Seizing opportunity

I have been ready for a career change for sometime. Despite the readiness, now that I’ve decided to seize an opportunity, the anxiety of change has set in. The good thing is that the anxiety is overshadowed by the exciting prospect of the new opportunity. I am moving from the public sector in as a manager in a corporate support role (with a forestry spin) where I was quite involved with climate change initiatives to a professional services firm as a manager in their corporate responsibility and sustainability practice area. I expect great things from the opportunity. I also expect great challenges, more stress and increased hours. The incentives behind the move were a strong desire for change; ability to sieze an incredible opportunity; wanting to work with like-minded, highly motivated intelligent people; the desire to be exposed to the leading edge application of sustainable development and corporate risk management principles and strategies; and the opportunity to work for a boss that I already hold in high regard. I am buy no means wealthy, but money was not the motivator. Strangely enough I may just be chasing a passion…

The Human Element

In my current quest for employment with a professional services firm, the expression “people are our most important asset” comes to mind. Why then is this concept not better reflected in our daily relationships, in particular important relationships? It could largely be my perception, but I was recently disappointed where I felt that I was not valued as an important “asset”, but rather taken for granted. Conceit aside, I know I added value to the “situation” but felt little to no recognition.  Perhaps, people display appreciation differently, but behaviours such as negative comments vs. positive comments, frugality vs. generosity and self-absorbance vs. altruism can be viewed as indicators of relationship value. The lesson for me, being a driven, goal-oriented person, is to recognize the importance of the human element despite my pursuits, and how my actions may be perceived by others.

 

 

So close, so disappointed.

Ever come up just shy of overwhelming success or a distinguished victory. That is the story of my weekend. I entered the 2008 Devon Grand Prix of Cycling with a great attitude. In part because as a cyclist, I have felt fairly strong physically and more importantly, mentally confident. Last year, as a Category 4 racer, I won this event. This year, as a CAT 3  racer, I finished in 9th place. In a field of 45 or so riders, 9th may not seem too bad – except for the fact the cash prizes only went to 8th. However, I feel I raced and performed better than 9th place overall. The race consisted of 4 events and in only one, did I feel like I got what I deserved; that was the the 30km time trial where I placed 11th - I don’t like TT’s and hence was satisfied. However, in the criterium and the road race, two events that I thoroughly enjoy and can really excel at, ending up being very disappointing.  Without getting into details, the important thing is too learn what could have been done differently and also to be proud of completing all the events and getting a top 10 finish. The looming question that kept up up last night and will likely invade my thoughts again is “what could have I done differently that would have changed the outcome”?

How much harder could I have gone? Despite the pain and fatigue, I’m sure I could have come up with a few more Watts. Easier said than done. After a weekend of racing I was certainly tired, but during today’s 105km road race, I was able suck up a little leg pain and general discomfort and respond to attacks, lead off the front, win a King of The Mountain sprint, but came up short at the end. Why?

The general lesson to be learned here is that failure, or perceived failure, can be viewed in a positive frame. It provides incentive for introspection which would otherwise likely not occur under a scenario of success. Other than analyzing how  I can improve,  I will also think about my successes over the weekend and will look forward to new challenges ahead.

Creating Luck

We have all heard this before – you create your own luck. Well, I am ready for some luck creation. I missed being lucky on the weekend during a 112km road race where I missed joining a successful breakaway at kilometre 25. I am currently focusing my efforts on being lucky at being the successful candidate for a job competition. How? Well, I have an interview, so now it is is time to learn as much about the position as possible and then prepare, prepare, prepare. I am tired of being unlucky!

Motivation

Motivation is an extremely powerful force. What motivates? Motivation in my mind is largely internal, but also very learned. When I think about what motivates me, there is an intrinsic drive - but also, much of the motivation is derived from my experiences. For instance, current career aspirations and cycling objectives and many of my life goals would never have gained a priority focus for me if it hadn`t  been for the failures, successes and other learnings from being a `partcipant`. Such experiences  have forced me to question and assess priorities on a continual basis. In a nutshell, I feel fortunate to have a healthy motivational drive.  Competition is healthy! On another note, I have a conscience to look out for the underdog. 

It has begun.

Welcome to my blog. I will express thoughts and opinions on a variety of themes and sometimes express feelings - very little sap, unless I refering to trees.