tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340309332024-02-02T07:45:08.707+02:00Survive to Alive 0.1don't just breathe, live!J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-67235473779037765132015-05-22T11:05:00.001+02:002015-05-22T11:05:27.010+02:00New Home<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am glad to announce that as of today Survive to Alive has a new home and refreshed purpose! For any future posts please visit <a href="http://survivetoalive.com/">survivetoalive.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please use the 'follow via email' widget and subscribe for future updates</span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-83341014843619798442015-05-04T21:32:00.000+02:002015-05-04T21:32:38.950+02:00Final Verdict: Big is Bad<div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For quite some time I have thought about big vs. small - as in big business vs. small business.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have now reviewed all the evidence, heard all testimony and have reached a verdict: Big business is bad. Yip, you heard me - big business is bad. Before you decide to stop reading and read that other guy's blog about financial derivatives I would like to review the case with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have had the opportunity to work with large businesses and also with small and there is something in the small business with a big heart that is not there in a big business with a small heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What I'm getting at is that big business should not be defined by turnover, profit, number of people, etc. Big business should rather be defined by the desire of the leaders and owners in the business to build something of great value for the rest of society on a large scale. The other view is when the owners of a <i>small</i> business see their organisation and purpose through the eyes of social benefit and not for profit primarily - BIG heart!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This point of view is what truly differentiates big from small. So, it comes down to a paradox: In order to have a big impact you need to think small. Small not in terms of revenue, market capitalisation or stock price, but small in terms of not missing out on the detail of staying true to purpose. I have personally been part of organisational growth and corporate buyouts and the obvious pattern is one where there is a desire to become bigger it is ultimately driven by quarterly numbers - "BIG"!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bottom line: Once the desire to do good is substituted for a desire to have more we all loose. It is the story behind the shift in the global economic landscape, and perhaps a good time for it to happen. It is a shift in the dominant global paradigm happening right now. This is a complex, interesting and challenging world and I am happy to be alive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I am calling to leaders and owners of businesses everywhere - will you simply survive from quarter to quarter or will you truly live.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Go from survive to alive!</span><br />
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J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0Stellenbosch, South Africa-33.9321045 18.860151999999971-34.142860500000005 18.537428499999972 -33.7213485 19.18287549999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-53576819858443800672015-04-17T12:40:00.000+02:002015-04-17T12:40:35.793+02:00Please! Less Rules but More Purpose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every day I go into the world of work I hope that I will find that elusive something that I am looking for. That something special, intriguing beautiful and liberating. What I however find, all too frequently, is something that is life-sapping and disappointing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I find a labyrinth of rules, procedure, politics and drama. We are caught in this fantastical illusion of freedom and security whilst we are unknowingly being lulled into a paradigm where we willingly follow rules at the expense of our greatest human expression of creativity and love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those who make the rules normally have no incentive to change their ways because they are in control. It will most likely take another generation to see a transformed business horison that catalyses the human spirit to reach heights and depths never seen before. Inside we yearn for this new world that we do not even understand yet. We just know that what we are experiencing now is just not enough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Especially the newer generation simply do not accept things for what they are. I sometimes feel like I am quite alone in the way that I see the world. I am told fairly frequently that I need to accept the way things are and be more patient. I agree that change will take time but I do not believe that I need to be patient in expressing, motivating, raising awareness and inspiring a world that has much more purpose centered on transcendental truths so that we can reach beyond ourselves to a world that is filled with peaceful purpose. A world that turns us away from our own internal ego-driven obsession and towards a community centered self-actualisation reality.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, I am unrealistic and I live for what is to come. I hope more people will start to open their eyes to a world where we use authority, control and power for their appropriate purposes detached from fear. I work towards a world that inspires trust, openness, learning, growth and beauty. I believe in businesses that not only have a purpose to help transform our society by putting the society before profits but I also believe in a business that puts their own people before profit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I ask all of us why are we doing whatever we are doing today?! We need more leaders at all levels to be asking this question and if the answer is not a clear indication that the organisation has the greater good at heart I respectfully request that you reconsider.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stop giving people rules in order to follow your egotistical vision and rather empower, devolve, decentralise and inspire. Your future and the future of our children depend on the way we organise and lead because business is one of the greatest drivers of change in society. Please! Less rules and more purpose.</span></div>
J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com1Stellenbosch, South Africa-33.9321045 18.860151999999971-34.142860500000005 18.537428499999972 -33.7213485 19.18287549999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-90854134197822338632015-03-17T14:57:00.001+02:002015-03-24T12:55:33.052+02:00Fix the Hole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's been a while since my last post. And that's the way it is for now. Perhaps also better because the world is inundated with the latest greatest whatever. I have in fact gone into my database of drafts and stumbled upon this post that I drafted 2 years ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I don't know about you but as usual this year started with a bang and I have been running at quite a pace for the last 2 and a half months. It's been students, presentations, organising, networking and managing on a consistent basis with more and more demands from a ever-hungry world out there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It really reminds me of a scene in Apocalypto, a film by Mel
Gibson. If you have not seen it perhaps it might be a good time to watch and reflect on
our place in this world. There is a scene where an old man tells a story around a camp fire and it goes like this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And a Man sat alone, drenched deep in sadness. And all the animals drew near to him and said, "We do not like to see you so sad. Ask us for whatever you wish and you shall have it." The Man said, "I want to have good sight." The vulture replied, "You shall have mine." The Man said, "I want to be strong." The jaguar said, "You shall be strong like me." Then the Man said, "I long to know the secrets of the earth." The serpent replied, "I will show them to you."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And so it went with all the animals. And when the Man had all the gifts that they could give, he left. Then the owl said to the other animals, "Now the Man knows much, he'll be able to do many things. Suddenly I am afraid." The deer said, "The Man has all that he needs. Now his sadness will stop." But the owl replied, "No. I saw a hole in the Man, deep like a hunger he will never fill. It is what makes him sad and what makes him want. He will go on taking and taking, until one day the World will say, 'I am no more and I have nothing left to give.'" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I look around me at entrepreneurs, students and leaders and it is clear that the majority is still trying to fill some kind of hole deep inside them with empty, vain, ephemeral things. I know that I also have to check myself - I am no different. I do however invite you on a path with me where we really ask ourselves if we are striving after emptiness to fill emptiness?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Shall we go from survive to alive?!</span></div>
