Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Change Begets Opportunity
~ F.W. Nichol
Today marks the official end of the "How to Be Successful at Life" blog. The blog and I have had a sometimes acrimonious relationship - there were days where I'd either spend an hour staring at a blank screen, browsing the news sites looking for inspiration, or typing then deleting numerous pieces because none of them felt right... sometimes all of the latter. But in the end, I came to appreciate the opportunities it gave me - to improve my written communication, to share my experiences, to offer my perspective and, sometimes, to simply let off some steam. Sometimes I would go weeks or months without knowing if I was writing it for anyone other than myself, and then suddenly, out of nowhere, what I said would resonate for someone and I'd receive an email of agreement, dissent or simply a compliment on the blog itself - and I'd see that the reach was greater than I'd believed. To all of those people who followed and read regularly - thank you. You made it worthwhile.
However, as happens regularly in life - one road ends and another begins... such is the case here. I will continue to write on the Mondays every week, but it will be on a different blog: http://www.swimupstreamlife.com/. It is my sincerest hope that for those few that followed regularly they will come across to the other blog - but for those who don't, once again... my sincerest appreciation for following over the last two and-a-half years.
"Named must be your fear, before banish it you can" (Yoda). Time to embrace change and start a new path... hope to see you there with me.
~Guy
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Notes from The Handbook of Life
#7: When you go into a shared fridge or cupboard (ie. in your staff room) and come across something upon which you would like to snack, ask the person who's food it is - to do otherwise would often be called "stealing" in other circumstances. If, however, you are an utter douchebag and decide to partake in the snack anyway - at least have the decency to leave behind at least a serving for the person to whom the food actually belongs. Finally - if you come across a final serving, of food which you know is not yours, and THEN choose to eat it anyway - the person who owns the food may punch you in the mouth, if they so choose, the next time they see you.
From Chapter 6 - "Uncommon Sense"
#17: If you are refilling a publicly used soap, shampoo or conditioning dispenser which is clear (and therefore shows the appearance of the aforementioned substance) - make sure that the liquid you are pouring on top matches that which you are topping up. If it does not - STOP POURING IT... to do otherwise means the next person that comes along who possesses even a shred of personal accountability will have to take the dispenser off the wall, empty it (and thereby wasting what was poured in afterward), clean it and refill it. The person who had to clean up your mess may then punch you in the mouth, if they so choose, the next time they see you.
~Guy
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
What you seek, You already are
Currently, I'm reading The Book of Secrets, By Deepak Chopra. The saying holds true, that when the student is ready the teacher shall appear. This book couldn't have come at a better time in my life. Without trying to sounds too cliche this book has opened my mind to a whole new level of understanding. I wanted to share an important insight from the book, in regards to seeking. Seeking, is basically just another word for chasing. We're all chasing after something. We all have our motivators but what are we really after? Chopra says, "Seeking is a word often applied to the spirtual path - and often the people that seek a higher, better self, are the same people who once chased too hard after money and power. The problem with this is seeking begins with a false assumption - the chase, in fact takes you outside yourself. Productive seeking requires that you throw out all assumptions that there is a prize to be won. this means acting without hope of rising to some ideal self, hope being a wish that you'll get somewhere better that the place you started from. You are starting from yourself, and its the self that contains all the answers. So you have to give up on the idea that you must go from A to B." Are you falling into a habit of seeking? What is it that you seek? Look no more, because what you seek, you already are. Be a genuine seeker and avoid these pitfalls:
1) Don't know where you're going:
Spiritual growth is spontaneous. The big events come along unexpectedly, and so do the small ones. A single word can open your heart; a single glance can tell you who you really are. Awakening doesn't happen according to the plan. It's much more like putting together a jigsaw puzzle without knowing the finished picture in advance. All you can imagine in advance are images, and images are never the same as the goal
2) Don't struggle to get there:
If there was a spiritual payoff at the end of the trail, like a pot of gold or the key to heaven, everyone would work as hard as possible for the reward. Any struggle would be worth it. But does it help a two year old to struggle to become three? No, because the process of child development unfolds from within. The same is true for spiritual unfolding. It happens just as naturally as childhood development, but on the plane of awareness rather than in the realm of physiology.
