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.
Showing posts with label your best. Show all posts
Showing posts with label your best. Show all posts
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Simple Pleasures, Beautiful Moments
With each passing year, I come more and more to realize that the greatest joys in life come from simple pleasures and beautiful moments. It truly is "not the years in our life but the life in our years" that matters.
Last night I enjoyed one of those beautiful moments that makes you grateful to be alive. Unlike most nights when I allow my wife to do the work of putting our two year old daughter Emma, to bed, last night I took over the job. I wasn't particularly excited to do it since yesterday was a tough day for Emma. She's fighting a cold, cutting her molars and in general just not in a good mood. She'd been whiny all night and I didn't exactly relish the thought of putting her to bed. But I'm certainly glad now that I did.
After brushing our teeth (yes I have to brush mine too so that she'll brush hers) we went to pick out a story. Emma picked the Sears catalogue to read (one of her favourites... I know it doesn't make any sense, but it's what she likes). After flipping through the pages for a while and finding the dolls and the toys, we closed it and I was ready to put her in her crib, but instead of doing that, I decided to just hold her in my arms and rock her a bit.
Normally, Emma is very squirmy, even at bed time, and doesn't let you hold her for too long. But last night she allowed her father the chance to hold her in his arms and just rock with her and then I started to sing. Nothing in particular, bits and pieces of different songs as lyrics came into my head. It didn't matter what I sang I knew. She just laid her little head on my shoulder and allowed me that simple, beautiful, moment. And it did take my breath away.
So often we get caught up in the constant struggle to create great moments in our lives. We spend months planning elaborate trips and parties, we schedule every minute of our vacations, and we try to pack in as much as we can. We work hard at our fun sometimes. But often, the greatest joys in life, the moments that take our breath away, are the simplest, and the cheapest. They're the moments that sneak up on us. All we have to do is sit back, let them happen and take them in.
Today I wish you many, many beautiful moments. I encourage you to be open to them and when they happen, to recognize and appreciate them. For they are the true treasures of life.
Last night I enjoyed one of those beautiful moments that makes you grateful to be alive. Unlike most nights when I allow my wife to do the work of putting our two year old daughter Emma, to bed, last night I took over the job. I wasn't particularly excited to do it since yesterday was a tough day for Emma. She's fighting a cold, cutting her molars and in general just not in a good mood. She'd been whiny all night and I didn't exactly relish the thought of putting her to bed. But I'm certainly glad now that I did.
After brushing our teeth (yes I have to brush mine too so that she'll brush hers) we went to pick out a story. Emma picked the Sears catalogue to read (one of her favourites... I know it doesn't make any sense, but it's what she likes). After flipping through the pages for a while and finding the dolls and the toys, we closed it and I was ready to put her in her crib, but instead of doing that, I decided to just hold her in my arms and rock her a bit.
Normally, Emma is very squirmy, even at bed time, and doesn't let you hold her for too long. But last night she allowed her father the chance to hold her in his arms and just rock with her and then I started to sing. Nothing in particular, bits and pieces of different songs as lyrics came into my head. It didn't matter what I sang I knew. She just laid her little head on my shoulder and allowed me that simple, beautiful, moment. And it did take my breath away.
So often we get caught up in the constant struggle to create great moments in our lives. We spend months planning elaborate trips and parties, we schedule every minute of our vacations, and we try to pack in as much as we can. We work hard at our fun sometimes. But often, the greatest joys in life, the moments that take our breath away, are the simplest, and the cheapest. They're the moments that sneak up on us. All we have to do is sit back, let them happen and take them in.
Today I wish you many, many beautiful moments. I encourage you to be open to them and when they happen, to recognize and appreciate them. For they are the true treasures of life.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Making Progress Means Putting One Foot in Front of the Other
I had a great meeting with a coaching client today. It was a great meeting for a few reasons. Firstly, I really like this client. Even though we've only met a few times, we made an instant connection with each other. Our personalities are similar and we just "get" each other I think. It's always nice to interact with someone when you feel like you're both on the same wave length.
The bigger reason why I loved today's meeting was that I really felt like I was able to help this particular client work through what was holding her back from taking some basic actions that could really get her going in the direction she wants to go in her life. There are few feelings better, from my point of view anyway, then feeling like you've truly helped someone.
What my client needed to do is actually what most of us need to do when we're trying to make a change or achieve a new goal. She had to take a step back from her challenge, assess everything that she was trying to accomplish, and then begin to break it down into manageable steps.