J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0Stellenbosch, South Africa-33.9321045 18.860151999999971-34.142860500000005 18.537428499999972 -33.7213485 19.18287549999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-15582199616232482702015-01-15T21:04:00.000+02:002015-01-15T14:06:48.909+02:00It's in Your Hand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my work as lecturer, facilitator and consultant I meet a lot of people that are fairly miserable in their jobs or their business. At the heart of this blog there is the message that you cannot simply get by every day and settle for second best. You are not doing anyone any favours by being kind of good, half-alive or okay. The reality is if you are okay today you are probably going to be rather disappointed tomorrow. ...The trend doesn't get any better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you spent some time wondering about passion? Have you been frustrated enough in whatever you do to identify something that you are willing to stand up for - a conviction? Have you wondered about getting your dream job? I have been asked these questions a number of times by young and old alike. The answer is quite simple: It is in your hand. Instead of seeking the answer in the big things beyond your reach, start with your own dream. What can you see for yourself? It can be a year from now or fifty years from now. Heck! It can be a week from now...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Got it? Great! Now ask yourself what do you have right now that you have not yet explored 100% in order to make a move towards what you see? It could be a free course on <a href="https://www.coursera.org/" target="_blank">Coursera</a> or <a href="https://www.edx.org/" target="_blank">edX</a> or the guidance of a mentor that is a phone call away. Perhaps it is a book that you bought but have not read yet. You will however find nothing if you believe there is nothing. Once you have identified a course, a friend, a mentor or a place to volunteer - whatever - jump in with everything you got and fully utilise the opportunity that you have identified. If it works out and it is what you should do, master it. If it doesn't work out you have just learned about something in your life that you should probably stop doing and your dream has probably evolved and matured into something better. Get back on the horse and try the next thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you master that specific job, task, opportunity, etc. and you are not dead yet repeat the process whenever you find yourself frustrated and continue with the journey until you breathe your last breath. Up until your expiry date you are still good to go and should let your curiosity evolve into a desire. Let your desire evolve into a dream. Let your dream fuel your motivation!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The point is that it is much more difficult to see any opportunity if you are looking too far ahead. Take the dream and connect the dots all the way back to where you are now. In this way you make a dream a reality and you use what is already there and perhaps easier to access. I have used this approach over the last fifteen years and through it I have worked across various industries and careers, consulted and facilitated to start-ups and corporates, moved to a different city, moved back again and with every change gained greater insight into who I am and the dream that guides me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is the down-side and why few people attempt this: fear of failure. And now to put all of you at ease, yes, there is a fair chance that you could fail at some point, but you will be more alive than ever before. It is only through failure that our dreams can take shape and become real. In other words, if you have a dream but take no action in order to reach it, your dream in fact remains a fantasy. If you do take action and risk failure you take a step towards your dream and the closer you are to your dream the clearer it becomes. Experience is what successful people call their failure - on the path your dream leads you failure is your teacher.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Go from survive to alive!</span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0Stellenbosch, South Africa-33.9321045 18.860151999999971-33.9321045 18.860151999999971 -33.9321045 18.860151999999971tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-26905535985488410062015-01-06T09:37:00.001+02:002015-01-06T09:41:12.648+02:002015 and the Best is Yet to Come!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This will be an incredible year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">How can I be sure? Simple - I am alive and the opportunities ahead are simply staggering. What do you see when you look at this year? What are your hopes and dreams for yourself and the world around you? How will you contribute and add value in 2015?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It doesn't matter where you are in the world, all of us have a simple choice: Will you look for the best in everyone around you or will you only see the worst. You will find what you look for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Go from survive to alive!</span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0Stellenbosch, South Africa-33.9321045 18.860151999999971-34.142860500000005 18.537428499999972 -33.7213485 19.18287549999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-4878717535362372172014-11-04T11:59:00.004+02:002014-11-04T12:15:32.496+02:00The 'Why' of Work (part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago I wrote the first part of my view on the 'why' of work. And then I got busy at work... I also paused for a moment and took a break by the ocean. This has given me time to reflect on the 'why' of work with greater depth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through the lens of Connectedness work is viewed from the contribution and purpose perspective as indicated in my earlier post. As I get excited about the changing world of work and the incorporation of greater purpose in many businesses globally I have to remind myself that part of Connectedness is a world view of abundance and not scarcity, patience rather than haste:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“By the time it came to the edge of the Forest, the stream had grown up, so that it was almost a river, and, being grown-up, it did not run and jump and sparkle along as it used to do when it was younger, but moved more slowly. For it knew now where it was going, and it said to itself, “There is no hurry. We shall get there some day.” But all the little streams higher up in the Forest went this way and that, quickly, eagerly, having so much to find out before it was too late.” </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">― A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I look around me at the world rushing forward being pursued by a great beast of fear. We are afraid we won't have enough time, money, love or accomplishment - we are afraid we won't be enough.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">As I sat looking out over the ocean a few weeks ago I realised that this world is in motion and it is a force far greater than I can ever dream of controlling. I find that what I do not know I want to control, I also see it many other people and specifically 'leaders' and managers. As the quote above illustrates, we will get where we have to go; I will get where I have to go. I cannot live in the future at the expense of the present. Letting go is beautiful!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The 'why' of work is about us, about here, about now and doing whatever is here and now. It is about trust. It is trust based on a world view that in the end we will be okay. If it is not okay it is not the end.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">So today I call to all that feel that the burden of ambition is driving a wedge between you and those you care for, between you and the parts of yourself that you do not know yet and in fact creating a self-defeating drive yearning for an unidentified emptiness. Stop running. Breathe slowly and start living, here and now.<br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Go from survive to alive. </span></span></span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0Stellenbosch, South Africa-33.9321045 18.860151999999971-34.142860500000005 18.537428499999972 -33.7213485 19.18287549999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-65592940529054979812014-10-14T08:55:00.000+02:002014-10-14T08:58:51.152+02:00Pause for a Moment<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I did not post last week. I paused for a moment...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0Struisbaai, South Africa-34.806782000000013 20.046900000000051-60.328816500000016 -21.261693999999949 -9.2847475000000124 61.35549400000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-56252065775989180362014-10-03T15:04:00.000+02:002014-10-03T15:06:10.019+02:00The 'Why' of Work (part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In light of my previous two posts regarding Connectedness I am going to continue with three major aspects of Connectedness. In the last ten years or so I have been searching and have found three areas of life, and specifically business, that guide further inquiry: Why? How? Who?.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I believe that in whatever we do, and especially work, their is great reward in following your passion and connecting the 'why' of work to a greater purpose. I have therefore jumped at every consecutive opportunity I could get to figure out what I am best for the world at. