It's time to move on....

Here we go, it's time to upgrade this blog and to bring it to the next level. If you'd like to read my new posts, please go to http://gianpieropagliaro.com 

And don't forget... 

From AR: The 7 core qualities of a leader

While I was surfing on the web, I found an interesting paper from Anthony Robbins.... it always great to "refresh" great concepts

Here a recap in a nut-shell

The 7 core qualities of a leader

1. ENERGY:  Take care of your physical and mental energy. Be always in peak state

2. EMOTIONAL MASTERY: bring certainty into uncertain environments.

3. RELATIONSHIP MASTERY: the quality of your life = the quality of your relationships. Relationships are built by understanding and appreciating where people are coming from.

4. TIME MASTERY: Cut through the clutter of to-dos and focus on how to get results

5. OWNERSHIP OF PURPOSE: Great leaders are purpose-driven. not only do they know what to do, they know why they are doing it. They help to understand the power of WHY

6. FINANCIAL MASTERY: Effective leaders must have a certain level of financial awareness. Grow and compound your finances. 

7. HONOR SUCCESS & CELEBRATE VICTORY: Progress = Happiness. Correct in private and praise in public. When people are rewarded for progress and honored consistently, their hunger to become better is never-ending. Great Leaders find the way to appreciate progress in themselves and in others. 

Dare to be great...Dare to be powerful beyond measure

Where focus goes...energy flows

This type of gift is priceless....

Interesting article...Enjoy the reading...

"People on your team offer you gifts – not just at special occasions, but all year. These gifts aren’t tangible, and they’re not wrapped up in lovely boxes with beautiful bows. These gifts are nicely wrapped in a compliment, or, more often, not-so-nicely wrapped in a criticism or complaint.

Effective leaders open these gifts, regardless of the wrapping, to learn what they are doing that’s negatively affecting others on their team. For example, when your boss says, “You did a great job on that presentation,” the compliment is the wrapping. You can go past the wrapping and open the gift to learn more by saying something like, “Thanks. I’m curious, what did I do that was great? I want to make sure to keep doing it.”

Many of us judge a gift by its wrapping, so when it’s poorly wrapped – when it looks bad, sounds bad, or feels bad, we don’t open it. If, in a performance appraisal meeting your direct report says, “My division would have hit all our numbers this year if I had more support from senior leadership,” you may ignore the comment or respond with a dismissive remark. But when you respond this way, you turn down some of the most valuable learning opportunities you can receive.

Why do we reject these potentially valuable gifts?

They are vaguely worded. Research shows that leaders consider negative feedback more useful if it is specific. But gifts are often purposely vague, so the givers feel that they are taking less risk. Because we equate vagueness with being less helpful, we are less likely to open the gift.

They come as a surprise. Gifts don’t often come with a heads-up such as, “I’d like to give you some feedback.” They just get tossed into the conversation without warning. When they seem off-topic or feel unexpected, we are less interested in exploring the gift and less prepared to respond.

They feel inconsiderate or threatening.  The same research shows that leaders are also less likely to consider feedback if it is given in an inconsiderate manner. A gift like, “My division would have hit all our numbers this year if I had more support from senior leadership” can seem ungrateful or sting. That leads us to respond defensively; either we ignore the gift or reject it by saying something like, “We’re here to talk about your performance, not mine.” We want our negative feedback delivered perfectly; if it’s not, we let our own defensiveness undermine our ability to learn and improve.

How do you open gifts rather than turn them down? Try these steps:

Notice when people say things that lead you to feel upset, surprised, or threatened. When you feel this way, there is a good chance that you’ve just been given a gift that’s poorly wrapped.

Focus on the potential, not the delivery. When you focus on how the gift was delivered, it’s easy to dismiss it as off-topic, ungrateful, or whiny. But rejecting a gift doesn’t make the underlying issue go away; it just prevents you from becoming aware of it and being able to address it. There is a Talmudic saying, “Who is wise? He who learns from everyone.” Suspend your judgment about the wrapping, and focus on your opportunity for learning.

Respond with curiosity. This leads you to open the gift by saying something like, “I thought I was fully supporting you, but it sounds like I wasn’t. What was I was doing – or not doing – that you thought wasn’t supportive?” When you respond with curiosity and compassion, you learn things that people were previously unwilling to discuss with you. Discussing these previously undiscussable issues enables you to solve problems that were previously unsolvable.

When you accept a person’s gift – no matter how poorly wrapped – by responding with curiosity and compassion, you are giving a gift in return. You are creating the trust needed to talk about things that really matter and that will lead to better results. This type of gift is priceless."

You may say...

Planning Process: 5 key steps towards an enjoyable journey

It's time to share 5 useful principles for your planning process. Either your are preparing your next career step, or you are planning to run a marathon, those concepts will probably increase your chances to be successful.

Sharing is caring. 

Let's start.

1. From Action to Experience. often we end up with long to do list. All important things to do. But, while we go through this process, energy, motivation and time seems to become less and less. One of the main reason is because we look at those items as simple actions and not experiences. Now, look back at your to do list and think how you can live any action as an experience, for you and for all the people involved in that task. You will soon realize how powerful this concept is. The ultimate result: no longer to do list but true and meaningful experiences to live.

