Jason Womack

Where do you need to be?

Looking out over the next few weeks or months, where do you need to be? Is there a place, an event or city you need to see to get some of the new ideas you will need and use in 2011?

Traveling a bit over the past year, I experienced a couple of ah-has when it comes to professional development and building a network:

1. There are ideas available to me, am I available to them. As I was driving through North Carolina last spring, I set the car radian to "scan." For a while, I listened to tiny bits of different songs and talk radio. occasionally, I heard something that made me stop, listen and think.

Next city you visit, go somewhere where you can watch the world go by. A coffee shop, a park or a cafe are all great places. Observe as people walk by. Listen to bits of conversation. Notice what books or magazines they are carrying. Who knows, you may see a title or headline, or hear a comment that sets you off searching for some more new ideas.

2. Stay in touch with the people you meet. There are people we come into contact with all the time when we travel. If you happen to strike up a conversation and go as far as to exchange information, do keep in touch. Send them a card or give them a call.

It is possible to change what you see by changing the way you look at things. Talking with people and continuing to let them influence our ideas and actions is a single, strategic and powerful way to identify changes we could make and experiment with them.

Where do you need to be? Quick, visit a website or two, make a few phone calls, and see if you can get there in the next few months!

Please go over to www.FitAndEffective.com

Hello all,

I'm going to coordinate my blogging efforts, and post new entries at the "other" one. Give it a bit of time, and it will become a nice combination of my main area of focus:

Personal Performance and a Healthy, Balanced Approach to Life Fitness

See you there!

Ideas for the Whole Community

Nick posted some great ideas for "clearing the mental clutter." In an article coming out next month in Today's Parish, I wrote about the reasons we store so much "upstairs" and what to do "if" you wanted to get rid of even a little bit of it...

Interview on Voice America Business

Tune in on Monday, December 18th at 2pm PST / 5pm EST to Voice America Business.

I will be speaking with Roey as the year comes to a close, and another one starts. A successful author and industry expert, Roey and I will discuss some of the ways to set, achieve, and celebrate your goals - be they personal, physical, financial or...

I hope you'll tune in on Monday! Just click here at the appointed time...

Helping families reduce and manage stress...

...in the New Year!

Joe and I are putting together a short presentation in Santa Barbara, CA on January 18th. We are opening an invitation to anyone who'd like to come and discuss these (and other) important topics:

Balancing school, extra-curricular and family expectations

Communicating more effectively with your teen and family

Register by phone at 805-964-7762 or in person at the Cathedral Oaks Club located at 5800 Cathedral Oaks Road. Registration is limited to 25 participants.

What did he say?

Do you know how sometimes what is said...is not what is heard?

Have you ever shared a conversation with someone, only to find that afterward you walked away with a slight doubt about what was said...or, wondering if they understood what you were saying? One of the things I've noticed in presenting courses and working with individuals over the past decade is this:

Even the slightest mis-communication can radically affect the outcome of a conversation.

Just "another" week!

Well, I'm writing from LHR - the airport I'm flying out of today. London to Chicago to Dayton...where I'll be for the week.

What a morning I had, and it's really the culmination of an amazing 7 days. I woke up in a small town, just outside of Cambridge, England. Yesterday, I met up with some friends who showed me around town, and treated me to an amazing evening in their home. I could (and later will) go on and on about the conversations we had - it's incredible what turns up with an international audience.

Here are some of the highlights over the past week...

Are you expecting (way) too much?

Ok, I admit that I have pretty high expectations. Occasionally, they get in the way although usually they help me focus on how I can improve on something right in front of me. I've spent time with people at all stages of the spectrum. I've seen people leave a restaurant in the middle of appetizers, and I've heard someone say he gets by holding "extremely low standards" of others.

Recently, I presented a short seminar for a small group of professionals. On one of the breaks, a woman said that she was going to have to leave as she wasn't getting the content she had planned on getting yet. I asked her what she was looking for and she commented, "I'd like to know how to delegate more effectively and leave work at work when I go home."

Just a check-up...with me, that is

When I taught high school, a mentor suggested we (teachers new to her district) add a manila file to our storage systems.

