Here is your Seven-Bullet Monday
1. A quote I am pondering:
"If you decide that you're going to do only the things you know are going to work, you're going to leave a lot of opportunity on the table." - Jeff Bezos
If we want to stick solely to proven paths or well-used strategies, we limit potential growth and novel breakthroughs. It takes courage to venture into the unknown and the chances of failure are higher, but the opportunity for unexpected successes and innovations also lies in those ventures.
2. A question I am asking myself:
How can I tell a better story?
We all know that a good story is the easiest way for a listener to remember a lesson. On the other hand, finding a story to relay a lesson is very difficult, at least in my book. The story needs to be honest, relevant, catchy and convey the truth of the message, and that's where the challenge lies.
3. A book I am reading:
The Invincible Miss Cust: A Novel – Penny Haw
"The Invincible Miss Cust" brings to life the compelling story of Aleen Cust, a woman who defied 19th-century society to become Great Britain's first female vet. Her journey, marked by incredible determination and a passion for animal care, overcoming her family's rejection and society's engrained reluctance to accept women vets, is beautifully told in the form of a novel about her life. I loved this book, which opened my eyes to all that early suffrage movement leaders had to endure to progress women's rights.
4. What I learnt this week
Sourcing sufficient renewable fuel will be challenging in the face of rapidly growing demand.
As a result of the various carbon tax regimes in BC and Canada driving up the price of petroleum diesel and incentivising the use of greener fuels, demand for renewable diesel is increasing rapidly. Given that the bulk of renewable fuels are sourced from vegetable feedstock, the question arises about whether there are sufficient crops and refining capacity to meet demand. The second and more ethically tricky question is to what extent will renewable fuel demand diminish food supply from the agricultural sector.
5. Three highlights from my last couple of weeks
1. Getting engaged to Leanne
Leanne and I got engaged in a little Valencia restaurant on our European holiday. I got down on one knee to propose, and she didn't leave me hanging too long before accepting. I snuck along an engagement ring, unbeknownst to Leanne, and it fit perfectly. We are excited to continue building a romantic, fun, fulfilling future together.
2. Having an incredible two-week holiday in Europe
Leanne and I had a wonderful, action-packed two weeks in Europe, visiting Spain and going on a cruise starting in Spain and stopping in Gibraltar, France, Spain and Italy. Regarding vacations, it was a 9.9 out of 10: wonderful places visited, incredible experiences, delicious food, beautiful weather and, of course, our engagement crowned it all.
3. Getting a new Labradoodle puppy
To add some spice to our return to Vancouver, we got a Labradoodle puppy as a companion for our Bernadoodle, Maeve. They have the same dad and look like brothers and sisters. Ronan is already sleeping through, Hallelujah, and potty training is underway.
6. Hugh-tips
Make a plan for in-budget Christmas spending and stick to it.
Since Christmas stuff has already started to appear in stores, I thought it might be helpful to get in with an early tip for Christmas spending. Yes, do it early, especially you guys, but also, let's avoid a sad January when the Christmas spend credit card bill comes to roost. We want to make sure it isn't just the retailers and credit card companies that are the happy ones. Set your Christmas budget early and stick to it. It also pays to agree with family members and friends up front on a reasonable number of gifts and money to spend on them. Thoughtful, inexpensive gifts are often much more appreciated than expensive outlays, and you don't have to spend much money to have a good time.
7. My challenge for you this week
Give yourself a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) and tell someone about it.
What audacious goal can you set yourself and be willing to publicly commit to by telling someone about it? It could be a physical, financial, relational, recreational, work or business goal. Write it down where you will see it every day, and yes, tell someone about it.
Have a wonderful week.