23 Dec 09, a day after Ice Cold Beer.
With the year coming to an end pretty soon, i sat around the last couple of days reflecting on the occurances over the year. While i set out to complete my objective for the year, some were accomplished and some were left hanging. Here goes for nothing.
Home - I spent more time at home this year, alot more as compared. Dawny and myself communicated alot more also to understand each other more. The emotional support she gave in my course work was massive, through her motivation i was able to move on and push my boundaries time and time again. Tesky had alittle more grey fur this year too, its a sign of maturing. We are starting to see her sleep more soundly as compared to a young pup that jumps up at the slightest sound. We love her dearly and hope she maintain good health for years to come.
Work - I did an entire year worth of mugging in school. The professional gains are obvious, while i grew up at the ground level doing very tactical actions learning things at the operational and strategic level certainly was an eye opener.I was expose to some amazing things and it reinforced the rationale why we existed. I would consider a 'tick' in the box.
Personal Development - I met my Executive Coach recently to close my developmental path for the year. Interesting, he was not too concern with my course work, rather he asked if i had grown in my personal development over the year. I was rather surprise by his questions. I had a quick response and on later part reflected deeper on it. I believe my biggest gain this year was in this area.
In the course work, we were expose to problems that were complicated and or complex (there is a difference, really). Critical Thinking teaches us to frame the problem and address the key issues that is cornering the problem. The solution will lead to finding that key domino(s) that once answered will resolve the entire situation. Such is the power of this methodology. I have picked up the skills and applied it in my course work and seen positive results. I also realised that it is a very useful tool to resolve human conflicts as i rationalised issues between 2 separate parties and have provided constructive feedbacks to both and they walk away feeling that their issues are heard and response taken.
To be able to frame the problem, we need to firstly understand what the parties are addressing, everyone has their point(s). We need to Listen Actively in order to capture their main points. This is especially useful in a arguement or heated verbal situation. Being able to differential the 'noise' and the 'sound' makes a critical difference in understanding underlaying issues and problems
To a certain extend the year in school had been fruitful, i used to think that being a diploma holder i lacked the 'flair' against the scholars. In the 11 months, i have manage to produce reaonable products and conducted briefings at various levels. My peers have given me feedbacks to reinforce my strength and aware of my weakness. This gave me Self Confidence and Self Awareness in the overall scheme of things. I know where i stand in the ecosystem, and more importantly i know my capabilities and weakness.
Fitness - I must admit that while i charted out my fitness goals this year, not all were accomplished. Some in fact went down the ocean....
I have maintained my swim this year, while i could not attend the regular swim class i tried to make up by swimming during weekends with more focus on quality workouts in speed. I lost some strength in the endurance sector but manage to stay within the speed zone without too much complications.
Getting a new bike this year was exciting. The process was however opposite, with the fiasco caused by the QR bike i was alittle upset by the manner it was managed despite personally knowing the contacts. Either way, the episode was over and the offer came for the Specialized Transition. I lost some riding fitness initially but is gradually getting it back with the long Desaru rides.
Running has always been my weakest link among the 3 disciplines. My main objective this year was to sort out my running, a change in training system, a change in shoe sizes and a new training partner helps. There are ups and downs, i experience my first DNS and DNF. I never thought that being fully prepared (can we be fully prepared ever?) i will drop out of the races. It was a hard decision but a neccessary one to make, i always tell people not to make it their last race hence i guess i had to decide and walk it out. I believed there is no shame to walk out of it if you think you gave your best shot, always live to race again and no race is worth dying for (Not even Kona!). My milage went up higher by about 20% this year, there were also more awareness of my run stride and run form, all these adds up to a relatively easy buildup towards SCSM despite a very tight 3 weeks final buildup, i was ready for it. Having a training partner helps too, in the past i ran alone or ran with runners that were faster in nature (i am slow duh..) maintaining the pace, motivating each other and finishing the runs are satisfying. Although we didn't meet our target timing this year, Eve has managed to finish the run with minimum walks. She felt good finishing and i felt good being part of her finishing process. Its a good partnership to keep this one.
As i embarked on my new job, the first thing that hit me was not being able to do IMLK 10 and not around to run SunDown. Its devastading for me but patience is key, it doesn't make sense to go against your paycheck which is funding your gear and races. While i have not decided what are my 2010 objectives, i half suspect my fitness is going to be affected. I will take the next few days to think about my goals next year.
SEASON GREETINGS
1 hour ago
