Training the Mind. Takes on Negotiation and Energy. We Are Going to Need a Bigger Boat. Bunker Buster? Did it Pan Out? Summer Madness.
- Quote of the Week: “You have to train your mind as much as your body.” – Venus Williams
Increasing or improving your training usually results in efforts to affect physical improvements. The reality is that focusing on your physical attributes often results in overlooking the intangibles of training, including managing stress, improving focus, and channeling aggression. There is no doubt that training is just as mentally demanding as it is physical, so it is obvious that all of us need to mentally train as well.
One way to mentally train is through mental imagery. The simple explanation is the process of visualizing oneself performing a task and tricking the body into thinking that the task is actually being performed. There are many examples of mental imagery and here are two that come to mind: 1) Preparing for running a 10K race, and imagining how you will run the race from the start to the 5K mark, and from the 5K mark to the finish line; 2) Getting yourself ready for a public speaking engagement is not only about rehearsing, but mentally preparing and imagining the way you open the presentation, how you handle interstitials, and how you close the presentation ensuring you have stayed on point and within the time allowance.
Michael Phelps breaks down how and why he used visualization (a.k.a. mental imagery) to prepare for competition.
- Last week’s post covered the topics of negotiation and energy. Both subjects generated a response – both interesting and informative:
Regarding my take on negotiation tactics:
“Interesting read about Voss’ philosophy (strategy) for negotiations. As the focus of my doctoral thesis, I used “Future Scenario Planning”, a method of strategic planning used originally by the military but also by major corporations such as Royal Dutch Shell, which helped them through the oil crisis of the 70’s. Basic idea is you develop a matrix of possible future scenarios depending on the “black swans” in culture and society. In this case, what are the major cultural, financial, or societal shifts that might occur and change the direction of society and how might they affect “us” as a corporation/entity. Desired outcome is that you want to position yourself/company to thrive in as many of the quadrants (should they come to pass) as possible. Clear as mud, I know, but the key is discerning the “black swans”. The guy I worked with on the project called them “boulders” rolling down the hill which we don’t see.“
Tracy A. is an executive with an energy concern and provided her insight into the go-forward with solar energy:
“Thank you for the opportunity to discuss energy. Everything I say here is my own opinion but informed by the work I do in the industry. In Texas over 30% of the power generated for daily use is generated from solar or wind. However, both solar and wind are unreliable at times as power sources, like when the sun goes down at night. Many residential customers are looking for ways to use solar with battery storage in their homes as a way to reduce their energy costs and for many this is a very good investment, but it is an investment. That combination could cost $30k or more which is not realistic for most homeowners. I think we will see a surge in solar investment through the end of 2025 when the tax credits will be eliminated.
For the future, I think small modular reactors are very interesting as a power source. There are many companies investing in it now, like Amazon and Google. My perspective is that we need it all. I think its great that we determined how to harness the wind and sun, but we need natural gas plants and nuclear power to continue to use energy the way that we have always used and enjoyed it. Which brings me to the Landman. I agree with the monologue in this clip – its just not as simple as we would like for it to be, there are always trade-offs. There is much to be discovered in the energy industry which is why I do love being a part of it!“
- The Reality Check Moment of the Week: This past Friday saw us reach a milestone. Fifty years ago, this movie kept millions of people out of the water at beaches across the world. On a $3 million budget, Steven Spielberg’s second theatrical release, Jaws, was both shocking and a bit disturbing at the same time. The Jaws theme will forever be correlated with imminent danger.
I have been asked by a few readers to comment on the Iran-Israel conflict. A dilemma as I really try to stay from both politics and religion. What I will provide is my viewpoint regarding the nuclear proliferation issues between the two countries, and for that matter with the United States and many countries around the world.
- I do not like war. The Middle East has bubbled up again and that really bothers me.
- Before the 1979 revolution that replaced the Imperial State of Iran with the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iran was a thriving country with a culture of art, literature, architecture, and of course food.
- Iranian leadership is on the record stating: “Death to Israel” and “Death to America.”
- Nuclear proliferation by a country that wants death to other countries is not something that I can support.
- A big question: Now that Iran’s underground nuclear facilities have been weakened, how long will it take Iran to rebuild?
- Is this new conflict about wiping out Iran’s nuclear capabilities or changing the dynamics of their leadership and the various militant groups supported by Iran?
- An Iranian regime collapse would be negative vibration for Putin and Russia.
My thoughts and questions are not based on politics or religion. I am only interested in the go-forward with Iran having nuclear capabilities. This video, from thirteen years ago, poses scenarios we should all be thinking about.
Thank you to all who responded to the Question of the Week regarding your childhood thoughts on a career path, and if your career followed those thoughts. Here are a few of your answers:
I think I wanted to be a business leader / CEO. I definitely followed that career path.
Professional baseball player…..my total lack of talent caused me to go other ways…
As a kid, I just loved playing with my friends/neighbors in small town northeast Georgia. It wasn’t until college that I focused on a career, and it was what my father wanted me to do. However, after three years of pre-med, I concluded I had no interest in being a physician. It is just so gratifying that kids today have so much access to folks in all fields of endeavor, to learn more about various vocations.
I wanted to be a sports journalist. Instead, a followed a path of business management.
Here is this week’s Question of the Week: If you and one other person found yourself stuck on a deserted island, what three things would you want to have with you?
Pure Talent. Kool & The Gang was well known for their many hits that covered the genres of funk, soul, and R&B. The band was honored with two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. This song was not one of their super hits, but it could be one of the coolest instrumentals ever, and fifty-one years later is still one of the best. Here is Summer Madness from Kool & The Gang. Pure Talent to say the least.
Three things I would want on a deserted island would be lip balm/gloss, quick dry towel, and toothepaste/mouthwash (only because someone else is on the island with me). 🙂
A great answer!!