How will you remember?

Tomorrow is November 11, 2011. It has been 92 years since the day was dedicated by King George V as a day of remembrance of members of the armed forces who were lost during World War I. One of the many lost during the first World War was Guelph native, John McCrae. Living in Guelph, and working in the former Royal Canadian Legion building, the upcoming day of remembrance has been more prevalent than ever. Not to mention, I'm proud to say that some of my very own family members have served in years past.

How will you remember tomorrow? How will you pay tribute to the men & women that gave up their lives to make our world a better place?

Perhaps, most importantly, what will YOU do to make the world a better place??

Changing the world doesn't need to be some earth-shaking metamorphosis. It doesn't mean that you need to join up and fight for your country. The little things count. And they add up quickly. Are you actively working to be the very best you that you can be?

Be grateful for the beautiful country we live in, and the wonderful freedoms we're so lucky to have. When you remember, also remember those around the world, TODAY - still fighting for the liberties we so quickly take for granted. More than 100 000 Canadians have died in military service; died for this country, their families and for you. I urge you not to let it be in vain.

Letter to a Nation

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.

All my very best,
Jack Layton

On August 22, I first read Jack Layton's letter to Canadians. Across political allegiances, Canadians were inspired. I was inspired. Yesterday, children's entertainer, Raffi released a song inspired by Layton's motivating, momentous letter. You can listen to the song here: http://www.childhonouring.org/uploads/Letter_To_A_Nation.mp3

I didn't anticipate the way the song would hit me. I found myself nearly moved to tears listening to Raffi's voice dance through the powerful words left for us, by Jack. Let' not forget this gift that was left for Canadians. 

What are you doing to change the world today?

Relate to Others

 If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. ~Nelson Mandela

Nearing the conclusion of almost 30 years behind bars, Nelson Mandela began to long for a hotplate. He was being fed, and compared to other prisoners – quite well. That said, his jailers rationed too much for lunch and not enough for supper. He had created a solution for himself in saving some of the extra from lunch to have with his dinner – but alas, he had no way to heat it up.

Unfortunately, the guard in charge of the Mandela’s maximum security wing at Pollsmoor prison was none too keen to speak in English and furthermore was not a fan of the black political prisoners. Similar to many Afrikaner men, this guard, LOVED rugby – a sport Mandela had never really been fond of himself. Mandela began reading all he could about the sport that had divided South Africa, in a way, for many years. One day, Mandela came face to face with the guard in a jail hallway. He instantly spurred into a comprehensive discussion, in Afrikaans, I might add, about the various player positions and some recent games. The previously abrasive guard was so enchanted by Mandela that, before long, he was shouting at his minions to “go and get Mandela a hotplate!”

We waste so much time speaking how we think the other person should hear it, rather than thinking about what the best way to the message will be received – saying it in a way that you will only need to explain it once. Tailoring it to each and every person. 

Here's today's homework - think about how you can speak to others in their language today and tomorrow - I want you to try it. Reflect on how outcomes differ from what you've seen in the past and please keep me updated!

Master Your Craft

If it's flipping hamburgers at McDonald's, be the best hamburger flipper in the world. Whatever it is you do you have to master your craft. –Snoop Dogg

We’ve talked about taking action and making a plan when it comes to your goals. One of the goals I continuously work towards is the mastering of my craft. And - not just because Snoop Dogg tells me too.

Why Master your Craft?

 Well, let me answer this question, with a question. Why wouldn’t you?? Don’t cheat yourself – why would you be anything but the very best version of you.

How do I start mastering my craft?

·        Be Curious! (That’s why my friends call me Whiskers)

o   Slow down, and ask questions. I love playing the “what if” game when it comes to my craft. “What if I tried x, y or z, differently - how would my results change...” 

·         Relate your Craft to your Everyday

o   Learn from indirect experiences and allow yourself to be inspired by everything around you. This is going to sound cheesy and I’m almost embarrassed to admit it – but today, on my lunch, I walked down to a little creek for inspiration on team building. What was it about the creek that allowed it to flow so smoothly? And guess what?! I came up with some great ideas! 

·         Practice Make Perfect – or at least better ;)

o   Allow yourself to become an expert by doing the same task, or exercise over and over again. Physiologically speaking, we need this repetition in order for your cerebellum to store the information. 