3) Don't follow someone else's map:
If you follow someone else's map, you could be training yourself in a fixed way of thinking. Fixed ways, even those devoted to spirit, are not the same as being free. You should glean teachings from all directions, keeping true to those that bring progress yet remaining open to changes in yourself.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Inconsistency Begets Hypocrisy
Take the Canadian whale hunt - which has been allowed for certain indigineous tribes under the guise of preserving a traditional component of their culture. Frankly, I believe that this argument has merit - and should be allowed, with a certain degree of regulation. That being said though, the government needs to ensure that it happens under a tightly controlled set of parameters to protect the whale population, but more importantly - if the Inuit and Northwest Coast tribes are using the argument that it's part of their tradition... they should do it traditionally. This means: no speedboats, and certainly no high-powered rifles... paddle boats and harpoons, and that's it. Is it dangerous? Absolutely. But this is the decision that they should be left with - not "this is part of our traditions" and then applying 21st century technology to it.
Furthermore, as soon as our leaders begin making exceptions for one or two special interest groups, more and more people begin asking for them and they will actually have merit to their requests. Consider this when you find yourself in a leadership position - if you maintain a consistent approach, people will not only know ahead of time what your response will likely be, but they will also know that your answer for them will be the same for everyone. Remember that your role is to lead, not to be people's friends... you may not always be liked, but you will be respected.
~Guy
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Fear
Monday, March 15, 2010
Inspiration
The road these athletes take from first being diagnosed with their disability, to making the Paralympics, is truly remarkable and inspirational. If you need inspiration, turn to these paralympians and read about their story. This will certainly get you back on track.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Putting Yourself Out There
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Someone Is Always Watching
Oh, I know, there are always exceptions to the rule - the kid from a rough family that goes to school and becomes a lawyer or doctor, or the one from a white-collar family with loving parents that goes sideways down the wrong path. But as a whole, we directly influence how the next generation turns out - and this has never been more obvious than physically. To put it simply - overweight parents had overweight kids, and fit parents had fit kids. Which makes sense, really - when a child's brought up in an environment of activity and relatively good eating habits by parents who do the same, then they basically have to go against the grain in order to turn out otherwise.
I suppose the biggest thing that shocked me when looking at this front-and-center was not the similarities from parent to child, but rather that the parent would allow this to happen. If you looked down at your offspring, and saw that they were heading for the same 10-20-30 (and so on) pounds overweight that you are already at, and possibly doing it faster, isn't that enough to get you out of your selfish and egocentric position to actually start making changes?
Based on what I saw - apparently not.
So - this was written to be directed at those same people, and it's a polite request: please, if you have children or are responsible for them, remember that you're a role model. Remember that there's someone (a very impressionable someone) watching you, and basing their actions on what they see you do. If you smoke, it must be alright. If you drink, it must be alright. If you are obese... well, it must be alright.
Yes, parenthood is a heavy burden, but it is also an amazing and wonderful amount of power that's been placed in your hands. Just don't forget the immortal words of Peter Parker's uncle, Ben:
"With great power, comes great responsibility."
Now - put that power to positive use, and help to create a future that's worth living.
~Guy
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
shhhhh...listen
You’ve got 2 choices. You can take it and learn from it or fight it a run away.
There will be a time in your life where you will be faced with a path laid out as simple as this. Either you will know or either you will be told. The thing to remember is that either you have found out because you have been making the same mistake over and over and over and it’s just hitting you in the face or someone is taking the time (their time) to provide you with the solution (feedback) So for god sake, thank them and move forward instead of holding on to what you think is right, clogging the gears of life and get over it.
We start our path at many levels. We can move up or we can choose to move down. Call it what you want but call it for what it is – inevitable that we are here to learn lessons and pay those lessons forward.
To cut this dry – don’t waste time (yours and everyone’s around you) 2feet in and learn from those who have made the mistakes before you.
If you are lucky, that person won’t give up and will provide that lesson again.
Monday, March 8, 2010
So one week has passed since the amazing adventure of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. No words can express the life changing experience that canadians witnessed over the Games.
When the olympics were first established in greece in 776 AD, the purpose of the games was to bring people together through sport and to honor the greek gods. Still today, centuries later, that is still the purpose; uniting billions of athletes, spectators and families together.
We were all lucky to witness this experience first hand. The Vancouver olympics brought not only our own city, our nation but the world together through this amazing adventure. We experienced and shared victory, we witness heartbreak, we heard unbelievable stories of the athletes and there journey to the games, we saw dedication, determination and athleticism.
