If you don't already, start praying. Trust me, God is waiting to hear from you:). But also don't expect miracles without any work. I want to take nothing away from God and his infinite power to help us and even cure us, but I do think he expects that we'll use the gifts and abilities he's given us to help ourselves as well. So don't sit around waiting for him to work miracles without taking action yourself. At the same time try surrendering as much of your future to him as you can (that's a daily struggle too) but in the end, we know he's in control and he loves us and cares for us more than we can ever understand. He only wants what's best for us and so the more we let him work, the better things will be.
I hope this was helpful to any of our readers dealing with the post-holiday stress common to so many. Remember your life is what you make it. Don't waste time being stressed over things you can't change.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Holiday Craziness Begins - Keep Perspective
Well it's been far too long since my last blog entry. My apologies. It's been a busy November, but that's no excuse. I started the month with a great trip to one of the premier student leadership conferences in the world, the Ontario Student Leadership Conference. This year was the conference's 30th anniversary and brought in some pretty big names.
I had the chance to hear and meet Craig Keilburger of Free the Children (www.freethechildren.com). Then we heard from Dr. Samantha Nutt Executive Director of WarChild (www.warchild.ca) an organization that works to provide humanitarian assistance to children of war affected areas around the world. Both are great organizations that are making a difference. Check them out and lend your support. Both speakers were passionate, empowering and enlightening. Although I was at the conference to speak, I gained much, much more by listening to the other speakers there!
This entry I wanted to remind you on this "Black Friday" in the US (The biggest shopping day of the year) to maintain perspective during the hectic schedule of the holiday season. At this time of the year we are bombarded, even more than usual, with commercialism. The ads for the newest and greatest toys and gadgets are constant. We are tempted continuously to believe that we just had the perfect whatever, we'll be happier. Have you noticed how often the ads at Christmas talk about buying yourself a little something while you're shopping? What used to be at least a process about thinking of others has become as much about ourselves as anything else.
So this holiday season try to filter out some of the advertising, take a deep breath, and remember what really counts. Don't get too wrapped up (pardon the pun) in the gifts and stress but instead focus on what matters, family and friends and time together.
Be thankful for all that you have and appreciate it. And, if the spirit moves you, consider forgoing a few presents in order to help those less fortunate instead. Last year my wife and I decided to skip presents to each other and instead sponsor a child in Africa for a year. It was a great decision that we haven't regretted for a moment. Whatever we'd have gotten each other would probably be at the back of the closet by now or forgotten, instead we have the picture of our sponsored child on the fridge and know that our small contribution is making his life at least a little bit easier. A great feeling.
So don't let yourself get stressed, frazzled and irritated this year. Relax, take in the beautiful spirit that most people are in most of the time during this special time of year. And remember what this time is really supposed to be about. There is nothing wrong with giving and receiving gifts, it's a wonderful part of our holiday tradition, but let's not let it because the WHOLE tradition.
I had the chance to hear and meet Craig Keilburger of Free the Children (www.freethechildren.com). Then we heard from Dr. Samantha Nutt Executive Director of WarChild (www.warchild.ca) an organization that works to provide humanitarian assistance to children of war affected areas around the world. Both are great organizations that are making a difference. Check them out and lend your support. Both speakers were passionate, empowering and enlightening. Although I was at the conference to speak, I gained much, much more by listening to the other speakers there!
This entry I wanted to remind you on this "Black Friday" in the US (The biggest shopping day of the year) to maintain perspective during the hectic schedule of the holiday season. At this time of the year we are bombarded, even more than usual, with commercialism. The ads for the newest and greatest toys and gadgets are constant. We are tempted continuously to believe that we just had the perfect whatever, we'll be happier. Have you noticed how often the ads at Christmas talk about buying yourself a little something while you're shopping? What used to be at least a process about thinking of others has become as much about ourselves as anything else.
So this holiday season try to filter out some of the advertising, take a deep breath, and remember what really counts. Don't get too wrapped up (pardon the pun) in the gifts and stress but instead focus on what matters, family and friends and time together.
Be thankful for all that you have and appreciate it. And, if the spirit moves you, consider forgoing a few presents in order to help those less fortunate instead. Last year my wife and I decided to skip presents to each other and instead sponsor a child in Africa for a year. It was a great decision that we haven't regretted for a moment. Whatever we'd have gotten each other would probably be at the back of the closet by now or forgotten, instead we have the picture of our sponsored child on the fridge and know that our small contribution is making his life at least a little bit easier. A great feeling.
