by Russell Tibbits
Early July and my birthday presented itself again, as it does every year around this time. Only this year I had the genius idea of running a triathlon on the actual day. I can assure you that every future birthday will pass quietly, without one of these events to write about. However, I looked forward to this particular triathlon for two reasons. First, it was fairly short for a sprint triathlon which meant I could go back to sleep quicker. Second, my best friend since early high school would be racing with me.
Apparent to me, in looking at my previous race results, is that I neglected to fully train for the swim portion of the race. And while this is the shortest distance of any of the three events (swim, bike and run), I felt that more intense training for the swim would not only help with my race time in the swim, but also help me feel strong and energetic as I transitioned to the bike course. So for the six weeks prior to race day, I spent day after day in the pool. Racking up lap after lap, I felt more confident. To increase the challenge, I finished my time in the pool with some distance running. I felt very confident in both areas and knew it was impossible not to do better.
This would be great if a triathlon only involved two events. I was so focused on the swim and the run that I failed to train at all for the bike. It’s not difficult to guess what happened on the day of the triathlon. I maneuvered swiftly through the swim, faster than any of my previous races. But less than a mile into my bike, my actions from the prior six weeks began to haunt me. An improved swim time, followed by a terrible bike, ending with an improved run time. A very average finish time is not what I expected.
Something I’ve learned that will stick with me forever because it applies to every industry is: if you want a number (revenue, profits, weight) to go up or down, all you need to do is focus on it daily. When you focus on the number daily, your actions start to align with your goals. This rule proved to be true, as both my swim times and run times improved. But you can’t forsake one key number for the improvement of others. You can’t focus on revenue, without keeping an eye on expenses and profits. And as I now know, I can’t focus on swim times and run times and ignore the bike. In order to excel at any event, I have to be completely involved in every aspect. That’s the only way to ensure I’ll be satisfied with my results.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Globally Positioned…
by Kim Brewster
I love my GPS (Globally Positioned System) and I know I’m breaking the rule about starting a paper with I, but I love my GPS.
Earlier this year I traveled to Kansas City, MO, for my daughter’s volleyball tournament. I Googled my route from the airport to the hotel and printed it. Another mom and her daughter were sharing our rental car and the mom brought along her GPS. I was willing to give it a try, as believe it or not, I had never used one or been in a car with one that was functioning. Plus I had my trusty(?) Google map for backup.
The female voice soothingly guided us away from the airport and on to the highway. Exits and streets were announced in miles, increments of miles or feet. The small screen mounted just below the rearview mirror above the dashboard reminded me of a video game screen. As I made turns and traveled down new avenues, the images on the screen changed color and beckoned me to head in even more directions until arriving at my destination.
Even if I made a wrong turn, my unseen driving companion calmly recalculated my journey and got me back on the right path, with nary a condescending tone or judgment of my driving or listening skills.
My husband joined us a day later in Kansas City and I practically gushed with enthusiasm for my new best friend, a borrowed GPS. Now I have my own ethereal friend to guide me. No matter what name or English variation my daughter has programmed into it, I successfully arrive at my destination every time.
I love my Outlook tools, too, and how they keep me organized and on track. My GPS motto is now Globally Positioned for Success.
I love my GPS (Globally Positioned System) and I know I’m breaking the rule about starting a paper with I, but I love my GPS.
Earlier this year I traveled to Kansas City, MO, for my daughter’s volleyball tournament. I Googled my route from the airport to the hotel and printed it. Another mom and her daughter were sharing our rental car and the mom brought along her GPS. I was willing to give it a try, as believe it or not, I had never used one or been in a car with one that was functioning. Plus I had my trusty(?) Google map for backup.
The female voice soothingly guided us away from the airport and on to the highway. Exits and streets were announced in miles, increments of miles or feet. The small screen mounted just below the rearview mirror above the dashboard reminded me of a video game screen. As I made turns and traveled down new avenues, the images on the screen changed color and beckoned me to head in even more directions until arriving at my destination.
Even if I made a wrong turn, my unseen driving companion calmly recalculated my journey and got me back on the right path, with nary a condescending tone or judgment of my driving or listening skills.
My husband joined us a day later in Kansas City and I practically gushed with enthusiasm for my new best friend, a borrowed GPS. Now I have my own ethereal friend to guide me. No matter what name or English variation my daughter has programmed into it, I successfully arrive at my destination every time.
I love my Outlook tools, too, and how they keep me organized and on track. My GPS motto is now Globally Positioned for Success.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
In and Out of Season
by Angela Ware
Like many of our readers, I am a big sports fan. Although I enjoy almost all sports, in the wisdom pointed out on t-shirt worn by little children everywhere, “basketball is life”. For me, there is little entertainment that can compare to the wonder of March Madness and the beautiful way it transitions into the NBA playoff season, culminating in the final game in June. Ahhh, a new champion is crowned!