No one wanted these games to end. When the president of the IOC officially closed the games at the closing ceremonies, there was a silent hush that came over the crowd. The citizens of vancouver and the visitors that came to our city, witnessed a nation come alive. Everywhere there we people; on the street, in restaurants, temporarily houses, at sporting venues, at victory ceremonies, and watching the live entertainment that happened for 17 days straight.
Lets continue to use the energy that was created over the last two weeks in our regular day to day lives and be inspired by the stories and victories to do something great.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Carry It Forward - Properly
However, as we move forward - we must be sure to remember where we came from. As wonderful as this all has been, and as moving as its been being swept up in the fervor, Steve Yzerman said it best when he pointed out that we need to keep in mind what got us there first place, and not allow ourselves to get cocky or arrogant.
If we forget this, we cease to possess the special balance of qualities that allowed us as a country to become so much more than we were, and to demonstrate (in only a small fraction) how incredibly powerful we could be should we learn how to harness this energy and enthusiasm. We must also keep always in mind those traits that the world fell in love with: kindness, dignity, respect, courtesy... and most importantly, humility.
Thank you all for showing the world how incredible we can all be - now, go forth and represent.
Go Canada.
~Guy
Here it comes again!
Fitness Fantasy is ready to drop in Vancouver…with a twist.
In the past, Innovative Fitness has been our flagship contest promoting healthy living with the help of Global TV and the Province. Applicants are directed to a site to enter to win an opportunity to train with us over a 90day period. Over this time contestants are training at each of the 4 IF locations in greater Vancouver. They are awarded points for attending scheduled workouts, participating in events, attitude, weight and cm’s lost etc… The prizes are fabulous and the creation of healthy habits is the real prize.
This year, we are opening up the contest to the entire province of BC. Anyone can enter to participate and are eligible to win prizes plus gain the same benefits as our in-house contestants.
This is the biggest health and wellness initiative to have ever been introduced to BC and our one and only goal is for 1 ton of weight loss in BC!
Just by signing up Mar 13th, you will receive a health guide and everything you can imagine to help you reach your health goals.
What’s your next step?
· Enter to be 1 of 4 couples to train with our in-house contest (call for entries February 22nd)
· Enter the 90 day at home program
· Receive all the free programming, menu plans and support you need!
What do you say? Are you up for the Fitness Fantasy 2010?
Check out http://www.fitnessfantasy2010.com/ for all the details and information.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The Bell Curve
- Both are dynamic and set the tone
- Both awaken the senses (muscles)
Our Favourite Events vs. The Meat and Potatoes
- Sometimes difficult and challenging to participate in and witness
- Can both be fear-inducing and exhilarating
- Both can involve cheering, encouragement, yelling and pride
- Occasionally both can involve tears of joy
Socialtime (Downtime) vs. Cardio
- A chance to reflect, gear up for the next event/block
- Both can resemble tabata intervals, (tm running/eating & drinking)
The Second Week vs. The Second Block
- Fatigue setting in but eagerness to push through
- Close attention must be paid to every detail so nothing is missed
Gold Medal Games vs. Recovery Cardio
- We made it this far, let's see it through to the end
The Closing Ceremonies vs. The Stretch
- Deep breaths are taken
- Exhilaration and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment
- Reflection and Celebration
However, unlike the end of an IF training session 75% of Vancouver is hungover and exhausted. Yes we are full of national pride but the stuff that makes us Canadian (hard work, clean living, sportsmanship and valour) has bee shelved to make way for our free-spirited, fun-loving, rowdy twin who took two weeks to watch the world's athletes work hard, live clean, be sportsmanlike and display valour.
My final comment on the matter - well done Canada and the world. I was a naysayer concerned about traffic, government cost overruns and selfish distractions. That being said, I am having an amazing Olympic experience, I could not be more in love with OUR city and our people and once Monday March 1st hits, I will invite all to get back to business.
- Angela Tames
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Own the Podium...?
You'd be wrong.
While I think the slogan "Own the Podium" is perhaps a touch arrogant, and possibly puts forth the wrong impression of both our athletes and our country - I am worried that the lack of medals will result in the cutback of this funding... which would be a significant mistake on our part.
Sports may actually be the "grassroots", or "foundational" solution that we're looking for in regards to many of the problems that have befallen our society. And while I know that there are a lot of people out there who would say that "we should be using the money for the homeless/healthcare/education/(insert cause here)" - to those people I say "try to see a bigger picture".
