Planning for Change

It's 06:00 on the morning of the rest of my life. I am filled with more hope than I've allowed myself to feel in a long time. I am excited for the short term and long term future. I know that if I hope to achieve my business goals for '08 and beyond, I must start preparing for it. If I am going to continue to challenge myself, I must be ready and able to stand the tests. A strong body, a sound mind and good organizational "habits" are the ingredients to a secret sauce of success. Knowing this accomplishes nothing! Doing what's needed to make it so is the difference between success and failure. It's about the doing.

I've written about 4 blogs this weekend that never got posted. There are many things going on in my world these days. Too many opportunities; too many limitations; too many desires; too many hopes! I say too many only because I have become overwhelmed with the many influences on my life right now.

While omitting the details of the magazine in this post, I'll just say that it is doing better than I could have ever dreamed and is growing faster than anyone could have imagined. People have embraced our little magazine and are not only using it, but calling in to sponsor and support it. There are many planned changes for SOKY, but I no longer post the details of the company plans for strategic reasons.

Personal changes are HUGE! As the 6^th issue of the magazine hits the newsstands, I glance over my shoulder and see the many changes that I have gone through. Transitioning from web to print, getting more involved in social and community events and even changes in my own computer skill sets... the past 8 months have been filled with some of the most life altering and significant changes of my life.

Interesting observance; the changes I forced upon myself have also revealed some painful truths about some people around me. There are a few who I thought I could trust; a couple I thought I could count on; some that showed exactly what they were made of and it was not good. Another interesting observation about some people's character is that some cannot see, much less admit when or how they have wronged another. People can be so selfish that they ignore the pain they caused others and worse, blame those they have hurt in their own effort to justify their actions. I suppose it is simple human nature, at least for the criminally insane. LOL This goes back to my parables about the foundry and how the crucible of challenge will expose flaws, weakness and failure. Only the good metal can become a useful tool, the rest is discarded as it should be.

Back to changes.

Starting this morning, I begin the journey from fat to phat! (adj. Slang., meaning Excellent; first-rate: phat fashion; a phat rapper.) I will be ordering my Macintosh computer and transitioning completely from the PC to Mac! These two planned changes are significant and more complex than they may appear. The fitness aspect includes a complete change in diet and activity, not simply a visit to the gym or dojo, the change is one that will last the rest of my life and includes eating better, living better, weight lifting, calisthenics, yoga, Tai Chi, Kung Fu and many miles running the "bad weight" off. The transformation from a PC guy to a Mac daddy is very significant in that I will be discarding more than 20 years of experience on the PC, 12 years of experience developing websites and challenging myself to learn new and better ways to accomplish my goals and dreams.

I have some definite plans for 2008 as far as the growth of my businesses. They will be achieved. For now however, I'm improving my personal health and expanding my skills. I want to be better prepared for the changes and challenges intentionally planned for next year. With the thought of new businesses, many more staff members, more assets and liabilities, and yes, more risk, I want to be balanced and sound. I want to be ready for the many challenges ahead by preparing my mind, body and soul. I believe the new fitness plan will be an important part of my preparedness, as well the simple act of achieving these personal goals.

Yes... I took some pictures of my fat self yesterday. I'm almost too embarrassed to share them. Perhaps I'll wait until I have a better version as my physique improves. I can't believe how I've let myself go. As I've written before, I will concentrate on my waist. By shooting for a goal to reduce my waist from 40" to less than 34", I will also achieve my other goals for strength, stamina and appearance.

Oh, there is another personal change that I have "tried" in the past. This change is becoming more and more essential to organize the many aspects of my complicated existence. It is one that I am implementing right this moment and will continue permanently. It is the simple habit of taking time to think through the coming day and week. I have many roles to fill and even more tasks that must be accomplished every day. Now that my life is about thinking months ahead as a monthly magazine publisher, I have to consider many things far in advance. I must find a way to do this without losing focus on the here and now. I've actually gone to training on how to use a day planner, it's time to tap that old knowledge once again to get better organized and productive.

