Hi,
I hope everything is ok where you are.
I did have another athletics story to write about today, but since I know that many readers hate sport as much as I love it, I'll leave it for now.
It's still a british angle this week though, centering on the legend of drawing a sword from a stone...
The BBC has a new series of its' excellent series, Coast, which travels around Britain's coast, telling the kind of little stories I love.
It was recently in Cornwall, which is a big tourist destination, in fact the 1st ex Mrs. Bryan and I had many holidays there, including our honeymoon, which was *20* years ago this year!
Hmm, plenty of stories to be told there, but one of the big tourist pushes in Cornwall is the legend of King Arthur, and drawing the sword from the stone - well that bit may be more true than you first think.
Thousands of years ago, Cornwall was the pace to go to get a valuable resource - tin.
Add tin to copper, and you get bronze, which made great tools for homework, gardening, and battles.
In the programme, presenter Neil Oliver took the advice of a local bronze maker, and helped to forge a bronze sword. Copper and tin heated to 1200c, then poured into a stone hold would make a bronze sword.
Pull the sword out too soon and it snaps, but if you pull it pull it out too late, it sticks to the stone. So it's possible that you get the timing wrong and pull it half out before it sticks, and the legend of pulling the sword takes hold.
It's a great story, of a time when Cornwall was the centre of an arms trade thanks to the rich supplies of tin to be mined there.
The story goes to show that even thousands of years ago, people were developing ideas and methods, that skills were learnt through trial and error.
In 2009, think of your goals - how much of the path between you and your goal is known?
The answer in all likelihood is *all* of it!
Most goals will have seen others tread the path, do the trial and error for you, maybe show 2 or 3 ways to get there.
All you have to do is research those journeys, make the decision to follow, and take the first step!
It's a plan which can take to amazing places in your life!
Ok, that's it for this time, I'm off to seek out some old holiday snaps...
'Til Next Time.
Health & Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. Grab my motivational book 'Transform Your Life in 21 Days!' here, and click my picture at the bottom of that page for the special price:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Tue 18th Aug - Setting A Goal Sets You For A Fall?
Hi,
I hope today finds you well.
The World Championships Athletics are going on this week in Berlin. Lots to think about, including Usain Bolt's amazing 9.58 world record in the 100m. Plus long time readers will know I focus on Yelena Isinbayeva in the pole vault, who came last after not clearing any height!
Today though I'm going the British angle, and talking about Jessica Ennis who took gold in the heptathlon.
Last year at 22 she was a rising star showing lots of promise, but on the eve of the Olympics she found out she had broken her right foot in 3 places. Not only did she have to watch the Olympics at home on crutches, but it was unclear whether she would ever compete another heptathlon.
It looked like all her hard work over many years, even at her young age, had ended up in failure - that's what you get for setting a goal, a big fall, right?
Then she found out that she could compete again, but to protect the foot she would have to change take off leg in the long jump. If I asked you to write your name, which hand would you use? Now imagine using the other hand, and that's what Ennis faced with changing her take off leg, it's such an integral part of the long jump.
She found it extremely hard, not surprising really, but persevered, and entered the championships this weekend with the world leading mark this year, going on to lead from start to finish throughout the 7 events.
She's already being talked of as the face of the London 2012 Olympics, but that's a full 3 years away, anything can happen to an athlete in that time.
It's a great story though, showing that yes, setting a goal can indeed set you up for a fall, you may end up with failure after all your efforts, no achievement to note.
However, you'll *certainly* end up without achievement if you don't set goals and work at them, and Jessica Ennis showed that seemingly insurmountable setbacks can be overcome, leading to the success you first set out towards.
Good for her I say!
Sport gives clear stark examples of goal achievement theory, that's why I love to use them so much, and it's why I enjoy watching sport, but a key point to draw from them is that in a non-sporting life, you don't have to be so extreme.
You maybe won't have to go through such extreme levels of stress and work to get to your goals, but the steps are the same - set your goal, work out the steps needed, take the first step and keep working.
I doubt your setbacks will include a broken foot, your goal may not be to become World Champion, but the example of people like Ennis shows what you *can* achieve for yourself.
Ok, that's it for today, I'm off to do my own heptathlon - 7 types of chocolate...!
'Til Next Time,
Health & Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
My book - Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
I hope today finds you well.
The World Championships Athletics are going on this week in Berlin. Lots to think about, including Usain Bolt's amazing 9.58 world record in the 100m. Plus long time readers will know I focus on Yelena Isinbayeva in the pole vault, who came last after not clearing any height!
Today though I'm going the British angle, and talking about Jessica Ennis who took gold in the heptathlon.