Consider the following statistics in relation to girls participating in sports (according to the Women's Sports Foundation):
Female high school athletes are 92% less likely to get involved with drugs.
Female high school athletes are 80% less likely to get pregnant.
Female high school athletes are 3 times more likely to graduate than non-athletes.
This is just a small example of the benefits of sports and doesn't even begin to go into how sports teaches children the about right way to win and to lose, about fair play, about teamwork, about focus, about commitment, about integrity...
All things that are essential requirements if we want to see some of our other, larger societal issues begin to resolve themselves.
So let's stop quibbling over how many medals we've won - and instead, consider the passion that these Olympics have inspired in the children of the country. I'd hate to see us lose this momentum and take away their opportunity to grow and develop in a healthy and beneficial way because we've decided that our lack of medals means that sports have somehow failed us...
Seriously, let's think long term, people.
~Guy
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Destinations
A specific focus that has a tangible result within a specific timeline. We must stop thinking that a destination is something that we sign up for and that we need to get participants into for the sake of increasing participation numbers.
In regards to a destination, we know that if there is no purpose then there is sure to be no point…meaning we all need a reason to train. We can’t just do it because our neighbour is doing it or that we want to be fit. Define what it is for you and let’s create a plan and therefore have a purpose.
As for engagement and customers, we know that engaging customers is similar to engaging a teammate. Therefore it all starts with self…for example, we need to commit – take the step which means getting into the driver’s seat and following through. Direct what you want to happen.
With customers, it means aligning ones goals with theirs.
· The coach who is training for a triathlon trains with a customer training for a bike event one day, trains with a customer training for a swim event another and trains with a customer training for a running destination on another day (a coach is able to complete a busy personal training program by engaging customers on their training – ez)
· We as coaches always need to be training out of our comfort zone. Every time we step out of our comfort zone we are then able to lead and challenge customers on new levels (we can’t just think there will be a limit to our customers abilities because they will pass us by if we limit ourselves – common sense)
Our mission statement is to facilitate personal reinvention through physical challenge, adversity and victory. These means creating a plan and following through until completion and revisiting throughout to ensure that we are on the correct path.
So, what’s your purpose?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Too funny
So on a lighter note, I was watching the Men's Figure Skating the other night and came across Johnny Weir, who I'd never heard of until then. He is a rather flamboyant character who seems to be more cartoon than reality and upon researching him for this blog I came across a couple of amusing quotes:
"Camille: For his short program in the 2005-06 season, Weir skated to Camille Saint-Saens’ “The Swan” wearing an elaborate costume that resembled a swan. On his hand, he wore an orange glove that represented the beak. “His name is Camille – two ‘l’s,” Weir said about the glove. “I think he’s my evil side. When I skate badly, I blame it on my glove.”
Now if this isn't high drama I beg you to not smile and shake your head.
Quotable: Weir’s mouth has made him a favorite with journalists. Never one to hold back what is on his mind, he once described a competitors program as “a vodka shot and a snort of coke kind of thing,” a quote that got him in trouble with U.S. Figure Skating. “I don’t worry about what other people think,” he also said. “Everyone else worries for me.”
This leads me to my point, if we take ourselves too seriously then we end us looking like asses.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Taking the RIGHT Stand
"Protesters" (and please, note the quotations).
Note: I should say that this particular blog is specific to CANADA - in other countries, some of what I say here doesn't apply because their government or their society has forced them to work outside of the normal rules and laws.
To be clear, I think that some of these protest groups (though perhaps a minority) actually have valid concerns - truly. The problem is that those that do are getting lost because of the media hungry imbeciles that actually are really just a bunch of rich and spoiled children searching for a cause to give their lives a purpose. It seems that every week, there's a new group of people complaining about something else in what is generally one of the best countries in the world to live. Now, I know it's not perfect, and by no means do I think we should sit passively back and allow ourselves to be told what to do with no sense of accountability or participation. Nor do I think people should keep their mouths shut if they have a legitimate concern or want to enact social change - but there's a right way and a wrong way to go about it.
So, in the interest of seeing our society continue to move forward, rather than get stuck in a hamster wheel of bureaucracy and moronic behaviour, I offer the following five rules that every group should follow in order to prevent the destruction of your credibility in the eyes of other sociey:
5) There's no need to interfere with the normal flow of your city to make your point known - it's laziest thing way to make your point. That being said, if you delay me from getting to work, or getting home at the end of the day. Firstly, it will only piss me off, and secondly - once I'm pissed off, I don't give a rat's ass what your protesting.
