4100weeks

Climb the Highest Peak in Every State.

Be the first on your block to climb the fifty tallest peaks in all fifty states.  Aw, come on, someone has to do it and you have 4100 weeks or more to get it done. You can start with the toughest challenge at Mount Mckinley aka Denali in Alaska with a 20,320 foot technical climb or you may want to consider a stroll up Driskell Mountain in Louisiana at 535 feet.  Aren't there basketball players that are taller than that and can you really call a 535 foot bump a mountain? 

Regardless of your choice it's a great way to see the USA and a rocking bucket list item that few have accomplished.  Got to www.state50.net to organize your road trip and then do your homework to hone your technical climbing skills because several of these peaks are not a cake walk like Ebright Azimuth in Delaware at 451 feet.  Send pictures and stories!

Goal Setting that Works!

You're feeling fresh and new, buoyant with energy from the New Year! This year is going to be different! This year you're going to follow through and make the changes in your life you've been talking about for ages.  You're going to get that new job, shed those extra pounds, find a new relationship, start that novel, take some classes, go on that dream holiday (oh, wait...is this last one a goal or is it a reward?  More on this later).
 
But how many of us have set goals or made New Year's resolutions only to find ourselves quickly going back to old habits, reneging on our promises to ourselves or just plain giving up? I know I have! Until I came up with this process.  I use this every year for myself and my clients with great results!

Read the rest here.

Why I sit on a cushion, trying to concentrate on my breath

I just finished a five-week course in meditation, one of several I’ve taken over the past ten years, since I first got introduced to one of those ironic practices that seems so simple and yet is so very, very difficult.

Try it. Right now. Close your eyes, and concentrate on just your breath. Any thoughts that come up—say about what you’re having for lunch, or that fight you had with your girlfriend last night, or who’s going to win the big football game this Sunday—just let them pass by like clouds, and return to your breath.

Not so easy, right?

Well, after you master that “basic” technique, it gets even harder. That’s when you start to see some of the ugly stuff you’ve been hiding from yourself. Here’s my beginner’s understanding of it: All that continuous chatter about future plans or ruminations about the past--they kept your mind busy running in circles so that you can hide from things you don’t want to think about. For example, maybe you’re not ready to think about your part in the fight with your girlfriend, or how lonely you feel since your best friend moved.

But when we don’t even know about our ugly stuff, we certainly can’t deal with it, even though it’s coloring a lot of our behaviors.

Here’s a personal example: The day after my final meditation class, I got an email from a higher up at work asking me to do a task I knew I couldn’t do in the time frame outlined because I had two other projects with even tighter deadlines, and I was leaving for vacation in three days. 

I hate saying no. To anyone. But especially to a higher ups at work.  

In this instance, though, I knew I had to send the email, so I did, and then I left for the day. As I walked to catch my train, I could feel my heart beating with anxiety, and I knew it was because of the stupid email. On the train, I closed my eyes, and took a few deep breaths. Then I thought about whether or not I felt I acted correctly in the situation. I did. I took a few more deep breaths, and decided to let it go, at least until I knew if there was something to even fret about.

If I hadn’t just come off of taking that meditation class? I would have fretted for a long time about whether I could fit the project in, even though I really knew I couldn’t. When I finally sent the email saying so, I would have then stared at my computer, anxiously hitting refresh, waiting for the scathing reply I just knew was coming.

Then I would have gone home, using the time on the train to worry about the response. I wouldn’t really have known what I was anxious about, exactly—so I would have been angry at the guy for making demands I couldn’t live up to, instead of realizing that I needed to learn to be OK with saying no sometimes. I also might not have kept my anxiety focused solely on work—my husband might have got caught up in the hurricane of worry, as might anyone else in my path. My whole weekend might have been ruined by worry, anger, and confusion about what exactly I was worried and mad about.

So, clearly, option #1 is much more pleasant for everyone involved. And it takes daily, 15-minute periods of sitting on a meditation cushion for that scenario to be a reality for me. 

So I signed up for the second part of that meditation class, in hopes it will keep my butt on the cushion, and my worries in check.

(Oh, and that work thing? The message I got in return basically said, “Don’t worry about it.” Glad I didn’t spend much time doing so!) 

