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Keep Running

October 7, 2010 in Misc with 10 Comments

Eventually the economy will pick up…

One day I’ll be able to afford to..

Someday I hope I can learn to..

In a few years I’ll be able to ..

When I retire I’ll travel to..

The kicker however is this:

There’s a very good chance that your future is going to look a lot like the past, and you’ll be saying those exact same thing years from now, unless you do something about it today.

Got a problem that needs to be fixed? Need to improve on something in your life? Stuck in a situation and feel like there’s no way out? My suggestion is to use the small things monster to your advantage. I didn’t say he was bad all the time!

THIS, right now, is the time and the moment when the small things do matter to the overall big picture. Baby steps, if you will, are better than no steps at all.

But that’s not why I wrote this post. I wrote this post for a friend.

I wrote this for one of my dearest and lifelong friends, Cory.

Cory moved from Canada to New York City, then to Alaska, and now he’s in California. He’s been chasing down his dream like a mad man.

The great thing about Cory is he knows that every day when he wakes up, the race is on. He’s working on the ”someday” things now instead of just talking about them.

And Cory puts his money where his mouth is. He always has.

The best part of all this is, as Cory chases his vision, he keeps gaining ground. He keeps getting closer and closer to reaching his dream. But he also keeps pulling further and further ahead of the “someday” people.

So what? So what if Cory doesn’t make it? He gave it his all. He gave it everything he had. That’s something to be proud of.

Bravo Cory.  Keep running.

How Many Times?

September 22, 2010 in Career & Work, Linchpin, Misc with 0 Comments

First there were folks who said the Internet wouldn’t make it. It was a passing fad. (These people still exist)

Then came the businesses who said they didn’t need a website. Their customers would never use the Internet to find out about them.

After that came the people who said they’d never own a cell phone. Who can forget the people who said the iPod would never make it?

Next came your friends who said they’d never join Facebook or send a Tweet.

Now comes the people who believe everything will eventually go “back to normal”. The big three will eventually return to Windsor/Detroit, fire up the factories, and start creating jobs again. They say we’re just in a slump.

How many times are they going to be wrong?

You’re different though. You’re going to do something about it. Right?

Really Celebrate Labor Day Next Year

September 6, 2010 in Career & Work, Misc with 1 Comment

According to Wikipedia, Labor Day is an annual holiday to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers.

Did you know American job satisfaction is at an all-time low? And us Canadians aren’t doing much better on the job satisfaction front.

So then what exactly are we celebrating? Is it just another day off? Just another day away from the dreaded workplace?

Seth Godin weighed in on Labor Day today and said:

Whatever happened to Labor?

Not Labor with a capital L, as in organized labor unions. I mean labor as in skilled workers solving interesting problems. I mean craftspeople that use their hands, their backs, and their heads to do important work.

Labor was the key part of the manufacturing revolution. Industrialists needed smart, dedicated, trained laborers to solve interesting problems. Putting things together took more than pressing a few buttons, it took initiative and skill and care. Labor improvised.

It took thirteen years to build the Brooklyn Bridge and more than twenty-five laborers died during its construction. There was no systematic manual to follow. The people who built it largely figured it out as they went.

The Singer sewing machine, one of the most complex devices of its century, had each piece fitted by hand by skilled laborers.

Sometime after this, once Henry Ford ironed out that whole assembly line thing, and things changed. Factories got far more complex and there was less room for improvisation as things changed scale.

The boss said, “Do what I say. Exactly what I say.”

Amazingly, labor said something similar. They said to the boss, “Tell us exactly what to do.” In many cases, work rules were instituted, flexibility went away and labor insisted on doing exactly what they had agreed to do, no more, no less. At the time, this probably felt like power. Now we know what a mistake it was.

In a world where labor does exactly what it’s told to do, it will be devalued. Obedience is easily replaced, and thus one worker is as good as another. And devalued labor will be replaced by machines or cheaper alternatives. We say we want insightful and brilliant teachers, but then we insist they do their labor precisely according to a manual invented by a committee…

Companies that race to the bottom in terms of the skill or cost of their labor end up with nothing but low margins. The few companies that are able to race to the top, that can challenge workers to bring their whole selves–their human selves–to work, on the other hand, can earn stability and growth and margins. Improvisation still matter, if you set out to solve interesting problems.

The future of labor isn’t with less education, less OSHA and more power to the boss. The future of labor belongs to enlightened, passionate people on both sides of the plant; people who want to do work that matters.

That’s what Labor Day is about, not the end of a summer on the beach.

Seth’s right. The world of labor has changed. The future of labor has changed. Seth say’s the future belongs to the enlightened, passionate people, doing work that matters.

I found one of those people.

I received this email a few weeks back from Bill Henniger, the owner of Rogue Fitness. Rogue Fitness sells products designed and manufactured in the USA. Bill Henniger is creating jobs, lots of jobs (about 260 American Jobs). Bill Henniger is a Linchpin. But Bill is also frustrated. He’s tried of hearing excuses, and he’s willing to say it.

