The Business of Training

The USA Today had a fantastic article this summer about Starwood's CEO, Frits Van Paasschen, titled "Starwood's CEO takes an idea and runs with it: Like running, business is about setting high goals, conquering fears."  Frits had many successful jobs before he came to Starwood, such as Nike, Disney, and Coors.  When interviewing for the Starwood position the board interviewed 60 candidates before deciding on Mr. Van Paasschen.  So, why Frits?  Of course he had a great resume but according the chair of the board, Bruce Duncan, his passion to stay physically fit through running contributed to his hiring.  Bruce Duncan stated '"That shows someone who's tenacious, someone who has a plan and gets it done....  It shows he'll do whatever it takes."' This is called The Business of Training, using your training to your advantage not only during a competition but during the business hours as well.  

What makes you different from the candidate or employee next to you?  Right now, a difference might be that you are training for a triathlon.  You are balancing work, training, family, friends, etc to reach a goal, a triathlon.  Don't you do this various times throughout the week, even day, at work?  Your boss tells you that you have a new quota or a new responsibility, what do you have to do?  Balance, work hard, and reach the goal that is set in front of you.  Like Bruce Duncan stated you are "someone who has a plan and gets it done."  

I encourage you to let your boss/employees know that you are training for a triathlon outside of work.  They might become some of your biggest supporters and it could also add to the qualifications for your next promotion.  

Go Get 'Um!

To view the original article copy and paste the link below: 

http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2008-06-22-starwood-ceo-paasschen_N.htm

DO IT NOW!

This week's message is short and simple:  

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now." Goethe, Johann Wolfgang VonWHAT DO YOU NEED TO BEGIN THIS WEEK?  DO IT NOW!

Let The Games Begin

This is a great time to be training for a triathlon.  If you turn to NBC, USA, MSNBC, or CNBC at almost any hour of the day you could find pure inspiration, whether it is seeing an actual event or even watching the commercials with the Go World slogan from Visa.  And to your training benefit, swimming has been one of the most watched events as Micheal Phelps looks to be decorated with the most Olympic gold medals in history.  

But I want to take this time to highlight another Olympic swimmer that has made the news.  One of the most inspiring comments I have heard watching the Olympics has been when Dara Torres, the most "mature" of the Olympians competing, was interviewed about her age.  She made a fantastic comment that "the water knows no age."  As I was thinking about that I realized neither does the road.  Thus, what you are doing while training for a triathlon, the bike, the swim, and the run, are all things that you can continue to do throughout your life.  This does not have to be a one time event.  You are creating a lifestyle of exercise and inspiration.  As I said before, not many people attempt to do a triathlon.  You are an elite group of individuals.   

Thus, I ask you to let the Olympics inspire you.  As you are swimming, picture yourself being as graceful as Michael Phelps.  As your cycling, picture yourself as Gold Medalist Samuel Sanchez.  And as your are running, picture yourself as Britain's marathoner Paula Radcliffe.  That little piece of visualization may just help you advance even more in your training, especially during the brick workouts.  

Until next week, find the inspiration around you,

Kathy Ramirez Ramsbottom

Business/Personal Coach

Point of Motivation

www.pointofmotivation.com

(P)704.817.9985

(M)843.424.1231

"Every journey has a secret destination of which the traveler is unaware."

-Martin Buber

 

Positive Attitude

The Charlotte Criterium was this past weekend.  For those that are not familiar, this is a bike race that takes place right in our backyard, Uptown Charlotte.  The race was down to the last 4 laps when the pelaton came right past where I was standing.  All of the sudden someone's tire hit another cyclist's and before you know it, there was a crash.  I had never seen anything like it before.  It was truly a domino effect.  After the cyclists picked themeselves up and regrouped there were 2 bikers that had to come off the course.  One gentleman was not in a very good mood.  I noticed him just grab his bike and grumble as he walked off.  The other gentleman hurt his arm and came over and sat down, when our very own Josh Kollman started to do his magic and got some ice.  Once I realized the cyclist was okay I began to ask where he was from and how he was feeling.  I was surprised when I began talking with him how although he was upset that he was out of the race, and let me remind you with 4 laps to go, he had a positive attitude.  He commented that "I guess I'll get 'em tomorrow."  They had another race on Sunday in Winston-Salem.  

The moral of the story is....Have A Positive Attitude.  The cyclist that was out with 4 laps left had no control over what happened but kept his cool and maintained composure.  There will be some days when things will happen that are out of your control, such as when your body will not respond as you want it to, you had a flat tire on your ride, you didn't get enough time in the pool, etc.  And although you might be upset that things aren't going your way, just remember...you'll get 'em tomorrow.  Keep your head up and work hard because you never know who's watching or looking up to you.  

Your challenge this week, think of one positive thought that you can keep in your back pocket so when something doesn't go your way you can pull it out and change that attitude!  

Keep up the good work.  You have one week already under your belt! 

Be Positive,

Kathy Ramirez Ramsbottom

Business/Personal Coach

Point Of Motivation

www.pointofmotivation.com

(O) 704.817.9985

(M) 843.424.1231

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