 

Intellectual Curiousity

Have you ever wondered why some are curious - not just intellectually curious but curious about most everything?   The smartest people I know all have a passion for learning - not just in classrooms or through study but by constantly seeking knowledge in conversation.  These individuals seem to have an endless passion for knowledge and growth.

The result is often a well-rounded, interesting and capable person that constantly learns through the art of the question.

What drives intellectual curiosity?  I don't know but it's a skill I encourage with my family, friends and associates.

If you are curious, see the following blog by Les Potter.

Where’s the curiosity among today’s students?

by Les PotterLes Potter is a Senior Lecturer at Towson College in Maryland

I’ve noticed that among my Millennial students, there is a disturbing lack of curiosity. I wonder if I am the only person who feels this way.

This concerns me because it has employment implications. A lack of curiosity may well hurt graduates’ hiring prospects. The Washington Post reported May 17, 2009, that after contacting eight to 10 area schools, about 35 to 40 percent of seniors are graduating without jobs or a predetermined plan in place. Typically, that number is 10 to 15 percent.

Given, this is the worst economy we’ve seen in a long time. Companies are hurting, and jobs are scarce. But that is all the more reason for graduates to pay attention to every detail that will help them secure a good job.

Why am I saying there is a lack of curiosity? This past spring semester, I had approximately 75 students in four classes. I interact with these students in class twice a week. I talk with them in the halls. They come to my office for things. They participate in our PR Group, the student professional association chapter. Yet in all of these interactions, only occasionally will someone ask a question of any substance. Few make observations that capture insightful interest in or understanding of things. Most never even comment on their surroundings. They seem oblivious to a deeper exploration of ideas and concepts, not only the abstract or obtuse, but the practical as well, like how to get and keep jobs in communication/PR/IMC.

In short, they seem to be devoid of curiosity. Some specific examples:

• Students rarely if ever ask about the working world. I spent 35 years earning a living doing what I now teach. It seems to me that that might provoke some questions. College is a time of becoming exposed to many new and different ideas and concepts. Why then are there so few probing questions? Why so few substantive questions about careers and work?
• Students don’t ask why things are the way they are. They seem to accept everything at face value.
• This is a personal, nonscientific observation, but I think it tells us something; students don’t seem to notice things around them. A specific example of this is that students do not see things in my office. I have a small but nicely appointed office with a few carefully chosen decorations, like interesting photos and original art. I purposely designed my office to be an interesting and relaxing place to visit or work. But students don’t comment on photos, memorabilia, etc. They don’t even see these things.

It does not hurt my feelings that students who visit my office do not comment on my artwork. But it does bother me that they don’t even notice their surroundings. What if it was a job interview? The ability to converse easily, perhaps initiate a conversation about a unique photo or piece of art, is a plus for the job seeker. The ability to build rapport and sell yourself with employers is critically important.

As a manager who hired, trained, and terminated many employees in my career, the ability and willingness to ask probing questions is a competitive advantage for job seekers. 

One of my more memorable supervisors got furious at employees who didn’t demonstrate curiosity. He blasted employees who “were not the least bit curious at why sales were flat, or why this project did not work, or that process cost so much, etc.” In general, he wanted curious employees who dug deep to find better ways of doing things. Those employees were favored. The employees with curiosity were trusted with more meaningful assignments. They got raises and promotions. But first, they got hired.

As May graduates try to enter the job market, I think a sense of curiosity is a big plus.

 

Twenty Five things you must do before you become fertilizer?

 The intro usually reads something like this:

 25 Adventures you can complete for $200 or less?

17 Perfect Weekends? 

20 Vacations you must take?

15 Best Outdoor Towns (you must live in)?

45 Expeditions that will challenge your body and soul?

99 ways to build perfect abs (avoiding McDonalds not listed)

Are "Bucket Lists" Overrated? I don't know but they always inspire me to "shed my protective shell" and find new horizons. This really good link from Outside Magazine will give you 50 new ways to make the most of your 4100 weeks.  Remember to always consult your doctor if you are under age 79.5 and wear a helmet to avoid becoming premature fertilizer.

http://outsideonline.com/adventure/lifelist-index-sp.html

Step 3: Get Adventurous

You don't have to be Lewis and Clark, Charles Lindbergh, Jane Goodall, Sir Edmund Hillary or Amelia Erhart to live a life of adventure. You don't have to have Richard Branson's wealth, or be exceptional in any way other than having a vision, making a commitment, setting some goals and doing it. Living a life of adventure is subjective. Only you can decide how to make the most of each week in a way that matters to you.