"Make a file, with just your initials on it," I remember her coaching. We were invited to add accolades, personal stories, surprises...anything that made us smile...to that folder.

When I left teaching, I took that folder with me. I continued to add to it through the next job. Now, some 6 years later, I am preparing to move that folder once again.

The neat thing about it is this: each time I thumb through that file, I see things I've collected over the years, I am reinspired and reminded of what I think I'm here to do.

Try it out...do it for a year, and in your next annual check-up, review through what you collect. You may be surprised!

A blog on the Balancing Act

Here's the beginning of a blog post I read recently. The context is that of the week before Thanksgiving...interesting thing is, I've known people who faced this kind of situation regularly!

Link: The Work/Life Balancing Act.

I'm drowning lately. My to-do list is out of control. My reading material is piling up so high on my nightstand, I can't possibly make a dent if I stayed up all night reading.

And, I haven't begun shopping for the Thanksgiving meal I'm supposed to be cooking for 25 people. I need professional help!

Thanks Uncle Paul

Link: Womack: 'Coach' to many.

Paul Womack was buried Sunday, and the occasion of his memorial service reminded me of people we don't acknowledge often enough:

The coaches in our lives.

What is in the "in between" space?

I was presenting a seminar this week for a Fortune company going through some major internal changes/challenges.

At one point, talking about the physical act of completion (checking something off of a list) someone said, "But, even if you check it off, won't something else just come along and fill up whatever space was just made?"

It is an amazing question.

My thinking about it - now that I have had time to think - leads me to this point:

If the concern is there is always "too much to do," chances are that is where you will stay. If, however, the focus goes to something like, "The results of what I complete are greater than the sum of the parts," we could quite possibly gain perspective we not have had before.

I believe that the point of the game is to complete. Finish a workout. Handle a project. Meet with someone and share information that builds and (or) uplifts.

Then, when you are done with that one, fill in the newfound space with something new. See if that new thing can uplevel you to a new place. Enough lower-level completions, and you may automatically move up to something new!

My first "Ojai Post"

After working on it for longer than I thought I would, I just submitted my first article to the Ojai Post. Click on over, and read about one of my favorite "Saturday to-dos" while I'm at home...a ride along the Ojai Valley Trail.

An amazing week managing my...

A dream came true last month: I presented a workshop at one of the east coast business schools!

It was very exciting (and I’ll admit a little stressful in a growth/development sort of way) to get up in front of 80 professionals that day. I know I started off on the right foot when the audience was engaged in a small-group activity within 5 minutes of starting. Shortly thereafter, we were diving deep into methodologies and strategies to most effectively manage what I call The Big Three.

Radio Ojai - interview on being Fit & Effective

I met with Lisa Snider last week, and she posted our interview over at:

www.RadioOjai.com

It's just about 15 minutes, while we talk about travel, inspiration and staying "on your game."

Build someone's esteem

I was working with a client recently, as we were discussing the different ways to engage the team toward some new project they are starting. One of the main areas of concern: Team members were out "in the field" more, meeting with potential clients. She was looking for things she could ask her people to do to engage a conversation that may lead to more enhanced relationship-building communication.

I walked over to the white board in her office, and picked up three different colored pens. As she talked, I took notes. I did not try to organize, analyze or add to her ideas; I just wrote what she said. I started by posing the question:

What are some very specific ways to make connecting a more elegant, intuitive AND systematic process?

One idea we came up with, after the mind-mapping exercise, was to capitalize on the power of awareness. The idea that compliments go a long way in engaging people's interests. If possible, next time you see someone notice something outstanding. Is it their clothing? Jewelry? The way they handled a problem situation lately? Acknowledging their taste or ability will go a long way in engagement.

Meet up in San Francisco...11/21

Tuesday night, Ferry Building, San Francisco...after work meet-and-greet at The Slanted Door.

I'll plan to be over there by about 6:30pm or so, we'll meet in the lounge area. For those of you who have not yet been, you're in for a treat.

We've been able to enjoy these kinds of "after-work" socials in cities NY, Boulder, Cleveland, and even London! The topics of conversation vary, and the connections we make are always fun. So, if you're up for it, come on over for a little while!