There was a time when we made things in the United States and we were damn proud of them. We designed, cast, forged, machined and polished steel. When I started this business, I couldn’t understand why we could not cast American Made Kettlebells, how is this possible? Well apparently it is possible because the fine people in Rhode Island are making them by the hundreds for us.

It is high time for all of us to begin building and inventing again, time to make things with your hands. I am tired of the excuses. Look at the talented people around you and figure out how to make things happen. It is time for a second Industrial Revolution. Is there a factory in your home town that used to make something? Where did all those skilled folks go? These people can sew shoes or build skyscrapers, but for now, they are doing nothing.

Time to be entrepreneurial and make something. Go find a journeyman.

Bill has a reason to celebrate today.

So here’s my take on it.

This is Labor Day. It’s a day to celebrate the social and economic achievements of workers. I like to consider Labor Day a fresh start.

Next year at this time, celebrate your achievements as a worker. Really celebrate your achievements.

To do that, you’re going to have to invest yourself into labor. It’s going to have to be a labor of love. Do whatever it takes to do work that matters. Do whatever it takes to do work that’s meaningful; work that’s built on on a foundation of both compassion and passion.

Do that and next year by this time, truly celebrate Labor Day. You’ll have earned that day at the beach.

I wonder what others might think?

August 20, 2010 in Life, Misc with 2 Comments

Why do we wonder, care, and worry so much about what others might think of our actions?

We get so caught up in what others think about our decision to start a new business; or leave our current job for a new one; or why we bought a Toyota instead of a Honda, etc. etc…

It was Dale Carnegie who said, “I realize now that people are not thinking about you and me or caring what is said about us. They are thinking about themselves—before breakfast, after breakfast, and right on until ten minutes past midnight. They would be a thousand times more concerned about a slight headache of their own than they would about the news of your death or mine.”

It’s harsh – but it’s true. And most of us know this, yet we still use so much of our energy worrying about what our friends might think.

I know it’s cliché, but the saying stop worrying and start living offers us so much more than it being just a silly cliché. Give that cliché some thought. Look at your own life and areas where you’ve allowed the worry of “I wonder what they might think,” to stop you from making decisions.

If I was worried about what you might think, I wouldn’t have posted this thought from my head, or the one yesterday, or the one before that, and the one before that.

What haven’t you done because you were worrying about what others might think?

Battle Scars

August 5, 2010 in Ideas, Life, Misc with 4 Comments

I’ve got a scar on my finger.

One time many years ago, while on a fishing trip with my father, I caught my index finger in the door of his Ford truck. I almost lost the top-half of my finger, but it was saved by a boatload of stitches.

I’ve got another scar on the top of my head. This accident happened at a funeral home – of all places!

These are the scars I’ve collected as I continue on my journey through life. If you happen to see them, I might be eager to tell you the story that accompanies each one. Each of my scars has a unique story.

I’ve also had a handful of business ventures that failed. I’ve got silly ideas that I’ve told people about, only to be laughed out of the room. I’ve spent both precious time and money on businesses that have fallen flat, and I’ve had jobs where I quit after only a few short hours.

That’s just a start.

When I really think about it, these mental scars are very much the same as my physical scars. Of course, physical scars can happen for a variety of reasons beyond our control. I’m talking about our battle scars.

Our scars will always be a part of us. Regardless of how serious the battle may have been, the scars are there for a reason. I’m sure, deep-down, you’ve learned something from every single scar.

I’m always a wee-bit apprehensive when I meet someone in the business world without any battle scars. The warning bells go off even louder when they try to cover them up.

Show me what you’ve got. Your battle scars are what have made you what you are today.

Build Your Story.

July 16, 2010 in Misc with 0 Comments

“I will hazard a prediction. When you are 80 years old, and in a quiet moment of reflection narrating for only yourself the most personal version of your life story, the telling that will be most compact and meaningful will be the series of choices you have made. In the end, we are our choices. Build yourself a great story. Thank you and good luck!”

~Jeff Bezos – Founder & CEO of Amazon speaking to the class of 2010 at Princeton (read the entire address here)

P.S. Enjoy the weekend.

Thanks

July 14, 2010 in Misc with 2 Comments

Today I just feel like I need to say Thank You.

Thank you for reading what I’ve had to say over the past few months.

Thank you for leaving comments.

Thank you for sharing my thoughts and ideas on Facebook and/or Twitter.

Thanks so much.

P.S. Feel free to continue to conversation with me via eMail. I always respond to all emails. You can contact me here. If you have any comments, suggestions, requests, or just want to chat, send me an email.

Go away

July 9, 2010 in Life, Misc with 3 Comments

It’s Friday and it’s late. My daily post should have been up hours ago, but I’ve been in a car traveling most of the day. My wife and I just sent the past three days at the most amazing cottage in Northern Ontario with some great friends.

The cottage was absolutely stunning even with its lack of hydro, hot showers, flushing toilets, and massive swarms of killer mosquitos.