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The 'why' of work has guided me on a quest for more, not more stuff, but more life. My journey has led me to foreign countries, to disappointment, pain and suffering but at no time have I had any regret because what I have also discovered is myself. I have seen many people go through their whole life and not have the experience and the privilege that I have had. I have also remained true to my family and in any choice if it leads to less intimacy with my wife and son it is not a good choice. This is in fact also very much part of Connectedness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have been working for myself or other people from a young age and I have been privileged to be raised on two continents and in three countries. This has fueled my ability to see the world as connected, rather than separated. In every opportunity I have been part of an organisation or business I have consistently looked for ways to improve myself as well as the organisation - this has led to some conflict. ...It is easier to make it in this world than it is to change it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When I was younger I simply grabbed hold of every opportunity and do my best. But as I grew older I seriously started asking at what can I be best? What are my talents? Where can I contribute? At what can I succeed? I experienced glimpses of flow or engagement which also led me to start writing this blog. Yet, with every new opportunity I grew faster and many times have outgrown my job within two years or so. What I have experienced is that with every opportunity I can more clearly identify what I am good at. This normally means that I start longing for the next opportunity to develop. Learning to be patient is very important.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The most important thing however is that I believe in continuous improvement and moving towards a greater purpose for work - the 'why' of work. Perhaps you don't have it today but I believe that improvement is possible. Yes the bills have to be paid, but that can't be why you work. If it is I seriously ask you today to consider your purpose and the meaning behind your work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Howard Thurman</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...And being alive is Connectedness </span>
J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0Stellenbosch, South Africa-33.9321045 18.860151999999971-34.142860500000005 18.537428499999972 -33.7213485 19.18287549999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-21560351448691786882014-09-26T13:39:00.000+02:002014-09-26T13:39:57.924+02:00Connectedness (part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Connectedness - a philosophy, approach, technique and movement (for lack of better description at present). Not individualistic only, but connected between us. By seeking us I find me. The level of truth found in the mess of relationships and the beauty of failing quickly and learning deeply.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Connectedness is the way that the 21st century is shaping. In the 20th century the work moved from the farm to the factory; the factory to the office and in the 21st century the work is moving online (or into the cloud). It used to be the unseen hand of the market and deregulation in order to set the human spirit free - there were a few mistakes...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It is however no reason to completely remove the old system (yes, the C word - capitalism). It is also no real good reason to kill all creativity with regulation. So what kind of 'ism' remains for us to utilise in order to shape the way we live, interact, produce and create in the present age? Is there a third alternative?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In order to answer this you must ask yourself what do you believe in? For years I have been exploring different aspects of <i>living</i> a life, and I mean LIVING! Not adrenaline, today is the last day on earth anything goes craziness - no! Real living means you are true to yourself and those around you, you seek your North Star and you align your heart and mind to it. From this center you act boldly, and with love in all that you do, you seek out every opportunity to grow and honour the purpose of your life. In so doing you also help others on their journey - LIFE!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Connectedness is an approach to life that unites, in paradox, agency and complexity. In order to fully utilise my ability to reflect and grow it can only truly happen in interdependence with others with the same agential capability. The presence of others and the constant changing context within growth means that together we are more than merely the sum of our relationships - something emerges from amongst us which amplifies individual agency and potential.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Most importantly it is openness, fearlessness and divergent whilst being convergent simultaneously.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is also the way that I am connecting with people and want to do more of. I am not trying to invent something that doesn't exist or even trying to come up with cool names (although that is fun too). Look outside your door, and you will see walls coming down. I know in some places walls are going up, I am not ignorant. The reality is however that you can decide whether you want to be part of the progression towards less wall or more - you're call!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Personally, I want to see the walls come down where it is appropriate for them to come down. I have a personal interest in business because it is the greatest tool to influence our society in order to become better together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What will follow in the weeks, months and years in this blog is a call for action and connection - will you join me on this journey from survive to alive?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com1Stellenbosch, South Africa-33.9321045 18.860151999999971-34.142860500000005 18.537428499999972 -33.7213485 19.18287549999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-76777416690953672002014-09-19T15:38:00.003+02:002014-09-19T15:43:37.103+02:00Connectedness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo_4B0xozcia_x4T-sPgwKE1wBd85ZbitLZfH5lieyW93taBjXjCgt8D7alZZjXEBh_GYRTZenZKo3ZpIfCZj7eFyumc07mAKqTdS0jJWL7MVZ_61z6eKWEJ-msq9yxFdVTq5/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo_4B0xozcia_x4T-sPgwKE1wBd85ZbitLZfH5lieyW93taBjXjCgt8D7alZZjXEBh_GYRTZenZKo3ZpIfCZj7eFyumc07mAKqTdS0jJWL7MVZ_61z6eKWEJ-msq9yxFdVTq5/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For 7 years I have been writing this blog - At times it has been more frequent than others. It started out as a project to connect with friends and family, develop my writing skills and share ideas and insights.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have also focused much more on intrapersonal issues and related this to broader issues in society. On a journey where I have refined my understanding and skill relating to change, innovation and leadership that has lasted roughly 14 years so far I have been privileged to learn about myself and the world we all live in. From the beginning of this blog I have considered the possibility of it becoming more. I have a passion for writing but also for instigating change and challenging leaders to take up their role irrespective of position or title. I dream of a world where more people get rid of the burdens that they take onto themselves due to societal influences, their own beliefs or other references that they might have built up and therefore create unnecessary rules that govern their happiness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">These rules that govern each of us creates a barrier hindering the possibility of true transformation that each of us has on an intrapersonal, inter-personal and organisational level.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is a world of plenty, not of scarcity; possibility, not impossibility. I want to connect with individuals that dare to dream in the same way and create a movement where those on the margins of society and on the margins of freedom can be included in an endeavour that helps to bring about a changed paradigm for the 21st century society. ...A society that revolves around purpose, people and meaning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I know there are many of you asking critical questions around your family, job, business, environment and the rest of society. The first step is to start talking the same language and then from collective meaning start to focus efforts on targeted areas by connecting and collaborating. This is where this blog will play a greater role in the future. It will become much more of an integrated platform where individuals and organisations can tap into in order to join a discussion as well as coordinate actions leading to greater positive impact.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am moving the blog into a more productive and focused mode as part of a greater service offering from my side. I will continually keep writing but also be exploring other tools and avenues of <b>facilitating movement of hearts and minds towards a greater interdependent force for good</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I will be using the term <i>connectedness</i> to describe this movement, but more on that in following posts... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As I develop this I will be connecting with some of you directly in order to understand the need and perhaps craft the most appropriate approach that will be more targeted and effective. At times I will be focusing more on the South African situation, but I will also be writing with an international audience in mind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I hope to see as many of you joining me on this journey going from survive to alive!</span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0Stellenbosch, South Africa-33.9321045 18.860151999999971-34.142860500000005 18.537428499999972 -33.7213485 19.18287549999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-26403281237973714592014-09-09T19:39:00.000+02:002014-09-09T19:41:03.605+02:00Pleasure and Pain (part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I finished my previous post with the promise of continuing the discussion on pleasure and pain as motivators. I also indicated that I believe that it really is a significant force to reckon with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have now been applying it to some of my own habits for example lowering my intake of sugar (sweets, in coffee, etc.). I am glad to report that it has been approximately 3 weeks and I have never before felt this good about changing a habit. If I can do this, what's next?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I need to tell you that I don't have a weight problem, but I want to keep it that way. If I can look as good as my parents do today when I am their age, I have a worthy goal to attain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Bottom line: this was my trial run and achieving this is my platform to start changing even greater things. ...Just keep watching this space.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But back to the impact of utilising the pain and pleasure paradigm for good. Every time I want to eat something sweet or add sugar to my coffee I simply ask myself: "Can I do without it just this once?". The answer obviously is a simple YES! In order to get to my yes I just imagine the joy I will feel to overcome just this once, just this instance and use that as my motivation. Not only that, I also see that giving in is a slippery slope and before I know it I will be an old fat man that regretted my bad habits when I was younger. I use both the vision of pleasure as well as the vision of pain to move me in the direction of improvement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I therefore utilise my imagination in service of a higher standard for myself according to who I know I am. This certainty propels me to make a choice that moves away from mediocre towards greatness. From simply surviving towards being fully alive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now it's your turn: Pick just one small habit that you feel you want to stop doing or one thing you want to start. When faced with the choice of not executing your power of choice in regards to your habit that you want to quit or start simply use your imagination and condition yourself into seeing the pain of <i>not</i> choosing your preferred option and the pleasure of choosing the preferred option. Give it at least ten days (step by step, instance by instance). As soon as you reach the ten day mark simply keep going and aim for three weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Once you've reached this point it is perhaps time to inspire everyone else by telling your friends, emailing me or even putting down a post on this blog if you really want to make a bigger impact.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I want to join you on a journey from survive to alive!</span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com1Stellenbosch, South Africa-33.9321045 18.860151999999971-34.142860500000005 18.537428499999972 -33.7213485 19.18287549999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-10674101401104013382014-09-01T11:53:00.000+02:002014-09-04T14:28:04.333+02:00Pleasure and Pain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I like to think that I am rather sophisticated and educated and that the reason that I do things is of truly egalitarian motivation... You know, one of those really 'higher level' individuals that have shed the burden of earthly toil. I see myself as raising above the squabble of the lower passions and that I am motivated by higher purpose in all that I do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yeah right! Who am I kidding? On my continual journey from survive to alive I pick up books of new authors on a regular basis. Some of the stuff I read is really not that useful or I feel that it is nonsense, but I continue to search. One of the authors that I have been avoiding for many years is Tony Robbins. Rah, rah, rah!... That is pretty much what I thought of him - a flamboyant charlatan posing as a one-size-fits-all self-help guru.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yet, I pride myself of being one of those 'higher level' individuals, so let me not judge. With this thought in mind I picked up Awakening the Giant Within, a book Tony Robbins wrote before the turn of the millennium and before the world drastically changed. So perhaps it is all out-dated...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">With positive expectation, none-the-less, I started reading and in those first few pages I read something I have possibly considered before. I mean, c'mon man! I continuously ask myself: WHAT MOTIVATES US?! I have a masters degree, completed various business and leadership courses and I have not been able to truly identify the driving force behind our decisions. And what do I find here in the pages of this book? ...Our decisions are emotionally driven in order to avoid pain or experience pleasure. Could it really be that we shape our pain and pleasure paradigm through our experience and accordingly realign our actions in order to either avoid pain or experience pleasure?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">With confounded intrigue and curiosity I read on and applied the theory, with reflection, to myself. Have I been caught in a trap of pain/pleasure confusion that leads to excuses and inaction? Yes! Indeed I have experienced some traumatic events, lived through pain and rejection and have allowed that to shape my pain/pleasure paradigm. I am telling myself, before it will actually happen, that certain activities <i>will</i> lead to pain. I then complete this wonderful cycle by reinforcing it with mental pictures of how I am going to suffer, but it has not even happened yet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Anybody out there feel the same?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The question is how is this keeping me from going from being alive? In my next post I will continue this discussion...</span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-17066050366486541592014-05-29T10:31:00.003+02:002014-09-04T14:28:41.782+02:00The Dogs That Bark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpm0mQgOgOqVYxiK2TKyBoDU-vBQukBV13_Y_vXZF0Fnbcasvniwb_ZgA6GMK4QCBjgfMxArUk5Bl31T6JMpkG57ZbT_GJd0z5lnDRNtvCsZZhkZnTLECsecyu8OIsLG0pbM8/s1600/no+fear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpm0mQgOgOqVYxiK2TKyBoDU-vBQukBV13_Y_vXZF0Fnbcasvniwb_ZgA6GMK4QCBjgfMxArUk5Bl31T6JMpkG57ZbT_GJd0z5lnDRNtvCsZZhkZnTLECsecyu8OIsLG0pbM8/s1600/no+fear.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Have you ever walked down the road in your neighbourhood, especially as a child, and pass a neighbour's house when all of a sudden, GRRRGH! ...a dog starts growling and barking at you from behind the fence?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I can remember the feeling that came over me: I felt insecure, afraid and vulnerable. I experienced anger because how could this animal do this to me - how could my confidence and self-sufficiency be destroyed in such a brief moment?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As I grew older I learned that the barking dog is really not that scary. I could easily recognise the true level of danger and that, in fact, I am the boss in the situation. Fear, along with the dog, flees with its tail between its legs in that moment of authority. I can recognise my capacity to overcome the situation because I know who I am and that I have nothing to fear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I still have the same emotional reaction in certain circumstances today. Recently I attended an event where I was one of the younger participants playing a leadership role. After an evening where I made a valued contribution I was, ever so politely, reminded by an older participant that perhaps I need some more experience before I actually attempt to participate in the way that I have. WOOF!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Really?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In an instant I wanted to react and cower because of my perceived inexperience pointed out to me. ...Perceived; perception; reality. What was the reality in the situation? The reality was that even though I did not have the grey hair or funny glasses perched on my nose I was more than sufficiently qualified to contribute. DOWN BOY!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I can therefore choose to respond, not react: I know who I am and I know how I got here. As I grow I will have even more to contribute - I know where I am going. I am not punching above my weight. It is about stepping up and recognising my own potential. It is about giving, authenticity and strength. It is about living.