However, shortly after the confetti falls and ESPN plays a video montage of the “road to the playoffs”, it hits me that the season is over! Now, don’t get me wrong. I enjoy baseball and I will gladly cheer for the Texas Rangers, as we await the start of the NCAA and NFL football season and then on to the glorious return of NCAA and NBA basketball. I do go through a slight mourning period. But, I don’t stay there long because if I do, I might miss out on a great moment in sports where another athlete has pushed him or herself beyond what was believed to be their best, in an effort to achieve victory and a spot on Sports Center’s “Play of the Day”.
I can’t choose the season. But I can choose to cheer in and out of my favorite season.
As professionals we all work on projects and, during the course of our careers, there will be projects that we like, projects that we love and, yes, projects that we tolerate. But if we allow ourselves to stop being a fan of our profession, we might miss out on an inspiring moment.
Although basketball is my favorite sport, I must admit that there have been moments in hockey, football, tennis, baseball, soccer, golf, and track and field that have all grabbed my attention and left me inspired.
So the next time you find yourself working on a project (season) that is not your favorite, keep cheering and stay in the game. Who knows--you might just make a play of day, become the league’s new MVP or be recognized as a number one fan. After all, at the end of the day, we all want to be on the side of a championship team.
Like many of our readers, I am a big sports fan. Although I enjoy almost all sports, in the wisdom pointed out on t-shirt worn by little children everywhere, “basketball is life”. For me, there is little entertainment that can compare to the wonder of March Madness and the beautiful way it transitions into the NBA playoff season, culminating in the final game in June. Ahhh, a new champion is crowned!
However, shortly after the confetti falls and ESPN plays a video montage of the “road to the playoffs”, it hits me that the season is over! Now, don’t get me wrong. I enjoy baseball and I will gladly cheer for the Texas Rangers, as we await the start of the NCAA and NFL football season and then on to the glorious return of NCAA and NBA basketball. I do go through a slight mourning period. But, I don’t stay there long because if I do, I might miss out on a great moment in sports where another athlete has pushed him or herself beyond what was believed to be their best, in an effort to achieve victory and a spot on Sports Center’s “Play of the Day”.
I can’t choose the season. But I can choose to cheer in and out of my favorite season.
As professionals we all work on projects and, during the course of our careers, there will be projects that we like, projects that we love and, yes, projects that we tolerate. But if we allow ourselves to stop being a fan of our profession, we might miss out on an inspiring moment.
Although basketball is my favorite sport, I must admit that there have been moments in hockey, football, tennis, baseball, soccer, golf, and track and field that have all grabbed my attention and left me inspired.
So the next time you find yourself working on a project (season) that is not your favorite, keep cheering and stay in the game. Who knows--you might just make a play of day, become the league’s new MVP or be recognized as a number one fan. After all, at the end of the day, we all want to be on the side of a championship team.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Swimming in Email
by Zahra Petri
Ever go to your email inbox, attack a set of new emails, accomplish the tasks being asked, feel great and energized, then return to your inbox to find what feels like a hundred more new emails? Well I have. It’s the feeling that you can’t get ahead. It’s the feeling that you are literally swimming in emails because your inbox is so full you can’t find anything and feel completely unorganized. The problem is not how many emails you receive; the problem is how you are managing, or not managing, them.
In the Getting the EDGE course, not only are we taught tools for staying organized, but we learn how to empty our email inboxes daily. Not until you empty that inbox for the first time, do you truly understand that feeling of liberation. When your inbox is empty, you are free to accomplish other important tasks and projects. By having everything organized into one seamless system, you know exactly where to look for the things you need, input all the new items, and maintain a clear, organized, structured schedule to keep you focused and energized.
Those were the pieces of the puzzle that came together when I took the Getting the EDGE course. The sense of accomplishment, excitement, and completion allowed me to turn tiresome daily tasks and projects into a system that I love, trust and rely upon. My email inbox is no longer a chain tying me down or a weight on my shoulders.
Now that I have my EDGE, I can accomplish anything!
Ever go to your email inbox, attack a set of new emails, accomplish the tasks being asked, feel great and energized, then return to your inbox to find what feels like a hundred more new emails? Well I have. It’s the feeling that you can’t get ahead. It’s the feeling that you are literally swimming in emails because your inbox is so full you can’t find anything and feel completely unorganized. The problem is not how many emails you receive; the problem is how you are managing, or not managing, them.
