Do you know yours ? More precisely, do you know what it needs to be ..
Pace is an idea that would crucially apply if we were all in a race. While there's an argument to be made to say of course we are constantly in a race with each other for life's needs and desires, that's a tad philosophical for a weekend, so I'll let it go for now.
Pace means how fast or how much we need to work to achieve our objectives. Straightforward, yes..? Actually no. You see each of us has a slightly different pace, and without imposing any judgment at all on that, the trick is to understand your own, and then be able to work with it. In the most simplistic example I can imagine, if two people are asked to walk a defined distance - say 1 mile, and they have different paces, then conceivably one will get there before the other - assuming that is that they start at the same time. But what if the individual that walked slower (that had the slower pace) was aware of their own pace, and began before the second individual. Conceivably this person would complete the distance before or even at the same moment as the 2nd individual. On the basis that we don't often find ourselves in walking contests, let's apply the concept to a more realistic situation.
Joe and Bob are both trying to achieve an "A" in a course they're taking. Joe and Bob are different people and handle the teaching thrown at them differently. Joe needs to re-read things to ensure he gets all the details correct in his head, while Bob is more of auditory learners and picks things up from being told them one time. When it comes time to study for a test, if Joe and Bob don't invest time to do thorough reviews (they do exactly the same thing) chances are Joe won't do as well as Bob. He needed to review the content to be able to apply the concepts. The trick if you're Joe is to see that in yourself and make the necessary investment to sure you're ensuring your own success.
A real-life example that always makes me smile is the person who we probably all know that is perennially late for everything. These people don't seem to understand their own pace, and so never leave enough time. I have heard of situations where they set their clocks 10 mins fast to try to equalize their behavior and time - but that doesn't work well either. The key is understanding oneself, and it's really that simple.
Pace is something that once you're aware of it, you can play with a little. In fact, I'd argue it's one of the keys to self-improvement. If I can benchmark myself in some quantifiable manner, then I know what I need to 'beat' to do better. I acknowledge here faster isn't always better, but an understanding of where you are is mildly important prior to determining how to get somewhere else (that's my most obvious comment of the day). Playing with your pace is something I do when running, and it can be applied to just about any work or play task.
Pace is also linked to the idea of cadence which I have to say I think about a fair bit....but that's part 2. For now, your homework is to look inside yourself and try to gain some perspective on your own pace, and then look around and decide for yourself if it's appropriate to your various situations or not. If not...what are you going to do about it, and how will you measure that change.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
You Neek
Did you know that there are now somewhere between 6.89B and 7.07B people in the world and it's growing at a rate of almost 3 people per second. This is a mind boggling number, almost twice what it was when I was born, and a clear 1.6B people more than when my eldest was born in the early 90's. Clearly it's a pace that has some incredible implications on all the systems we depend on, but I'd rather not focus on that, instead I want you think about each of these individuals, what they might look like, sound like and what they have in common. With that many people, we must have folks that are doppelgangers surely, and a vast number of extremely similar people, no ?
Actually no. Despite this huge number, you're unique.
I say this because through the course of your life, no one has had or will have the same experiences, walked in your shoes, felt the same emotions or known the same people. They won't have lived in exactly the same places, tasted the same food or loved/liked/hated the same other people. We rarely share the same opportunities and disappointments and all of these things come together to shape our individual characters.
Our experiences make us unique and allow each of us the potential to arrive at different ways of looking at the things around us. We have in fact close to 7 billion perspectives in the world probably. That isn't always clear as while we're unique we do share common issues and challenges and have many things in common.
The next time you're feeling alone and invisible, remember that you're surrounded by almost 7,000,000,000 brothers and sisters and that they can almost certainly identify with the situation you're in...but they may not have the same view towards it - because you're the only you.
Actually no. Despite this huge number, you're unique.
I say this because through the course of your life, no one has had or will have the same experiences, walked in your shoes, felt the same emotions or known the same people. They won't have lived in exactly the same places, tasted the same food or loved/liked/hated the same other people. We rarely share the same opportunities and disappointments and all of these things come together to shape our individual characters.
