I turned 29 over the weekend and have a ton of 'must do this before I'm 30' milestones rattling around in my head.  I'll admit, I'm not eagerly anticipating the big 3-0 but clearly realize another birthday is better than the alternative.

Here's my master to-do list for the next year, organized into personal and professional categories:

Personal:

1. Spend at least an hour a day (or an accumulated equivalent if I'm away) of quality, uninterrupted time with my kids.  We love to read books, wrestle, play ball, and do crafts.
2. Have one 'date night' each month with my wife.
3. Move into a new home.  Things are getting a little crowded in our current state. (note: we're in the process of looking for resale homes and exploring a new build).
4. Organize get-togethers with my friends every six weeks.  We've all been close since high school but now live in different cities and have busy lives.
5. Create and commit to a personal/family budget!

Professional:

1. Create and implement a base + commission compensation model.  This will serve as extra motivation and is something I think is critical in my sales role.
2. Acquire two new accounts outside of Canada.
3. Travel at least once to the US on business (either to pitch or attend a client meeting, conferences don't count).
4. Travel at least once outside of North America on business (either to pitch or attend a client meeting, conferences don't count).
5. Publish an eBook.
6. Participate as part of a panel at SxSW 2011
7. Speak at five conferences/seminars/workshops
8. Hire an admin assistant or office manager
9. Move to new office space with room for a basketball net (and the rest of the ResIM crew).

I think that's a solid start.  I'll be updating this post and crossing things of as I achieve them.  If you can help with anything I'm more than open to suggestions.

Earlier this year my Grandma Fernandes passed away suddenly in her mid-seventies.  I have many fond memories of my Grandma but there's one in particular that will remain with me wherever I go, whatever I do.

When Brendan and I first launched ResIM as a part-time gig back in 2001 I remember receiving much encouragement from my Grandma -- she was always supportive and encouraged me to pursue my goals.  I can't remember the exact date but at some point in those early years I was given a piece of paper with the following poem on it -- it's stuck with me ever since:

 

If you think you are beaten, you are;

If you think you dare not, you don’t!

If you’d like to win, but think you can’t,

It’s almost a cinch that you won’t.

 

If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost

For out in the world we find

Success begins with a fellow’s will;

It’s all in the state of mind!

 

If you think you’re outclassed, you are;

You’ve got to think high to rise.

You’ve got to be sure of yourself

Before you can win the prize.

 

Life’s battles don’t always go

To the strongest or fastest man;

But sooner or later the man who wins

Is the man who thinks he can!

 

The poem is called 'The Man Who Thinks He Can' by Walter D. Wintle.  You've probably heard it before but I thought I'd share since it's something I use to help guide me through the rigours of entrepreneurship.

I'm a firm believer in the power of positive intention, of visualizing the home run before you step up to the plate, and that sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can. Thanks Grandma.

 

 

As an entrepreneur there are many things I love about what I do, from setting direction and strategy to having the opportunity to assemble a team of great people.  There are also many things I'd rather not deal with, including wondering if I've chosen the right direction and dealing with the red tape of government and bureaucracy.

Until yesterday though, I couldn't really put my finger on the absolute best part of my job.  You see yesterday I facilitated a participatory discovery session with a group of people currently undergoing varying forms of cancer treatment (we're in the planning phase of a virtual experience project for the cancer clinic at LHSC).

Talk about sobering.

Though I listened to stories of fear and anxiety, the kind that can only come after being told you're going to die, I heard more stories of hope, determination, and a desire to outright crush this awful disease.

It was then that I realized the best part of my job is the stories I'm told.  From those that come after staring cancer in the face, to hearing the near impossible success of a small business, to learning about industries and meeting people that normally I would have never come into contact with. While some stories are more significant than others they share the trait of being told with conviction.

May of these stories overlap and weave together to form an incredible narrative that I'm lucky enough to be part of.  The resolve and strength of humankind, be it in fighting a disease or fighting the odds to succeed in other areas of life, is truly remarkable.

People have fascinating stories -- I consider myself privileged to have heard so many.