1 Ferry Building #3
  San Francisco, CA 94111

A short interview on Time Management

Link: An interview on time management

Time management is a struggle for just about everyone in today's fast-paced world. On average, we receive at least 250 inputs a day, including emails, voice mails, and visits from co-workers and clients. Of course that figure doesn't include the thousands of ideas that go through our minds each day. How can we manage all of these details? In this interview, Jason Womack explores how to successfully do so by creating systems.

The Annual Womack Century

DATE: 12/24
TIME: 7am-???
Meeting Place: San Jose Middle School (Ignacio, Novato)

Well, we are now announcing the 2006 Annual Womack Century:
A Christmas Eve (12/24) Northern California bike ride. (2005 write up)

We will leave from San Jose Middle School in Ignacio (north Marin County) to tour approximately 100 miles of Northern Californian back roads.  You will be back home before dark; just in time for family dinners. (I'm going to post a map of the route soon...here's one to get you started!)

Bioneers Conference in the New York Times | Bioneers

Link: Bioneers Conference in the New York Times | Bioneers.

If you missed the conference or want to relive some of it, head over to the store and download some mp3s.

I'm on a new mission/quest. I want to read Pollan's book (The Omnivore's Dilemma), and I'm interested in starting some kind of book-discussion group. Jodi attended the Bioneer's conference (for the 6th time) in October, and came back talking about Michael's presentation. I'll share what I come up with as I continue my research. (If anyone's seen this book, please do share something in the comments area below...)

Turkey Day plans? Run a 10K (or 5K)...

...in Long Beach!

I'm signed up to run the 10K portion of this event on the 23rd...

The plan is to have dinner with my parents on Wednesday (after flying in from some work in Oakland, CA) and then run Thursday morning.

The Turkey Trot event sounds like a good time (over 3,000 runners!). Last year's winning time was 34:00...four and a half minutes faster than my 10K PR. This means that it will be a fast race.

I'd like to publicly acknowledge Justin Rudd for putting all of this (and other events) together for the Long Beach community. His interest and desire to get involved is inspiring me with ideas for my first entry since being invited to contribute to the Ojai Post. Look for something there in the next week or so...

A mention in USA Today newspaper

I was interviewed by Barbara De Lollis, and got a "small quote" in the USA Today newspaper today...

Visualizing a negative outcome

I observed in amazement a father to son communication event the other morning.  While waiting in line for a coffee drink, I overheard a conversation behind me:

"We've got 20 minutes to get you there."

"How long will it take?"

"At least 10 to drive, and with this line, you're just going to the late."

"That's okay, I show up late all the time."

But neither one talks!

Zuma (black lab) and Carly (my niece) have a very understanding relationship. It's amazing, although Carly is in to smaller words and a lot of gesturing, Zuma seems just fine acting as "guardian angel." I saw this picture and had to smile!

Goal setting for kids

Imagine if children were taught goal setting the way marketers were taught advertising.  By positioning information in a scalable, defined way, they would not only accept their dreams as probable, they would believe they are possible. 

Ultimate accountability

I had recently written about a wonderful book I read. I just picked it up again, and reviewed some of the pages I had flagged as "interesting." The conclusion of the book gives two pieces of advice that go beyond, they transcend mere behavioral economics.

The idea that we are all ultimately responsible for our actions is daunting. That we are somehow tied to the effects of our choices is significant. Whether you are managing time, managing a project, managing your career, or managing a family vacation...handling it all takes persistance and skill (and oft-times a bit of "faith in the process").

So here are a couple of "thoughts," and my thoughts about each one:

Pick your fights
  I'm reminded of some advice a mentor of mine gave me when she said, "Always do your best...never any less." (Thanks mom!) One thing the authors make a case for is to choose what you will win. In that act of decision making, it's easier to continue on toward success. (Especially when everyone knows what it will look like!)

November travels

"On the road again..."

Well, I'm off to the races (so to speak). If you're around any of these locales, please let me know!