Our experiences make us unique and allow each of us the potential to arrive at different ways of looking at the things around us. We have in fact close to 7 billion perspectives in the world probably. That isn't always clear as while we're unique we do share common issues and challenges and have many things in common.
The next time you're feeling alone and invisible, remember that you're surrounded by almost 7,000,000,000 brothers and sisters and that they can almost certainly identify with the situation you're in...but they may not have the same view towards it - because you're the only you.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Diving
It's flying. Really, it is.
Without moving a muscle, you float high above the bottom, and watch entire civilizations of coral, fishes, and all manner of odd and brilliant colours and shapes parade around. Your task (and it is is difficult) is to remain calm amidst this wondrous world. Just breathe...
I'm a recent convert, a graduate now with my diving certification and it's something that I'd been aware of but never really fussed about pursuing. Id seen the pictures and read articles like this one. Interesting, sure...but it wasn't for me. I needed another 'passion' the way I need a new...well anything I don't really need. But I was wrong.
What I underestimated was the impact the environment has upon you. At first blush it was about getting closer to big animals - swimming with sea turtles, rays or sharks. This is the same drive that takes people to Africa to see the "Big 5" (No, I don't mean KPMG, Deloitte, PwC, E&Y ) etc..) I'm sure. But once you get there it's the small details that speak the loudest.
On one dive, we drifted with the current past yet another coral outcropping - I could never find it again if I tried.. It would be like searching for the building with the apartments in Manhattan. Anyway, on this one little outcropping high over a precarious drop in an area no larger than my fist, circled 20-30 little iridescent blue fish and one orange one. Fish might be too bold a word here - they were small - measuring maybe 2mm each. But for one very brief moment, I was in their world, their entire universe and watched them closely. I wonder still what they thought of my passing.
Diving opened my eyes to places, concepts and ideas that I hadn't realized I was missing. My wish for each of you is that you are able to enjoy that with something yourself - something that right now I'd guess that you don't know you need.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
It was the Best of Times
Rarely am I saddened to see the new year dawn, presenting potential and hope and new opportunities. But this year, I can't help but think about what a wonderful, fulfilling, challenging and singular year 2010 turned out to be for me and those close to me. It seemed to go from great to great, and with that in mind, I've spoken aloud the idea more than a few times already, "How can this new year be any better?"
Of course it wasn't all sunshine, daisies and song, but it was a year of real personal accomplishment and growth. On the family side I've rarely been a more proud parent, and I saw significant maturity in those that I care about. In a work sense, I tried something new, and while I faltered and stumbled my fair share, I learned and tried and pushed myself. I was true to the work and therefore myself. In a spiritual sense, I was able to be part of some places in the world that few others see, and they are virginal, untouched and uncorrupted - mountaintops and deep tropical reefs. These places left an imprint upon me that I cherish.
So - with all these wonders - more than any other year I can recall, how does it get better ?
The answer that I both fear and understand is that it doesn't just get better.
There isn't a winning ticket to a good time that can be cashed in, or a price that can be paid to have this experience or that one. Money didn't buy the past year, as it wasn't (and isn't in the future) - for sale.
The year was earned though hard work, focus and pushing oneself beyond what you thought you could do. It was painful, dirty and often unclear if success would be reached. It required flying blind, putting your faith in what you knew and the wisdom of others and taking some chances. It required letting go and watching those around you take flight.
So the question isn't how to repeat 2010, but rather the question is: what am I most uncomfortable with, and how do I tackle that fear of failure to reach beyond myself.
That will deliver a new year's promise and potential.
Go on - try it. I dare you.
Of course it wasn't all sunshine, daisies and song, but it was a year of real personal accomplishment and growth. On the family side I've rarely been a more proud parent, and I saw significant maturity in those that I care about. In a work sense, I tried something new, and while I faltered and stumbled my fair share, I learned and tried and pushed myself. I was true to the work and therefore myself. In a spiritual sense, I was able to be part of some places in the world that few others see, and they are virginal, untouched and uncorrupted - mountaintops and deep tropical reefs. These places left an imprint upon me that I cherish.
So - with all these wonders - more than any other year I can recall, how does it get better ?
The answer that I both fear and understand is that it doesn't just get better.