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I challenge you to recognise the opportunities that life gives you today to choose living and not surviving. Take authority in the moment and lead. They are hidden and it takes practice to recognise them and use them. They come in many different shapes and sizes, people and circumstances. It is when someone in the office makes another remark about your work; it is that family member that breaks you down; it is when you are ignored or bullied. The dogs keep barking, don't run away. Recognise your strength and do what is right today. </span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-55193741443064481422014-05-19T13:57:00.004+02:002014-09-04T14:30:14.275+02:00Awareness Economics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1FrhazS5hRRd5efikHLiDUdJ8cBvQgux7q-vKAvcje38OSuccIBs_-6_YcIugOQEFtHRVJUkRGZePQ1zEtFAdDGzQLwe7sGyZttZe63MDBeey0Yg5-a6bK22ZE1SN9DuW5BI/s1600/IMG-20140511-WA0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1FrhazS5hRRd5efikHLiDUdJ8cBvQgux7q-vKAvcje38OSuccIBs_-6_YcIugOQEFtHRVJUkRGZePQ1zEtFAdDGzQLwe7sGyZttZe63MDBeey0Yg5-a6bK22ZE1SN9DuW5BI/s1600/IMG-20140511-WA0004.jpg" height="190" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A few times on this blog I have written about the importance of knowing yourself. Sometimes I feel like I have even been a bit of a stuck record. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The last few weeks I have however been picking up books, reading highlights from my professional networks and talking with people who have all indicated the same thing: the biggest change that is happening is that we will have to develop the relationship with ourselves if we want to change the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This, in other words, is indeed a delicious paradox. It is juicy and rich in substance: Stop trying to change the world, change yourself if you want to change the world. ...It is hard enough anyway!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In my previous post I clarified the purpose of the blog and also clarified the two core terms of survive and alive. I therefore see this blog as a place where the new challenge of the 21st century economic environment, i.e. how much you pay for the food in your grocery store, how expensive your house is and how to take of yourself when you retire or provide for your children in the future, is directly connected with the internal life that we lead. It becomes economics based on how aware I am.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">From personal experience I can attest to the challenges of deep inner change that results in peace. I believe it is only from this place of peace where the correct desires can be cultivated which results in the kind of behaviour that impacts our economic choices on a global level.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is hard! It is hard because of noise. It is the clacking of keyboards, tweeting, liking, chirping, snapping cacophony that is designed to make us buy, buy, buy that keeps us from facing our fears. Stop rushing, running speeding and fleeing. Start sitting, focusing, re-centring and realigning to what is really important. Do you know what is really important to you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do you survive or are you alive?</span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-7223705948483940702014-04-23T15:23:00.001+02:002014-09-04T14:35:55.922+02:00I'm Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksmK75vD7d74GQFNTfbQ-18GbE7ax_2R0ZC4wVp_Oj9SDzZXgwV8WkDhAnl0sVR6F82KKV-uN6L1F2dgW2nL7c0AoVlHfrVtk4x1jrOt-gArauLAALUoFgdWer7SPoU7bcBiP/s1600/IMG_20140423_142359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksmK75vD7d74GQFNTfbQ-18GbE7ax_2R0ZC4wVp_Oj9SDzZXgwV8WkDhAnl0sVR6F82KKV-uN6L1F2dgW2nL7c0AoVlHfrVtk4x1jrOt-gArauLAALUoFgdWer7SPoU7bcBiP/s1600/IMG_20140423_142359.JPG" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After months of glorious introspection, reflection and redirection I am glad to say that I am gradually getting back into the blogging saddle. More than ever I am aware that writing is important. I believe it is important because I enjoy it, but it is also important because it has served as a platform where the unheard voices are united. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It has not only been an online conversation, but primarily I have experienced individuals speaking to me directly which has been inspiring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This blog is all about living a life that is testimony to being alive and not merely breathing. Surviving is the same old routine every day. Surviving is never facing your fears. Surviving is doing what is safe and expected. Surviving is never fully committing to relationships. Surviving is taking, being busy and 'me'. Surviving is command-and-control. Surviving is the majority.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Living is facing your fears. Living is accepting the challenge and laying another down. Living is doing things different, new and better today even if it means you will fail. Living is being, giving and 'us'. Living is connecting and collaborating. Living is the minority.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is the blog for the minority. This is where the real voice of meaning is heard. Its message is one of bravery, creativity, innovation and change. This blog is a challenge for better, every day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The journey always starts with ourselves. If we think we can change the world without doing the hard work of facing ourselves in the mirror, we have already lost the battle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So here is the warning: Don't read or reply to these posts if you are not serious about seeing through the change in society that frees us from ourselves; that frees us from <a href="http://www.sethgodin.com/sg/" target="_blank">sheepwalking</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Likewise, here is the mandate that comes with this blog: Read very carefully and REFLECT! ...Then partake in the discussion and pass it on to others with the same instruction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Life is not too short; it is exactly long enough for us to do what we have to. Get going!</span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-77966199846959958642013-07-22T20:05:00.001+02:002014-09-04T14:36:39.430+02:00Do You Leap?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUJXAAMG58Z26aBFeaiHP176xpp-UkU0bDF81KvgnOk5uZWDFboeEdhhZJ8vClc6jzUhQ092_zvf-GTztvK7RXy03cW1NjZYZQDxOTeMdWo2hnAsZdi8k03d3FAq8EqmgURCL/s1600/jackson+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUJXAAMG58Z26aBFeaiHP176xpp-UkU0bDF81KvgnOk5uZWDFboeEdhhZJ8vClc6jzUhQ092_zvf-GTztvK7RXy03cW1NjZYZQDxOTeMdWo2hnAsZdi8k03d3FAq8EqmgURCL/s1600/jackson+1.jpg" height="253" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Many years ago we used to hike to a place called Chrystal pools. It was a beautiful winding path up a valley near the coast not too far from where I grew up. At the pool there was a spot where, those who dared would climb up and then leap of the 10 meter high rocky platform into the icy mountain pool. A few times I would reach the top, quickly get a footing and then leap... Heart in mouth and wind in my hair I would then plunge into the icy depths feeling invigorated and invincible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Many times I also saw other people get to the top and start to hesitate - 10 minutes, 15, half an hour, an hour... Some people would eventually turn back and perhaps others would eventually take the leap feeling somewhat diminished as they did not do it as quickly or with as much flair as others. I believe life is much the same. Do you leap?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I challenge myself everyday (as far as possible) to keep on leaping. I now also understand that leaping means discomfort - the discomfort is where the growth lies. I challenge myself to keep asking if this is the best I can be? I try and do the difficult things first and get it out of the way so that I can focus more energy on creating. It is the boldness that shapes the next move; it is the game that becomes important; not winning as much. It is about doing a quick check to see if it is OK and then jump into the great unknown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Take the painting above (by Jackson Pollock) - when I look at it I see a history of leaping. How can I use colour differently? - leap. What is real? - leap. Perhaps what I can do is as good, or better, than what is out there - leap. What if what is acceptable is limiting? - Leap</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As you perhaps know much of my time (when I am not listening to a good tune and typing this blog) is taken up by lecturing undergraduate students in the field of business. As I sit here tonight I am reflecting on a day that I think will be the start of a significant next chapter in my life: The greatest tragedy that I am currently encountering working with students is the realisation of how they have been robbed of the opportunity to think and learn for themselves. For at least 12 years they have been told when to wake up, eat breakfast, go to class, take a break and go home. In this also lies the greatest opportunity. The opportunity to work with students to help them reshape their future based on a deeper understanding of what learning actually is. Learning is not in books (although they help) but in the world filled with opportunities to make mistakes. In other words, opportunities to gain experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For about 12 years of schooling they have been programmed to wait to be told what to do, what is important, what to learn and what the<i> correct</i> answer is. I understand that to get on in this world you need to be able to understand and apply 1+1=2, but much of our knowledge has to be questioned.