So don't let yourself get stressed, frazzled and irritated this year. Relax, take in the beautiful spirit that most people are in most of the time during this special time of year. And remember what this time is really supposed to be about. There is nothing wrong with giving and receiving gifts, it's a wonderful part of our holiday tradition, but let's not let it because the WHOLE tradition.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Stop the Hype and Live Life
For most of us in N. America right now H1N1 is the topic of the day. To vaccinate or not, when will the vaccine be ready, will there be enough, what are the risks... etc etc. SO I thought it was a good time to talk not about the flu, but about maintaining our composure and peace amid stress.
Effective people, good leaders, and anyone you admire probably, are good at finding a sense of
peace amidst chaos.
I've been really frustrated the last few weeks with the media coverage of the H1N1 pandemic and could be silent no more. So, with my apologies for giving you more to read about this topic, here are my thoughts...
First let's talk about the word "pandemic". It itself, the word carried with it connotations of fear. People hear that word and freak out. I think they link the word with uncontrolled illness and widespread deaths (a la 1918 flu pandemic). I hate that the media uses this word. They will say that it is simply the accurate medical term for the H1N1 flu. I would argue that is also an effective way to create fear, and thus interest, and therefor higher ratings! In the end, the news is still a business and if they can't make us watch, they go out of business.
SO let's clarify that word "pandemic". A pandemic according to Websters is: occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population. Note that what the definition DOES NOT say, is that a pandemic = a high number of deaths. But, I would argue, that's what the news would have you believe.
The H1N1 flu has caused rampant fear in many people across North America. You can't escape hearing about it and reading about it and for many, it's begun to create irrational, frantic
behaviour. Just last week our local emergency room had to call police to control irrational patients in their waiting room demanding the vaccine (that wasn't even available at the hospital at that time).
In times like these it can be very easy to lose focus and get swept up in the storm and the hype. I wanted this issue to help you to maintain focus and perspective. This is NOT the apocalypse and, contrary to what I think many news channels would like for us to believe, life will go on after this
flu. Is it serious, of course. But do we need to panic? Hardly.
Let's look quickly at the facts:
your odds of even contracting the flu are probably around 20%. And even if you're among that 20%, your odds of serious complications or death are less than 5%.
So let's get back to living our lives. Yes don't be stupid or hang out with people who are sick (why would you want to?) but don't stop living your life and waste away your time worrying about thing you have no control over. Enjoy life.
Stay healthy. Stay safe. Live Life!
Effective people, good leaders, and anyone you admire probably, are good at finding a sense of
peace amidst chaos.
I've been really frustrated the last few weeks with the media coverage of the H1N1 pandemic and could be silent no more. So, with my apologies for giving you more to read about this topic, here are my thoughts...
First let's talk about the word "pandemic". It itself, the word carried with it connotations of fear. People hear that word and freak out. I think they link the word with uncontrolled illness and widespread deaths (a la 1918 flu pandemic). I hate that the media uses this word. They will say that it is simply the accurate medical term for the H1N1 flu. I would argue that is also an effective way to create fear, and thus interest, and therefor higher ratings! In the end, the news is still a business and if they can't make us watch, they go out of business.
SO let's clarify that word "pandemic". A pandemic according to Websters is: occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population. Note that what the definition DOES NOT say, is that a pandemic = a high number of deaths. But, I would argue, that's what the news would have you believe.
The H1N1 flu has caused rampant fear in many people across North America. You can't escape hearing about it and reading about it and for many, it's begun to create irrational, frantic
behaviour. Just last week our local emergency room had to call police to control irrational patients in their waiting room demanding the vaccine (that wasn't even available at the hospital at that time).
In times like these it can be very easy to lose focus and get swept up in the storm and the hype. I wanted this issue to help you to maintain focus and perspective. This is NOT the apocalypse and, contrary to what I think many news channels would like for us to believe, life will go on after this
flu. Is it serious, of course. But do we need to panic? Hardly.
Let's look quickly at the facts:
- Total Reported Deaths in Canada from H1N1 as of Oct 29th: 95
- Total New Deaths this past week in Canada: 6
- Percentage of People who contract H1N1 who have died worldwide: 1.4%
your odds of even contracting the flu are probably around 20%. And even if you're among that 20%, your odds of serious complications or death are less than 5%.
So let's get back to living our lives. Yes don't be stupid or hang out with people who are sick (why would you want to?) but don't stop living your life and waste away your time worrying about thing you have no control over. Enjoy life.
Stay healthy. Stay safe. Live Life!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Life is Precious and Fragile, so LAUGH HARD and LIVE WELL
I got a shocking email from a the family of a friend on Oct 6th. A business associate and friend whom I've known for a few years now, suddenly had a brain aneurysm. I found out because she sent me an email on the 6th about noon, and I responded shortly thereafter only to receive a response from her husband later that evening to say that she had the aneurysm about ten minutes after she's sent me the email! It happened just that fast!