Overcome inertia . . .

1. Adventure Vision: How do you define adventure? Carve out some quiet time and write down what adventure means to you. What appeals to you? What doesn't? Is it adrenaline rushes? Traveling? Being outside and one with nature? Exploring cities? Competing? Now list all the adventures that appeal to you. Write out why this is important to you. Use magazine photos to help visualize your vision.
2. Choose Your Progressive Adventure Goals: Take 5 of those adventures and make them your goals.    
   
   Adventure Goal 1: Should occur within 3-5 months. It should be exciting, but something you can reasonably do in such a short time span.This one is important as it gets the ball rolling.
   Adventure Goal 2: Should occur within 1 year.
   Adventure Goal 3: Should occur within 2 years.
   Adventure Goal 4: Should occur within 3 years.
   Adventure Goal 5: Should occur within 5 years.
   
   Make a commitment in writing and post it where you can see it often.
3. Live a life of stories: When you have a choice of paths to take, always take action, always choose the one that will make the best story.
4. The First Step, is the First Step: You have to start the process moving. Determine what it will take to make your first Adventure goal happen. Determine the steps you need to take. Research, ask questions, talk to people who have done something similar.  Remember that part of the adventure is the journey and part of the journey is learning.
5. Fear Comes With Adventure: Accept that fear is part of the process. Feel it and move on.
6. The Plan: You've done the research, now comes the detailed plan. Write down a list of the actions needed to achieve this adventure. Attach dates to each action and stick to the them.
7. Don't Let Money Hold You Back: You can accomplish most of your adventure goals on a budget. Figure out where you have to spend your money on things that impact your adventure the most. Budget the rest.
8. Start Now: Don't wait to get started. If you do, chances are you won't. No excuses. No delays. Right this minute. Right this second. Make this week the week that you decided to make every week count.

Step 2: Take the WORK out of work . . . part 9

What is the right career situation for you? Employee? Free Agent?

A Free Agent is someone that is self-employed, an independent contractor, or a temp, says author Dan Pink in his book Free Agent Nation. He tells us that work is personal and rather than keeping personal and professional lives separate, Free Agents integrate work into their lives. “In Free Agent Nation, work is supposed to be fun.”

Free Agent? "Hmmmm" . . . says guy on the street. "Sure you lose a little freedom and individuality as an employee, but what about the security of a full time gig?" Dan Pink tells us that for free agents, “freedom is the pathway to security, not a detour from it.” Free agents gladly swap the false promise of security for the personal pledge of authenticity. The opportunity to be yourself and control your environment, your schedule, your future by melding professional to personal.

OK, so you are ready to give this Free Agent thing some consideration, but what type of Free Agent are you? Seth Godin, author of The Bootstrapper’s Bible, suggests that as you consider different business models, you need to ask yourself one critical question . . .  Are you, a freelancer or an entrepreneur? It is important to be honest with yourself so you can avoid future headaches.

What’s the difference? A freelancer sells his/her talents. They may have a few employees, but basically isn’t running a business. The freelancer does a job without a boss. Some freelancers include:

• Graphic artists
• Writers
• Consultants
• E-learning developers
• film editors
• landscapers
• architects
• musicians
  

There is no strategy to sell the business for a big chunk of money, just the pleasure and satisfaction of making their own hours and being their own boss.

An entrepreneur’s goal is to build something bigger than themselves. They focus on growing the business, are willing to work long hours for short money, and take on great risk for the opportunity to build something big, something with real market value.

The Entrepreneur:

• comfortable raising money
• hiring and firing
• taking risks like renting more office space than they need right now
• they dream big and persuade others to share the dream
• “Great entrepreneurs are System Thinkers – seeing things whole” --Dan Pink (A Whole New Mind)
• They are intuitive, excel at problem-solving, seeing the big picture and simplifying things. Big picture thinking that allows them to pick out meaningful trends.

