On a long hilly run it can feel like you’ve given a lot without having gained much ground. Looking back often sets you straight – you can see how much ground you’ve covered and the obstacles you’ve overcome. Perhaps you haven’t gotten as far as you’d like. Maybe it was particularly hilly or rough underfoot. An honest appraisal helps get things in perspective. So, too, … Continue reading The past, and its obstacles
My landlord asked me earlier today if I’d been running a bit more, as he thought I looked healthier. I have been running more and it feels great that it’s been recognised. One of my team is quietly getting on with some work that could easily fly under the radar, but I was sure to highlight the positive impact it’d have in a team meeting. … Continue reading Recognition
The hallmark of the professional is they appear effortlessly good at what they do most of the time. But the effort is still there, and has a long history. Carpenters who have spent hours honing their craft before producing beautiful furniture with apparent ease. Producers who can just pull things together even as things schedules are daunting, based on many shows and many lessons. The … Continue reading It bears repeating
A year ago, my Nan died. It hit me hard, as did my Dad dying nearly a year before. I’ve felt the loss of them keenly, in different ways. Today, when I think of their lives and how they touched mine, I stumble across memories and find new insight. I’m mindful of how much I gain, in remembering the difference they made. My Nan was … Continue reading Gains and losses
When you put in the time to get healthy, you often doesn’t see results right away. As you work at restoring trust or morale, you can expect it’ll take some time. From deciding to fix the infrastructure, to seeing the benefit for your estate, or economy, there’ll be difficult adjustments and setbacks. Provide the right input. Build and monitor feedback loops, so you can see … Continue reading There’s a lag – so hold on
As described in Bob McKinnon’s opening episode of his Attribution podcast, we’re almost always conscious of any headwind while not really registering the tailwinds that help us along. As is true when we’re outside, so it is broadly in life. Take a little time to appreciate the help that’s gotten you to today. The people and institutions, the infrastructure and progress made before you. It … Continue reading Headwinds and tailwinds
The Spanish flu, as the 1918 pandemic was known, didn’t originate in Spain or have the greatest impact on her people. Spain was neutral in the First World War and could forego wartime censorship, leading to more open and accurate reporting of the health crisis. For the world, this created an association that remains to this day. Labels aren’t merely artefacts, they’re stories in and … Continue reading The Spanish flu that wasn’t, really
You can do five pretty easy tasks, pretty quickly. They won’t have much impact, but you’d have ticked them off the to-do list and that’d feel pretty good. Today. Or you can do that one hard task. It’ll make a difference, but it demands more time and effort, and you’ll feel uncomfortable – today. What will count for more, what will feel better, tomorrow? Continue reading More, quicker, easier – kind of
I remember when I was 18 getting back from a three mile run and feeling exhausted. I more or less collapsed on the stairs when I got in the house. Today, at 45, I enjoyed nearly 13 miles with a good friend and after getting home took my dawg out for a good walk. I’ve put in a lot of training since I was 18, … Continue reading What do you want to be better at
The day itself has gone well, but the head has been unkind. “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re probably right.” Some days you challenge the noise, but it doesn’t feel like you’re winning. No matter. Keep going. You can. Continue reading One of those days
Sometimes You Learn 