I have lots of plans and intend to do many things. My dreams include many things from technological developments to building and construction of an exciting area attraction. I know that plans change and some things are lost due to circumstance or fate, but the dreams I hold are what inspire me to make the needed adjustments in my life. I feel confident that no matter what the coming years hold for me, getting back into shape, learning new skills and getting back in the habit of organizing my life will improve my life here and now and prepare me for the ups and downs of life.

It starts here, it start now! (Literally as I have to post this and go to Sifu Sam's)

Fitness: Day One, again

Well I did it! I said I would and I did! I "decided" to restart my Kung Fu training today and boy am I glad I did! I woke up late, had to get my stuff from the office and had all sorts of "reasons" not to go including the fact I was late... but I went anyway.

Sifu Sam's methods are based on tradition and technique, but also power, strength and diversity. I missed the first part of the class which was yoga, but had a little Tai Chi, Kung Fu technique, strength training and weapons training. About an hour into the class, I could not lift my arms; I was sweating profusely; and I could not get enough water. I was worn slap out!

I mentioned to Sifu that I was going to the gym tomorrow morning and he advised against it. The fact I can't lift the weight of my arms already seems to confirm his counsel. I believe I will "allow my glucose levels to return to normal" as Sam advised, but also give my muscles a chance to heal. I don't want to overdo it in the first week.

That said, I am more aware of what I'm eating already! I've already consumed more than 1/2 gallon of water, some fruit and have boiled some eggs for snacking. I remember the last time I got into shape that it takes a good amount of attention to what I'm eating when I'm training.

The plan.........

• Eat better!
• Work out more often.
• Increase strength, stamina, and flexibility.
• Convert my fat weight to muscle weight.

Some goals:

• 1.5 Miles (2.4 Kilometers) in 10 minutes or less
• 6 Miles (9.7 Kilometers)  in 40 minutes or less
• More than 60 pushups in 60 seconds
• More than 60 sit-ups in 60 seconds

--- There are some other calisthenics that I will add later. Body weight exercises such as Hindu Squats that I intend to integrate.

Weight lifting goals will also be added after I get a good baseline of my current ability.

I don't know that I need to gain any weight, but I would like to reduce the body fat and increase muscle. The last time I was actively working out, I actually had to stop because I was gaining muscle so quickly that it caused me to be out of limits for military height/weight standard. That is no longer a problem so I can gain as much as I like. I weighed myself this weekend and I'm right at 240 lbs (168 8 kilos). I will have Carrie take come measurement tonight and will post them (and a photo) later.

So there you have it!! The difference between "trying" and "deciding" is clear. A decision results in action.

It's Working!

It's Working!
Saturday 06 Oct, 2007

I am so happy! Carrie and I had a great "porch night" last night and we discussed the great events over the past 7 days. We are so pleased with the way everything is coming together that it just feels magical or predestined.

SOKY Happenings, our "little publication" that started a few short months ago is proving my theory that if you follow your heart, passion and true desire; the work becomes easier and the details less daunting. By creating the product that we desired and wished for has proven to be something that others wished for too and as a result, success has followed.

We are so excited that we have allowed ourselves to dream big! We sat on the porch and discussed several new ventures that we can conceivably bring to Bowling Green next year. Following the same theory of creating the products that we wish for, these new companies will be what we would like in Bowling Green.

The lessons learned from this venture as well as added abilities we will enjoy will enable us to continue to invest in our area. Our ideas are exciting, fresh and new... like SOKY Happenings. Like Soky, these new businesses will be fun, exciting and allow us to follow our desire to make a difference in our community.

There is plenty of work to do before we can consider diversification, just the fact that we are allowing ourselves to dream a little speaks to our confidence in what we have accomplished so far and also our vision for what's yet to come. It's a good feeling to have accomplished so much, it's a great feeling to be bold enough to dream and dream big.