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> The 'correct' answer is as helpful in a changed and continuously changing world as a inflatable submarine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There are an immense number of quotes by many renowned authors, which I won't quote here, that help us understand that ultimately we learn by experimentation. Go and have a look at these talks by <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation.html" target="_blank">Daniel Pink</a> and <a href="http://marshmallowchallenge.com/TED_Talk.html" target="_blank">Tom Wujec </a>to understand the value of risking, exploration, fun... LEAPING! Ultimately we are in a new world and new economy</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We live in a society that tells us that we need insurance for our house, car, health, life, cat, dog... We are not taught that you need to get into life, take leaps, experience the thrill of the cold water and even if you leap and it is not graceful, leap again. I need to confront my fears because that is where true learning lies. It is not in working harder and working the system with more intent. This is not acceptable any more. If I want to to truly live I need to step up, step out, and LEAP! I ask again, do you leap?</span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0Stellenbosch, South Africa-33.923119 18.865219000000025-34.133875 18.542495500000026 -33.712362999999996 19.187942500000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-83786597967638065142013-06-11T12:56:00.001+02:002014-09-04T14:37:32.478+02:00Hmmmm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgionbXabzXQ_5k3UxQnRmTuoIKhYxS7xUHN_t53oFEvfIgmaPI5PVndu4cKx5O-LBInoBMb1SmC4B_CW6sSrkYMhQzbFY-_zlN_h-tgEpSOSf4Ksfc62oADN02Brhm6y8l-2Qh/s1600/20120922_180648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgionbXabzXQ_5k3UxQnRmTuoIKhYxS7xUHN_t53oFEvfIgmaPI5PVndu4cKx5O-LBInoBMb1SmC4B_CW6sSrkYMhQzbFY-_zlN_h-tgEpSOSf4Ksfc62oADN02Brhm6y8l-2Qh/s320/20120922_180648.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is some writing on stuff. It may make sense on certain levels or plains depending on your paradigmatic orientation towards a multiverse reality. On the other hand it could be complete nonsense. The fact of the matter however is that in the broader spectrum of things nothing really matters. Although things have known to matter dearly to those who care about things that matter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I justly therefore ask what is the matter. Where is the beauty? Where is the monkey that whistles a Monet as beautifully as I dance the freed cave captive. Don't worry this is not suppose to make sense except for the meditative purpose of questioning stuff.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What stuff? Well your stuff off-course. Ultimately we only have our own stuff... don't you? I therefore propose that we reflect on what it is that we really need. What stuff is necessary?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I respectfully and specifically challenge those who are in the busyness of business - those who are driving the engines of industry. Entrepreneurs, CEO's, managers and leaders. You who helped entangle all of us in the relentless speed of nothingness. The pervasive beauty of creativity is the all-encompassing delight of those who persevere unto the transcendental reality (which doesn't really exist for those caught in complexity).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm sorry, I mean how do you pull on the strings of infinity and eternity to make the fleeting moment permanent? Yes, in business! Don't pretend like you don't know what I am talking about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We look for it everyday and hunger for it more and more. We know it is there but we spend so much time on the stuff that is served up that the real food is overlooked. If you don't understand this then you haven't begun to ask: your self? Go ahead ask: my self? Who is this really? Who am I being? Am I real? I therefore submit to you that the business person has no right to do business until he/she has found someone to do business for!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Business is the reality of our society, our faults, our beauty and delight. Don't switch off the lights. Get a message and get out there. Do something that will make people talk, smile and look for the good in others. Come with me and look at the beautiful connections between everything. Be part of the connections, find your place, your voice and go from survive to alive!</span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com2Durbanville, Cape Town, South Africa-33.8325 18.647500000000036-33.885261500000006 18.566819000000038 -33.7797385 18.728181000000035tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-20819552676566777482013-05-20T20:27:00.000+02:002014-09-04T14:38:47.931+02:004 Months as the Crow Flies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVjzCPGslwFLlncevJMUcpFpYzBJERzHDxGz3V4e6Hf8uuxWKsa_nqDfT6wSyNUmKeJS9_i1YosUZCfu_qHzO_SUabI3Xm-n4O9ejcJZ3Tysuom23CT4z2W9Dt9JgA3bY9Pld/s1600/Back+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVjzCPGslwFLlncevJMUcpFpYzBJERzHDxGz3V4e6Hf8uuxWKsa_nqDfT6wSyNUmKeJS9_i1YosUZCfu_qHzO_SUabI3Xm-n4O9ejcJZ3Tysuom23CT4z2W9Dt9JgA3bY9Pld/s320/Back+home.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And when I blinked the year was 4 months old (and counting). It has been a while since my last post... I have been thinking; restoring; reflecting and reviewing. I have been thinking of fears and desires, passion and purpose, complexity and transcendence. If there is one lesson that I have learned over the last year it has been patience. I now see my haste and propensity to haste much clearer in the light of the tension between desire and fear. In other words, in the past I used to attack the present in order to get to the future because I was afraid of missing the opportunity to prove that I am competent and useful. The reality is that I am competent and useful; here; today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I know that repetitive work frustrates me... A lot! I know that I can't hide in the corner world of ideas. Music, ideas and dancing energise me. Too much of my day does not incorporate creativity - I need more; I think we all do. I believe this is the key to being more and being more to others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It seems like it has been a mad dash in the last four months to where I am now. A good dash however because it has been at home. Our life is richer because of family, friends and nature. The improvement in quality of life is invaluable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After years in Johannesburg we have been living in Stellenbosch for the last 9 months and working as a lecturer for the last 4. It has been an awesome time so far and I know that it has been a time of restoration. It will probably continue on the same path for a while but I am tilling the soil. I am removing the old thinking that was embedded during the past 7 years. I am throwing off all the old labels and returning my competent roots. I am removing what is not important an focusing on who I am (yip, that old theme again). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It is literally easier said than done, but I am doing it. It is a constant journey going from <b>survive to alive</b>. I fight negativity, look for meaning, acknowledge that I am part of a great tapestry and that I have a part to play. My part is the one that helps people, and specifically people in business, realise why business is important, why they are doing business, how this adds value an finally how they run their business, or do business, because of this. I translate my competence into their competence.</span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com2Stellenbosch, South Africa-33.923119 18.865219000000025-34.133875 18.542495500000026 -33.712362999999996 19.187942500000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-45451765162688236452013-01-01T14:40:00.000+02:002014-09-05T16:42:12.802+02:00What a Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdZ2pp9GZUQWAdyYT-rVAt_gMv6_c0afA3SimKGt37ms5VbB0jeLpycOBUSGKT9_4bb6F5oMB2Mo2rqiWGNI_51utIUYAB0HD1PPbE9nBKMmB2DXZ6upF_eJgY6veNvlWq3Rf/s1600/Lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdZ2pp9GZUQWAdyYT-rVAt_gMv6_c0afA3SimKGt37ms5VbB0jeLpycOBUSGKT9_4bb6F5oMB2Mo2rqiWGNI_51utIUYAB0HD1PPbE9nBKMmB2DXZ6upF_eJgY6veNvlWq3Rf/s320/Lights.jpg" height="265" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I don't know about you but 2012 was truly a significant year! Even though my mind wants to tell me that I need to lose faith in many things I cannot deny that my heart says something completely different. So I guess this is where you expect me to tell you that I went with my heart... Not exactly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Even though I have continued on my journey I am definitely changed after a year of constant challenge, great disappointments and ultimately massive life breakthroughs. After a number of years in the business world I have come to the great insight that it is primarily not for me. I'm not saying that I am not interested in it but I am in fact not suppose to be active in the business world on a permanent basis. I have great passion for it, love to study it and help people reflect on it and their role in it but I am not interested in becoming a, how did Nicholas Nassim Taleb say: "corporate slave with "work ethics" (whenever I hear <i>work ethics</i> I interpret <i>inefficient mediocrity</i>)".