Seven-Bullet Monday - July 24, 2023

Here is your Seven-Bullet Monday

1. A quote I am pondering:

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” - Zig Ziglar

Every journey begins with a single decision to take that first step. If you feel that your start may be embarrassingly bad compared with someone very proficient, imagine that same person taking their first steps. They were probably no better than you. The important thing is not to wait for great proficiency but instead to make a start.

2. A question I am asking myself:

How can I network better?

As someone who is not naturally a good networker, I must push myself to do it. The author of “Never Eat Alone”, Keith Ferrazzi, is my go-to when I need networking motivation. One of his key messages is that networking is about giving and adding value before looking to reap any benefits. This is captured in one of his quotes, “Good networking is all about making meaningful connections with others and finding ways to help them achieve their goals.”

3. A book I am reading:

Crossing Pirate Waters – Julie Bradley

This is the second book of Julie Bradley’s autobiography of her seven-year sailing trip around the world with her husband, Glen. This second leg runs from New Zealand through Asia, the Middle East, and finally back to Europe. It is well-written, easy to listen to, and you hear of all the experiences the average traveller would only dream about. And, of course, after reading her two books, I want to get out on the water sailing again.

4. What I learned this week

That floating solar farms could become a significant segment of renewable energy.

Industrial solar farms take up much space, which is challenging for some countries short of available land. Several floating farms are currently trialling, including some on the sea. While there are challenges to overcome, such as high cost and environmental impacts, developers are optimistic offshore solar can become a significant segment in renewable energy.

5. The highlight of my week

Boating out to Bowen Island

Taking a little motorboat out on the open sea was something I had never done before, so motoring out to Bowen Island was a first. The weather was lovely, the sun was shining, and Bowen Island was as gorgeous as ever, especially when viewed from the sea. For what were gentle conditions, the power and variability of the ocean left me in awe. The waves bounced my passengers and the dogs around, and they got dutifully soaked in sea spray. Otherwise, the trip went without a hitch, and we all agreed it was an epic way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

6. Hugh-bits

Listen to Canadian Money Roadmap Podcast #77. Maximizing the First Home Savings Account: A Complete Guide with Aaron Hector

This is only relevant to listeners in Canada. Still, for those looking to buy a home (and by the way, it doesn’t actually need to be your first home, just your first home in a few years), this podcast goes into this new incentive that came out with the Canadian 2023 budget. What I found interesting was the number of options and permutations that this single additional tax incentive provides, and it goes to show that getting expert help can save you a lot of money.

7. My challenge for you for this week

Do a Random Act of Kindness

I’m sure you have done these before, but here are a few examples: buy the person behind you something at a drive-through, let someone in front of you in a queue, pay a stranger a compliment, donate something, give your seat on a bus or train to someone. It will make their day better, and your’s too.

Have a great week.