For most of us, making a decision takes a while. We have to weigh the pros and the cons, the hi's and the low's the ins and the outs and etc. etc. Sometimes we go from that gut feeling and things work out wonderfully as opposed to deep thought and heavy introspection. Not to say that informed decision making is bad, oh no, it has its place but some days you have to just blink and make that all important decision. (This inspiration comes from the novel Blink by M. Gladwell based on the premise of thinking without thinking.)
As it is a new year, we all have made resolutions and resolved to change. At the end of the year though most of us still have the same resolutions as the previous year and maybe those from the year before as well. Why is that? Are we living too much in the future and not enough in the present. Are we planning too much for tomorrow and not living enough for today. What really is the problem? Being too hasty and irrational might not be the best way forward but split second living has its place. In a society where moves are being made everyday from the top down and the bottom up we somehow tend to get stuck in the middle of our own dilemas.
Making a decision on the go can bring a flurry of ideas and insights. Working on the move might give you greater perspective and oversight.It may at times seem irrational and irresponsible but it has its place. By all means plan ahead but by any means don't fight that gut feeling to make a move that you can't explain but you know is right.
I refer not to life and death situations as running a red light or unprotected sex but matters that may arrive in everyday conversation with the boss. The decision to be bold to be outspoken, to take charge of that meeting and put your best foot forward.
Don't let 12 days later be 12 days too late.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Life's work
Earlier last week I was listening to an afternoon program on the radio and heard the presenter ask the question, what is a career? The options given included; A. your life’s work, B. A part time job and two other incorrect answers. The answer clearly was option A. The phrase life’s work stuck a nerve when I began to think about my life’s work. Pondering what would be the end result of my years of toil and labor made me both hopeful yet sorrowful. Ideally I am in the prime of my life. I have energy, enthusiasm, and drive just to name a few. But one must ask of himself at the end of everyday, did I really make a difference in anyone’s life today while being gainfully employed. Did I make any positive contribution to my life other than drawing closer to my next pay cheque? Did I DO anything worthwhile? This point hit home for I plan not to be one of those individuals who are only as good as their last pay stub. The reality is that it happens to the best of us no matter how good our intentions are. To keep this post short and to the sweet I will end with the old proverb that goes something like this:
For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.
The question I ask is this, what will be lost for the want of a job? Will it be your childhood dream, your relationships, your health, your pride etc. all for the want of a pay cheque!
Malcolm Gladwell in his book Outliers says the following “Hardwork is a prison sentence only if it does not have meaning. Once it does, it becomes the kind of thing that makes you grab your wife around the waist and dance a jig”.
For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.
The question I ask is this, what will be lost for the want of a job? Will it be your childhood dream, your relationships, your health, your pride etc. all for the want of a pay cheque!
Malcolm Gladwell in his book Outliers says the following “Hardwork is a prison sentence only if it does not have meaning. Once it does, it becomes the kind of thing that makes you grab your wife around the waist and dance a jig”.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
To Live is to work
So after one week on the 9-5 hustle, I’m definitely ready to retire to my private island in the Bahamas and sip iced tea all day. Unfortunately that dream is far away from being a reality. Every day I went to work I asked myself the same question, why am I doing this? And as sure as the sun rose every morning around 5 o clock my answer was sure to change. Some days my motivation were my five unborn children while other days it was becoming the head of a multinational corporation that deals in unique vacations for working class people as myself who can’t afford five star prices. All this lead me to the realization that some people work hard while others hardly work and yet seem to achieve much more. I envy not those that have “easy” jobs but applaud those who keep the wheels of production turning.
The gas station attendants who pump $150 worth of gas so the Manager can get to work in his SUV and then pumps $20 gas so the janitor/construction worker/taxi driver can get to his/her job to make a living. To the lady in the bread shop who dutifully dishes out her masterpieces for all to enjoy regardless of colour, creed, or position. To the bus driver who starts his day at 5am and finishes at 12am to ensure that those who really want to get there can get there. The list could go on and on until we have compiled a small book of working class positions.
They are the un-glorified and the taken for granted. The sometimes unrewarded and the most vulnerable of workers. Their blood sweat and tears have fueled our economy for centuries past and decades to come.
They are our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, neighbors, friends, wives and husbands. They are the glue that keeps the working world together and poverty out of the mouths of many a youth.
So the next time you’re tempted to blow a fuse at the cashier cashing your goods in the supermarket or the pump attendant at the gas station just remember that despite your position we’re all in this rat race called life trying to reach the same goal of a better life.
The gas station attendants who pump $150 worth of gas so the Manager can get to work in his SUV and then pumps $20 gas so the janitor/construction worker/taxi driver can get to his/her job to make a living. To the lady in the bread shop who dutifully dishes out her masterpieces for all to enjoy regardless of colour, creed, or position. To the bus driver who starts his day at 5am and finishes at 12am to ensure that those who really want to get there can get there. The list could go on and on until we have compiled a small book of working class positions.
They are the un-glorified and the taken for granted. The sometimes unrewarded and the most vulnerable of workers. Their blood sweat and tears have fueled our economy for centuries past and decades to come.