 

·           Shout it from the Mountain Tops! (Teach others your craft)

o   One of my favourite techniques when orientating a new employee, is to have them teach someone else what they have learned. It forces you to reflect on the knowledge you've acquired, and in turn, reinforces it.

Things aren’t going my way – Now what?!

Ok so we’re ready to take action on the plan for our goals. You’ve visualized the hot, hot Aussie sun beating down on you while you relax on the beach. You’ve dreamt of immersing yourself in their unique landscapes and wildlife. But out of the blue, disaster strikes!You realize that trip to Australia you are planning to take is going to cost TWICE as much as you thought. How are you ever going to save that much money???

Like anything worth going after, it’s rarely an easy road. You’re bound to encounter bumps and obstacles along the way. One of my favourite pieces of writing is William Ernest Henley’s “Invictus”. What a great reminder to stay motivated. These empowering words make it nearly impossible to be discouraged by an unexpected twist. Henley was a British poet, critic and editor – best remembered for this very poem he penned in 1875:

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

 In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishment the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.


Things to remember as you’re working towards your goals

• Even slow progress is better than no progress
• Be flexible and willing to adapt
• When you get discouraged, write it down. Separate the things that are within your realm of control, take steps towards removing the barriers, and forget the rest. 

 
 
 You deserve the best - Don’t give up!

Making a plan!

If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else. ~Lawrence J. Pete

Ok, so you know what you want and you know if you’re gonna get there, you’ll need to take some sort of action. Easier said than done, right? How the heck do you achieve the things you want in the most effective and efficient way possible?

You can do extraordinary things if you have the confidence to make a plan and take risks. Don’t fail to appreciate the potential your life holds and the impact that achieving your goals can have. It’s all there for YOU – if you are willing to work for it.

In preparing to attack your goals, try framing them with the SMART model. I work with my employees, at least quarterly, to set personal goals. The SMART model consistently yields amazing results. It helps you articulate the vision you have of your own. There are multiple variations of the SMART model, but it typically represents:

For example, instead of saying "I want to fly to Australia" as a goal, it's more powerful to say "I plan to complete my trip to Australia by June 15, 2012."

From you larger goals, make a list of “actionables” you can start right away. Let’s use the goal above as an example. What smaller actions or steps will get you to your larger goal?

• Obtain/renew passport
• Determine costs associated with flight, insurance
• Save money to pay for associated costs
• Decide whether traveling with a group, partner, or solo
• Choose a date range and book off the time from work
• Etc, etc.... I think you get the picture J

Once I’ve created my list of actionables, I prioritize them and assign completion dates to keep my self accountable. Even if you can check one thing off your list each week, you’ll be making great progress.

Map out your future, but do it in pencil. ~Jon Bon Jovi

Be prepared to adapt as you get closer to your goal. Your actionables may need to be re-evaluated, but whatever you do, don’t stop working towards what you desire – Life is FAR too short to miss out.

Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare. ~Japanese Proverb

Taking Action!

You can't cross a sea by merely
staring into the water.
Rabindranath Tagore

Here's the short scoop on Rabindrath:
Rabindrath Tagore was born in Calcutta, India to a wealthy family. Began writing poetry at 8 years, first published at 16.He was the first non-European and the only Indian to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. Tagore was knighted by British crown in 1915, but later renounced his knighthood in 1919 after a massacre in India.

Why do we stare into the water?

• Scared to cross
• Don’t know how to cross
• Don’t have time to cross
• Overwhelmed
• Not sure what’ s in the water

Where do you start when you’re ready to cross?

• Ask someone who’s crossed before
• Make a plan

When you are ready, make sure you’re taking the best path possible...to do so, we need to make a plan! Don’t swim against the current and be wary of treading water for too long.

What if you get tired when you’re half way across the sea?

Do you stop swimming?

Growing up at our family cottage, I had a goal of swimming across the lake. I found, over and over, that once I’d make some distance, I’d lose my breath and need to turn back. Have you ever tried swimming on your back? - it can be a great way to catch your breath and take some time to think about what you need to do next. Look at the situation differently or try something new to get to the outcome you want.

How do you keep motivated & keep moving?

Think of the last time you were in a canoe - the longer, stronger and more consistent strokes you made, the easier it was to continue, as you built momentum.

Your first try might not be your last. Think outside the box. Look at a multitude of solutions. Your goals won't fall into your lap. The best way to beat the procrastination bug is to do something! Squash inaction with an action!