There isn't a winning ticket to a good time that can be cashed in, or a price that can be paid to have this experience or that one. Money didn't buy the past year, as it wasn't (and isn't in the future) - for sale.
The year was earned though hard work, focus and pushing oneself beyond what you thought you could do. It was painful, dirty and often unclear if success would be reached. It required flying blind, putting your faith in what you knew and the wisdom of others and taking some chances. It required letting go and watching those around you take flight.
So the question isn't how to repeat 2010, but rather the question is: what am I most uncomfortable with, and how do I tackle that fear of failure to reach beyond myself.
That will deliver a new year's promise and potential.
Go on - try it. I dare you.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Resistance & Coincidence
This word had cropped up a few times recently for me in different contexts and the coincidence is undeniable.
Resistance is the central feature of Steven Pressfield's book "The War of Art" and in this sense it's the manifestation of procrastination and all the other negative things we invent which allow us to delay or put off the accomplishment of those objectives that really and truly matter to us.
Resistance is greatest on those things we love doing and are most passionate about. It's sly and cunning. The writing of this blog for example is my own resistance at doing what I should be doing. See what I mean ? "The War of Art" was created with an artistic audience in mind but parts of it are applicable to anyone that needs to be creative in their roles/ their lives. While I can't say I agree with everything he says in the book, it was a passionate expose of the struggle those that have a gift to offer, go through. Resistance is a common enemy to all of us though, and the word has popped up in a few different contexts of late which is a little ironic to me. It resembles those situations when you learn something new, and look up only to discover that it has surrounded you the entire time and you'd just never seen it.
Resistance is one of the past year's favorite songs for me (by Muse) and it speaks rhythmically to overcoming great odds and persevering. Resistance is also how I have come to think of three days of every week - in an exercise regime that pushes me beyond my own comfort zone, and my inner voice begs me to quit. When I have mastered these days, I know I can do anything, and Pressfield touches exactly that nerve in the "The War of Art".
As a testament to how strongly he feels about making us each aware and empowered to overcome our own version of resistance, he's made the book a complimentary download on various e-Reader platforms out there.
I'd urge you to grab it and devour it - and start to see how we each manifest resistance and are standing in our own way.
Resistance is the central feature of Steven Pressfield's book "The War of Art" and in this sense it's the manifestation of procrastination and all the other negative things we invent which allow us to delay or put off the accomplishment of those objectives that really and truly matter to us.
Resistance is greatest on those things we love doing and are most passionate about. It's sly and cunning. The writing of this blog for example is my own resistance at doing what I should be doing. See what I mean ? "The War of Art" was created with an artistic audience in mind but parts of it are applicable to anyone that needs to be creative in their roles/ their lives. While I can't say I agree with everything he says in the book, it was a passionate expose of the struggle those that have a gift to offer, go through. Resistance is a common enemy to all of us though, and the word has popped up in a few different contexts of late which is a little ironic to me. It resembles those situations when you learn something new, and look up only to discover that it has surrounded you the entire time and you'd just never seen it.
Resistance is one of the past year's favorite songs for me (by Muse) and it speaks rhythmically to overcoming great odds and persevering. Resistance is also how I have come to think of three days of every week - in an exercise regime that pushes me beyond my own comfort zone, and my inner voice begs me to quit. When I have mastered these days, I know I can do anything, and Pressfield touches exactly that nerve in the "The War of Art".
As a testament to how strongly he feels about making us each aware and empowered to overcome our own version of resistance, he's made the book a complimentary download on various e-Reader platforms out there.
I'd urge you to grab it and devour it - and start to see how we each manifest resistance and are standing in our own way.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Some Favourite Music and Lyrics
I live in a household with quite eclectic musical tastes.
Some of us enjoy rap, others like very traditional oldies and new pop, and some enjoy dance music and top 40 hits. I happen to enjoy some of each of the above, and also R&B, Classical, Jazz and some more rock-y bands from when I was younger.
The music I'm most interested in connecting to is probably rap - only because I really despised it when I first heard some, and wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt. My issue of late with rap is that the lyrics tend to be written by someone with a pre-school education - they're sophomoric, and I think if I hear "wich you" instead of "with you" one more time I'll cut my own ears off. Having said that though I'm told I tend to get exposed to more mainstream rap rather than than the 'better' intelligent stuff. I'm not sure about that, but I'll leave it be for now.
