Speed Gets You Further in Life

“Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.”
― Rumi

There was me, sprinting. There was me, feeling a strong energy with each step that hit the pavement. And when I turned around, there she was, moving consistently at a pace that I could grimace at. Suddenly, I felt an urge to stop running and give up, as I do with many things, I’ve noticed. In my mind, it came so naturally. Who cares if you give yourself a break and, plus, no one’s watching, I thought to myself. I started to walk towards the end of the block, assuming she’d follow. But she didn’t. She kept moving, head down, gray jean shorts visibly paired with white tennis shoes. We went another 100 meters and her consistency remained, to my surprise. Soon, the only thing I’d catch was a glimpse of her silhouette.

As I began to adopt her jogging style, I had a few minutes to think. The first thing I realized were the benefits of this new speed: I was enjoying the little things – the colours of my neighbours’ gardens, the scent of freshly cut grass, and the laughter of children playing games minus any real rules. I ended up covering almost 3 times the distance I’d normally cover in a mix of walking and jogging.

The concept of enjoying the journey to the top is one I’ve read of often, now I have a better understanding of what that means on a practical level. I started to see what I’ve been missing all this time: determination. I would take up a new project, toy around with the idea, lose interest, and move on without realizing how irresponsible my actions have been. She, however, never seems to experience the same dilemma with her commitments.

What this mirror reflection has led me to see is the why for goals. It takes more than weak promises to get from here to there. For a while I didn’t understand what defines “hard” work but I’m starting to see with greater clarity. Luckily, I have one swanky notebook for my most recent goals, reflections, and thoughts and three vivid pens for beautiful words to come.

PS: In terms of goal-setting, Lululemon has a simple template to work from with the following suggestions:

1. Three categories: Career, Health, and Personal
2. SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely

* Note, the Lululemon worksheet spans over a period of ten years but I’ve decided to start by writing today’s date and a SMART goal for each category. Either a) all three goals will be fulfilled at the same time and I can simply flip the page and jot down three new SMART goals or b) a fresh page (2 sides) is required for each category to jot down dates and new SMART goals.

What are your thoughts on adopting a new speed to get further in life?

Celebrating 23 years together!

Jan/Feb 2013: Our first “all grown up” portrait!

L to R

Back: J F W L W
Front: A B

Missing: E

 

Celebrating 80 years with mango cake!

Dedicated to family. Thank you to Helen of Yan Bakery for the delicious cake!

First, a skeptical taste test.

The “to die for” face of yours truly.

Her first question: is this edible? Next: Oh, it’s chocolate?! Two minutes later: This cake is SO good…

YWiB UBC Internship Program presents Pink Orchid Studios

What I took away from Harp Sohal and Shannon Mann’s talk:

• Marketing doesn’t have to be scary. Know what you do…for other people (thank you Bassam Tarazi of Colipera) then leverage every opportunity to let people know what great things you’ve done, whether for-profit or pro bono [using social media: show the glamorous side/pretty things of your work day]
• When you provide a service, you either do it to make your clients happy or for the wrong reasons {100% customer satisfaction guaranteed or your money back]
• As you build the brand, you have to take the initiative to introduce yourself and your offerings to everyone [go up to people, shake hands, and tell them what you do without a sales pitch]

The rockstar businesswoman duo clearly show a strong passion for makeup, hair, and their clients. I love what they value, how they do business, and them as people (and that is saying a lot!) Now you can check bridal hair and makeup off your to-do list. You are welcome

Twitter: @pinkorchidstudi
Website: pinkorchidstudio.com

Creative Mornings Vancouver presents Pamela Goldsmith-Jones

Read Pamela’s profile here
Twitter: @Vancouver_CM

What I took away from Pam’s talk:

• By giving away your power, you are empowering others of which results in success for both parties. Side note: this strategy backfires in highly-structured environments ex: VANOC/Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics
• Know both parties’ priorities and leverage this when making decisions

My next step is to apply this new inspiration into my life: POST Mentorship and Project GIVE 2013/2014. I’m open to all ideas, comments, and suggestions!

I’m curating a list of summer projects so tell me:

1. What are you working on
2. How will you get started?
3. How will you keep yourself motivated?

The next Creative Morning Vancouver is on June 7 2013 at the Dodsen House with the theme: food. If you do see me there, do say hello!

Advice for future YWiB Project GIVE ladies

The 6-month social entrepreneurship program for the 2012/2013 year began November 2012 and ends April 27 2013. I had a blast with my business partners: JL + E (evidence here, here, and here) so meet us, hear some of our stories, and say hi this Saturday!

My thoughts:

1. Great program – introduced to many, practical tips for using social media and running a business at the monthly seminars/workshops
2. Great people – met over a handful of amazing people (coordinators, working professionals and mentors) whom have given me a fresh perspective on many things, on business and life.
3. Great dedication – it’s tough to make something out of nothing and the nine ladies presenting their business idea this Saturday (April 27th) deserve a strong round of applause.

A team has their business up-and-running; check out Dragonfly Project on Twitter, Facebook, and their website! Fantastic job, Charmine Lau and Megan te Boekhorst!

Advice for future YWiB Project GIVE ladies:

1. Create a team contingency plan – narrowing down why you are doing this, who does what, and what happens when things start going less than ideal (ex: differences in opinion and not pulling one’s weight)
2. Consistent meeting schedule – two times per week (from the beginning) and never let the days or times change – commit to them! The hours can be spent socializing or working but keep it consistent!
3. Shared Dropbox folder – what worked for the longest was one shared folder containing a folder for each team member. This allowed each of us to add files as they are created. Then, we can refer to them at meetings and everyone has access to them. Google Docs worked for a while but long documents are rarely looked at a second time.
4. Volunteer together – it was great that all three of us enjoy giving back to the community through YWiB SFU Philanthropy events such as: the Education Generation Fiesta and the Leading Through… Conference. There were a few events at least two of us volunteered at – always much fun.

What words of wisdom do you have for projects in team settings? You can also tweet me @itsjennessa

See you this Saturday!

LEAD SFU presents Leading Through Conference

Initially, I was worried my team (The Unos) would not cooperate and get along. We had an even split between girls and boys of which one was willing to take on the role of leader. It was tough to get input for a team name from the girls, but with the help of Wendy, we nailed it and got a cheer going to – so proud.

After we practiced our cheer a few times, everyone sat back on the bench and slumped their shoulders. I thought it’d be nice to have a game going to learn everyone’s names. It turned out great!

At Zoya’s workshop, I wrote a letter that didn’t seem much at the time (read: flowing thoughts) but upon reading it again, I must be good because it hits the spot on everything I’m worried about.

During Loretta’s talk, I listened intently and got to focus on me for a few minutes, which is always welcome.

I so look forward to seeing the photo one of the photographers took of us walking “astronaut” style from one challenge to the next.

The best part? Not being able to complete the Sudoku round (twice) yet when I gave them directions to run ahead for 2 minutes from the bus loop to Convocation Mall, the five of them just bolted. Unfortunately, we missed out on a fun challenge. But I did ask for one word to describe their day. Response? Fun.

What baffles me is the energy they had (or lack of) at the beginning when they first met me and each other as compared to the end, at Convo Mall, tight-knit as one (recall their team name: The Unos).

My YWiB Project GIVE team (JL + E) were also team leaders at this conference.

Speakers: Loretta Cella of Passion Foundation, Zoya Jiwa of Simply You