The Freelancer:

• can focus on their craft.
• can most easily build their business by doing great work, consistently

Entrepreneur? Freelancer? So which one are you?

Go to Step 3: Get Adventurous

Step 2: Take the WORK out of work . . . part 8

You can’t map everything out. It's great to have a career plan, but the reality is that there really is no way to have an all encompassing plan. The world around you changes and you will change too. What was once important, becomes less important while new goals and dreams rise to the top of your "importance list." You need to be able to adjust, adapt, make smart career decisions.

According to author Dan Pink in his book The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You'll Ever Need, there are really 2 reasons why we make decisions:

For instrumental reasons – because you think it’s going to lead to something else, regardless of whether you enjoy it or it’s worthwhile.

For fundamental reasons - because you think it’s inherently valuable, regardless of what it may or may not lead to.

Pink says that instrumental reasons usually don’t work. Things are too complicated, too unpredictable. "The most successful people – not all of the time, but most of the time, make decisions for fundamental reasons. They take a job or join a company because it will let them do interesting work, in a cool place - - even if they don’t know exactly where it will lead."

Step 2: Take the WORK out of work . . . part 9

Your Legacy . . . and a little about persistence

Here is a great quote from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's commencement speech at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell Saturday May 30, 2010 . . . "As you build your legacy, it will be determined not by what you do, but by how you do it. Have the courage to do what you believe in. Do it with everything you've got.'' 

When Goodell graduated from Washington & Jefferson College in 1981 he had the vision for next adventure already firmly in his mind. He wanted a career in football . . . "I wrote more than 40 letters to the NFL. Everybody. The results: a big pile of rejections. Some plan, huh? But I was determined and persistent and kept writing. Finally, there was a polite but somewhat dismissive reply from a weary executive at the NFL to, quote, 'Stop by if you're in the area.' So I told him, 'I'm in the area.' I got in my car, and drove all night from Pittsburgh to New York, and I was on his doorstep the next morning. Six months later, 12 or 13 more letters later, they offered me a three-month internship. So it doesn't matter how you get in that door. Just get in that door. The lesson: Seize every opportunity.''

Great advice from Goodell. Now get after it and make something happen in your next adventure!

Step 2: Take the WORK out of work . . . part 7

Are you afraid to make mistakes? It may be a fear of mistakes that is preventing you from achieving spectacular success. Several business and career experts address this topic . . .

In The Adventures of Johnny Bunko, author Dan Pink tells us that . . . "Too many people spend their time avoiding mistakes. They are so concerned about being wrong, that they never try anything, which means they never do anything. Their focus is on avoiding failure. But that's actually a crummy way to achieve success. The most successful people make spectacular mistakes. They’re trying to do something big. But each time they make a mistake, they get a little better and move a little closer to excellence."

Author and career councilor Richard Leider says . . . "Almost without exception, when senior citizens look back, they say the same things: if they could live their lives over again, they would take more risks and more courageous in relationships. And in expressing their creative side, they would have taken more chances. I think it was Oliver Wendell Holmes who said, "Most of us go to our graves with our music still inside us." Many of these people felt that, despite their successes, their music was still inside them. Almost all of them said that they felt most alive when they took risks. Just being busy from business made them numb. Aliveness came with learning, growing, stretching, exploring."

Business management guru Tom Peters' take on the topic . . . "Whoever makes the most mistakes wins." "Reward excellent failures, punish mediocre successes."

And from marketing thought leader Seth Godin in his book Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable . . . "Not standing out is the same as being invisible." Godin asserts that in a crowded marketplace, playing it safe and following the rules just doesn't work, it makes you invisible. "Safe is risky. Fitting in is failing. Don’t follow the leader, be the leader," says Godin. Being a leader and standing out requires thick skin. You can't be timid, because standing out brings the praise of passionate followers along with the criticism of passionate detractors. Buts that's part of being remarkable. If you try to please everyone you become vanilla and forgettable. Godin's advice . . . "Get in the habit of doing the "unsafe" thing every time you have the opportunity."

Now on to Step 2: Take the WORK out of work . . . part 8