In thinking about music and lyrics, my favorite songs of this past year all have at least one killer line - that's the single element that jumps out to me when I think of the song, and it defines the song often for me. I wanted to offer an overview of some songs and their definitve lyrics, and invite you to think about your own favs the same way - I'll bet something similar come to mind. This is a personal list of course, and you'll no doubt disagree with some choices - but that's really the point...music is a way we express ourselves and in a way it's a celebration. We all celebrate a little differently - it's what makes the world a colorful mosaic.
Most Evocative - Eminem's - Love the way you Lie (part II) with Rihanna
Maybe our relationship isn't as crazy as it seems;
Maybe that's what happens when a tornado meets a volcano;
All I know is I love you too much to walk away though
A wonderfully deep and evocative story of a troubled relationship.
Most Honest - Marianas Trench - Beside You
I'm just trying to keep this together, because I could do worse, and you could do betterCohen is unquestionably a brilliant lyricist, and the song's pretty incredible too.
Look these up, they're all on Youtube and enjoy these killer lines in some great songs.
Some of us enjoy rap, others like very traditional oldies and new pop, and some enjoy dance music and top 40 hits. I happen to enjoy some of each of the above, and also R&B, Classical, Jazz and some more rock-y bands from when I was younger.
The music I'm most interested in connecting to is probably rap - only because I really despised it when I first heard some, and wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt. My issue of late with rap is that the lyrics tend to be written by someone with a pre-school education - they're sophomoric, and I think if I hear "wich you" instead of "with you" one more time I'll cut my own ears off. Having said that though I'm told I tend to get exposed to more mainstream rap rather than than the 'better' intelligent stuff. I'm not sure about that, but I'll leave it be for now.
In thinking about music and lyrics, my favorite songs of this past year all have at least one killer line - that's the single element that jumps out to me when I think of the song, and it defines the song often for me. I wanted to offer an overview of some songs and their definitve lyrics, and invite you to think about your own favs the same way - I'll bet something similar come to mind. This is a personal list of course, and you'll no doubt disagree with some choices - but that's really the point...music is a way we express ourselves and in a way it's a celebration. We all celebrate a little differently - it's what makes the world a colorful mosaic.
Most Evocative - Eminem's - Love the way you Lie (part II) with Rihanna
Maybe our relationship isn't as crazy as it seems;
Maybe that's what happens when a tornado meets a volcano;
All I know is I love you too much to walk away though
A wonderfully deep and evocative story of a troubled relationship.
Most Honest - Marianas Trench - Beside You
I'm just trying to keep this together, because I could do worse, and you could do betterCohen is unquestionably a brilliant lyricist, and the song's pretty incredible too.
Look these up, they're all on Youtube and enjoy these killer lines in some great songs.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Connecting
That family is not close, don't generally participate in each others daily lives and rarely assembles, but make an effort to do so at Christmas because connecting is that important.
Numerous friends spend the hours to write out Holiday cards by hand, recognizing that our relationships are significant enough to invest in like this, if only but once a year. They see connecting is that important.
We reach out to our far-away family members, and need a text, a mail, a FB update or best yet a Skype call every few days to help us get over the pain of separation, because connecting is that important.
One of my friends is sitting atop a roof, trying to get a cell signal, to touch the outside world. He's now directly in the line of fire as a result and risking his life, but connecting is that important.
It's a time of togetherness and for me that one idea carries the true meaning of the season - connecting really is that important for us all.
Numerous friends spend the hours to write out Holiday cards by hand, recognizing that our relationships are significant enough to invest in like this, if only but once a year. They see connecting is that important.
We reach out to our far-away family members, and need a text, a mail, a FB update or best yet a Skype call every few days to help us get over the pain of separation, because connecting is that important.
One of my friends is sitting atop a roof, trying to get a cell signal, to touch the outside world. He's now directly in the line of fire as a result and risking his life, but connecting is that important.
It's a time of togetherness and for me that one idea carries the true meaning of the season - connecting really is that important for us all.
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