Last year at 22 she was a rising star showing lots of promise, but on the eve of the Olympics she found out she had broken her right foot in 3 places. Not only did she have to watch the Olympics at home on crutches, but it was unclear whether she would ever compete another heptathlon.
It looked like all her hard work over many years, even at her young age, had ended up in failure - that's what you get for setting a goal, a big fall, right?
Then she found out that she could compete again, but to protect the foot she would have to change take off leg in the long jump. If I asked you to write your name, which hand would you use? Now imagine using the other hand, and that's what Ennis faced with changing her take off leg, it's such an integral part of the long jump.
She found it extremely hard, not surprising really, but persevered, and entered the championships this weekend with the world leading mark this year, going on to lead from start to finish throughout the 7 events.
She's already being talked of as the face of the London 2012 Olympics, but that's a full 3 years away, anything can happen to an athlete in that time.
It's a great story though, showing that yes, setting a goal can indeed set you up for a fall, you may end up with failure after all your efforts, no achievement to note.
However, you'll *certainly* end up without achievement if you don't set goals and work at them, and Jessica Ennis showed that seemingly insurmountable setbacks can be overcome, leading to the success you first set out towards.
Good for her I say!
Sport gives clear stark examples of goal achievement theory, that's why I love to use them so much, and it's why I enjoy watching sport, but a key point to draw from them is that in a non-sporting life, you don't have to be so extreme.
You maybe won't have to go through such extreme levels of stress and work to get to your goals, but the steps are the same - set your goal, work out the steps needed, take the first step and keep working.
I doubt your setbacks will include a broken foot, your goal may not be to become World Champion, but the example of people like Ennis shows what you *can* achieve for yourself.
Ok, that's it for today, I'm off to do my own heptathlon - 7 types of chocolate...!
'Til Next Time,
Health & Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
My book - Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
Monday, August 10, 2009
Aug 10th - Can A World Trade Center Memory Make Us Smile?
Hi,
I hope all is well with you.
I saw a documentary last week.
I have seen many fine documentaries about the Twin Towers since 9/11, all of them focusing on that event, and there are some inspiring stories.
Since it was such a horrific thing, is it possible that a WTC documentary can make us smile, and are we allowed to?
This one is called 'Man On Wire', and it tells of the 1974 tightrope walk between the towers. It won the Oscar for best documentary this year, and I found it enthralling, especially since you know I like all that performing stuff.
Phillipe Petit found out about the towers in 1968, and when he saw a drawing of them, he decided he would wirewalk between them. He had taught himself everything about that art within a year, and found himself seeking new challenges. He walked high above Notre Dame in France and the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia.
He made several trips to the Twin Towers, and made a mock up back in France to work out how to do it.
One problem was how to get the wire, weighing over 400 pounds, between two towers 40 metres apart, and quarter of a mile in the air!
The solution was to fire a bow attached to fishing line between the towers, then pass thicker pieces of string, then rope, then the wire.
So, early in the morning on Aug 7th 1974, having said it was impossible to get away with several times, Petit and his team found themselves on top of the towers with the wire ready.
He stepped out.
It didnt take long to get noticed, helped by having team members point him out to passers by, and there was a huge crowd watch as he walked back and forward, kneeling and lying on the wire.
He was arrested of course, but the huge worldwide publicity saw all charges being dropped, and in fact he had helped to popularise the towers which at that point had still not found a place of affection with the public.
So, as we approach 8 years since 9/11, the 35th anniversary of Petit's walk tells me that yes, we can still smile when remembering the Twin Towers.
Apart from the sheer enginerring feat of getting them built at all, Petit's adventure illustrates the wonder of human achievement and possibility.
He said afterwards that he was amazed to be constantly asked why he did it, his answer being that there was no why, it was an artistic endeavour.
Let's not forget, it was illegal and life threatening, not just to himself but to others too. The question could indeeed be asked if he had gone too far in his personal quest, but if nothing else, in a newsletter aimed at goal achievement and self improvement, it's a story that deserves a place! Go and google the pictures.
Ok, that's it for this time, I'm off to hang some washing on my own high wire, yes that's right, the washing line. I guess I could attempt to walk along it, but suspect a tale of turned ankles would follow, so I'll settle for the adrenaline rish of hanging my socks instead.
'Til Next Time,
Health & Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
My book - Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
I hope all is well with you.
I saw a documentary last week.
I have seen many fine documentaries about the Twin Towers since 9/11, all of them focusing on that event, and there are some inspiring stories.
Since it was such a horrific thing, is it possible that a WTC documentary can make us smile, and are we allowed to?
This one is called 'Man On Wire', and it tells of the 1974 tightrope walk between the towers. It won the Oscar for best documentary this year, and I found it enthralling, especially since you know I like all that performing stuff.
