1. How little money was spent to target a “medals race” and yet how much success the team is having … particularly in events not usually dominated by American athletes.
2. How Bode Miller is crediting the ski team’s successful run with a more aggressive and exciting attitude toward their sport. He says … “the inspiration level is climbing. They see teammates on the podium and they want that, too. It’s not necessarily the result, but they want to be smiling, they want to ski inspired. You’re seeing a result you haven’t seen from the U.S. in a long time, or ever.”
3. The USOC (United States Olympic Committee) didn’t “over promise and under deliver”. The ATHLETES are delivering in a way that is exciting and fun for us to participate with. Thank goodness the USOC kept their mouths shut and let the athletes do the “talking”.
All of this inspires in a way that I think we all need right now.
It’s not ALL about the money … even though it’s an important part.
I was listening to a podcast recently that mentioned the number of books in the Library of Congress in relation to what we can actually take in. The numbers were a bit old and a bit off. As best as I can tell there are now over 30 million cataloged books … but over 140 million total items.
You would have to read well over 5,000 of those items every day for 70 years to consume it all. Insane. Reading one book every week (close to my current average) for 50 years (close to what’s left of my current life expectancy) would only get me through about 2,600 of those books.
It really begs the question of prioritizing activity and media choices. Is it worth trying to get through EVERYTHING I possibly can. I believe it makes more sense to really dig deep in a few areas that are of the most value. Happiness and fulfillment topping that list.
I read The E-Myth for the first time while I was in college. At the time it was merely a fascinating read that I tossed aside shortly after finishing. I recently have come across a few articles, videos and other media that have reminded me of the book and so I’ve picked it up again to take a look. This time I have the feeling that it can truly help me take my business to the next level … not mere intellectual massage.
If you haven’t read it … you really should. It actually has application across life, not just in business.
The first is a YouTube capture of Merlin Mann at Macworld. Talking about creativity … what it is and how to “develop” it. Really interesting and I think vaguely important.
So … maybe one day … if I can do what is advised above … I could create something cool and original like below …
To me, life is the ultimate “curious pursuit”. Curious in two ways … First, the activity and realities of life seem so ill suited the enjoyment of life at times. So it seems to me like a curious (or odd) puzzle where not all of the pieces seem to fit. Second, curiosity (or intense intellectual interest) has been to me the one way “through it”. Trying to build understanding so that I can move on and do better, be better.
I have to admit that the last few months have been difficult ones, I have felt the shock of the economy in my business and I’m still not exactly sure the way out. So how grateful was I for Tim Ferriss’s latest post where he linked to the video below. He calls it the Prescription for Self-Doubt … I would add “Self Pity” as well.
Do they ever take any time to think about how they could actually make things a little better? Or is it all just about the next election and potential power grab?
Solutions seem like a long way away when all you do is try make the other guys bad.
I stumbled across this video today and thought it would make a good post in light of the current economic situation.
My business is having A LOT of trouble right now. We tend to see our fortune on any given day fall and rise with the sentiment on Wall Street. I had no idea the two would be so closely tied … but seemingly they are.
Anyway, I found the video below and had one thought after watching THE ENTIRE THING (you have to watch it all, no matter how badly you want to stop) … GATHER STRENGTH AND FIGHT!
As part of my ThinkTank experience I was given the opportunity to stay at the Surfer Beach Hotel for a couple of nights … gratis. All I had to do in exchange was give an honest and fair review of my experience there. This post is my effort to be both “fair and balanced” about the “Surfer”. That said, this is a “paid review” to a certain degree and so it requires the disclosure as such.
First off, it’s pretty clear as you drive up to the hotel that it isn’t exactly the “spring chicken” of Pacific Beach. It does have an amazing location though as it is right on the beach and boardwalk. The second thing I noticed was how overwhelmingly nice the staff was … including April the general manager. They checked me in quickly and the experience just got better and better after that.
While the outside of the place is a bit outdated, they have done a fantastic refurb on the interior. The room contains a nice little “bar” area with a sink, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and a microwave … all very nice and extremely useful for a nice little beach get away.
Then comes the view …
Above is the view from my room out to the hotel pool and then the boardwalk and beach beyond … very nice!
Another view of the pool …
The fact is that the best part of this hotel is the location … right on Pacific Beach! It makes it very easy to head out at anytime for a nice stroll or some wave watching …
or sunset gazing …
In terms of a grade, I would give the Surfer a B+ on accommodations and an A+ on location for an overall grade of an A for the value. The rooms don’t have A/C (I’m a bit of an A/C freak), but the ocean breeze cools the room down nicely for sleeping. The TVs aren’t exactly state of the art … but you’re on the beach … get out of the room and enjoy the ocean!
And, I will definitely stay there again … next time with my wife!
I think a quick recap of my experience at ThinkTank is in order at this point. I’ve been trying to rebound back into work after three weeks on the road and it hasn’t been easy.
First, ThinkTank was great … really. dk did a great job putting on an event that was both fun and productive. I learned more in those few days than in most of the other conferences I’ve been to recently. It was great to get to meet quite a few people and to spend some good time with some VERY smart people who also happen to be pretty darn nice.
There are other basic recaps (Zac Johnson’s … for instance) so I won’t go into any real detail. Suffice to say that there was a ton of alcohol (of which I didn’t partake:), fantastic food (of which I absolutely did partake), surfing lessons (a long term desire fulfilled and stoked), and even a little bit of work! It was fascinating to sit with these people that have done some amazing things and listen to their stories and advice.
Having been home for a week I’m starting to realize the real value of this experience will be more long term. I’ve already had some pretty fantastic email correspondence with some of the group that will definitely benefit my business.
It’s amazing what a little bit of face time will do for relationship building. It’s also convinced me to get into networking and “mixing” on a more regular basis. One of the attendees suggested I look in to EO, and I plan on joining that group very soon.
It really was great to get to know some very smart, very cool people and build up my knowledge of online marketing at the same time.
Well, I didn’t win Shoemoney’s contest, but I am going to head on over to ThinkTank anyway! I ended up getting an invite from dk to attend and decided it was too good an opportunity to pass up. So I’ll be heading out to San Diego next week for about four days of fun and sun … not a bad way to spend a weekend in September.
So far, my experience has been pretty good and I’m sure that will continue. I talked to dk for a little while last night and my impression of him is … what a nice guy! I go into this thing pretty intimidated by the group, but excited to get to know them all a little bit.
I’ll post what I can about my experience their at ThinkTank and keep an update on any progress with StrollerDepot.com and other projects.
for the first time while I was in college. At the time it was merely a fascinating read that I tossed aside shortly after finishing. I recently have come across a few articles, videos and other media that have reminded me of the book and so I’ve picked it up again to take a look. This time I have the feeling that it can truly help me take my business to the next level … not mere intellectual massage.