2. Making Progress. Often we focus on goals and we miss to enjoy the journey.  This may bring frustration and stress anytime we are far from achieving what we desire. In reality, happiness is not necessarily given by achieving a goal, but it's often the result of feeling you are progressing towards your goal. Progress and growth. These are the real principles that  can bring you happiness in the long run. Feel free to apply them to any sphere of your life.

3. Raise Your Standards.  Whatever happened in your life, whatever your life conditions are, never doubt that you can achieve everything you want. Live your life like a dream with open eyes. We may fall or rise... we may take 1 day or 10 years. Live fully your life and raise your standards. Aim for the best, in everything. You deserve and you can have it. You will soon realize the energy you will gain from this process. 

4. Your Plan can be ambitious and could require long time... what ever your goals are, don't forget to identify victorious baby steps. It will keep you motivated along the way and it will provide that sense of accomplishment and progress, necessary to continue your journey with energy and passion. Go Baby Steps!

5. Number 5: at any time, any second, any minute, any hour, any day... put yourself in the peak state. Build rituals to bring you there. We are often influenced by our thoughts, feelings... well, the good news is that we can change them any any time, in just one second if we want to. It's just matter of practice. Energy and positive feelings are needed along the way, don't lose time in any other state that you do not deserve. 

Finally... it's time to enjoy the journey. Wish you all the best... everyday...in every way!!!

When Competition meets Fun...

Boss and Leader... hmm.. differences...

I have walked the long road to freedom....

It's about making dreams come through. That's what you taught to all of us. That's what we got from your life-learning lessons. That's what we will carry-on with us forever.

Dear Nelson...or as many of friends call you, Madiba, not having your physical presence on this world makes our hearts full of "empty" spaces. It is sad to lose a person who became part of ourselves. 

So we look for answers, for something that will bring forward your charisma and your inspiration. During those hours everyone is sharing your quotes, your pictures, videos to find something that will keep alive any experience, inspiration, word and action of your life. 

I will personally remember you for the words that are part of this blog header since its creation in 2006. Reading your autobiography has been and it is still a continuos inspiration for me. 

Thank you for setting the example ad share it with all of us. It's now our turn to contribute and continue what you started... making a better world around us.

The only regret is not having met in person! But maybe we did it! As you will be there with us for anything we will be able to achieve towards your life mission.

May you rest in peace and enjoy "the glorious vista that surrounds you"

Gianpy

NYC Marathon: you expect to run a race and instead....you find a true life experience

"You make it the Marathon". A slogan that now makes sense. Running my first marathon was definitely a life-learning experience. A journey that starts with all the training sessions during the year, continues with all the up and down of the physical and mind conditions, and ends with 26.2 miles of people who constantly cheers for every single runner.

I'm grateful I was able to experience all those great feelings. I'm grateful to be part of it. I'm grateful I have touched all those stories of runners, volunteers, friends, charity organizations that meets in such a unique place and time. 

This is not just a race. It is a life-learning experience that will stick into my heart and mind for very long time!!!

Now I can say: I'm a finisher!

3hrs 52min 59sec

Dancing...

Smile...:-)

“A smile is a facelift that’s in everyone’s price range!” Tom Wilson

Morning Kick Off

HUMANS ARE AWESOME ...Breaking out of your comfort zone

"This has gotta be the Good Good Life".....

Time to share some nice thoughts about one of the song I had the pleasure to listen during yesterday One Republic Concert in NY. After the concert, I could not resist to download the lyrics and find the pearls hidden in this song. I was right, there are many but I leave to you to discover all of them.

On my side, I will share the text and an hyperlink to yesterday concert. Enjoy watching...and definitely
"this has gotta be the good life!" It's up to us. I'm in!

Watch the video of the concert (click here)

"............We're young enough to say

Oh, this has gotta be the good life

This has gotta be the good life

This could really be a good life, good life

I say, "Oh, got this feeling that you can't fight"

Like this city is on fire tonight

This could really be a good life, a good, good life

To my friends in New York, I say hello

My friends in L.A. they don't know

Where I've been for the past few years or so

Paris to China to Colorado

Sometimes there's airplanes I can' t jump out

Sometimes there's bullshit that don't work now

We are God of stories, but please tell me

What there is to complain about?

When you're happy like a fool, let it take you over

When everything is out you gotta take it in

Oh, this has gotta be the good life

This has gotta be the good life

This could really be a good life, good life...."

I believe I can fly....

"A Free Man is someone who is true to himself, who follows his dreams, and turns them into reality. You have to put fear to one side, it will always be there, but you have to follow your path. It's all possible if you put enough energy into it.  A free man is someone who tries to make his dreams come true.

Watch this inspiring video. (click here)

Credits to our friend Dave for sharing it!

I don't stop when I'm tired, I stop when I'm done

Can we compare our workout approach and life attitude? Yess...That's a great news if you are already sportive person. You already know that you can use the workout experience to inspire yourself throughout the day.

