So WOW participants – a week and a half more to go!! What if you aren’t cutting it as CEO? And you have the following questions running through your mind – There are still areas of opportunity so do I still get to hire myself the final week? What if I’m still trying to fix the challenges in the department of exercise and sleep or whatever?
All these are legitimate questions. Think about this: Even the most successful companies have issues they’re continuously working at. Even organizations whose foundation is based on pure science or math are always trying to solve problems. Scientists try one method with an intended outcome and if that doesn’t work, they rework the solution, put a new plan in place and try it again. This is no different for you as you try to work through the daily task of managing your quality of life.
Being a CEO is tough business – I guess that’s why they get paid the big bucks. But being your own CEO pays zippo, zero, nothing – or is that really the case? Nope – what we’ve tried to highlight in this incentive program is that being your own CEO of QOL and being a good one pays off big time – you can add years to your life – PRICELESS! You cannot purchase years of your life! Additionally there are numerous costs that are associated with unhealthy lifestyles but the greatest cost is the intangible quality of life – the ykky(real emotion), depressed, unhealthy, unhappy emotions that are associated with you not feeling good about yourself.
So, CEO’s back to work we go. If a plan isn’t working and it’s something you’ve tried several times, take a closer look at what the repetitive pitfalls might be – rework your solution and try again. But, don’t give up – there is no one else who can do this job better than you. You are the best person for the job! You have the best skills! You can do this!! So for the next 10 days be the best CEO of QOL that you can be – that is why this is called WOW – working on wellness – we will always be working on our wellness!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Are Our Big Larders Contributing to our Lard Asses? (Ass as in donkey!)
lar•der (lärdr)
n.
1. A place, such as a pantry or cellar, where food is stored.
2. A supply of food.
Are our big larders contributing to our lard asses (ass as in donkey!)
I’ve been observing a new culture the past few weeks and one thing that is glaringly apparent to me is the contrast of lean vs. overweight/obese people here (Hong Kong) vs. USA. Now this is not a scientifically conducted observation but merely my own humble opinion. I did research the stats and they indicate that there has been a double digit increase in overweight men in Hong Kong central over the past decade but still statistics reveal the numbers are less than those in the US. The norm in Discovery Bay lends itself to lean and fit and I got to thinking about what might make it easier for people to live healthier lifestyles. I met a woman from the UK the other day and she told me she has lost over 30lbs in the last 6 months since moving here – she is now a healthy weight. This is my non-scientific summation:
1. Walking - I walk about an extra 5 miles a day – walk the dog (because I no longer have a back yard), walk to the store, the bus, the subway, the club house – you get the picture – everywhere.
2. Space - because the kitchens are generally a lot smaller there is a lot less storage space to store miscellaneous food. I shop daily for dinner and have some staples for breakfast but otherwise I keep no snacks or “extra’s” on hand.
3. Cost of food – most junk food is westernized and tends to be more expensive, especially if you buy US/UK/Auz brands. Veggies, fruits and fresh meats and fish are way less. If you’re watching a budget it makes the choices very easy – eat fresh, eat local, eat healthy. Visit your local farmers market.
4. Eating out – most people have help with cooking and tend to eat at home in DB – I have a feeling that may not be the case in HK because their kitchens, in general, are way smaller.
5. Exercise –the kids have mandatory PE in school – sometimes for as much as 3 hours and school sports are included in their curriculum. There are tons of clubs for adults – rugby, multi-sports, kayaking, rowing, hiking etc. It makes working out a fun activity rather than a chore.
6. Planning – I’ve given this a great deal of thought – I always say have a plan. But maybe we need to reconsider what that means – does it mean stocking up on a bunch of food without a specific meal in mind. Since I shop just for a day, I know exactly what I will eat and it’s a different kind of planning.
7. TV – where do I get the extra time to shop and walk? Well I barely watch any TV despite the fact that it was one of the first things we got squared away. And guess what – the world still turns even though I have no idea who won idol. I catch up on the news and other stuff on my iPad (THANKS AGAIN!) on the subway, train or just go out for a coffee and hang out reading.