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'll gladly earn less but live meaningfully at a slower, more reflective pace. After going through a period in the last year of ultimate reduction of identity I can say that it was not easy or pleasant but truly necessary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am now experiencing synthesis and do not entertain the tyranny of the <i>or</i>. I am not following my heart <i>or </i>my head but instead follow them both. I can now see how an unrealistic view of myself had me trapped and how a deeper understanding of myself is based on dynamics rather than homeostasis. In other words, I am constantly changing and the product of the complex relationships that I am part of. There is perhaps less in my control and less that I have to achieve. I am rather inclined to proceed intuitively but use my mind to understand what I have done and how my intuition operates. Perhaps it is a little like what the Oracle tells Neo in The Matrix Reloaded: "...you didn't come here to make the choice, you've already made it. You're here to try to understand why you made it." I believe we actually make many choices that is actually subconscious and by coming to understand our choices we could perhaps help to influence the subconscious in the future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am looking forward to 2013 where I know that I will make choices that are intuitive and then reflect on them cognitively afterward. I know that this is my pattern and rather than be someone I am not I can now embrace this pattern as my own and find and give joy through the use of my gifts. This journey ultimately leads to the annihilation of my fears through the fulfillment of my greatest desires but it has been a difficult journey to get to the place of self-knowledge that is a source of peace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, no new-years resolutions or new initiatives. No new targets or projects. Only life to the full!</span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-83676030237014395212012-11-09T08:57:00.000+02:002014-09-04T14:31:59.506+02:00Change Is Not Really Happening That Fast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtBcMhc4jY-MBW7Xskiyiehk86dxbP23SG3VDLJPa5cWLJslwFkK6ZZ9O-Dphsz8YauHhLU2eFP_pTxcFFF9CimQJ63JJzffB-hxcspJ4WRHJ-roHMog_GpE0eKBsK0Yo_w1o/s1600/20121106_161328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtBcMhc4jY-MBW7Xskiyiehk86dxbP23SG3VDLJPa5cWLJslwFkK6ZZ9O-Dphsz8YauHhLU2eFP_pTxcFFF9CimQJ63JJzffB-hxcspJ4WRHJ-roHMog_GpE0eKBsK0Yo_w1o/s320/20121106_161328.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The buzz in the business world is all about how complex things are and, specifically, how fast everything is changing. If you are a leader in business you need to be so smart and adapt so quickly... That is such a load of bull. Yes, things are changing quickly, or at least there are greater possibilities, choices and options available right now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What I find in businesses is that in general business leaders aren't really changing. Right now I can think of at least six leaders and business models that are based on old thinking. I understand that actual change really takes time. Media and the status-quo would lead us to believe that everything is changing so fast. In reality I see these powers that be as the ones changing the slowest. It is in their best interest to keep things as it is. Take the latest Robin Hood film starring Russell Crowe: Just when it looks like true change will come after generations of hierarchical, unjustified, autocratic exploitation by a leader over the people things simply remain the same - the leader has seen how beneficial a system of dominance is in his favour. "Why change it, it works for me?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The same thing is happening in organisations globally. Truly transformational models of business have emerged in the early 1980's in South America (here I refer to Semco) as well as earlier than that on other continents (the Tata group of companies come to mind) but it has been isolated. My question is why hasn't it happened more? Why hasn't this truly transformational business models been occurring much more. It is a model where the business is about people first and how they come together to create a better world through what they do - real meaning!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Instead of the direction of the organisation being set by a bunch of people that only want to see a financial return; how about the direction set by the people on the ground and who have a daily relationship with the business - they are the business.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So here is my current thesis on why this does not happen more: Leaders with big egos. Of the greatest leader when he is gone they will say we did it ourselves. The greatest leader is one that is not a leader. There is no such thing as leadership. I am convinced there is only love, dedication, vision and action. A person that can use love, dedication, vision and action to enable others to do the same is needed. It is not about them - they know that. It is about using their abilities to help others do whatever is needed to get the job done and do it in excellence!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As soon as we start talking about leadership people clamor for position, title and money. Ask people to help others achieve their wildly important goals and help the organisation succeed while these people get all the recognition and reward and I don't think you will have many people left that can do the job. It is a job that requires people to see them selves as enablers, facilitators and connectors so that things can start unfolding on their own. You have to be secure in your identity so that you don't have to fight for it publicly and embrace complexity so that things can unfold organically.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My aim is to spread the message and work with people to unleash potential and release creativity and let it go where it needs to go. What are you up to?</span>J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-83981046979971060842012-10-17T11:02:00.000+02:002014-09-04T14:42:09.409+02:00Dream vs Security<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYZKTyUg0Jtf3h3MtctJCfAU7fsFcBhqH67i2cIDi-N52MfMhpl_daWhFFF3nzpdyWdOHj6jCoYs5qbdBnXExigavAy2TuMryPXGOxCEO23WC6q8N5EGHkiP5eXJlm9CI0K-8/s1600/20121017_105746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYZKTyUg0Jtf3h3MtctJCfAU7fsFcBhqH67i2cIDi-N52MfMhpl_daWhFFF3nzpdyWdOHj6jCoYs5qbdBnXExigavAy2TuMryPXGOxCEO23WC6q8N5EGHkiP5eXJlm9CI0K-8/s320/20121017_105746.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On my journey I am continuously challenged by different opportunities. I dream of freedom, creativity and simplicity. As I dream I look around me to see what needs to be done practically. I am continuously aware of the tension between the dreams in my heart and the requirements of living a life that is secure. Secure, that's a nice word. What the bleep is it anyway... Security!? Is it freedom from danger, risk, etc. as the dictionary tells you? Is it something that we put on to make us feel better - a little like an expensive coat? A coat that can be taken away at any moment...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Why does it look like if you choose security you sacrifice your dreams? I see so many people that have settled for security or have faced the choice of taking greater risks and have chosen to settle for something secure. I personally also know people that have taken risks and have then burnt their fingers trying a new venture. The result is that they then choose a more secure option for the future. Can you blame them? You have to start thinking of the kids, education costs, retirement... The list is endless. The basic cost of a decent standard of living is rather ridiculous. Have you ever been in a situation where you look at what's left of your salary/income after deductions for medical aid, cars, house and a few other basics and thought to yourself: "How on earth is this possible?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am an idealist, iconoclast, dreamer and believer! I want to see the small guy win. I hunger to see a world that really cares but still gets things done. I hope to find many more inspiring leaders just around the corner. I see the future for others as they themselves can't even see it yet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In all this I have to find peace in tension. Tension between the dream and security. Tension between action and rest. Tension between fatalism and free will. Aaaagh! Man this is really frustrating... And actually very exciting. It is not just one thing. Not boring. In actual fact the challenge is beautiful. The way I see it is that if I can get a little more comfortable with change I can be so much more - BE, NOT DO!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I guess this is why I <a href="http://survivetoalive.blogspot.com/2012/04/try-stuff.html" target="_blank">try stuff.</a></span></div>
