As I sit at the computer this morning trying to come up with something profound for our newsletters, it hit me that my procrastination is usually based on fear.
The fear that someone will be offended by what I write, the fear that it won't be "deep" enough or it may be too deep...
Fear, what is it? I have heard it described as an acronym, False Evidence Appearing Real. However those of us who have experienced fear know sometimes it is real. But only less than 40% of the time according to the University of Michigan.
So why do we have these fears? Newborns, they say, have only two fears, loud noises and the fear of being dropped. So what do we do? We smack their bottom with a loud sound after they fall into the hands of the doctor! Doomed from the start are we...
Perhaps during this season as a child, you had the fear of Santa. Watching the movie A Christmas Story last night on the children's visit to the store Santa and seeing it through the eyes of a child makes me wonder if perhaps this is the root of all that fear!
It is not just you and me who have fears, famous people have them too. Julius Caesar was afraid of thunder (and I think later knives), Peter the Great, was afraid of bridges. He was the absolute ruler of Russia and stood 6 feet five inches tall! Barb is in good company for she too once feared bridges...
Have you examined your fears? Perhaps it is time to take an inventory, I am not a big fan of spiders. Sadly my daughters picked up on that fear and now share it with me. I guess it is true, misery likes company.
Why not make a list of your fears and start working on overcoming them. It is said that fear causes procrastination so if you find yourself hesitating on this little project perhaps there is a fear there?
Here is what the pattern can become in some peoples lives from John Maxwell.
Fear breeds inaction;
Inaction leads to lack of experience;
Lack of experience fosters ignorance; and
Ignorance breeds fear.
See the cycle? Break it!
www.dynamics4u.com
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Brain cells vs 000's and 111's
A few years ago while on board a cruise ship speaking I decided I needed a new watch. The boutique on board had many different brands and some were very expensive. I looked at Tag, Rolex, and a few others and decided they were way too much money and not nearly fancy enough.
However, we had a great rapport with the store manager and I knew I could get a bargain on a very fancy upscale timepiece. It may not be diamond encrusted or many thousands of dollars but it would look impressive. I was going for the look.
She listened carefully to my exploding ego talk about what was important to me in a timepiece (none of which had anything to do with telling time) with patience and drooled at the opportunity to sell me a fancy looking high tech gadget.
She showed me a really upscale state of the art watch that had enough buttons to launch the space shuttle. Perfect, I thought that is what I need. This watch had auto synchronization to an atomic clock throughout the world, a solar battery that never needs replacing, different time zones around the world, two alarms, pressure tested to 500 feet (I rarely swim below 4 feet of water) a titanium case, and of courser a great look. It is an aviators watch with a special dial around the crown for figuring out navigational numbers like speed, fuel usage etc.. This is all stuff I really need because it makes the watch look better, not because I have ever piloted a plane.
It looked fabulous, had a heavy feel and was a statement of success, I thought...
Well, it has been several years now, the watch still looks great, (that titanium case really works) I wear with a certain amount of pride as a symbol of a sort of achievement. Vanity at it's best.
The reality? This thing drives me nuts!
Every year about this time I have to change the time for daylight savings, and every year I spend a stupid amount of time trying to get the thing to do what I want. And, its not just here; if we are travelling and God forbid we go into another time zone I am lost. It calls for a trip to the ships jewellery store to find a 20's somebody who actually knows how to make this technological sun dial work!
How important is the solar panel to me now? How much do I gain from the auto synchronization to the atomic clock in Fort Collins now?
If I try to set it, I can't see the flipping numbers or dials. Clearly this was made for an aviator with better than 20/20 vision not an old guy who needs reading glasses.
After 30 minutes both online and with the manual, (I keep the manual right on my desk because I know next Spring this is going to happen again) two cups of coffee, several expletives, the time is now correct.
I think... it may be set for pm rather than am, again, I can't see the darn dials. I will know that tomorrow, when the date is wrong and the whole thing has to be done again...
I am almost to the point of making it my desk paperweight. Either that or re-gifting it to a son or son in law who can still see the dials.
So the moral of the story? While I love technology, I have to watch out for ego, vanity, not to get in the way of making a sensible purchase.
Now about, about that new Ipad 2.....
Still, it looks pretty.... and it was a bargain... justify, justify it...
However, we had a great rapport with the store manager and I knew I could get a bargain on a very fancy upscale timepiece. It may not be diamond encrusted or many thousands of dollars but it would look impressive. I was going for the look.
She listened carefully to my exploding ego talk about what was important to me in a timepiece (none of which had anything to do with telling time) with patience and drooled at the opportunity to sell me a fancy looking high tech gadget.