So often when we look at a major life change, it overwhelms us. Think about what it's like when you move. Have you ever had to move, looked at your house or apartment, and though, "how in the world am I ever going to get this all packed up?" I know I have. And yet, almost everyone has moved at least once in their lives. It happens. It CAN be done. The secret is to not tackle the whole issue at once because when you do that you feel like you don't know where to start. So instead, you break it down. Maybe you start with the kitchen. Then, if that's still too much, you tackle one drawer in the kitchen until it's all packed. Then you do the next one. Eventually, the whole house is in boxes.
The same principal applies to our goals. At first you may feel like a few small actions won't make a difference to attaining your objective. But if you don't start with small pieces you can get so overwhelmed you don't take action at all. So start small, and accomplish something. Even if it's a seemingly insignificant step. The confidence you gain from crossing off that first task, will fuel your desire for the next. Soon, you'll have accomplished a entire list of things that bring you closer to your goal and you'll be well on your way.
So take a small step. Do it today. You may be a year, or more, away from where you want to be right now, but by taking action today you'll be one day closer to achieving your goal.
The bigger reason why I loved today's meeting was that I really felt like I was able to help this particular client work through what was holding her back from taking some basic actions that could really get her going in the direction she wants to go in her life. There are few feelings better, from my point of view anyway, then feeling like you've truly helped someone.
What my client needed to do is actually what most of us need to do when we're trying to make a change or achieve a new goal. She had to take a step back from her challenge, assess everything that she was trying to accomplish, and then begin to break it down into manageable steps.
So often when we look at a major life change, it overwhelms us. Think about what it's like when you move. Have you ever had to move, looked at your house or apartment, and though, "how in the world am I ever going to get this all packed up?" I know I have. And yet, almost everyone has moved at least once in their lives. It happens. It CAN be done. The secret is to not tackle the whole issue at once because when you do that you feel like you don't know where to start. So instead, you break it down. Maybe you start with the kitchen. Then, if that's still too much, you tackle one drawer in the kitchen until it's all packed. Then you do the next one. Eventually, the whole house is in boxes.
The same principal applies to our goals. At first you may feel like a few small actions won't make a difference to attaining your objective. But if you don't start with small pieces you can get so overwhelmed you don't take action at all. So start small, and accomplish something. Even if it's a seemingly insignificant step. The confidence you gain from crossing off that first task, will fuel your desire for the next. Soon, you'll have accomplished a entire list of things that bring you closer to your goal and you'll be well on your way.
So take a small step. Do it today. You may be a year, or more, away from where you want to be right now, but by taking action today you'll be one day closer to achieving your goal.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
What Golf Can Teach us About Life
I'm heading out golfing today. This is unusual for me for a few reasons. Firstly because I only golf about 3 times a year (wish I could golf more, but can't seem to find the time). And secondly I'm playing in a tournament (which I almost never do). The only reason I'm playing is because it's for an awesome cause and I get to play with my three brothers who I never get to spend enough time with.
So I was thinking about today's blog it occurred to me that golf has a lot of parallels with life; lot's to teach us. Here are just a few of my observations. Maybe the hardcore golfers can add more in the comments...
Patience - There is perhaps no greater virtue in life or in golf. There is nothing like shanking a ball (or three) in the woods to get your blood boiling. It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how good or bad you are at golf, there are always frustrating moments in a round of golf. The good golfer, and the one who learns to enjoy the game, is he or she who is patient enough with themselves to move on and hit the next shot.
The same is true in life. We all hit roadblocks, brick walls and detours. There are times in life that can make us want to tear our hair out. Those who are successful in life, and enjoy the ride, are those who are patient with themselves and others and realize that no one's perfect.
Appreciation - Someone once said that "a round of golf is a good walk ruined" but a golfer who really enjoys the game can fun no matter how poorly their round goes. I particularly love the older golfers who have played the game for forty or more years. They often are more excited by the number of balls they find or how quickly they are able to play than what they shoot. They have learned that the experience of being outside and the friendship of their golfing friends is as important a part of the game as the shots they hit.
Life is much the same way I think. Those who are uniquely focused on their goals miss out on a lot of the joys of life. Taking the time to enjoy the little moments along the path like taking in a perfect sunset, reveling in the smile of a child or that perfect cup of coffee on a Saturday morning, enrich the journey so much. Take time to appreciate all that you have.
Striving for Excellence - Much like life, golf is really all about striving for excellence. Striving for that perfect round. I don't really know if anyone ever gets there because, well, you could always have shaved one more shot off your score, and yet still we strive. You can hit fifty bad shots in a row and be ready to give up the game forever and then you hit that one perfect shot. The club hits the ball in that special way, you feel the ball jump off the club and you just know it's pure. That one shot will keep most golfers coming back over and over again.