So these are the top 7 reasons that I believe are fantastic behavioral changes. They’re simple, uncomplicated and fun! When I think about how much food I would toss each week because I “planned” and then went out instead, I’m embarrassed. I do believe that by stocking our larders less we have a great shot at reducing our lard asses. :)
Happy sleep week CEO’s! I have to admit that this week I will not be able to hire myself because I did not get to sleep on time because I was writing the blog! :)
n.
1. A place, such as a pantry or cellar, where food is stored.
2. A supply of food.
Are our big larders contributing to our lard asses (ass as in donkey!)
I’ve been observing a new culture the past few weeks and one thing that is glaringly apparent to me is the contrast of lean vs. overweight/obese people here (Hong Kong) vs. USA. Now this is not a scientifically conducted observation but merely my own humble opinion. I did research the stats and they indicate that there has been a double digit increase in overweight men in Hong Kong central over the past decade but still statistics reveal the numbers are less than those in the US. The norm in Discovery Bay lends itself to lean and fit and I got to thinking about what might make it easier for people to live healthier lifestyles. I met a woman from the UK the other day and she told me she has lost over 30lbs in the last 6 months since moving here – she is now a healthy weight. This is my non-scientific summation:
1. Walking - I walk about an extra 5 miles a day – walk the dog (because I no longer have a back yard), walk to the store, the bus, the subway, the club house – you get the picture – everywhere.
2. Space - because the kitchens are generally a lot smaller there is a lot less storage space to store miscellaneous food. I shop daily for dinner and have some staples for breakfast but otherwise I keep no snacks or “extra’s” on hand.
3. Cost of food – most junk food is westernized and tends to be more expensive, especially if you buy US/UK/Auz brands. Veggies, fruits and fresh meats and fish are way less. If you’re watching a budget it makes the choices very easy – eat fresh, eat local, eat healthy. Visit your local farmers market.
4. Eating out – most people have help with cooking and tend to eat at home in DB – I have a feeling that may not be the case in HK because their kitchens, in general, are way smaller.
5. Exercise –the kids have mandatory PE in school – sometimes for as much as 3 hours and school sports are included in their curriculum. There are tons of clubs for adults – rugby, multi-sports, kayaking, rowing, hiking etc. It makes working out a fun activity rather than a chore.
6. Planning – I’ve given this a great deal of thought – I always say have a plan. But maybe we need to reconsider what that means – does it mean stocking up on a bunch of food without a specific meal in mind. Since I shop just for a day, I know exactly what I will eat and it’s a different kind of planning.
7. TV – where do I get the extra time to shop and walk? Well I barely watch any TV despite the fact that it was one of the first things we got squared away. And guess what – the world still turns even though I have no idea who won idol. I catch up on the news and other stuff on my iPad (THANKS AGAIN!) on the subway, train or just go out for a coffee and hang out reading.
So these are the top 7 reasons that I believe are fantastic behavioral changes. They’re simple, uncomplicated and fun! When I think about how much food I would toss each week because I “planned” and then went out instead, I’m embarrassed. I do believe that by stocking our larders less we have a great shot at reducing our lard asses. :)
Happy sleep week CEO’s! I have to admit that this week I will not be able to hire myself because I did not get to sleep on time because I was writing the blog! :)
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Voices in the head of a traveling CEO
As the founder of With-U, I am an active participant in the challenges. Why? Because I believe they are one of the easiest ways to help me stay the course. My team provides me accountability and motivation that makes me think about my decisions even in an unstructured environment.
Most recently I’ve moved to Hong Kong and some of the proverbial travel pitfalls presented themselves. Below I listed the usual suspects that called my name and tips on how to work around them:
1. Auntie Annie’s – the smell of fresh pretzels laced in sugar can be overwhelming tantalizing. Instead of Auntie calling my name gently, I hear her say – “Eat me, I taste nice, I guarantee large thighs.” Now if that doesn’t stop you in your tracks.