November

1-4: Ojai, CA
5-9: Cleveland, OH
10: Ojai, CA
11-12: San Diego, CA
13-16: Boulder, CO
17-18: Ojai, CA
19-22: Oakland, CA
23: Ojai, CA
24-27: Yosemite Valley, CA
28-30: Ojai, CA

July 22, 2007 (!): New York City Triathlon

Last year, my friend James let me know how great this race is. "Come and race in New York," he said. "We swim with the current down the Hudson, ride around the island, and run to Central Park!"

So, if you're looking to join some "good 'ol triathlon fun," sign up and drop a line! I'll see you there in July!

Competing? Learn something

I understand that there are a lot of similarities between competing and producing; here are just two:

1) When you know where you are starting from, it's easier to get motivated; and,
2) The greatest result in finishing will be the combined minutes, hours, days, and even years of preparation.

Making lunches for the week...

Joe,

Thanks for putting this video "making school lunches" together! I'm sure many-a-parent will get a tip or two!

Inspired to keep on, keeping on

This e-mail arrived recently. It comes from a participant from one of the seminars I presented. I read it the first time late in the evening, traveling back home after a week on the road. Smiling as I read it, I knew what I had to do when I was done.

Since then, I've been traveling with "thank you" cards in my backpack. So far (over 6 weeks now) I am keeping my goal of writing one thank you card per city I visit. Sometimes it's the hotel manager, other times a restaurant server. I have written two to the airlines (and got a response!), and one to the manager of a theater. I can't explain how good it feels to send these out!

If you have the opportunity, try it out. Stop for a while and say "thanks" to someone. You will probably make their day...and you just might make yours is a byproduct to the process!

The "after" is an organized, controlled delightful part of my job. It is like night and day. I "see the light" now and it is shining brightly. I am so grateful for your teaching and so delighted in how it is changing my life.

I am encouraged and feel more confident about managing my work and home life. You and your teaching have blessed me.

Thank you so much!

- D.P., Colorado Springs, CO

Staying changed...

How do YOU answer "the" question: "What do you do?"

It happens more than I can count, and I understand now more than ever I need a better answer. Not that the one I have now isn't good; I just think it's old, out of date, and descriptive of what I "used" to do.

The answer I'm working with now to "the" question goes something like this:

"I work with people as they identify, build, and sustain positive changes in their life."

The more I refer to this role, especially with people I meet for the first time, the more I notice it does one of two things.

(1) They look away, laugh, and we don't talk much anymore, or (2) they look at me, and say something like, "Really?" (By the way, I'm noticing more people are doing #2 lately.)

What a way to talk to yourself!

I received this as part of an e-mail from someone I met last week. In her note, she described how she's continuing her own education and process to learn more about "how things get done." In reading these short lines, I'm struck by the intention to treat the human "being" part of the human doing.

I find that all too often it's easy to get "caught up in it all." This letter gave me the opportunity to slow down, and ask: How am I thinking about myself?

Months ago, I decided that 2006 was going to be “all about me” – not in a selfish way, but all about improving myself. . . . being the best “me” I can be (physically, spiritually, family, relationships, career, etc) will benefit everyone in my life. So far it’s working; I’m enjoying one of the best years I’ve had in a long time.

Leadership...what a fascinating topic

I'm working in Washington DC this week. The organization is one of the leaders in international finance and sustainable development. Walking to work yesterday morning, I passed this guy and seriously considered my role as a researcher and facilitator in the field of personal and interactive productivity.

While working with one of the HR directors yesterday afternoon, I met with one of his staff. We briefly discussed the topic of "discipline" as it applies to the workplace. "I know I have to sit down and organize my desk," she claimed, "but I just don't have the the discipline."

I shared with her my own experience, some 13 years ago now, when someone explained the way to take the "pain out of discipline." I was about to enter graduate school, and I spoke with a mentor from one of the universities I attended.

I described the program I was entering - a one year program, where I would earn a teaching credential and a Master's Degree in Education by teaching during the day, and attending courses at night and on weekends. I explained my "worries," mostly around the discipline it would take to complete the program.

What would it take to change?

Have you ever thought about making a change? Was it a big change, or a little one?

I remember seeing this article, and couldn't believe my eyes. But, then again, perhaps I've been affected by watching three of the women in my family fight breast cancer, and loosing one grandpa to cancer of the liver.