In life, those who are successful, strive for excellence all the while knowing they'll never be perfect. Some might argue that it's pointless to pursue something that you can't achieve, but others know the truth, it is the pursuit that matters. One need never achieve perfection in anything (if that's even achievable) as long as that is the goal you will be on the right path and ultimately, be successful in what you do.
So that's it for today. I'm off to hit the links. Wish me luck and hope that I and you will have at least one of those "pure shots" today.
So I was thinking about today's blog it occurred to me that golf has a lot of parallels with life; lot's to teach us. Here are just a few of my observations. Maybe the hardcore golfers can add more in the comments...
Patience - There is perhaps no greater virtue in life or in golf. There is nothing like shanking a ball (or three) in the woods to get your blood boiling. It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how good or bad you are at golf, there are always frustrating moments in a round of golf. The good golfer, and the one who learns to enjoy the game, is he or she who is patient enough with themselves to move on and hit the next shot.
The same is true in life. We all hit roadblocks, brick walls and detours. There are times in life that can make us want to tear our hair out. Those who are successful in life, and enjoy the ride, are those who are patient with themselves and others and realize that no one's perfect.
Appreciation - Someone once said that "a round of golf is a good walk ruined" but a golfer who really enjoys the game can fun no matter how poorly their round goes. I particularly love the older golfers who have played the game for forty or more years. They often are more excited by the number of balls they find or how quickly they are able to play than what they shoot. They have learned that the experience of being outside and the friendship of their golfing friends is as important a part of the game as the shots they hit.
Life is much the same way I think. Those who are uniquely focused on their goals miss out on a lot of the joys of life. Taking the time to enjoy the little moments along the path like taking in a perfect sunset, reveling in the smile of a child or that perfect cup of coffee on a Saturday morning, enrich the journey so much. Take time to appreciate all that you have.
Striving for Excellence - Much like life, golf is really all about striving for excellence. Striving for that perfect round. I don't really know if anyone ever gets there because, well, you could always have shaved one more shot off your score, and yet still we strive. You can hit fifty bad shots in a row and be ready to give up the game forever and then you hit that one perfect shot. The club hits the ball in that special way, you feel the ball jump off the club and you just know it's pure. That one shot will keep most golfers coming back over and over again.
In life, those who are successful, strive for excellence all the while knowing they'll never be perfect. Some might argue that it's pointless to pursue something that you can't achieve, but others know the truth, it is the pursuit that matters. One need never achieve perfection in anything (if that's even achievable) as long as that is the goal you will be on the right path and ultimately, be successful in what you do.
So that's it for today. I'm off to hit the links. Wish me luck and hope that I and you will have at least one of those "pure shots" today.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Sometimes your best has to be good enough
What a great weekend!This week, I had the opportunity to race in the National Capital Marathon in Ottawa, ON. What an amazing experience! 30,000 runners with different goals and different abilities coming together to challenge themselves to see what they are truly capable of.
It was my third marathon and I had visions of cutting 30 min off of my time. I'd trained, I've done the work, and despite a few nagging injuries, I was confident that I could finish under my goal time (4:29:00).
For the first 28km, I was on pace to run 4:20, things were going well, and I felt great. Then my calf started to act up. Soon the pain spread up my leg and in an effort to compensate, I adopted a different stride, the other leg began to ache too.
Soon I was reduced to walking most of the time and then running when I could. Slowly I watched as my time goal slipped away. I 'wanted' to run, but I just couldn't seem to make my legs go anymore. It was a tough feeling, and there was seemingly nothing that I could do about it. I fought with myself for miles until finally, I ran in the last two kilometers and finished in 4:45. It was still a respectable time and still better than my last marathon, but there was something disappointing about not achieving the goal that I had set for myself.
After feeling bad for myself for a while, I got an email from a friend about some really tough stuff that he was going through. Suddenly I realized that I was focussed on the wrong thing. Instead of enjoying the accomplishment of completing my 3rd marathon, or rejoicing in the fact that I was healthy enough to be able to run in the first place, I was stuck on the fact that I hadn't finished quite as quickly as I'd liked.
The truth is that goals are great. They're important and you should set big ones and set them often. But what is equally important, is to remember that we're human. All we can ever do is our best, and our best is different in different situations and at different times. On Sunday my best was 4:45, on a different day it might be 4:29 on another day, it might be 5:10. But if it's your best, it's your best and that should always be good enough.
In Black & White
Are you beating yourself up for a recent failing? Did you come up short on one of your goals and then decide that goals weren't worth setting because they just lead to disappointment?
Make a list of the things that you most regret or wish you'd done differently. Know ask yourself, did I screw up, or did I do the best I could in that situation on that day? If you screwed up, figure out how and why, and learn from it. If you did your best on that day, be happy with that, your best is always good enough.
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