If instead you are not a big fun of the treadmill, it's never too late to start moving. You will learn that there is never an easy run, but there is always a great cool down moment.

Browsing on the web, I found those 10 tips to work out...or should I say.. to live a better life?

Enjoy reading

Gianpy

1. Be Consistent

Chase Squires is the first to admit that he's no fitness expert. But he is a guy who used to weigh 205 pounds, more than was healthy for his 5'4" frame. "In my vacation pictures in 2002, I looked like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man at the beach," says the 42-year-old Colorado resident. Squires decided enough was enough, cut out fatty food, and started walking on a treadmill. The pounds came off and soon he was running marathons -- not fast, but in the race. He ran his first 50-mile race in October 2003 and completed his first 100-miler a year later. Since then, he's completed several 100-mile, 50-mile, and 50k races.

His secret? "I'm not fast, but I'm consistent," says Squires, who says consistency is his best tip for maintaining a successful fitness regimen.

"It all started with 20 minutes on a treadmill," he says. "The difference between my success and others who have struggled is that I did it every single day. No exercise program in the world works if you don't do it consistently."

2. Follow an Effective Exercise Routine

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) recently surveyed 1,000 ACE-certified personal trainers about the best techniques to get fit. Their top three suggestions:

• Strength training. Even 20 minutes a day twice a week will help tone the entire body.
• Interval training. "In its most basic form, interval training might involve walking for two minutes, running for two, and alternating this pattern throughout the duration of a workout," says Cedric Bryant, PhD, FACSM, chief science officer for ACE. "It is an extremely time-efficient and productive way to exercise."
• Increased cardio/aerobic exercise. Bryant suggests accumulating 60 minutes or more a day of low- to moderate-intensity physical activity, such as walking, running, or dancing.

3. Set Realistic Goals

"Don't strive for perfection or an improbable goal that can't be met," says Kara Thompson, spokesperson for the International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA). "Focus instead on increasing healthy behaviors."

In other words, don't worry if you can't run a 5K just yet. Make it a habit to walk 15 minutes a day, and add time, distance, and intensity from there.

4. Use the Buddy System

Find a friend or relative whom you like and trust who also wants to establish a healthier lifestyle, suggests Thompson. "Encourage one another. Exercise together. Use this as an opportunity to enjoy one another's company and to strengthen the relationship."

5. Make Your Plan Fit Your Life

Too busy to get to the gym? Tennis star Martina Navratilova, health and fitness ambassador for the AARP, knows a thing or two about being busy and staying fit.

Make your plan fit your life, she advises in an article on the AARP web site. "You don't need fancy exercise gear and gyms to get fit."

If you've got floor space, try simple floor exercises to target areas such as the hips and buttocks, legs and thighs, and chest and arms (like push-ups, squats, and lunges). Aim for 10-12 repetitions of each exercise, adding more reps and intensity as you build strength.

6. Be Happy

Be sure to pick an activity you actually enjoy doing, suggests Los Angeles celebrity trainer Sebastien Lagree.

"If you hate weights, don't go to the gym. You can lose weight and get in shape with any type of training or activity," he says.

And choose something that is convenient. Rock climbing may be a great workout, but if you live in a city, it's not something you'll be doing every day.

7. Watch the Clock

Your body clock, that is. Try to work out at the time you have the most energy, suggests Jason Theodosakis, MD, exercise physiologist at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. If you're a morning person, schedule your fitness activities early in the day; if you perk up as the day goes along, plan your activities in the afternoon or evening.

"Working out while you have the most energy will yield the best results," Theodosakis says.

8. Call In the Pros

Especially if you're first getting started, Theodosakis suggests having a professional assessment to determine what types of exercise you need most.

"For some people, attention to flexibility or to balance and agility, may be more important than resistance training or aerobics," he says. "By getting a professional assessment, you can determine your weakest links and focus on them. This will improve your overall fitness balance."

9. Get Inspired

"Fitness is a state of mind," says fitness professional and life coach Allan Fine of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. One of Fine's tricks to get and stay motivated is to read blogs or web sites that show him how others have been successful. "Who inspires you?" he asks.

10. Be Patient

Finally, remember that even if you follow all these tips, there will be ups and downs, setbacks and victories, advises Navratilova. Just be patient, and don't give up, she says on the AARP web site: "Hang in there, and you'll see solid results."

Source: WebMD

Inspire and be inspired

Being inspired by colleagues. I guess I'm lucky... as it happens every day. Will pass the same message through... confident will inspire you as well.
Thanks Joe for sharing!

Enjoy

Hungry for Change....

Often we get involved in conversation about food, fat, calories, energy level etc etc... whatever is the status we are currently in, there is no doubt that this is a matter that affects our daily life and the way we decide to live our existence. 

The reality (and it's not a secret) is that eating healthy ensure a better quality of life.

There are several books or documentaries that talk about this topic. 

The first step is the awareness, the second is ... to be "Hungry for Change"

Here the trailer of an interesting documentary that I invite you to watch entirely (or if you prefer, read the book).

Enjoy

click here to watch

And the body said: "Now I'm onboard...Now you are good to me... let me shine to you"