She showed me a really upscale state of the art watch that had enough buttons to launch the space shuttle. Perfect, I thought that is what I need. This watch had auto synchronization to an atomic clock throughout the world, a solar battery that never needs replacing, different time zones around the world, two alarms, pressure tested to 500 feet (I rarely swim below 4 feet of water) a titanium case, and of courser a great look. It is an aviators watch with a special dial around the crown for figuring out navigational numbers like speed, fuel usage etc.. This is all stuff I really need because it makes the watch look better, not because I have ever piloted a plane.
It looked fabulous, had a heavy feel and was a statement of success, I thought...
Well, it has been several years now, the watch still looks great, (that titanium case really works) I wear with a certain amount of pride as a symbol of a sort of achievement. Vanity at it's best.
The reality? This thing drives me nuts!
Every year about this time I have to change the time for daylight savings, and every year I spend a stupid amount of time trying to get the thing to do what I want. And, its not just here; if we are travelling and God forbid we go into another time zone I am lost. It calls for a trip to the ships jewellery store to find a 20's somebody who actually knows how to make this technological sun dial work!
How important is the solar panel to me now? How much do I gain from the auto synchronization to the atomic clock in Fort Collins now?
If I try to set it, I can't see the flipping numbers or dials. Clearly this was made for an aviator with better than 20/20 vision not an old guy who needs reading glasses.
After 30 minutes both online and with the manual, (I keep the manual right on my desk because I know next Spring this is going to happen again) two cups of coffee, several expletives, the time is now correct.
I think... it may be set for pm rather than am, again, I can't see the darn dials. I will know that tomorrow, when the date is wrong and the whole thing has to be done again...
I am almost to the point of making it my desk paperweight. Either that or re-gifting it to a son or son in law who can still see the dials.
So the moral of the story? While I love technology, I have to watch out for ego, vanity, not to get in the way of making a sensible purchase.
Now about, about that new Ipad 2.....
Still, it looks pretty.... and it was a bargain... justify, justify it...
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Tracking Progress
Late Monday I ordered some product from the US.
Now, as many of our Canadian readers know, when we order from the US we have to go through the whole customs clearance procedure. It can be lengthy and costly. In this case the product is SO much cheaper to purchase from the States it is worth the duty and brokerage fees.
One of the things that amazes me when I order this way is how I can track the shipment. I only have to click a number link and voila, there it is, my package winging its way towards our office. This is fast, efficient and modern.
So, what is the point? The point is sometimes don't we wish people had a "tracking" number for their progress in life?
What if you could click a button and see if they are still reading, growing, and learning, or are they just in a vegetative state letting life pass them by glued to the boob tube?
If we were to click your number what would it say? When was the last time you read a book on self improvement, attended a seminar on learning a new thing, listened to an audio that gave you a different perspective?
Something to mull over during the upcoming holiday season and the dreaded New Year resolution activity huh?
Why not set a goal to read more and watch TV less.
You won't be disappointed.
I know I am going to and now I am accountable to you!
Now, as many of our Canadian readers know, when we order from the US we have to go through the whole customs clearance procedure. It can be lengthy and costly. In this case the product is SO much cheaper to purchase from the States it is worth the duty and brokerage fees.
One of the things that amazes me when I order this way is how I can track the shipment. I only have to click a number link and voila, there it is, my package winging its way towards our office. This is fast, efficient and modern.
So, what is the point? The point is sometimes don't we wish people had a "tracking" number for their progress in life?
What if you could click a button and see if they are still reading, growing, and learning, or are they just in a vegetative state letting life pass them by glued to the boob tube?
If we were to click your number what would it say? When was the last time you read a book on self improvement, attended a seminar on learning a new thing, listened to an audio that gave you a different perspective?
Something to mull over during the upcoming holiday season and the dreaded New Year resolution activity huh?
Why not set a goal to read more and watch TV less.
You won't be disappointed.
I know I am going to and now I am accountable to you!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Preparation
Today as I sit in Canadian Tire getting new snow tires, I am actually ahead of the curve when it comes to winter prep.
How often do we leave tasks like this till the last minute and then wonder why we can't get traction on the issue?
I know In the past I have been guilty of this type of procrastination, how about you?
What "tires" do you need to change to get better results in your life?
What are your "wear indicators" telling you? On tires it is obvious, sometimes in us they are hidden in stress, anger, impatience, to name a few.
Give yourself a check up from the neck up and see if it is time for some new wheels.
How often do we leave tasks like this till the last minute and then wonder why we can't get traction on the issue?
I know In the past I have been guilty of this type of procrastination, how about you?
What "tires" do you need to change to get better results in your life?