In the Getting the EDGE course, not only are we taught tools for staying organized, but we learn how to empty our email inboxes daily. Not until you empty that inbox for the first time, do you truly understand that feeling of liberation. When your inbox is empty, you are free to accomplish other important tasks and projects. By having everything organized into one seamless system, you know exactly where to look for the things you need, input all the new items, and maintain a clear, organized, structured schedule to keep you focused and energized.
Those were the pieces of the puzzle that came together when I took the Getting the EDGE course. The sense of accomplishment, excitement, and completion allowed me to turn tiresome daily tasks and projects into a system that I love, trust and rely upon. My email inbox is no longer a chain tying me down or a weight on my shoulders.
Now that I have my EDGE, I can accomplish anything!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Cycles of Activity – Don’t starve yourself for completion!
by Paige Webb
I habitually take on projects. I don’t say “no” too often. I’m one of those people who believes that anything is possible. I visualize an outcome and go for it--no matter the hurdles or twists and turns. I love challenges and problem solving and the energy gained after the accomplishment.
Last month I witnessed my energy drop to a low that I had not seen in a while. When I wasn’t at the office, I was in bed, or on the internet wasting time. I had apathy towards everything and anything. The projects I have on my list included a new website, rebranding, training and traveling, webcasts, new products, a real estate contract, and house-sitting. I beat myself up about my personal productivity and my exercise habits that had diminished. Too many things were “in progress” and not enough of them were nearing completion. Don’t get me started on the flexibility required for my family dynamics. I was an upside down version of myself.
Last night I taught an overnight class for an international client, and I have been trying to get back to a normal sleeping pattern. I have not slept solidly due to restlessness and anticipation of seeing my project outcomes as a reality…they are right past my nose! I was awakened from a nap by a knock on the door from a neighbor. Needless to say, I was “miffed.” Gosh. I really was on a roll there with sleeping (about 2 hours). I had my phone on “silent” on purpose. Out of my bad habit, I reached for my Blackberry to see missed calls, emails, text messages and Facebook messages. Information overload!
Lying just beneath the scroll of the viewing window of my phone, I saw an email from my mortgage broker. It was titled, “Clear to close.” My house contract is now complete and the finance hurdle that came with it. My patience paid off (but I sacrificed energy with it). I just need to sign on the dotted line and write a check. For the first time in my life, I will own a home! I’ve been living in temporary arrangements for almost a year since my relocation. This is a major win!
Here’s where the cycle of activity comes in: although sleep deprived, this completion propelled me to do the dishes, take out the trash, clean out my refrigerator, sort mail that had piled up, clear my sitting area of a mass of stuff I just “dropped off,” and answer personal emails that had been sitting in my Gmail inbox for weeks. My eyes wept bona fide tears…down my face…to the floor. I laughed at myself. I said, “Goodbye, incomplete” out loud. I turned on John Mayer and rocked out, because I love the blues guitar.
The weight on my chest is lifted. My lungs can fill up now. I feel the carpet fibers beneath my feet. My legs feel stronger than ever. I would love to go for a walk, or even a run, but I may just pass out! I see the lessons from this and how I can manage commitments on the front end, instead of going for it all. I’m soaking it up and clearly…had to write it all down. I had to acknowledge this. Check. Strikethrough. Move on. Calling all completions…this train is boarding, and I’m going to sleep well tonight.
I habitually take on projects. I don’t say “no” too often. I’m one of those people who believes that anything is possible. I visualize an outcome and go for it--no matter the hurdles or twists and turns. I love challenges and problem solving and the energy gained after the accomplishment.
Last month I witnessed my energy drop to a low that I had not seen in a while. When I wasn’t at the office, I was in bed, or on the internet wasting time. I had apathy towards everything and anything. The projects I have on my list included a new website, rebranding, training and traveling, webcasts, new products, a real estate contract, and house-sitting. I beat myself up about my personal productivity and my exercise habits that had diminished. Too many things were “in progress” and not enough of them were nearing completion. Don’t get me started on the flexibility required for my family dynamics. I was an upside down version of myself.
Last night I taught an overnight class for an international client, and I have been trying to get back to a normal sleeping pattern. I have not slept solidly due to restlessness and anticipation of seeing my project outcomes as a reality…they are right past my nose! I was awakened from a nap by a knock on the door from a neighbor. Needless to say, I was “miffed.” Gosh. I really was on a roll there with sleeping (about 2 hours). I had my phone on “silent” on purpose. Out of my bad habit, I reached for my Blackberry to see missed calls, emails, text messages and Facebook messages. Information overload!