4) Make it clear what your protesting. I don't want to have to try and figure it out.
3) Property destruction is not protest. It's a crime, and it takes away any degree of credibility you may have started out with.
2) If you really believe in your cause so much, you shouldn't be hiding behind a mask, nor should you have the "Comments" section of your useless blog turned off. Stop being a coward.
1) Finally, no matter what else you do - actually understand the issues that you're supposedly standing for/against - because if challenge you on your position and the best you can do is recite back the exact same drivel that's plastered on your sign and nothing more... then you've pretty much given up your right to an opinion on anything.
~Guy
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Via de sharing
At 9:13am yesterday morning the telephone rang at the West Van facility and to our surprise, a coach for the French ski jump team was on the other end. The coach was inquiring about a gym he could come to a train his ski jump team. We jumped at the opportunity and allowed the team to come by to utilize our space.
Within a couple hours we were treated with the 5man team taking part in their training regime. There was heavy weight being used and a plyometric session that would have any knee or joint tremble.
Quite simply, there was electricity in the air as the customers and coaches witnessed the session and enjoyed some real-time Olympic action with front row seats.
Within minutes of the team leaving we had updated our facebook page with photos and shared the information. For the rest of the day the storytelling was taking place. Everyone and anyone was experiencing it first or second hand.
This is a real-time example of how we would like information to flow. No bottleneck and no holdups. We were great at mainlining the message to everyone and creating a buzz of excitement from what we have happening within our doors today…but we need to be consistent.
The meaning here is simple…share the excitement and don’t keep anything a secret. Whether it’s a company update, contest or companywide initiative, we need to do a better job with delivering the message.
The fact of the matter is that everyone is interested and nobody will know if we keep it hush-hush.
Via de sharing!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
You Get Out What You Put In
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Do You Really Know Where Your Money Goes?
A lot of people have no idea how their money is being spent. This is clear from the ridiculous levels of personal debt being seen in the western culture, and if you ask the average person, they don't bother keeping track of their income and expenses. It's a dangerous habit to get into,and part of what landed our economy in the toilet. Now, I know that somewhere, someone reading this is going "Ha. I have a tightly recorded monthly budget - I know where everything I spend is going".
Good. That's a start.
Now, of all you smug individuals, how many are paying attention to where your tax dollars are being spent? And how many of you donate to charity? Do you know how that donation money is being spent? I'm often shocked at how nonchalant people who are careful with their money can be once they've parted with it. Do you really want your income tax spent to ensure that your local MLA flies first class, and has his or her drycleaning done? What about the fact that the Vancouver Sun reported an estimated $30,000 per homeless person is donated to the various charities throughout the lower mainland? With those kinds of numbers, how can there by any homeless?
I find that people always look for the quick fix on items, and often that solution is "more money". Africa is one of the worst-case examples - how can there be such a destitute level of poverty through an entire continent with the amount of money being thrown at it? I'll tell you why - because the money that's going there is, at best, getting caught up in a bureaucratic nightmare and dwindles down to almost nothing by the time it reaches the people who need it (the corruption that exists within charitable organizations and government agencies is another issue entirely). No, the solution isn't simply spending more money - it starts with us figuring out where the money's going, and seeing to it that it's spent properly.
If you're one of the people who spends without thinking - then start paying attention. You can't help others if you can't help yourself. Then start paying attention to how others are spending your money - let's begin to demand a greater degree of transparency and accountability on those we trust with our hard earned dollar.
Otherwise, continue leaving it to blind faith... after all, it seems to have worked out well for Nicolas Cage, right?
~Guy
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Self, TEAM, operations and customers
We must understand that team engagement is a day to day process. Day to day we work with one another and we need to be focused on our own high standards while keeping others in mind. Day to day we must work with one another with respect to our common goals.
· Keep the training floor clean for the team (high level of self-standards)
o Running through the gym Dave is on his way to transition customers to the rowers. As he approaches them he notices 2 thera bands on the ground (one attached to the lat pull down). Instead of walking by, he quickly unties the one and hangs them both back up.
· Keep the training floor clean for our customers (high level of self-standards)
o As James has a customer jumping from the bosu onto the floor, he quickly moves a bench that is about 5’ away. As he moves it he thinks, ‘I better move this in case my customer falls or trips towards this’
Team engagement includes all communications.
