How to be Successful at lIFe

Change Begets Opportunity

2010-03-31T13:06:00.000-07:00

"When you get right down to the root meaning of the word 'succeed', you find that it simply means to 'follow through'."
~ 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

Notes from The Handbook of Life

2010-03-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

From Chapter 3 - "Real World Courtesy"

#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

What you seek, You already are

2010-03-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Inconsistency Begets Hypocrisy

2010-03-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

The world is many shades of grey - this is a fact. However, the only way to ensure that people receive just, equal and fair treatment is to narrow this spectrum to as close to black and white as possible. When you start making exceptions, allowing for one person or group to be treated a little different, you open the door for this inequality of treatment. And when you are the person arguing for some sort of exemption or modification, and then change the rules for yourself... well, that's how we wind up with a society where every person is shooting for a different net.

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

Fear

2010-03-16T09:00:00.001-07:00

What does fear mean to me? It's a temporary road block, standing between freedom and a fixed way of thinking. A choice must be made to either let go and live or stay unchanged. What do I fear? I fear going fast down hills on a bike. That fear is usually heightened when there are trees, rocks and roots - or a combination of all three. The idea of completely letting go of your brakes sounds crazy - especially when you're facing down a steep drop. I made plenty of excuses - I blamed the weather, blamed the bike: the seat was too low, I was too tall, the trail was too narrow, the tree's too close, I wasn't a downhill biking, I'm not made for speed, I'm a climber, I can't go fast, I'm scared, I might hit a tree, I might get hurt - All of these excuses didn't change the fact that unless I let go, I was going to be scared forever. I was letting my fears control me and I refused to embrace the moment. I was making the choice to not live free. So when did I decide to go for it? It took just three words. My friend told me she felt the same way for the longest time, until one day she just let go. It was that simple. Just let go. A couple minutes later I was faced with yet another steep drop. I stood there for a moment on my bike, and tried to analyze the trail - thinking it would help, but really just buying myself time - stalling from taking that leap. What my friend had said played in my mind again and it was then I decided to just let go. I pushed off the dirt and gripped the handle bars - no brakes. Before I knew it I was speeding down the hill, veering left, jarring right, and avoiding some very close calls with a couple trees. When I finally reached the bottom I felt an overwhelming sense of energy over my entire body - I felt alive! More alive than I had in a long time. My heart was pounding in my chest, I had a huge grin plastered across my face and I couldn't believe what I had just done. There was no time to analyze, to over-think, or let my fears take me down that hill - it was the ability to just let go and live in that moment. Nothing else mattered. To think I would have missed out on such an experience. Imagine being able to re-create that feeling in every day life. Doing one thing every day that scares you: What does that look like for you? Are you living life and letting go of your brakes? Are you truly living free?

Inspiration

2010-03-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

1 one word - Paralympics!

These next two weeks Vancouver is again playing host to the paralympians, their coaches, their support crew and families. The numerous stories that surround these athletes and their journey to get to the Paralympics are unbelievable. How they have truly overcome adversity through there disability, challenged themselves to make something out of their lives and now to celebrate the victory of representing their country, by competing at the Olympics.

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.

Putting Yourself Out There

2010-03-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

Recently I was contacted via Facebook about an upcoming class reunion and I thought that the organizer (a guy I remember to be funny and articulate) had some valuable points that speak to many situations that I have been giving thought to of late which made them particularily poignant.

Obviously the highschool reunion is it's own entity but if you think about potentially awkward social situations and the leap of faith required to attend the final points that he highlights are all the more interesting, especially in the small(er) business world where reputation and word of mouth can make or break.

"There were several groupings of people;

1. Some that just wanted to come because they wanted to see people and have a party.

2. Some that felt it was an honor to represent their grad class and attending.

3. Batch that would love to be there more than anything, but personal schedule conflicted or logistically impossible to come.

4. Some that felt they did not want to go back after 10+ and feel that the lack of achievement of their goals and aspirations would be uncomfortable around other people.

5. Many that were excited about their success and wanted to come back to compare with grad classes.

We know not everyone will not be able to make it, but we ask all to try as 4 hours is not enough to respect and celebrate the grad class on 1994. Be proud of where you came from or from a selfish point of view do it for a Networking angle. We join associations and spend money to attend conventions to meet people to assist in our personal goals. If you are confident that the grad class of 1994 and the soil you studied on developed successful people – you should attend.

Social and business networking is the modern standard in developing relationships throughout the world. The potential for recognition and building networks within our grad class of professionals in numerous fields on a global scale is unlimited.

A personal story is a couple that had an 18 year old daughter than was trying to get into a US college. At one of our reunions the couple had the opportunity to meet someone that was in the recruiting department of Alabama State.

That is one example; I can bore or interest you in many more – with business owners, investor’s, teachers, creative minded people, artists, medical profession, work from home moms/dads, trades, etc .. Your opportunities are endless, and if you don’t attend for yourselves think of your kids that may need these contacts to succeed.

Remember it isn’t what you know, it’s who you know and also who knows you! If you re-acquaint yourself with one new connection it will benefit you for a lifetime!"

The point is, look at how much the people who skip it miss out on to save themselves either trouble or embarrassment? Is it ever worth it to be a wallflower?

-Angela Tames

Someone Is Always Watching

2010-03-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

So - while I was down in the States last week I had the opportunity to observe firsthand parents and their kids together in a variety of different situations/locations - theme parks, restaurants, malls, and so on. And in that time, something I already knew became that much more apparent: children are a direct reflection of the people who raise them.

