Here is your Seven-Bullet Monday
1. A quote I am pondering:
"Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can do what others can't." – Jerry Rice
As an NFL all-time record-holder, Jerry Rice certainly lived out these words. If we pay the price today, through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, we create a winning future for ourselves, where our skills and experiences will set us apart from those coasting along today.
2. A question I am asking myself:
How can I do the most difficult things first each morning?
If I tackle the most difficult tasks first in the morning, that's when I have the most energy and focus. I am more likely to be successful than if I leave them for later in the day. By doing the hard things first, I will also feel accomplished and more motivated to tackle the day's other tasks.
3. A book I am reading:
Weather for Dummies (2nd Edition) – John D Cox
Read this book, and you will no longer be a dummy about the weather, that's for sure! After listening to this book, I understood a lot more about weather phenomena and learned a couple of origins of weather-related sayings. I also came to appreciate the complexity of weather forecasting and how good meteorologists have become over the last couple of decades. Cox also explains in this book why the weather is becoming more extreme with global warming, which was very educational.
4. What I learnt this week
That four out of five British Columbians support mining
The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) recently completed a survey of over 1,000 BC residents. Three-quarters of the individuals surveyed felt that mining was good for BC's economy and that it was conducted in a way that respected the environment. Interestingly, when informed it could take up to 15 years to obtain government approvals to build a new mine, two-thirds of the respondents felt the Government could reduce regulatory complexity and speed up permitting without compromising environmental protection or health. The BC mining industry supports over 35,000 jobs, so it is critical to the BC and Canadian economies.
5. The highlight of my week
A weekend away at the Sparkling Hills Resort in Vernon
Leanne and I got away for a long weekend at the Sparkling Hills Resort. Built at the top of Vernon, it has beautiful views of Lake Okanagan and offers ample relaxation from an extensive array of pools, saunas and spa treatments. If you like crystals, this is the place to be, with around 3.5 million Swarovski crystals to enjoy. We chilled, relaxed, massaged, and hiked, and I got in my first game of golf in seven months at the renowned Predator Ridge Course.
6. Hugh-bits
Listen to the Intellectual Investor Podcast Episode 178: Stock Market Roller Coaster: Prepare for a Decade or Two of Disappointing Returns
This rather sobering headline comes from one of the world's premier value investors. Vitaliy Katsenelson is not necessarily predicting a significant market downturn, but he does expect sideways markets to continue for some time. His investing firm has chosen to increase diversification, hold more cash and grow its investments outside the US.
7. My challenge for you for this week
Spend ten minutes meditating daily
Meditation has many benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, increasing our self-awareness and making us more mindful. It can also boost our creativity. If you are anything like me, stilling your thoughts for ten minutes to meditate, pray or breathe deeply is no easy task. However, by sticking at it, our ability and skills will increase, along with the benefits. Early morning is the best time for me, immediately after journaling. Whatever time of the day you try, and whether you use an app like Headspace or other methods, please stick at it until it clicks. It will be well worth it.
Have a great week