A different kind of “Games”.

I recently watched a documentary on the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and the construction that has taken place in and around Vancouver. 

As opposed as I am to spending billions of dollars on pomp and ceremony at the cost of cutting funding to seniors residences and other social programs, (and yes, this has indeed happened) I was pleased to see some of the positive results that have taken place in Vancouver.

First and foremost is the sustainability of much of the construction that has taken place. Housing at Whistler Blackhome will be disassembled after the games and reassembled in other parts of the province, to provide affordable housing. All the buildings that were constructed in fact have long term plans for supporting the community in function.

In other construction and renovation projects, planners incorporated the best possible environmental practices, considering heating and landscape and in several cases creating roofs that have green growth such as grass and plants, providing both insulation and benefiting the atmosphere. 

There has been great thought put into the incorporation of indigenous history in the architecture and aboriginal people have been called upon for their contributions of talent for enhancing the environment. Sculptures, carvings and paintings decorate almost every structure in some way.

What is different about this Olympic Games?

Organizers and developers incorporated the “New Rules of Business”. Read more here

They have added to instead of taken away from the community at large. In the end, they have also added value to all the attendees, athletes and those who are left behind to use the facilities. Organizers wanted to make a difference.

I think that even before the games have begun – that they have succeeded in that goal.

They have set a fantastic example in terms of the new business model. The questions is – will we see and learn from the great example that has been set before us?

Are you looking to make changes in your business in the coming year.  Contact Mandie Crawford for ideas and coaching that will not only change your business and your live - but also make a great contribution to the world you live in.  More information here

The gift of time - for me!

One of the greatest gifts that I have received lately was that of recognizing
the value of time.

Oh yeah sure, I get a lot done.  In fact I am one of those chronic ‘schedule too much’ people who makes a list three pages long and then when I look at it become overwhelmed with all that I have to do and the sets out feverishly to get it all done – only to start again tomorrow.

When I said I had received the gift of recognizing the value of time – it was in a much different context.

People often marvel at how much I get done. The truth was – I never stopped except to eat, sleep and well - you know….. ( I do have four children!)

Time is one of those things that once it is used up – never comes back – and so I always set out to use it efficiently. What I did not realize was that I
– yes me – I need time with myself. I needed the time to reflect, the time to care for myself and time to listen to my inner voice.

So the time management queen did some revamping of her calendar. I booked three days off a week using a big green pen – and put NOTHING into those three days a week!

The interesting thing about this was – the more time I took for myself – the more I got done in the time I was supposed to work!

And every time I looked at those three days off in the calendar I took a deep
breath and smiled. Wow! Three whole days off – to do anything I wanted to.

Then I set out to book things that recurred regularly into my calendar. Things like my blog – my video blog, my newsletter and business tips. I scheduled all my admin work and my long term planning into my calendar also. When it was all done, I took a look at my calendar and it seemed like there was a lot of empty space in it!

“Hmmm”, I thought. “That seems weird”. What am I missing?
 
I looked at it several times and realized there was nothing missing.
Everything was there. And on top of it I had even scheduled in time to exercise (hadn’t done that in over 6 years) and time to just think! Then I realized what had happened over the years. Although I had all the best techniques for getting things done – I had fallen of the wagon and was not practicing them!

I spent too much time thinking (or worrying) about what I had to do in the future - that I did not have a clear head to think about what I was supposed to do in the moment! The white noise and static of worry had taken up so much energy that it took me longer to get all my other tasks done!

So as we move into the new year – consider your time. As you see that clock ticking down the seconds to the new decade – think about all the time we have. How would you best like to spend it?

Every second holds in it an opportunity for us to make the world a better place - but we cannot achieve this by DOING. We achieve this by BEING.

Being the best we can be and showing others how much we care. We cannot do this until we first take care of ourselves - and that takes time. So as this year ends – give yourself the gift of time. Take time to appreciate
your accomplishments. And more importantly – have that heartfelt conversation
with yourself and reconnect with who you are. When you do that – you truly
give the world what it needs the most. YOU.

End the year with a contented sigh and breathe in the freshness of a new start!

Have you purchased a copy of Mandie's book -

When every second counts - Time Management for the solo-preneur.  Only a few copies (and a t a special price!) left so order yours now!