They are our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, neighbors, friends, wives and husbands. They are the glue that keeps the working world together and poverty out of the mouths of many a youth.
So the next time you’re tempted to blow a fuse at the cashier cashing your goods in the supermarket or the pump attendant at the gas station just remember that despite your position we’re all in this rat race called life trying to reach the same goal of a better life.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Perseverance
I recently learnt of Usain Bolts defeat at the recently held Diamond Games in Stockholm. This occurrence caused me stop and think for a second. My thoughts focused not on the fact that he got beat but more so on the somewhat invincible status that followed this athlete since his debut around two years a go. In essence people loose races everyday, but its not everyday a world record holder looses to a worthy opponent or is it? A quick google search lead me to realize that Usain Bolt follows a long list of runners who have achieved this milestone in their careers. Needless to say that losing happens. We are all aware of this from the time we play our first game of cricket/football/marbles/basketball and most notoriously LIFE. If anything I can empathize with Usain, I’m sure we all can. He defied his odds and rose above and beyond to make a mark that not many men/women are able to make. Not for want of trying but for other circumstances such as wind factor, genetics, laziness, or plain old bad luck.
I would like to think that the world is filled with Usain Bolts. Men women boys and girls who tried their endeavor best to accomplish a goal and did so. But like Usain we all must come to terms with the reality that success is a two sided coin. On the one side is victory and on the other side defeat. The defeat may not be definite in nature but relative. Things go wrong as they always do. Some days we are prepared and other days we aren’t and life simply catches us off guard despite all our preparations and previous successes. These days are mandatory once you have some measure of success or still striving for it. Had it not been for these days on the flipside of the coin, the days on the good side would not be as sweet as they are.
I doubt Usain will throw in the towel at this point as he has youth, form, and vigor on his side. I also doubt that any of you will give up other as you too have these same qualities, minus the million dollar shoe deals and fringe benefits of being a star athlete. So why should we give up on the job search, on the college applications, on the plans to retire at fifty and on rowing across the Atlantic.
So to all I say, Live, Love and Persevere.
I would like to think that the world is filled with Usain Bolts. Men women boys and girls who tried their endeavor best to accomplish a goal and did so. But like Usain we all must come to terms with the reality that success is a two sided coin. On the one side is victory and on the other side defeat. The defeat may not be definite in nature but relative. Things go wrong as they always do. Some days we are prepared and other days we aren’t and life simply catches us off guard despite all our preparations and previous successes. These days are mandatory once you have some measure of success or still striving for it. Had it not been for these days on the flipside of the coin, the days on the good side would not be as sweet as they are.
I doubt Usain will throw in the towel at this point as he has youth, form, and vigor on his side. I also doubt that any of you will give up other as you too have these same qualities, minus the million dollar shoe deals and fringe benefits of being a star athlete. So why should we give up on the job search, on the college applications, on the plans to retire at fifty and on rowing across the Atlantic.
So to all I say, Live, Love and Persevere.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Over the weekend the words of this poem somehow made their way to my memory and refused to leave until I had read the words once more and found inspiration. I hope the same happens to all who read the words of this classical piece.
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream–and not make dreams your master,
If you can think–and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ‘em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings–nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And–which is more–you’ll be a Man, my son!
–Rudyard Kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream–and not make dreams your master,
If you can think–and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ‘em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings–nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And–which is more–you’ll be a Man, my son!
–Rudyard Kipling
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Climb
On the heels of the world cup we are reminded of a few truths. Hard work and perseverance always goes along in the pursuit of personal and team goals. We were also reminded that a good name does not always equate a great performance especially when your opponents are out to divide and conquer. There are indeed many references that can be drawn from theses 32 games that were highly contested by nations both great and small. Although the spotlight was on them from day to day it also stirred up within supporters great emotions. Being on edge when your favorite player was on the eighteen yard box with the ball at his boot was enough to cause you to leap to your feet with anticipation of a moment of greatness. For some the moments kept coming and coming and coming but for others they were lacking to the extreme. Despite all the lessons to be learned we should all remember that greatness may not always be a single moment but a series of moments linked together to culminate in a great experience. For some it may be the moment leading up to their first job (keeping my fingers crossed) or for others it may the long hours put in hopes of securing a promotion with the corner office and travelling allowance Etc.
Despite your circumstances Spain showed us that a little determination and allot of elbow grease can get you to that spot on top the mountain. So despite the fact that the climb to the top may look insurmountable, be not discouraged for the climb will be worth the effort once you get to the top.
P.S. Success is as much a destination as it is a frame of mind.
Despite your circumstances Spain showed us that a little determination and allot of elbow grease can get you to that spot on top the mountain. So despite the fact that the climb to the top may look insurmountable, be not discouraged for the climb will be worth the effort once you get to the top.
P.S. Success is as much a destination as it is a frame of mind.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Don't Quit
As today is Monday and the start of the first week of the month of July I post this short poem to inspire. This said poem has been on my bedroom wall and has seen me through high school, college, university, and generally the last 10 years of my life.
Its quite easy to learn for those of you have a good memory.
Don't Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
Author Unknown
Its quite easy to learn for those of you have a good memory.
Don't Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
Author Unknown
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