Thankfully, it sounds like while she has a very long road ahead, she will make it. But her health crisis was just another reminder to me to how short and fragile life can be. We can be here today and gone tomorrow. So my message today is LAUGH HARD, HUG LOTS and LIVE BIG.
I share this story not to make your worry (although I know that's the reaction many might have, myself included from time to time). What I think we need to learn from tragedies like this one is not to worry constantly about what might happen to us, but rather to never take our lives for granted and to live everyday well.
That doesn't mean we live recklessly or that we don't make plans for the future, but rather it means we don't sit around waiting for the perfect opportunity to come along to do what we know we should be doing. If you have a friend you need to reconsile with, call them. If you have a family member you haven't spoken to in years, call them! If you have a dream in your heart that you're saving for a special day to act on, do it!
I believe Abraham Lincoln's quote may be one of the most true statements I've ever heard, "It is not the years in your life, it is the life in your years." Many have lived FULL complete lives in 30, 40 or 50yrs. Some have not been able to do the same in 80 or 90.
So don't waste time worrying about when your life may end and also don't waste time waiting to start living it. Live your goals and dreams today. Share your gifts with the world. Now. Make sure that when you leave this earth (whether it's a year from now or 80 years from now) that it will be at least a little bit better of a place because you were here.
Thankfully, it sounds like while she has a very long road ahead, she will make it. But her health crisis was just another reminder to me to how short and fragile life can be. We can be here today and gone tomorrow. So my message today is LAUGH HARD, HUG LOTS and LIVE BIG.
I share this story not to make your worry (although I know that's the reaction many might have, myself included from time to time). What I think we need to learn from tragedies like this one is not to worry constantly about what might happen to us, but rather to never take our lives for granted and to live everyday well.
That doesn't mean we live recklessly or that we don't make plans for the future, but rather it means we don't sit around waiting for the perfect opportunity to come along to do what we know we should be doing. If you have a friend you need to reconsile with, call them. If you have a family member you haven't spoken to in years, call them! If you have a dream in your heart that you're saving for a special day to act on, do it!
I believe Abraham Lincoln's quote may be one of the most true statements I've ever heard, "It is not the years in your life, it is the life in your years." Many have lived FULL complete lives in 30, 40 or 50yrs. Some have not been able to do the same in 80 or 90.
So don't waste time worrying about when your life may end and also don't waste time waiting to start living it. Live your goals and dreams today. Share your gifts with the world. Now. Make sure that when you leave this earth (whether it's a year from now or 80 years from now) that it will be at least a little bit better of a place because you were here.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Celebrate! Do it loud and do it often!
When was the last time you celebrated? I mean really enthusiastically enjoyed and rejoiced about something? If you are like most of us, it was probably a while ago. Maybe the birth of your child, your wedding, or the wedding of your child, or close friend. Or maybe it's been so long since you were really celebratory, you can't even remember when the last time was. If that's the case don't feel badly, let's just do something about it.
I read a fascinating article recently about celebration, maybe the most interesting part was, it was written by a catholic priest. We don't usually think of the clergy (especially Catholic clergy) as being pro-celebration, but what this priest pointed out to his readers is that most of us don't really even know HOW to celebrate properly. We try to celebrate, and we end up with hangovers and regrets. We try to celebrate with parties, fast cars and extreme sports, but soon discover that the "rush" doesn't last.
Does that mean that real celebration cant' be done or that we shouldn't bother? Of course not. We are meant to truly ENJOY life and if we look, there are lots of excuses to celebrate. A birthday, an anniversary, a promotion, even a beautiful fall day (today is a great one), is a great reason to celebrate; to enjoy the moment, to relish being alive! The Oscar winning film was right, Life Really IS Beautiful.
So find something to celebrate today!
I read a fascinating article recently about celebration, maybe the most interesting part was, it was written by a catholic priest. We don't usually think of the clergy (especially Catholic clergy) as being pro-celebration, but what this priest pointed out to his readers is that most of us don't really even know HOW to celebrate properly. We try to celebrate, and we end up with hangovers and regrets. We try to celebrate with parties, fast cars and extreme sports, but soon discover that the "rush" doesn't last.
Does that mean that real celebration cant' be done or that we shouldn't bother? Of course not. We are meant to truly ENJOY life and if we look, there are lots of excuses to celebrate. A birthday, an anniversary, a promotion, even a beautiful fall day (today is a great one), is a great reason to celebrate; to enjoy the moment, to relish being alive! The Oscar winning film was right, Life Really IS Beautiful.
