While running this morning I realized that it is during the first few steps that invariably I want to quit. It is during the first minute or two of a run when I question my actions, when I doubt my ability, when I struggle between stopping and continuing. Then, after I push through those (mentally and physically) painful first moments, I hit my stride and know that I am okay and will meet my goal and go the distance.
What's A Meta For?
My experience with running is a metaphor for any goal we may have. The first few steps... diving in and actually STARTING... is often the hardest part. The greatest distance is between 0 and 1. Every run I have to coach and coax myself through those first steps, reminding myself that if I stay committed to the steps, I'll make it all the way to the end. This is true for any goal or objective, personal or professional. You have to take those first steps, and not let them foil you. Once you get past them, there is nothing stopping you from completing the journey.
Still huffing, puffing and schvitzing from my run, I shared some of these thoughts in a short video...
What do you think? Are the first steps the hardest?
One of my favorite events of the year is the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which is a literal smorgasbord for gadget geeks. Taking place in January, CES is in many respects a chance to peek into the future and get a taste of the cool new technologies, trends and tech toys that will start to be available during the rest of the year. Over at Dadomatic.com I wrote about some of the amazing technology I saw at CES 2011.
Late one evening, I had a chance to be interviewed by Colin Browning, IDG's Strategic Marketing Services' Program Developer, who asked a few questions about the CES experience. One of the things I mention, which struck me more at this CES than in the past, is that today's consumer is more tech savvy than ever, and as a result, we generally take the "technology" for granted. We expect technology to work, and to be fast and powerful. As a result, rather than highlighting the technology behind their products, manufactures may be better served by focusing on telling consumers more about the benefits of the technology and how their products will improve our lives. In the end, we care more about that than how many processors it has or how it works. I think we want to know how it benefits us.
What do you think? Do you care more about the specs or what your gadgets do for you?
DISCLOSURE: I am part of the “Intel Advisor” program and am compensated and/or receive other value from Intel to attend events on their behalf, including the 2011 CES show.
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, surely love is in the air and we are all getting in touch with our inner cupid. While we may not be wandering around equipped with a sling full of heart tipped arrows, we do have another tool in hand that can be used to spread the love – our mobile phones! You may already think your smartphone is smart, but did you know it can work wonders on your relationship with that significant other?
Here are 5 Ways Your Mobile Phone Can Make You A Better Lover:
5. Text Sweet Nothings in His/Her Ear – Text messages are a great way to let your love know you are thinking of them, anytime, and by definition, an SMS message has to be short and sweet. There are few easier ways to bring a smile to that someone special’s face than to send them an unexpected “I <3 U!” or “U R Beautiful” or a simple “Thinking of you… right now…”
4.Send A Wallpaper or Ringtone – We love to personalize our phones with images and sounds that mean something special to us, so why not share the love by sending your sweetheart a Romantic Ringtone or Whimsical Wallpaper that will make them think of you every time they look at their phone or get a call or message. Myxer makes it easy to find just the right mobile content and use “Send to Friend” to share it with the one(s) you love.
3.Use “Vibrate” For A Neck Massage – We all enjoy a good neck massage from our partner. Next time you are offering up a bit of manual stress relief, surprise them with some added good vibrations from your phone.
2.Send A Video Or Image Of Yourself – Sometimes we forget that we are almost always walking around with a camera and camcorder in our pockets. It takes just a moment to snap a picture or record a video message and send it to the object of your affection. Be creative. Hold up a piece of paper with a handwritten sign saying “I Love You.” Sing a few bars of his/her favorite song in a video. Send a picture of flowers, or a place you pass that means something special to you both. (FRIENDLY WARNING: Don’t abuse the ease of sending images and video by sharing something inappropriate or that you will likely one day regret…)
1. And, of course, the number one way your mobile phone can make you a better lover…. TURN IT OFF when you are with your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse and make them, not your phone, the object of both your attention and your affection!
Do you have more tips on how you use your phone for romance? Please share them in the comments! And with or without your phone, have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
And you can start using your phone to be a better lover by sending this to someone special:
I wrote this for The Official Myxer Blog, but given today is Valentine's Day, I thought I would re-post it here... Has your phone made you a better lover?