· Sending daily emails (on a personal and professional level)
o Point of interest: Kate, I heard about your Olympic volunteer position…tell me more about that, it sounds awesome!
o Jeff, I have updated the customer files you were referring to. Thanks for the reminder
Team engagement runs through real time experiences.
· On the training floor
o Throwing the tennis ball
o Accolades (nice exercise Kati!)
o Yelling (it’s Thursday! Or Promo!)
o Group work (abs, butt, warm ups, etc.)
· Spending time together
o Coffee
o Back room
o Lunch
o Run or mtb or hike
· Destination + training
o STP
o UBC tri
o Grand Canyon
· Personal Inventory meetings
o What we do very well at – thanks for the effort
It is so important that we continue to engage ourselves at the team level. As it starts with self, we must look at the next pieces of the puzzle…
Ask yourself – what can I do for the team today?
Monday, February 8, 2010
3 Words…
“I am sorry”, are three words that can change a situation or a reaction and turn it around so that it is positive. The sincerity of these three words and how you say them are equally important and go a long way!
If you have made a mistake or you are representing an organization that has made a mistake, these three words have significant impact on your customer. More than not, the complaint of the customers just wants to be heard and all you can do is listen, apologize and guarantee you are doing everything you can to sort the situation out.
We use this word to express our regret over our actions and sometimes without this, the relationship between the two parties will dissolve.
So if you personally or your company have made a mistake, say "I am sorry" and hopefully the customer or your friend will understand and you both can move on to better things.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
A little history lesson...
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Burden of Leadership
Being a leader is never easy, and for numerous reasons. You are responsible for educating, directing, creating new paths and setting others on their own. You must have a vision, you must have integrity, and you have to be willing and able to hold others accountable.
BUT: you must be able to hold yourself accountable first - and for many, this is the greatest challenge.
You see, credibility is your biggest asset as a leader - do you practice what you preach? If not, then all of your direction and guidance will fall on deaf ears - because the whole "Do as I say, not as I do" philosophy simply doesn't resonate. Similarly, no one is perfect - and they never will be. So while you have to be willing to do what you ask others to do - equally (and in some cases even more) importantly, you must be able to admit that you're not perfect. That you can be wrong.
And this is where so many leaders fail.
Real world example? Why does so much of what our official "opposition" in the government get ignored - because the policies or issues they speak about isn't true? No - its because we all know that if the same people who are criticizing were actually in power, they'd be doing the exact same thing as the party they're lambasting... and its why more and more people are tuning out our own country's leaders. It's because the voters feel (and in many cases, they're right unfortunately), that no matter who they vote for they're going to get the same thing.
It's time to stop this cycle. We need to "be the change we want to see" - it starts with us, in our every day lives.
After all - just like the opposition parties, if we're not holding ourselves accountable (and being honest about our shortcomings), then we're hardly in a position to be critical of others for making the same mistakes.
~Guy
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
What is expected from an IF training coach?
To wake up every day and choose to be in a great mood. Eat a healthy breakfast and come to work well before your shift. To help out with any opening duties and offer positive input towards during huddle. To spend the day providing high energy and engaging hours while holding oneself accountable to the highest standards possible. We are totally expected to help with towels, keeping a clean workplace for teammates and customers to participate in plus pick up anything on the ground instead of walking right by…
It’s a simple question in form but not a simple answer at all. Common sense should ring a bell but it seems that common sense is not that common…
The list could go on for a while but some key points to include are as follows:
· 100% - being 100% during a task is so very important. We should want to be this way when doing something only to be moving through tasks with efficiency. When are 100% with something we can complete and move on to the next or just participate at a high level.
· Communication – we should want to choose to work this into our daily lives. Whether that’s pre-calling, following up and or sharing information…the art of communication should be sought after…
· Lead by example – a fairly self-explanatory suggestion but basically setting the bar by just doing. Some are great at talking but those that do and follow through are those who we want to follow and are true leaders.
· Personal accountability – to take responsibility for ones actions is a true test of ones character. It is expected that IF coaches hold themselves accountable to their words and actions.
· Transparency – we all have the opportunity to be truthful and honest. To be open and clear with your intensions or motives builds confidence in those around you. Being transparent helps build trust based relationships and eliminates any possibility of ill feelings.