So find something to celebrate today!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Courage
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear" - Mark Twain
Do you know someone whom you would call courageous? Do yo have someone who inspires you to keep going when you feel like giving up? Someone who shows you what it means to be a courageous person? I have been blessed to meet many in my life. And I carry their courage with me daily and call upon it when needed.
I love the quote that started this article, because to me it is the truest definition of courage I have ever seen. Many of us mistakenly believe that courage means never being afraid of anything. When we think of "the brave" we think of a general leading an army into battle or a firefighter running into a burning building to save someone. Those people are certainly brave, but today I want to talk about a different kind of courage - the kind of courage that can be found on the pediatric ward of a hospital, in a minivan wtih a single mom and her four kids, or at the finish line of marathon five hours after it started.
It takes little courage to run a marathon when you're an elite runner who: a)Knows you'll finish and b) Who only has to run for 3hrs (okay that's still courageous but stay with me here). What is infinitely more admirable to me, are those average Joes out there who line up at the start line of their first marathon not sure if they could survive it. It takes something special inside you to limp your way to the finish line, in great pain, for 5 or 10km just because you refuse to give up! I don't think I'll ever forget watching Ron from NBC's Biggest Loser, crossing the finish line of a marathon THIRTEEN HOURS and SIXTEEN MINUTES after he started!
Go to a pediatric ward in a hospital though and you'll find what I think is probably the most remarkable example of courage I've ever seen. I've been blessed that almost every time I was admitted to a hospital, I was quite sure I would be coming out again. Often though, I'd meet people inside who didn't necessarily have that comfort. And yet, and here is what was truly remarkable, they weren't despondent, sad, or depressed. In fact, compared to the general population, they were quite happy! Now that, is courage. Knowing there's a good chance you won't be alive too long, and deciding to enjoy the ride anyway!
I think if you asked 100 people if they were courageous or not, 70-80 would probably say no and yet I think there are actually many more courageous people in the world than that. It just depends on what you consider to be courageous. Too many of us think, counter to Mark Twain's quote above, that to be courageous means to be without fear. Wrong. To have courage, to me anyway, is to be totally afraid, and do it anyway!
Think about it, does it take any great courage to jump off of a roadside curb? No. Does it take courage to jump off of a chair? For a few maybe, but not for most of us? Does it take courage to jump off a cliff or out of an airplane? Yes. (Some might say it takes a little insanity too, but that's another blog entry:)) So why is it that we label those who in the latter group more courageous than the others? Because we reason that they must be at least somewhat fearful of what they are about to do. Because we're fearful of doing it ourselves. So in fact, you could say that courage requires fear. No fear- no courage.
What's my point? I want you to consider today, what am I afraid of? What barriers, obstacles and limits are in my way because of my fear? What am I unwilling to try because I'm too afraid?
Now, ask yourself the more important question, "Should I do some of those things? What would the result be if I did?"
I'm not advocating reckless behaviour here. That's the reason for the follow up questions. Not everything that we are fearful of ought to be tested. We're afraid of driving our cars 200mph... there's a good reason for that. Fear is, after all, at it's route, a preservation skill. What I'm talking about are the irrational fears and worries that many of us carry around that impede our growth and limit our experience of life.
Today, try to challenge some of your fears. Think honestly about whether they are legitimate (ie: the fear of jumping off of a cliff) or they bear little weight (the fear of meeting someone new because of what they might think about you). If you discover then that either: a) You have nothing to be afraid of at all (often the case) or b)What you are afraid of isn't really that bad, then go ahead and do it anyway! Not only will become more courageous, but your life will open up and you'll be able to experience things that you otherwise wouldn't have.
Have a great weekend! Play safe!
Mark
Do you know someone whom you would call courageous? Do yo have someone who inspires you to keep going when you feel like giving up? Someone who shows you what it means to be a courageous person? I have been blessed to meet many in my life. And I carry their courage with me daily and call upon it when needed.
I love the quote that started this article, because to me it is the truest definition of courage I have ever seen. Many of us mistakenly believe that courage means never being afraid of anything. When we think of "the brave" we think of a general leading an army into battle or a firefighter running into a burning building to save someone. Those people are certainly brave, but today I want to talk about a different kind of courage - the kind of courage that can be found on the pediatric ward of a hospital, in a minivan wtih a single mom and her four kids, or at the finish line of marathon five hours after it started.