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

shhhhh...listen

2010-03-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-03-08T12:37:00.000-08:00

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.

Carry It Forward - Properly

2010-03-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

I was down in the United States for the last part of the Olympics (including the gold medal win for Canada in the hockey game - though I watched it with a good friend of mine that's lived down here for the last few years) and I'll tell you what - one of the biggest things that stuck out for me was the unbridled patriotism (yes, patriotism) that I've seen from all Canadians while I've been down here has been unbelievable. In the semi-final game, when Canada won the cheer that went up from the bar was so overwhelming that the guy next to me turned to his friend and said "When did I move to Canada?". The number of Canada jerseys, hoodies and shirts I've seen has been staggering - every few steps it seems that I see one of them popping up in front of me... and to be honest, I love it. Furthermore, as evidenced from things like Brian Martin's (the American Brian Martin) blog to Bill Plaschke's article in the LA Times, the rest of the world loved it to.

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!

2010-03-02T10:53:00.000-08:00

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 13^th, 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 22^nd)

· 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.

The Bell Curve

2010-02-25T18:36:00.000-08:00

This is how I liken the Olympics to an IF training session:

The Opening Ceremonies vs. The Warm up

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

Own the Podium...?

2010-02-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

You're probably thinking, given my cynical history, that I'm about to go off on the amount of money we've spent on amateur sports since 2004 - especially when the results of our Olympics fail to show any significant results thus far.

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

Destinations

2010-02-23T12:04:00.000-08:00

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?

Too funny

2010-02-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

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.

Taking the RIGHT Stand

2010-02-17T15:51:00.000-08:00

With the Olympics in town, the potential subject matter choices are innumerable - and all very tempting. However, given the overall tone of what's going on, I have one group in particular that have raised my ire:

"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

Via de sharing

2010-02-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

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!

You Get Out What You Put In

2010-02-11T07:49:00.000-08:00

In chatting with a customer a few days ago we began to once again revisit the goals she has set for herself and her lack of success even though she is in to see us three times a week, insists that her eating isn't too badly, and that she otherwise leads a healthy and active life.

With a little prodding I asked to her to outline what a typical day looks like and she went on to say that her first meal is at noon (she is up at 7am), she has little to drink in the day other than coffee, even though she is a vegetarian and she consumes mostly mostly greens and veggies her downfall is carbs, particularly pasta. When I asked what she truly expected to change when she was unwilling or (her words) unable to change she just said that she is frustrated because she works so hard when she is at IF.

Well, true, sometimes. When she is on time and actually comes three times per week, and isn't travelling or tired or not feeling well. But it is amazing to me that the connection between lack or success and lack of change don't correlate with some people. I truly want her to find success! It is frustrating for both of us when her profile numbers are the same and she is unhappy. But, the thing is you can't want for others what they don't want themselves, or are willing to work for.

On another note, I encourage you to have a look at the link below for some amusing posters that have been put together from the Beijing Olympics. Now those are some people who worked hard and got results!

-Angela Tames

http://nuttersmark.com/blog/sports-and-fitness/beijing-olympics-motivational-posters

Do You Really Know Where Your Money Goes?

2010-02-10T21:50:00.000-08:00

First off - I forgot to post this after I wrote it earlier. To those who were sitting at their computers waiting on edge for it at 7pm... my sincere apologies.

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

Self, TEAM, operations and customers

2010-02-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-02-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

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.

A little history lesson...

2010-02-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

In 1972 the Olympic Games were held for the second time in Munich Germany. With only 6 days of competition remaining what happened on the morning of September 5th would force the world to stop. Five Arab terrorists on a mission draw attention to 234 Arab prisoners in an Israeli jail, jumped a six foot fence, met with two others already inside on false credentials, and shot two members of the Israeli Olympic team, capturing nine others as hostages only to kill them less that 24 hours later in a bloody gun battle that would see 17 total deceased.

The reason for telling this gory recollection of history on the brink of our own amazing Olympic adventure is twofold. First, a Kitsilano customer was a competitor at that event. She is a Jewish Canadian and after the memorial service attended by 80,000 was over, the IOC president Avery Brundage declared "the Games must go on." They did without her as she and others who felt it was in bad taste, poor judgement and lack of respect boycotted the remainder of the games.

Recently it has been brought to attention by the media that Vanoc has decided to use clips from Leni Rienfenstahl's Olympia - a German Olympic propaganda movie. The opening scene includes a series of men in a loin clothes running with an Olympic torch tirelessly passing it on until the scene in question where the final runner is greeted by cheering people at the entrance of the stadium. On the right in the original film there are approximately 15 people with their right hands high in the air in a Hail Hitler pose. It is incredibly offensive. In the Vanoc version, the pillar next to them has been extended out to create a black field to hide these people. You do not see them, but it is clear that something is being blocked out.

The points that I would like to draw from this are twofold, first, how well do we know what sports and athleticism represents to our customers? We have many people in all of our customer bases that have been through enormous trials and tribulations on account of their love of being all that they can be.

Secondly, how is our judgement as a whole? I think we do an incredible job with the day to day, engagement, little things and team. We are doing a great job but let's never forget that we are in the business of people and that demands respect and courtesy.

- Angela Tames

The Burden of Leadership

2010-02-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

“The wise know too well their weakness to assume infallibility; and he who knows most, knows best how little he knows.”

~ Thomas Jefferson

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

What is expected from an IF training coach?

2010-02-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

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?