I thought about this blog post during our final moments of relaxation this morning while sitting on the dock waiting for a boat to take us back to civilization.

When I say go away, I don’t mean it in a rude way. Instead, I just want you to take a vacation.

And I don’t mean a tour. A tour is what happens when you’re on a bus or a cruise ship. I also don’t mean trying to see six European countries in 10 days –  that’s just a collection of  snapshots. I mean a real vacation.

No plans. No advanced tickets. No reservations. No Rick Steve’s travel books.

The type of vacation I’m talking about can happen in your backyard. It can happen on your lunch break. It can happen this weekend. And it’s relatively affordable. And while a pristine Northern Ontario cottage helps, it’s not absolutely crucial.

Most people use vacations to escape from work, and end up bringing the stress of work with them. I used to be as guilty as the next guy. I’m talking about a different type of getaway.

Here’s the itinerary.

Find a spot/time/place where you can allow your mind to truly reflect on your future goals. Don’t dwell on the past. Learn from the past, but let it go. Stressing about the past is  simply wasted energy.

Attempt to gain some perspective and clarity around your goals and future plans. Search and strive for pure relaxation. Let everything else go. Simply focus on where you want to go…and aim yourself in that direction. (personal or business)

These vacations can be short and sweet, or they can be long and extended. Spread them out and take them often.

It’s those moments when you’re most likely to have a major breakthrough. It’s those moments where the real magic is going to happen. It’s those moments you’re going to solve that problem that’s been driving you crazy, or come up with that new idea you’ve been searching for.

That’s a vacation.

Go.

All I Need To Know

July 8, 2010 in Career & Work, Life, Misc, Success with 1 Comment

There seems to be a point when we believe our need for coaching, mentoring, and the acquisition of new knowledge are no longer needed in our lives.

We’re adults now. We know everything we need to know. Why would I need any help? I’ve put in my time.

Coaching? Why would I need a coach?

This of course, brings up the obvious question, why do sports teams need to be coached?

After all, these are guys and girls that have played the sport their entire lives, they’ve reached the pinnacle of success – the pro-leagues, - and yet they are still constantly under the wings of professional coaches and leadership.

Of course teams are different from individuals, right?

But…

Why would Lance Armstrong need a coach to improve his cycling?

Why would the manager need a coach to improve his management skills?

Why would the brain surgeon need coaching on learning new brain surgery techniques?

But us regular folk – we’re beyond that, right? We finished school. We got our degrees. We got drafted into the real world. We’re pros now.

But we’re driven by our egos. We believe it’s easier to look strong, stand up tall, and put on a smiley face, than it is to resort to asking for help.

Seeking help has been typecast in our society as a sign of weakness. We’ve gone and made it almost embarrassing. We’d rather just muster on and try to do it ourselves.

Before Tiger’s “issues,” he was often used as an example by coaches about the importance of continued coaching and training. Tiger is adamant about constantly improving his skills. He was never beyond learning from his coach. He could always learn from his coach, or even other golfers. Tiger was known to practice for hours and literally BEG for his coach to point out an issue with his swing, or his stance, or his grip.

He obviously could have used coaching beyond his sport, but that’s beyond this post :-)

Here’s my take on it.

When you’re willing to accept that there IS a lot more to learn, you can drastically improve your skills. A coach can actually teach you something, or point out your flaws or help you with where to focus your  practice time. That’s when you’ve entered the professional league.

Seeking help, guidance, and new knowledge to become bigger, stronger, faster, is the ultimate sign of strength. The real pros always know there is someone better out there who can teach them a thing or two.

So ask yourself, what league are you in? Pick one.

The Pros or  the Amateurs?

How To Quit Smoking

June 29, 2010 in Misc with 10 Comments

If you’re a smoker, I know you’ve probably done it.

You’ve gone to Google and typed in “How to quit smoking“.

If you’re overweight, you’ve probably done a search for “how to lose weight“.

There’s a simple little trick to ensuring your success when it comes to “how to do something.”

The trick is this:

It’s realizing that it really has nothing to do with the HOW you do it, it has everything to do with the WANT to do it.

How to = Hoping someone externally will tell you how to do it. We’re willing to spend money on this. Usually we’re hoping the how is quick, easy, pain-free, and fast. This is the reason the world will never have a shortage of “how to” products and diet pills.

Want to = Internal motivation. This is the force inside you. Think Star Wars.

Stop looking for the “how.”

When you truly want to quit smoking, or change a habit, it’s easy.

Yup, I said it. It’s easy.

Question: How do you quit smoking?

Answer: You stop smoking, if you want to. Your internal strength is stronger than the addiction. It comes down to want.

The desire, the thirst, the inspiration, the motivation, all come from deep down within. It’s not about finding a method, or buying another information product, or paying for hypnosis. It’s all about getting that desire’s temperature up to a boiling point. When it reaches the boiling point and you truly “want” to quit, the how part is easy.

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