Monday, December 31, 2012

Rearview mirror

" It's possible that you've never thought of ideas as competition at all, but as creators we have no choice but to think this way. We have too many ideas all the time, and probably you do too. Which to follow, which to wait on, and which to take off life support?" - Chris Brogan and Julien Smith, The Impact Equation

I try to view the past through my rearview mirror. This small but critical lens allows me to observe and reflect on the road behind me while maintaining steady forward motion towards the goals that I am committed to reaching...lots of interesting things back there but no time to pull over and stare.

As 2012 draws to a close I've been giving a lot of thought to the development of my business, X-City Athletics, my desire to coach others towards reaching their health and fitness goals on a full time basis, and the opportunities that I have before me to make 2013 a year of major progress in that regard. I am making some significant changes to X-City's programming, marketing, and business model and following those ideas which I find myself inspired by in the late hours of the night and greeted by first thing in the morning.

Julien Smith and Chris Brogan raise a great question in their new book, The Impact Equation. The answer, for me, is to follow the ideas which follow you, the ones that you can't shake no matter where you go, and the ones that you intuitively know to be worthwhile and deserving of your time and effort. Then sharpen them, refine them, and when the time is right, make a committed and targeted move to bring them to life. The time is almost right for a major change at X-City Athletics. I'm going to spend the first month of 2013 preparing to implement an idea that I am truly excited about and in mid-February I'm going to move on it. Hard. I hope that the start of 2013 inspires similar acts of calculated risk, impassioned action, and heartfelt advances towards the goals that you hold close...

Wishing everyone who's found their way to 100th Mile a truly happy new year. I'll keep you posted as this "big idea" develops (and if you have a goal that you're willing to share with the blogosphere-I hope you'll post it in the comments section and keep me posted too)

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

The Flinch

"No one has a problem with the first mile of a journey. Even an infant could do fine for a while. But it isn't the start. It's the finish line. Look at the finish line now. It's far and it seems impossible. You imagine you weren't meant for this. You think that you're not strong enough. In a sense, you're right.

What you're missing is that the path changes you. You're weak because you haven't stepped on the path. Once you do a process will begin. As you climb the mountain you'll get stronger. You might think that this path isn't for you,but it is-you'll just change along the way. The path itself  will toughen you up for the end. Right now, you just need to start."-Julien Smith, The Flinch


This reminds me a lot of running an ultra-marathon. It also represents the kind of writing that Julien Smith, author of The Flinch, has become noted for-thoughtful,inspirational, and exceptionally insightful passages followed by direct challenges to follow that inspiration to action: or admit that you're flinching.

Released as part of Seth Godin's Domino Project The Flinch is available completely free of charge. Visit Juliens site to download your copy: http://theflinch.com/

Amazon has at dubbed it a book too important to sell and, clever marketing aside, I definitely agree. Julien is a brave writer and this 122 page power punch is worth every second of your time. Give it a read and post your thoughts.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Paleo in Maine

I picked up the first few copies of my book Paleo in Maine: A Local Resource Guide for the Modern Hunter-Gatherer from the printers yesterday.

Paleo in Maine features recipes, resources, and real-life stories from farms and kitchens throughout the state and is officially available for purchase.

I'm holding a book release party at Morning Glory Natural Foods in Brunswick this afternoon from 1-3 and looking forward to some good conversations on health, nutrition, and the role of locally sourced food in our communities.



Check out www.paleoinmaine.blogspot.com for more info on the book and a list of upcoming events