J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0Queen of Tarts, Cape Town-33.9358099 18.4677-33.9374564 18.4652325 -33.9341634 18.470167500000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-35691145962677375502012-10-10T10:03:00.001+02:002014-09-04T14:42:41.687+02:00Measure by Growth<div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAH88DUyxKtX2aAkRZsrYkVg6Rn_QFuzAoZNMZv6Y9ossUnlZaC3PkSfX63TetgWfBJ1lYBWDNveR2hCKYATx8mG9Kninbfj7OXS0MwgGgT9Mt-4nCT1cFXjd0g2n6tZS3nsB/s1600/20121002_104439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCAH88DUyxKtX2aAkRZsrYkVg6Rn_QFuzAoZNMZv6Y9ossUnlZaC3PkSfX63TetgWfBJ1lYBWDNveR2hCKYATx8mG9Kninbfj7OXS0MwgGgT9Mt-4nCT1cFXjd0g2n6tZS3nsB/s320/20121002_104439.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What do you measure by? Results are important but many times results come much later like fruit on a tree or grapes on a vine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Many times in the past I have looked back when it seems like I am heading in the wrong direction and asked my parents if they think I have made a mistake. The answer that I mostly got was: "No, because we can see how much you have grown".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Perhaps they are looking at results but it is results on a continuum. In other words the result is me being more mature yet knowing that it is the next step on the journey that I have achieved, not a destination or final measurable result.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My current season really reflects such a phase. I know that I have grown tremendously in the last year and have come to accept myself as I am more than ever before. I am making peace with where I am and have come to greater insight regarding ambition. I see ambition as the driving and destructive force behind our current global condition. Think about what ambition - the desire to achieve, stand out and be something, has done to our world and communities. Never before have we been so ambitious in our goals and never before have we wreaked such havoc on our planet. Inequality is greater than ever and even though we have made major advances that contribute to our standard of living we are no happier than 50 years ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I believe that it is ambition that drives a meaningless pursuit after our own, predominantly instant, gratification. We have polarised our societies into those that are rushing forward at a reckless pace and those that seek greater meaning and purpose in what they do. I don't think this divide will ever change but hopefully more and more people can meet in the middle where we engage one another in work that centers on love, money and meaning. I don't think we have to settle for the tyranny of the 'or'. It does not have to be about money or love; why not both?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What I do make a case against is the domination of our ambition that blindly leads us over the precipice into the abyss. Ambition that looks at monetary results and ignore the growth of individuals and communities. Ambition that ignores the growth required to make things more sustainable and full of life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So what are we measuring? What is the result we are looking for, and more importantly, who do we have to be to realise our dream?</span></div>
J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-588705799537600522012-09-26T21:30:00.000+02:002014-09-04T14:43:12.707+02:00Try Stuff<div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8WrQJm3QDVkK7_BayQdOuj2Lgo9bsdPduTJW3UhhDS4aGUvcopoN_RyORdRJo-JeW5HTpnz1b9mNzVelLUTXja1JjtTA18jlmdN7TryOBPLQMi0WxPf6hAAWKmJZch2TUZKY/s1600/DSC02816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8WrQJm3QDVkK7_BayQdOuj2Lgo9bsdPduTJW3UhhDS4aGUvcopoN_RyORdRJo-JeW5HTpnz1b9mNzVelLUTXja1JjtTA18jlmdN7TryOBPLQMi0WxPf6hAAWKmJZch2TUZKY/s320/DSC02816.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For those of you who don't know I am fairly young. I turned 31 earlier this month. I have however been privileged to live on 3 continents, an island, 3 countries, have witnessed snow, tropical storms, lava, amazing wildlife, bodyboarded in different oceans, snowboarded on a mountain, worked in vineyards, built a house, waitered, catered, consulted, coached, facilitated, studied, got married, and had a kid.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Maybe I am just restless and perhaps I could have been way more financially successful by now if I denied my heart and curiosity, stuck with tradition and tried one thing. In reality I see myself as experienced (experience is what successful people call their failures) and would not want to change a thing about my past. Point is that I love trying stuff. I know my personality is prone to this but I have really gotten in to it over the years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am always very sad to see people hide behind what is safe and never take a risk to try new stuff. How else can you truly discover your passion and purpose? I do believe it should come together in work that answers your need for love, money, and meaning but opening up the opportunities is essential.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Even now as I stand on the edge of something new and amazing (moving back to Stellenbosch in a few days) I look forward to transforming my memories into hope and in this way use my past to help create my future. Ultimately this is at the heart of our spiritual experience - looking back and making sense of what has happened so that we can be more in the future. It is at the heart of purpose and destiny; purpose and destiny that we choose. Choose to learn. Choose to live. Choose to be transformed and shed the shackles of self-centered ambition generated by our fear and ego. Who am I, where have I come from and where am I going? What do I live for?</span></div>
J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com3Unknown location.-26.14111 28.0055-26.142892 28.0030325 -26.139328000000003 28.007967500000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34030933.post-60445235595845280462012-09-13T09:52:00.000+02:002014-09-04T14:44:30.708+02:00Making the Change Connection<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgaVVx4tnKMLWSx1Sj01qq0YzYu50ilEJmHS5vX33uPW3Y1UXzCqUE-nmr-_viJ97yFdXjlxrv3VnZl5L4vIsph_E9EhjtIs3DfUOdTJg4hBgI_l_e2IPif3UHEp7HBjuAAmB/s1600/20120913_093147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgaVVx4tnKMLWSx1Sj01qq0YzYu50ilEJmHS5vX33uPW3Y1UXzCqUE-nmr-_viJ97yFdXjlxrv3VnZl5L4vIsph_E9EhjtIs3DfUOdTJg4hBgI_l_e2IPif3UHEp7HBjuAAmB/s320/20120913_093147.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
In my previous post I spoke about looking inside myself for real change. I would like to take it a step further and link it to the actions we take, the work we do, the decisions we make. Have a look at this <a href="http://www.storyofstuff.org/" target="_blank">clip</a> and take a few moments to think about the link between your internal world and the external world that you encounter. How does your behaviour (thoughts, actions and emotions) interact with the world out there? When we have a great idea and can apply it in our own lives it does not necessarily mean that it will flow to the world out there.</div>
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I don't want to contradict myself in terms of where your focus lies when it comes to change - change begins inside. Many times we are unhappy about our circumstances and we love to blame the rest of the world for our pain. In reality we create our own pain. Once I have however seen the error of my ways and can start to change my behaviour I want to start thinking about how it touches the lives of others. As you will see in the clip there are three ingredients to change: First you have to have an idea, then connect with other people and finally take some action.</div>
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What I have come to realise is that when changing something outside of myself has beome bigger than changing myself I have lost perspective. The most important guideline here is not to take myself too seriously. Being motivated by some misdirected sense of duty and therefor doing things because "I have to" is really not what I am aiming at here. In line with the values (freedom, creativity and simplicity) that I identified I frequently check that I am not striving to be accepted but rather let action flow from a full and whole heart. At the heart of the change process there is the reality that if I am not focusing on being changed I cannot expect others to change.<br />
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So I challenge you: Have you been changing inside lately? Have you considered how you interact with the world around you? How are your actions (or lack thereof) having an impact on the world around you?<br />
I think this is very difficult and the answer probably changes every now and again. I think there are some core things (values, principles and beliefs) that remain and define who you are but the how changes. The more you are aware of your core the easier it is to tackle the how.<br />
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I want to connect with more people that have a calm determination regarding their place in this world. I can't change this world but I would like to be with people who are changing themselves, improving their worlds and simply spreading that vibe. How about you?</div>
J-D Nelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10334543501380837468noreply@blogger.com2Greenside, Randburg, South Africa-26.1530743 28.0156811-26.1815803 27.9761991 -26.1245683 28.055163099999998