What are your "wear indicators" telling you? On tires it is obvious, sometimes in us they are hidden in stress, anger, impatience, to name a few.
Give yourself a check up from the neck up and see if it is time for some new wheels.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Lady Madison of Kingswood
Lady Madison of Kingswood
This picture is of her around 2 1/2 years old. Up until that point we wondered what the heck we got when we picked this dog. She was always getting in trouble, then a funny thing happened, she changed! The next 9 years were filled with the joy of owning this incredibly intelligent, well behaved and wonderful pet.
Madison was my dog (Bill), she rarely left my side. Always in my office right beside my chair, the only time she would move was when she had to make a trip and this big head would plunk down on my leg. That was her subtle way of saying "for the love of God let me out!".
We only heard Maddy bark maybe a total of 10 times in her life. Never a growl, yelp, or really any kind of noise, but she spoke volumes with her eyes, and more so with her eyebrows. She could lift those eyebrows up and around as if speaking to us.
The past couple of weeks we had seen a marked drop in her ability to walk and a swelling of her front right leg. Then there was a mass growing around her heart and she was out of breath easily. This morning she could not get up by herself and it was time. We have a great caring vet who had been monitoring her over the past few weeks and he agreed it was time.
As I sit here and write this I keep expecting her to walk into the room, but that will not happen anymore. I have lost a great friend and this hurt will be a long time leaving.
If you have a pet, be sure to give it an extra hug tonight, I know I wish I could....
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Home away from home
When you travel as much as we do, about the last thing we look forward to is another sterile, generic, hotel room. Over the past few years we have experienced some wonderful B&B's. What a refreshing way to spend an evening, and what beautiful surroundings.
Often the other guests are fascinating too! Last time we stayed here there was a judge who shared breakfast with us. Some great conversation happened over warm croissants.
Truly great hosts at this establishment as they remembered us from our visit two years ago, right down to what I take in my coffee. Now theta is customer service. Not like the fancy hotel and cookie blog from earlier.
The message for today's blog is make the best of travel. Don't just opt for another bland hotel room, go for something unique and make it your home away from home.
I have included a picture of Viewfield in Walkerton.
Often the other guests are fascinating too! Last time we stayed here there was a judge who shared breakfast with us. Some great conversation happened over warm croissants.
Truly great hosts at this establishment as they remembered us from our visit two years ago, right down to what I take in my coffee. Now theta is customer service. Not like the fancy hotel and cookie blog from earlier.
The message for today's blog is make the best of travel. Don't just opt for another bland hotel room, go for something unique and make it your home away from home.
I have included a picture of Viewfield in Walkerton.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Thanksgiving
Well, Thanksgiving is over for all of us Canadians. Our American friends still have the turkey feeding frenzy to go through.
As we are now three days past I wonder how many people are still thinking gratitude? Has life now caught us and we are racing towards that ever elusive goal of success?
In my daily reading this morning I came across a great statement about taking the higher road. This is the road that is less traveled. How often do we miss the turn opting instead to stay on safe and narrow path never utilizing the opportunity we have to take the high road?
People who take the high road know that its not what happens TO you but IN you, that matters.
I love this story from the civil war. It seems there was a Confederate general named Whitting who was a jealous rival of general Robert E Lee. This general never passed up an opportunity to spread rumours about Lee. When President Jefferson Davis was considering the general for a promotion he asked Lee his opinion of him. Now, Lee had an opportunity to get even. What did he do? Without hesitation, Lee endorsed and commended Whitting. When pressed for details as to why, he simply stated, "I understand the President wanted to know my opinion of Whitting, not Whitting's opinion of me."
I wish I could say I would do the same. A useful nugget of history to help us build our character.
Oh, and I am grateful for that!
As we are now three days past I wonder how many people are still thinking gratitude? Has life now caught us and we are racing towards that ever elusive goal of success?
In my daily reading this morning I came across a great statement about taking the higher road. This is the road that is less traveled. How often do we miss the turn opting instead to stay on safe and narrow path never utilizing the opportunity we have to take the high road?
People who take the high road know that its not what happens TO you but IN you, that matters.
I love this story from the civil war. It seems there was a Confederate general named Whitting who was a jealous rival of general Robert E Lee. This general never passed up an opportunity to spread rumours about Lee. When President Jefferson Davis was considering the general for a promotion he asked Lee his opinion of him. Now, Lee had an opportunity to get even. What did he do? Without hesitation, Lee endorsed and commended Whitting. When pressed for details as to why, he simply stated, "I understand the President wanted to know my opinion of Whitting, not Whitting's opinion of me."
I wish I could say I would do the same. A useful nugget of history to help us build our character.
Oh, and I am grateful for that!
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