It takes little courage to run a marathon when you're an elite runner who: a)Knows you'll finish and b) Who only has to run for 3hrs (okay that's still courageous but stay with me here). What is infinitely more admirable to me, are those average Joes out there who line up at the start line of their first marathon not sure if they could survive it. It takes something special inside you to limp your way to the finish line, in great pain, for 5 or 10km just because you refuse to give up! I don't think I'll ever forget watching Ron from NBC's Biggest Loser, crossing the finish line of a marathon THIRTEEN HOURS and SIXTEEN MINUTES after he started!
Go to a pediatric ward in a hospital though and you'll find what I think is probably the most remarkable example of courage I've ever seen. I've been blessed that almost every time I was admitted to a hospital, I was quite sure I would be coming out again. Often though, I'd meet people inside who didn't necessarily have that comfort. And yet, and here is what was truly remarkable, they weren't despondent, sad, or depressed. In fact, compared to the general population, they were quite happy! Now that, is courage. Knowing there's a good chance you won't be alive too long, and deciding to enjoy the ride anyway!
I think if you asked 100 people if they were courageous or not, 70-80 would probably say no and yet I think there are actually many more courageous people in the world than that. It just depends on what you consider to be courageous. Too many of us think, counter to Mark Twain's quote above, that to be courageous means to be without fear. Wrong. To have courage, to me anyway, is to be totally afraid, and do it anyway!
Think about it, does it take any great courage to jump off of a roadside curb? No. Does it take courage to jump off of a chair? For a few maybe, but not for most of us? Does it take courage to jump off a cliff or out of an airplane? Yes. (Some might say it takes a little insanity too, but that's another blog entry:)) So why is it that we label those who in the latter group more courageous than the others? Because we reason that they must be at least somewhat fearful of what they are about to do. Because we're fearful of doing it ourselves. So in fact, you could say that courage requires fear. No fear- no courage.
What's my point? I want you to consider today, what am I afraid of? What barriers, obstacles and limits are in my way because of my fear? What am I unwilling to try because I'm too afraid?
Now, ask yourself the more important question, "Should I do some of those things? What would the result be if I did?"
I'm not advocating reckless behaviour here. That's the reason for the follow up questions. Not everything that we are fearful of ought to be tested. We're afraid of driving our cars 200mph... there's a good reason for that. Fear is, after all, at it's route, a preservation skill. What I'm talking about are the irrational fears and worries that many of us carry around that impede our growth and limit our experience of life.
Today, try to challenge some of your fears. Think honestly about whether they are legitimate (ie: the fear of jumping off of a cliff) or they bear little weight (the fear of meeting someone new because of what they might think about you). If you discover then that either: a) You have nothing to be afraid of at all (often the case) or b)What you are afraid of isn't really that bad, then go ahead and do it anyway! Not only will become more courageous, but your life will open up and you'll be able to experience things that you otherwise wouldn't have.
Have a great weekend! Play safe!
Mark
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Amazing Power of Team Work
If anyone out there doubts the power of team work, let me say that this week I learned, with a dedicated team, you can do anything.
I'll be the first to tell anyone that I think any individual with enough dedication, commitment and vision, can accomplish anything. This blog post doesn't discount that fact. I still believe it to the core of my being. What I learned this week, is that while anyone can do anything any team can do that thing even faster!
This week I asked several colleagues and friends to help me promote my book: "Live Life from the Heart: 52 Weeks to a Life of Passion and Purpose" (get it here). They each agreed to send out a promo for my book to their email lists in exchange for some free promo from me. It was great. It cost none of us money and everyone benefited. Win-Win, the only way to do business.
The coolest thing about it though was to watch the power of a team. While I was able to promote my book to about 400 people with the use of my contacts. But, by partnering with just 8 other colleagues, I was able to take that number from 400 to nearly 10,000! That's a better than 2000% increase! Not bad.
So, the next time you're working on a project, whether at work or at home, consider how you can best employ the power of a team to get it done. Note, you have to be willing to swallow some of your pride and relinquish some control in order to make it work, but the results are well worth it!
Monday, October 01, 2007
New Book: Live Life from the Heart Now Released!
Well it's hard to believe, but after a year of writing, editing and designing, my book, "Live Life from the Heart: 52 Weeks to a Life of Passion and Purpose" is finally available for sale.I've written the book for the benefit of all those who seek more from life. When I decided to write it, I was striving to create something that would both inspire and instruct people to live the life they've always dreamed of living.
The book is formatted into 52 short easy-to-read chapters so that you can sit down and read it a little at a time, or all at once, whatever you prefer. Each chapter centres on a different idea and contains a point of action at the end, something for you to work on. $13.95 (+ tax)
If you're interested in buying a copy of the book, you can buy it on-line from my website: www.MarkBlackSpeaks.com and click on the "Buy Now" button.
Have a great week and I hope you enjoy the book!
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