Lying just beneath the scroll of the viewing window of my phone, I saw an email from my mortgage broker. It was titled, “Clear to close.” My house contract is now complete and the finance hurdle that came with it. My patience paid off (but I sacrificed energy with it). I just need to sign on the dotted line and write a check. For the first time in my life, I will own a home! I’ve been living in temporary arrangements for almost a year since my relocation. This is a major win!
Here’s where the cycle of activity comes in: although sleep deprived, this completion propelled me to do the dishes, take out the trash, clean out my refrigerator, sort mail that had piled up, clear my sitting area of a mass of stuff I just “dropped off,” and answer personal emails that had been sitting in my Gmail inbox for weeks. My eyes wept bona fide tears…down my face…to the floor. I laughed at myself. I said, “Goodbye, incomplete” out loud. I turned on John Mayer and rocked out, because I love the blues guitar.
The weight on my chest is lifted. My lungs can fill up now. I feel the carpet fibers beneath my feet. My legs feel stronger than ever. I would love to go for a walk, or even a run, but I may just pass out! I see the lessons from this and how I can manage commitments on the front end, instead of going for it all. I’m soaking it up and clearly…had to write it all down. I had to acknowledge this. Check. Strikethrough. Move on. Calling all completions…this train is boarding, and I’m going to sleep well tonight.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The Big Sugar Crash of 2009
by Paige Webb
From several conversations and publications surrounding me, I’m finding that the health-kicks of today involve the avoidance of refined sugars in our diets. The published unofficial results site “improved mental clarity” and “uninterrupted sleep” from reducing sugar intake. I, too, got on the bandwagon in order to reap these sought after benefits. This was difficult, as most of my family will make special cakes, pies, and cookies when I visit, because each of them knows that I have a major sweet tooth. I ventured into the uncharted territory of cutting sugar from my diet for about four months. I achieved amazing results with regards to my energy level and my waistline. But, wait… once you go back, you crash! Hard!
I’ve recently discovered that sugary snacks are detrimental to my productivity. Once that ‘crash’ happens, there’s no telling how long I will be side-lined. The side-effects of sugar are different for different people, but commonly a sugar crash induces sleepiness, anxiety, and severe lack of focus. Some call this “zombie mode.” The absence of sugar in my system for those four months intensified the physical effect when I did decide to snack on a fresh patisserie-made cookie. The lesson in this for me was: moderation.
If I stick to the EDGE teaching methodology of taking ‘strategic disengagements’ (J. Loehr, The Power of Full Engagement), I should be grabbing a healthy snack to renew my energy and focus throughout my breaks during the day. Examples of healthy snacks include granola or protein bars, fruit, nuts or chopped up vegetables. Although many foods contain some form of sugar or carbohydrate, the refined sugars are what do you in. The vicious cycle involves our blood racing, then slowing down. This is a huge drain on our energy and potential for performing at 100%.
If you’re facing a day that you absolutely should be performing at 100% (when are we not?), my advice is to keep snacks and meals healthy, and skip the sugar. Avoid crashing or sugar whiplash at all costs!
From several conversations and publications surrounding me, I’m finding that the health-kicks of today involve the avoidance of refined sugars in our diets. The published unofficial results site “improved mental clarity” and “uninterrupted sleep” from reducing sugar intake. I, too, got on the bandwagon in order to reap these sought after benefits. This was difficult, as most of my family will make special cakes, pies, and cookies when I visit, because each of them knows that I have a major sweet tooth. I ventured into the uncharted territory of cutting sugar from my diet for about four months. I achieved amazing results with regards to my energy level and my waistline. But, wait… once you go back, you crash! Hard!
I’ve recently discovered that sugary snacks are detrimental to my productivity. Once that ‘crash’ happens, there’s no telling how long I will be side-lined. The side-effects of sugar are different for different people, but commonly a sugar crash induces sleepiness, anxiety, and severe lack of focus. Some call this “zombie mode.” The absence of sugar in my system for those four months intensified the physical effect when I did decide to snack on a fresh patisserie-made cookie. The lesson in this for me was: moderation.
If I stick to the EDGE teaching methodology of taking ‘strategic disengagements’ (J. Loehr, The Power of Full Engagement), I should be grabbing a healthy snack to renew my energy and focus throughout my breaks during the day. Examples of healthy snacks include granola or protein bars, fruit, nuts or chopped up vegetables. Although many foods contain some form of sugar or carbohydrate, the refined sugars are what do you in. The vicious cycle involves our blood racing, then slowing down. This is a huge drain on our energy and potential for performing at 100%.
If you’re facing a day that you absolutely should be performing at 100% (when are we not?), my advice is to keep snacks and meals healthy, and skip the sugar. Avoid crashing or sugar whiplash at all costs!
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