Here is your Seven-Bullet Monday
1. A quote I am pondering:
"The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it." – Molière
Molière's quote encourages us to think of big problems as opportunities to achieve something great - the more challenging the problem, the better we'll feel about solving it. And with that success comes the confidence to tackle and overcome even greater challenges.
2. A question I am asking myself:
What is the next thing I need to do that scares me?
Doing scary things will help me push out of my comfort zone and build more resilience and courage. That will lead to new experiences, skills, and understanding. And looking back from the other side, I will think it wasn't so difficult after all, and I'm sure glad I took the risk.
3. A book I am reading:
Escape from the Ordinary - Julie Bradley
I want to get back into sailing, so I have started listening to educational books on sailing and people's sailing adventures. "Escape from the Ordinary" is the story of Julie Bradley and her husband, retiring from their military careers, buying an ocean-worthy sailing boat and spending several years sailing around the world. They encounter a lot of sailing perils and challenges along the way and overcome all of them to have the most incredible experiences. It's a delightful read/listen for anyone that likes sailing or exploring.
4. What I learnt this week
What autonomous open-pit mining looks like in practice
This week, we visited Teck Resources' Elkview Mine and saw a mining pit with Komatsu 930 autonomous haul trucks in operation. It's the first autonomous haul trucks I have seen in person, and they were particularly impressive. The smoothness of their operation, the synchronisation within the pit, and the near-perfect pit-floor dumping patterns were on display. It has taken a year and a steep learning curve for the autonomous team there, but now it looks to be genuinely paying dividends for the mine and Teck.
5. The highlight of my week
I had two highlights this week:
Speaking at the CoalSMART Conference
Last week, I got to speak about Conuma's Sustainability Story at Annual CoalSMART Conference in Fernie, BC. Trying to capture and share Conuma's highlights, stories and challenges in a 45-minute talk was a little daunting, particularly as it was in the heartland of the world's second-largest steelmaking coal producer. I was pleased that the address was well received and to hear how much support there was in the room for Conuma and the restart of Quintette Mine. I was also able to catch up with several former work colleagues, both recent and distant, which was fun.
Attending a 90's theme party
Leanne and I were invited to a 90's theme party, so I donned some Hammer pants (actually surprisingly comfortable 😊), and I managed to get my hair (sic) to look the part too. Leanne looked gorgeous in her 90's overalls (which happen to be back in fashion in 2023 – very convenient 😉).
6. Hugh-tips
Spend some time understanding what investments you are buying (25 October 2021)
Too many people think of stock investments as just certificates and not actual living businesses with different strengths, challenges, employees, customers, suppliers, market conditions, and competitors. If you choose to buy individual enterprises, instead of ETFs or Mutual Funds, research the company you are buying, its market, and its relative strength and potential in that market. It will be well worth your time and investment.
Statistically, individual investors less active in the market tend to do better than those who actively trade. The key to good stock investing is to find great businesses, not overpay for them, and stick with them as long as possible. You then get to ride on the coattails of their success without having to do anything else than be sensibly patient.
7. My challenge for you for this week
Start doing tibs raises
I only recently learnt about this exercise, which has several benefits.
Tibialis anterior exercises, known as "tib raises," strengthen your shin muscles, producing better balance and stability. They are good for your knees and calves, and can help prevent shin splints.
The best way I heard of doing them was to squat down, back against a wall, with knees bent around 45° and then lift your toes ten or fifteen times with your heels on the ground.
Have a wonderful week.