1. Quote I’ve been pondering this week “We all need something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for” – Aristotle
2. In a recent post I mentioned my last 2 years experimenting with not stretching. Now I’m slowly adding stretching back into my life and seeing what differences there may be. I fell out of a loft hatch a few months ago and gradually my muscles have been tightening more each week. I’ve been reviewing the studies cited here, where the evidence says 30 second stretches are optimal. There is also surprising evidence about the best way to sit. Have a read, I think you’ll be surprised too (I’ve changed the way I sit based on this article).
3. It’s still hot here in Denmark and my friends & family back in the UK are also enjoying an unusually hot sunny summer. When planning days out and wondering if it’s blue skies or clouds all day I’m using the Dark Sky weather app still, it really is amazing and still the No. 1 weather app for iPhone (it’s not free)
For those on Android have a look here for the top weather apps. The No. 1 spot is taken by 1weather
4. We’ve been here almost a month now (in Denmark), and as the bills start coming in and my first salary has been paid, it’s getting clearer this adventure is taking me away from my planned financial freedom goal. It really is incredibly expensive, to the point where I’m now nonplussed about it. Gas, electric and rent are literally 2x more than the UK average and it’s actually cheaper to buy most Danish products on Amazon.co.uk and get them shipped over to Denmark. Luckily I’m not motivated by money, though I am motivated by freedom and my freedom of choice. I’m still heading for financial freedom, it’s just going to happen later than planned.
What I’m reminded of is that life is all about experience. Stopping enjoyable experiences such as this move for myself and my family, in order to become financially free isn’t my goal. If I now no longer reach my financial goals due to my Danish move, then my kids will still have had a much greater experience of life than they would have back home. I’m cool (and grateful) with that.
5. I’m reflecting on my leadership skills at the moment. I’m in a position where not everyone understands the reason we’re here i.e the beliefs and vision of the company. There are teams where hires have been made based on skills and the need for a job to be completed (which isn’t always optimal). Simon Sinek says “The goal is not just to hire people who need a job; it’s to hire people who believe what you believe. I always say that if you hire people just because they can do a job, they’ll work for your money, but if they believe what you believe, they’ll work for you with blood, sweat, and tears.”
Psychology today has a good post on leadership, it also includes Simon Sinek. The last paragraph (pasted below) is pertinent.
‘Sinek says that good leaders are ongoing students of leadership. Their generosity breeds generativity in others. My Illustrious and ever humble colleague likes to say, “Just keep doing good work, and it all works out.” ‘
I’m going to keep on doing good work..
I hope you have a fantastic weekend!