Phillipe Petit found out about the towers in 1968, and when he saw a drawing of them, he decided he would wirewalk between them. He had taught himself everything about that art within a year, and found himself seeking new challenges. He walked high above Notre Dame in France and the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia.
He made several trips to the Twin Towers, and made a mock up back in France to work out how to do it.
One problem was how to get the wire, weighing over 400 pounds, between two towers 40 metres apart, and quarter of a mile in the air!
The solution was to fire a bow attached to fishing line between the towers, then pass thicker pieces of string, then rope, then the wire.
So, early in the morning on Aug 7th 1974, having said it was impossible to get away with several times, Petit and his team found themselves on top of the towers with the wire ready.
He stepped out.
It didnt take long to get noticed, helped by having team members point him out to passers by, and there was a huge crowd watch as he walked back and forward, kneeling and lying on the wire.
He was arrested of course, but the huge worldwide publicity saw all charges being dropped, and in fact he had helped to popularise the towers which at that point had still not found a place of affection with the public.
So, as we approach 8 years since 9/11, the 35th anniversary of Petit's walk tells me that yes, we can still smile when remembering the Twin Towers.
Apart from the sheer enginerring feat of getting them built at all, Petit's adventure illustrates the wonder of human achievement and possibility.
He said afterwards that he was amazed to be constantly asked why he did it, his answer being that there was no why, it was an artistic endeavour.
Let's not forget, it was illegal and life threatening, not just to himself but to others too. The question could indeeed be asked if he had gone too far in his personal quest, but if nothing else, in a newsletter aimed at goal achievement and self improvement, it's a story that deserves a place! Go and google the pictures.
Ok, that's it for this time, I'm off to hang some washing on my own high wire, yes that's right, the washing line. I guess I could attempt to walk along it, but suspect a tale of turned ankles would follow, so I'll settle for the adrenaline rish of hanging my socks instead.
'Til Next Time,
Health & Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
My book - Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
Thursday, August 06, 2009
6th Aug - How Far Can You Get By Being Nice?
Hi,
I hope today finds you well.
2 recent deaths to talk about.
The first is Harry Patch.
He was the last surviving veteran of the first World War. With his death, that time in our history passes from living memory.
He had only wanted a small ceremony, but it was still a big turnout in his home town, and young people there commented that it was the last chance for our generation to show respect for what that generation did.
We must be careful that the events of 90 years ago do not fade from memory.
The 2nd recent passing was Sir Bobby Robson.
Football is probably the true global game, and Robson was known throughout the world of football sure enough.
He played for England, but it was as a manager that he was most known. He guided a small provincial club to European success, and then took the England team to within a whisker of winning the World Cup in 1990. To be honest it was the closest we have come since winning way back in 1966!
After leaving the England job, Robson led successful teams in Holland, Portugal and Spain, before returning to his home town of Newcastle.
People had a fond memory of him - he could be as hard as nails, no-one in top flight football can be without that trait, but it was his overall sense of niceness that marks the memory of Robson.
He beat cancer 5 times, and raised a lot of money in the process, and since his death, his favourite charity has seen donations approach 2 million.
Being nice in itself will not bring you success, that comes from hard work, but as the feeling for Bobby Robson shows, it surely helps make a better person.
Ok, that's it for this time - as the last WW1 veteran passes away, let's not forget what freedoms we take for granted today, hard fought for by others, and thinking of Bobby Robson, try and be 'nice'. It may be a twee word in today's society, but it's a trait that shines like a beacon.
'Til Next Time,
Health & Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
My book - Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
I hope today finds you well.
2 recent deaths to talk about.
The first is Harry Patch.
He was the last surviving veteran of the first World War. With his death, that time in our history passes from living memory.
He had only wanted a small ceremony, but it was still a big turnout in his home town, and young people there commented that it was the last chance for our generation to show respect for what that generation did.
We must be careful that the events of 90 years ago do not fade from memory.
The 2nd recent passing was Sir Bobby Robson.
Football is probably the true global game, and Robson was known throughout the world of football sure enough.
He played for England, but it was as a manager that he was most known. He guided a small provincial club to European success, and then took the England team to within a whisker of winning the World Cup in 1990. To be honest it was the closest we have come since winning way back in 1966!
After leaving the England job, Robson led successful teams in Holland, Portugal and Spain, before returning to his home town of Newcastle.
People had a fond memory of him - he could be as hard as nails, no-one in top flight football can be without that trait, but it was his overall sense of niceness that marks the memory of Robson.
He beat cancer 5 times, and raised a lot of money in the process, and since his death, his favourite charity has seen donations approach 2 million.