The dreams are great, but we want to stay focused on our primary aim. Because of that, we will be taking very careful and metered steps. This will allow us to consider the potential for each venture, and also ensure that we are not over complicating our lives. Our objectives are to be successful, have fun and enjoy life. We will avoid the temptation to build too much too fast so that we can pause once in a while and appreciate what we have accomplished.

Perhaps from a beach on an island with a cool drink and a little time for one another. 

Maintaining the Edge

Maintaining the Edge
Monday 01 Oct, 2007
As submitted to pencilstubs.com

I have had a very tumultuous year! From major business disappointments and physical illness to great disappoint in people I once trusted; my life has been filled with many challenges over the past 12 months. There is a term that many people feel is over used and worn out; "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." As with most quaint little one liners, it is an over simplification yet still, it hits the nail squarely on the head.

I wrote last month about some of the intense heat, pressure and skill that goes into making a sword. I used the example for business mostly but the same concepts apply to life and personal commitment as well. I believe that the pressures of life continually mold and shape us into the people we are. Just like the master Swordsmith uses each strike of the hammer to form the metal, life strikes us into what we ultimately become.

I have noticed that when a blacksmith is working metal, they are very observant at every stage. From the selection of the metal itself to observing and inspecting the result of each hammer stroke even while the metal is on the anvil. At every stage of the process, the swordsmith is constantly making adjustments to the sword, reheating it, quenching it, striking it and holding up to see what needs to be done next.

I believe that as life comes at us, we should constantly be looking for ways to become all that we are meant to be. Every situation in life, good or bad, is an opportunity to learn and grow. Our existence (the anvil) is being molded and shaped (hammer) by life's victories and defeats. We are like the metal that is heated, cooled, hammered and formed into what we will ultimately become.

When the Swordsmith is finally finished and the prized weapon given to the warrior, it must be cared for. Any signs of rust must be removed; the edge needs sharpening and it should be properly stored and protected. This is especially important after harsh use such as in sparing or in battle. The sword itself is tested and as a result, damage to the weapon is inevitable. Dings, scratches and dullness must be identified and cared for if the sword is to be ready for the next challenge.

Life can be like the sword. We learn and grow to become strong, sharp and ready for the challenges of life; when they come we are tested. It's when we are faced with harsh challenges that our metal is tested the most and we become scratched, dinged and loose our edge. Sometimes there is a need to inspect ourselves and polish out the rust or sharpen our skills in order to meet the next challenge.

As I hold up the last 12 months of my life in clear view, I can see some needs that should be addressed. As I put my life in the light, I can see some flaws, cracks and dullness that needs to be cared for. Nothing big, just some nicks on the blade and some scratches on the surface. Some things need more attention than others, but seeing them and knowing that care is needed is important.

As an avid blogger, I am fortunate to be able to go back and see some of the dreams, goals and aspirations of my heart over the past 12 months. Admittedly, I'm in a much different "battle" than I set out on, but the warrior and the sword are the same that set out on the campaign. Many things are different and some things are the same. What's most interesting to me is that most of the work that needs to be done not on things that have changed, but some things than have not.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining that things are so much different nor that the forge called life has challenged me to such extremes. Quite the opposite! I believe it was the confidence in my own metal that prepared me for the many changes and challenges. I believe it was my own willingness to see my flaws and make corrections that allowed me to believe in myself enough to accept challenges that would have been much easier to avoid.

So it's back to the smithy I go! A few minor adjustments and a little polishing to help this sword prepare for the next challenge and to further mold it into all it can become. There are many challenges that I have chosen to accept and I believe self evaluation and a willingness to learn from my mistakes and accept my limitations helps me be more prepared.

I share these thoughts with you in the hope that you can glean some useful tidbit for your own life. It's my way of stoking your fire if I can. These little hidden gems are brought to light for your benefit, and I am happy to be allowed to share them with you. What do you think? Am I crazy? Or have I helped you in some way? Send me a note; I am interested.