2. Those desserts on the long flights – “I’m yummy in your tummy because I can easily add a yard of lard.” That voice over rang loud and clear.
3. Now the liquids that are free on the international flights or those warm, comforting bars with the sports channels – “alcohol and nacho’s – they deliver a large butt on the go.”
4. No sleep, time zone changes all make exercise tough so lying in bed this is what might go through your head – “I’m so tired, I don’t want to get up, it’s too cold to workout outside, I don’t have a program.” The list is long but really what you need to hear – “If I lie here, I won’t despair at my enlarging rear. Instead, get up and get energized with my smoking hot thighs.” Ok so maybe I’m exaggerating that I have “smoking hot thighs” but I can pretend.
5. I don’t have control over what I eat or know the calories in the restaurants – think basic foods and appetizer sizes. One easy way to help you travel more easily (especially if you’re female – ladies you know what I mean) is to think fiber intake – know your fiber amounts and select meals that are laden in fiber – your body will thank you for it!
Changing behaviors requires changing the recordings that play over and over in your head. Find a new tune to replace the old songs that you’ve become used to.
Find a routine that will work for you when you’re out of your comfort zone and drown out the old songs that may not lend themselves to you feeling great. As CEO, figure out the excuses and then a plan to mitigate those excuses running your life.
I look forward to sharing more tips and challenges with you in the upcoming challenges. Like you, I have all the same struggles and issues but I know if I can overcome these so can you!
Most recently I’ve moved to Hong Kong and some of the proverbial travel pitfalls presented themselves. Below I listed the usual suspects that called my name and tips on how to work around them:
1. Auntie Annie’s – the smell of fresh pretzels laced in sugar can be overwhelming tantalizing. Instead of Auntie calling my name gently, I hear her say – “Eat me, I taste nice, I guarantee large thighs.” Now if that doesn’t stop you in your tracks.
2. Those desserts on the long flights – “I’m yummy in your tummy because I can easily add a yard of lard.” That voice over rang loud and clear.
3. Now the liquids that are free on the international flights or those warm, comforting bars with the sports channels – “alcohol and nacho’s – they deliver a large butt on the go.”
4. No sleep, time zone changes all make exercise tough so lying in bed this is what might go through your head – “I’m so tired, I don’t want to get up, it’s too cold to workout outside, I don’t have a program.” The list is long but really what you need to hear – “If I lie here, I won’t despair at my enlarging rear. Instead, get up and get energized with my smoking hot thighs.” Ok so maybe I’m exaggerating that I have “smoking hot thighs” but I can pretend.
5. I don’t have control over what I eat or know the calories in the restaurants – think basic foods and appetizer sizes. One easy way to help you travel more easily (especially if you’re female – ladies you know what I mean) is to think fiber intake – know your fiber amounts and select meals that are laden in fiber – your body will thank you for it!
Changing behaviors requires changing the recordings that play over and over in your head. Find a new tune to replace the old songs that you’ve become used to.
Find a routine that will work for you when you’re out of your comfort zone and drown out the old songs that may not lend themselves to you feeling great. As CEO, figure out the excuses and then a plan to mitigate those excuses running your life.
I look forward to sharing more tips and challenges with you in the upcoming challenges. Like you, I have all the same struggles and issues but I know if I can overcome these so can you!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Overcome Your Obstacles
You’ve reached the half-way point. Just over 4 weeks left! That’s plenty of time to pull your team up the ranks and win this thing. The Peeps are in the lead with the Poggers, Woggers & Loggers and WOWzers tied for second place. Debbie M. from Team CSI has the right approach to her exercise obstacles. She posted that she will “work on doing little bursts of exercise throughout the day instead of ‘all or nothing.’" Now that you’ve had time to think about all of your obstacles, it’s time to do something about them. In the next newsletter, we will talk about one of the keys to overcoming obstacles: planning.
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