· Team player – at Innovative Fitness, we are all here for one another. When one falls, there is one to assist to help and another there to take over. Being a team player is part of being unselfish and willing to do for others as you want done for yourself.
· Passion – the team has passion for everything we do and stand for. Whether we are folding towels or leading a group session. Our passion speaks volumes and cannot be matched with being fake or misleading emotions. Our passion comes from within and allows us to take the extra step and similarly go that extra mile.
· Perspective – to have perspective is valuable. We aren’t expected to know everything or be wiser than most, but IF coaches are not one mile wide and an inch deep – we are confident enough to admit when we don’t know something and convey that we will come back with a plan.
· Knowledge – we are hired with at least a base level of knowledge and with the understanding that in order to excel we must strive towards enhancing our knowledge through communication, clinics and asking the questions…
· Aesthetics – not to say that we need chiselled bodies but in order to walk the walk we have to be equipped with the tools…my dentist has pretty nice teeth! But hey, if you haven’t run a 10km, get ready to train with someone who hasn’t either so you can experience it from a-z as well.
· Personality – anyone can train and anyone can provide a session but Innovative Fitness Professional Coaches have what others don’t…personality. It’s that sparkle in the eye and it’s what keeps the controlled chaos in motion. Our personality is expected to shine through and outlast the heaviest storm or blackout.
Our differentiating feature is our x-factor in our personality and all the above points…
What if you could?
Monday, February 1, 2010
Security
If you were driving around Vancouver over the weekend or looking up in the sky today you can sense the tightening up of security that is taking place all across the Lower Mainland and Whistler.
The Olympic Games are seen as a chance to bring the world together through sport but as well the games are seen “as a commercial enterprise and tourist attraction” which grows every time an Olympics takes place. The security blanket is far greater and the expectations grow exponentially each Olympics.
Reports say that this is the largest security operation ever in Canadian History. Canada is gathering help and support from across the country.
- 5,200 RCMP officers
- 1800 municipal, regional and provincial police officers
- 4500 Canadian Forces Personnel
- 500 Private Security personnel
- 60 Days the integrated security Unit will be operating – set up, 17 days of the games and the Paralympics.
How do you feel about it?
Well for one thing, we will be ready, we will be safe and I hope we will all enjoy this amazing experience which is about to take place in 12 Days!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Sticking to the Plan
After making the decision to train for a huge event this coming year, I spent the time looking at what was going to be next twelve months of my life and planned what now seems like every minute and every detail of my life. I knew that I couldn’t just “wing” it; I needed to make a plan, and truly stick with it, no matter what.
Following and sticking to my plan to an absolute tee, and doing things properly, has made me I feel like I’m making huge strides in attaining my goals.
There are times when it can be very challenging and tempting to stray from what I’m supposed to do, however, knowing where my finish line will be is what gets me through each and every day, and what keeps me dialed in to what I know I’m supposed to do.
-Nina Mathers
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
You Are the Sum of the Whole, Not Single Moments
On April 12, 1980, Terry Fox dipped his right leg into the Atlantic Ocean and set out on his marathon of hope. For the next few months, Terry ran through Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Quebec, reaching Ontario in June. Over that time, he covered approximately 23.3miles per day, and had reached just outside Thunderbay when his battle with cancer finally forced him to stop - one year later, he lost the fight entirely. However, his courageous journey will continue to live on and Terry's efforts will never be forgotten.
On March 31, 1984, Steve Fonyo began his "Journey for Lives" - a marathon that was meant to honor Terry, covering the same route and then carrying on past where Terry had finally succumbed. He completed it on May 29, 1985 after covering 4,924 miles and raising $14 million (CDN). In the early part, he was criticized as a "copy-cat", and was overshadowed by Terry's history - but by the end, he had earned everyone's respect by his own right, and amongst other things was awarded the Order of Canada in 1985 - the youngest person ever given the status at that time.
Sadly, after reaching this pinnacle, Steve Fonyo has been in and out of the legal system for various reasons: assault with a weapon, fraud, impaired driving - the list goes on. In December of 2009, Steve Fonyo became only the fourth person in history... to have his Order of Canada revoked.
It's been said "Leadership isn't a sometimes thing", and that "Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit". As leaders, we do well to remember this - when you leave work, when you're out shopping, or when you move on from a position - your legacy continues to be written.
You are not only who you choose to be - but who you choose to be at all times. History will always continue to be written.
~Guy