I have experienced a huge "health focus" with my family over the past 10 years. I am curious to hear of other people's stories about what it took, and how they sustained the changes they initiated.

Change or Die.

What if a well-informed, trusted authority figure said you had to make difficult and enduring changes in the way you think and act? If you didn't, your time would end soon -- a lot sooner than it had to. Could you change when change really mattered? When it mattered most?

Fingertip Knowledge - what do you know?

I remember as a high school teacher in the mid-1990's I was passionate about my students "knowing" their stuff. Teaching Spanish and US and World history, I was a proponent of memorisation. Now, I realize some of the things I "could" have done. It's not so much about what we know, it's can we find out what we need to know that keeps us going!

Here is a link to something one of my mentors (Elliott Masie) put out.

1. Fingertip Knowledge Podcast & Transcript:

One of my focus points these days is Fingertip Knowledge. You and I and most of our colleagues are increasingly using search engines, from Google to Corporate Intranets, to "walk" our way to the information or knowledge that we need.

Here is a Podcast (and Transcript) about the implications of Fingertip Knowledge and the Learning Field: Fingertip Knowledge Podcast, Audio Stream and Transcript. http://www.learning2006.com/university/
(Duration: 20 Minutes)

26th of October: After-work "social" in The City (San Francisco)

Hey, is anyone around on Thursday, 10/26 for some hang-out time? How about we meet at:

The Slanted Door
1 Ferry Building No. 3

They've got a nice lounge area and a "lighter-fare" menu. If anyone wants to meet there for an hour or so of conversation and "meet and greet" time, let me know! (I'll be over there after work and a run, probably around 7pm.)

Managing time itself

I've had several years of experience working with people trying to "manage time." This link reminds me of a workshop I'd attended several years ago. Have you ever thought about managing the minutes? How did it go? What would recommend someone do who was "trying to get more done, in the same amount of time?"

You need power to learn

When I worked as an apprentice carpenter (now almost 2 decades ago!) I remember the crew yelling throughout the day. Whether they needed help loading or unloading lumber, it was break time, or someone on one side of the site needed something from the other side, I remember it was loud most of the time.

Today, I look back on that experience with memories that have matured over the years. Simple things, like how I set up my tool belt, or what food I brought to work every day - seemingly small and trivial then - stand out as integral to the process. Just recently, I was thinking about those experiences while reflecting on the concepts of learning, development and change.

Finding a mentor

I am so looking forward to reading this next issue (it should be in my in-box when I get home!). I'm in the process of looking for a professional mentor, so the articles will be welcome at this stage of the process. Oh, here's a link to one of the "ultimate" mentors: Peter Drucker.

Editorial Calendar 2006.

September / October
Careers: Finding a Mentor

An amazing New York breakfast

I met with an amazing teacher this morning, someone who knows how to ask the most important and poignant of questions. We actually arrived to breakfast at about the same time (a few minutes ahead of schedule) and dove right in to the most meaningful of conversations. As I sit back, reflecting on the time we had, I'm wondering.

How often do people meet with the people who push them to greatness?

Where do we have opportunities to grow, and how do we maximize them?

If our best is our best, when can we demonstrate it to our outside world?

New York City Subway Smell Map (?)

Only a visitor to NY, I find this an interesting website! I mean, of course I know what they are talking about, but who knew someone had the time, energy and focus to put it together!

: Gawker: New York City Subway Smell Map.

Introducing Gawker's New York City Subway Smell Map.
Created from reports sent in by Gawker readers, the map displays particular smells -- horrific and sublime -- encountered throughout New York's subway stations. Mouse over any station to see the station name, subway lines, and types of smells to be found there.

Click on any station for a popup with actual reader smell reports.

An invitation to mentor

Recently, a colleague from the Denver area of Colorado e-mailed me. He asked if I would be a mentor as he makes his way through some new and expanding areas of focus and interest.

Jason, you have been a positive influence on me. I look to you as an example of someone that is living life to the full and being deliberate about doing so.

I was overwhelmed and inspired to connect with him by phone. So, we've started a 3-month long mentor/mentee relationship. I'm anticipating great things are on the way for us both!

