In the penalty box…

Yesterday I was watching TV and came across a hockey game. I don’t get a chance to watch a lot of hockey, but my favorite part of the sport is the way penalties are handled. When an infraction occurs a player is sent to a special box and his team plays short handed for 2 minutes or 4 or even 5 at times depending on the penalty.
The strategy of both teams radically change. The team with one less player tries desperately to disrupt the other team and kill off the penalty. The team with the advantage waits for an opening and attacks.
Why am I talking about hockey I can hear you ask. It is a pretty good metaphor for life and business. When you are down, sometimes the best you can do is hold your ground and circle the wagons. When you have the advantage, you can be more aggressive and go for the score.

Hope you have enjoyed reading this, comments welcomed.

Enjoying the moment, or life’s little treasures

When I was younger, a friend told me that I was “a simple man, who liked simple things”. I didn’t take it as a compliment at the time, but now that I am older and wiser, I see that it is actually.

Take this sunrise for example…

Majestic but simple. A beautiful way to start the day that is free of charge. Amazing!

One of my favorite things to do is get in my car and go for a drive. Destination unknown. Love the freedom and possibilities.

I also love to cook a delicious meal. So much more tasty when made by me and with love!

The point I’m trying to make with these are that joy and success can be in an ocean breeze or a smile from a friend. True success is in the small moments of life!

Hope you enjoyed this…comments welcomed.

Goals versus systems

I recently read a book by Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert and successful author. His premise about goals is that you are always chasing goals and never get the satisfaction of achievement because you are always chasing the next goal.

He prefers to put systems in place that when followed, give you the best chance of success and achievement. No chasing your tail, just following the best processes you can design and using your system.

I can see where he is coming from. So many times, accomplishing goals can feel unrewarding. Doing everything “right” and not reaching a goal can happen too.

I’ve tried to incorporate this idea in to my routine. I still believe that goal setting is a great way to organize my thinking, but I also try to get my systems and planning at such a high level that I don’t obsess over results. I’m still refining all this but so far this year it seems to be working.

My productivity is up about 10%. I feel more comfortable when I relax. Having a great structure seems to be working.

Would love to hear what you think. I haven’t written for awhile, so forgive me a few spelling errors and typos!  Thanks

Motivational quote for December 30th 2016

Try out your ideas by visualizing them in action. David Seabury

Motivational quote for December 29th 2016

Image creates desire. You will what you imagine. J.G Galimore

Motivational quote for December 28th 2016

The human spirit needs to accomplish, to achieve, to triumph to be happy. Ben Stein

Motivational quote for December 27th 2016

We first make our habits, and then our habits make us. John Dryden

Changes coming….

Hey everybody,
It has been a lot of fun sharing quotes and an occasional article these last few years. I have met and read some very interesting and unique bloggers and people.

After new years, I’m stopping the quote a day. around July, I realized I was tired of doing it and the quotes weren’t as good as the ones I found earlier on. It’s time to do something else.

I’m not sure what will be here after the first of the year. Something will be. I’m not taking the blog down. Just no quotes! Thanks for reading and following and I hope this blog has been a useful one for you.

Thanks,
Mike

Motivational quote for December 26th 2016

Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men. Seneca

Motivational quote for December 25th 2016

Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things. Henry Beecher