Being nice in itself will not bring you success, that comes from hard work, but as the feeling for Bobby Robson shows, it surely helps make a better person.
Ok, that's it for this time - as the last WW1 veteran passes away, let's not forget what freedoms we take for granted today, hard fought for by others, and thinking of Bobby Robson, try and be 'nice'. It may be a twee word in today's society, but it's a trait that shines like a beacon.
'Til Next Time,
Health & Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
My book - Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
Monday, August 03, 2009
1st Aug 2009 - Tom Watson - An Open Perspective?
Hi,
I hope everything is ok where you are.
I had a few days offline thanks to connection issues, but am now back up and running.
Today I'm going to talk about perspective.
A couple of weeks ago, Tom Watson came within 1 putt of winning The Open, the biggest tournament in golf. He's won it 5 times previously, so it may not sound much of a surprise, but the key fact is that his wins came many many years ago, and he is now just shy of 60.
In the end he lost in a playoff, and the atmosphere around the course was of a real anti climax, the papers next day had close up shots of his face with a drooping expression, talking about what would have been 'the greatest achievement in sport'.
I'm really not sure about that, but in the press conference afterwards, Watson said 'it's not a funeral', and that showed the early signs of his perspective.
Later in the week he told of how he had got messages of bad luck from US soldiers on active duty - soldiers who had maybe lost a hand trying to defuse a bomb, but still took the time to get in touch. Watson said it was *that* kind of action which was worthy of focus, not a 60 year old millionaire losing a golf tournament.
Perspective.
It's everything when it comes to recognising the abundance we have. We take it all so much for granted that our brains focus on the smaller things, and grow them out of proportion, precisely because we have lost perspective.
Well done Tom Watson for giving such a great reminder.
Since I'm talking golf, I will mention Catriona Matthew, who won the British Women's Open yesterday. She's a 40 year old mother of 2, in fact only had her 2nd child 11 weeks ago, and a rare British winner in a women's game increasingly dominated by players from the Far East.
Matthew is a proud Scot, who juggles her work and domestic life, but recognises that she is fortunate to work with her husband, who is her caddy, and gets to do something she loves.
I like to write about self improvement, goal achievement and wealth creation, and perspective can take you leaps and bounds forward in all 3 areas. I write about it in my book 'Transform Your Life in 21 Days!' which I was thrilled to have reviewers describe as a 'real gem' and 'motivational magic'.
You can grab your copy at this link: http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
Don't forget to click the picture of me at the bottom of that page for the special price.
Ok, that's it for now, I'm off to check my perspective is in vision, or should that be vision in perspective...
'Til Next Time,
Health & Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
My book - Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
I hope everything is ok where you are.
I had a few days offline thanks to connection issues, but am now back up and running.
Today I'm going to talk about perspective.
A couple of weeks ago, Tom Watson came within 1 putt of winning The Open, the biggest tournament in golf. He's won it 5 times previously, so it may not sound much of a surprise, but the key fact is that his wins came many many years ago, and he is now just shy of 60.
In the end he lost in a playoff, and the atmosphere around the course was of a real anti climax, the papers next day had close up shots of his face with a drooping expression, talking about what would have been 'the greatest achievement in sport'.
I'm really not sure about that, but in the press conference afterwards, Watson said 'it's not a funeral', and that showed the early signs of his perspective.
Later in the week he told of how he had got messages of bad luck from US soldiers on active duty - soldiers who had maybe lost a hand trying to defuse a bomb, but still took the time to get in touch. Watson said it was *that* kind of action which was worthy of focus, not a 60 year old millionaire losing a golf tournament.
Perspective.
It's everything when it comes to recognising the abundance we have. We take it all so much for granted that our brains focus on the smaller things, and grow them out of proportion, precisely because we have lost perspective.
Well done Tom Watson for giving such a great reminder.
Since I'm talking golf, I will mention Catriona Matthew, who won the British Women's Open yesterday. She's a 40 year old mother of 2, in fact only had her 2nd child 11 weeks ago, and a rare British winner in a women's game increasingly dominated by players from the Far East.
Matthew is a proud Scot, who juggles her work and domestic life, but recognises that she is fortunate to work with her husband, who is her caddy, and gets to do something she loves.
I like to write about self improvement, goal achievement and wealth creation, and perspective can take you leaps and bounds forward in all 3 areas. I write about it in my book 'Transform Your Life in 21 Days!' which I was thrilled to have reviewers describe as a 'real gem' and 'motivational magic'.
You can grab your copy at this link: http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
Don't forget to click the picture of me at the bottom of that page for the special price.
Ok, that's it for now, I'm off to check my perspective is in vision, or should that be vision in perspective...
'Til Next Time,
Health & Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
My book - Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
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