Here's a link to part of the recording (my side of the conversation) if you're interested in listening in on how I begin mentoring. Please feel free to use these methods on your own, and do share in the comment area below your experience mentoring others.

The Big Easy...here I come

I have some work scheduled in New Orleans this week. I'm planning to get in to town early enough (on Wednesday) to get a short run in along the river. I was there back in '99, and did some work in about 2002...

I'm anxious to get there and see what there is to see. I'm anticipating I'll be really interested in helping out, and will keep my eye out for anything I could possibly do while I'm there.

Where is your 100%?

If you always give 100% still recognize and realize that 100% changes. Some days it's more and some days it's less, but it's always your 100%. Living on purpose requires there is a reason to get involved. Don't try and find a purpose, just go identify with something that you care about. At the highest level, at the top, in the most general terms...

I read this in my journal. It was fascinating to see what I was thinking about several months ago. I'm reminded that I can only do the best I can do. No, I won't always be the best, but I like to look back on a past experience - whether it was today last week or last year - and know that I gave all I could in the time that I had. Where can you be 100% today?

Why Smart People...

...any book title that starts off with those three words is bound to catch my interest!

I've found a new way to get to know someone. I ask them to recommend a book list. Then, I pick a couple of the titles that I like, buy the books, get a highlighter and sit down to "meet" the person who recommended them to me. My most recent win came in reaching out to a client I have worked with/for over the past year.

I asked the principal staff for recommendations, and received several. This is one I completely enjoyed. And, what really hooked me was the subtitle: "Lessons from the new science of behavioral economics."

On the back of the book, I read this quote:

A terrific introduction to the emerging science of behavioral finance, which identifies the ways in which investors' minds play tricks on them.

Upon reading through the book, I can say I agree! So many times, while reading Tom and Gary's words, I found myself laughing out loud or shaking my head in wonder.

I especially appreciated how these guys were able to take economic theory (terms like "vocabulary of gain," and "sunk cost fallacy") and make it practical. Perhaps the paragraph that stands out the most comes on page 99.

This probably isn't too surprising. Knowingly or not, you probably pay good money all the time to avoid feelings of regret or to otherwise maintain status quo. Leaving money in a bank account rather than putting the cash in an investment...staying in a relatively low-paying job rather than making a switch...failing to sell an investment...delaying a purchase...keeping revolving balances on a high-rate credit card...

I would recommend picking this one up! Thanks, Ron, for sending this one to me.

Home for the weekend...

Yeah, I'm in Ojai for a little bit!

If you know of anyone with two of my personal interests, please pass this site along. I love being outside, and I enjoy helping people. So, on Saturday, I'm going to run through Ojai, participating in a fundraising event for our local Ojai Hospital.

(It looks like it will be a fun, fast course. Some of these kids ran amazing times last year!)

TeleSeminar (Fall Fitness Ideas)

I've coordinated another TeleSeminar (with room for Q&A) for anyone interested. The issue to discuss:

Fall Is Falling, are you ready for fitness, schedules, and routines?

Hope to "see" you there!

Thanks, George

My step-grandpa passed away.

October 1st, 11:45pm. After over 8 decades as a delightful (and delighted) member of Planet Earth, George Henning passed away at the end of a long day. My step-mom (Gail) and my dad made the trip to Stockton (leaving Novato at 7pm), and Gail and George spent 90 minutes together before he passed.

I have a lot of memories of George...and over the past 22 hours I've noticed how they only become stronger with time. He's one of those guys who did a lot of good here, while he was here. And, in my hearts and mind he's a guy I look up to.

Are you 100%?

Let me share what 100% committment means to me. One Sunday last October started as one to remember. I woke up fresh and ready to run in a 5K race. The race went well: I saw many of my friends, placed in my age-group, won a prize, and got some great pictures with Zuma (our black lab).

That afternoon, I had a plan to fly from Los Angeles to Cleveland (through Chicago), to present a seminar in Mayfield Village on Monday morning. In fact, this was a last-minute addition to my schedule, as I had originally planned for a couple of days in Ojai. When the client called, however, I went back into rotation.