Satisfactory equals three out of nine

No matter how hard you try, plan and persist. Sometimes—not everything quite goes to plan.

What can you do?

Often, all you need is a reminder that ‘satisfactory’ can be good enough. Or in the word’s of Susan Banister, “Good Enough To Move On”.

Everyday, I’ll draw nine little boxes (admittedly, there’s one small box and four additional lines). It helps me put things in to perspective—whilst in the pursuit of Excellence. The three vertical columns represent morning, afternoon and evening. The three horizontal rows represent EGSP when shaded in. (Note, poor doesn’t require any shading.)

Therefore, this photo illustrates a satisfactory day was had in the morning, afternoon and evening.

Areas for improvement?

More exercise, less chocolate and follow up a few phone calls that I promised. Harsh, I know.

A career change in Cairo

I had my last job interview 15 years ago this week—in Cairo, Egypt.

I didn’t get the job.

But what I gained from the five-day all-out assessment was an experience I’ll never forget.

I learned about culture.
I learned about communication.
I learned about the role of CEO and Chairman.
I learned about entrepreneurship.
I learned about consultancy.

(I liked what I learned).

The role was Operations Manager at a paper mill located 50km north of Cairo.

And although I was gutted not to get the job, I decided there and then, to leave my current employer and start out as a self-employed management consultant.

How hard could it be?

That was 15 years ago. And two weeks before the start of the financial crisis.

Would I change anything?

Not for a second. The experience of going for a job interview—no matter how ridiculous the location—will stand you in good stead. It’ll set you apart from future competition. And the contacts made can last a lifetime.

For anyone contemplating a career change—good luck and enjoy the journey!

#careerchange
#culture
#entrepreneurship

Bullet Journal #55

It’s that time of the month again (well, every two months—tbh).

Call out the obsessive compulsive behaviour—this little Moleskine Carnet Quadrille will be Volume 55.

(Yes, I really have 54 identical notebooks!)

Same format. Same style. Same system.

I use a variation of the Bullet Journal, taught by Ryder Carroll. It’s a method I’ve developed over the years. One that’s full of TLAs, symbols and drawings.

Find a system that works for you. Make it personal. Rinse and repeat.

Inspire, be inspired!

#bulletjournal
#personaldevelopment
#inspirebeinspired

The beauty of imperfection

In many ways, imperfect can also be perfect.

Take this EGSP Wooden Block™ (this one just happens to be my favourite).

Check out the cross section.

The patterns in the wood.

The contrast between each year band.

The ever-so-faint burn mark from our laser-cutting process.

The fine wood dust trapped in the belly of the bee.

No computer-generated model or 3D printer could have produced this.

Yup, this little Scholar Bee makes me very happy. :-)

And boy it smells well—you can’t avoid the fresh smell of sanded maple.

12 pieces of litter

I live in a conversation area—and have a general rule when out walking.

If I see litter and there’s a bin nearby—I’ll do my bit.

If there’s no bin—then I’ll collect next time I pass.

Today was the first Monday I’ve spent at home for 9 months. (Yes, I was amazed too!) And so I decided to take an early morning stroll. Whilst observing young rabbits at play, a juvenile heron and heavily pregnant mallards, I also did my bit by consciously collecting 12 pieces of litter.

Not only was I protecting the area, but it also gave me 12 reasons to feel special.

Leading by example—sometimes, it’s the simple things.

Anything is possible

Here’s the product of a positive mindset overcoming all rational logic!

2.5 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run.

Inspire, be inspired. 5x.