So Happy to Be Right in the Middle Of..

It's hard not to take note of the world's 2nd largest timed cycling race when it cuts through the middle of your City! South Africa also hosts the biggest cycling race, being the Cape Argus in March. Today my thoughts go to the 26,000 cyclists in the 94.7 Cycle Challenge and more especially to the many charities that benefit from the event. The race passes through Midrand, and some road closures already affected me, the night before the race I had to re-route on the way to dinner with a friend! I suppose the level of logistics and planning mean that some things have to be done many hours in advance of the 05h30 Sunday start in Midrand. The race actually cuts Midrand in half, and some routes are closed for most of the day. . Depending on where you live, it's possible to get stuck at home for the entire day! Others escape for a weekend break/getaway to avoid this.

Cyclists race across Nelson Mandela Bridge  into Braamfontein (photo courtesy www.joburg.org.za )

I prefer running or hiking to cycling, although I have a great admiration for those involved in the race today. I believe that balance is important to success in business, which includes keeping a level of physical fitness for the sake of health. And for me that includes my weekly "rest" day.

The Real Rainmaker

I am feeling exhausted. And under pressure to achieve phenomenal results in this Radio 702 R1000 Business Challenge. It is a matter of honour. (UK spelling!). But one thing I decided irrevocably from the start, was that I would take 1 day off a week to rest. I don't want to land up in hospital after 6 weeks due to working 20 hours a day! I can do everything humanly possible to bring success to my involvement in this challenge. I can put as many "seeds" (or Beautiful Bracelets) out into the marketplace as possible. But without rain (or sales), it is all fruitless, running to and fro. God brings the rain. So today, I take comfort in the Psalms (since it is Sunday):

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from him.
 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
    he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
    pour out your hearts to him,
    for God is our refuge.

 Surely the lowborn are but a breath,
    the highborn are but a lie.
If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
    together they are only a breath.
 Do not trust in extortion
    or put vain hope in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
    do not set your heart on them.

One thing God has spoken,
    two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God,

    and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”;
and, “You reward everyone
    according to what they have done.

(Psalms 62:5-12)

20 Top Tips for Business Success

Donald Trump gives 20 Tips for Success in Business, they are:

1. Think big
2. Be positive
3. Follow your passion
4. Learn something new every day
5. Listen to your gut
6. Be patient
7. Put a great team behind you
8. Put beauty in everything you do
9. Learn to negotiate, because everything you want demands it
10. Always go for the biggest win possible
11. Invest in real estate because it is the best investment there is
12. Take risks
13. Be audacious and get into the public eye
14. Be your own brand
15. Enjoy doing some work seven days a week and on vacations
16. Say no
17. Get out of your comfort zone
18. Be stubborn when necessary
19. Always have a Plan B
20. Never settle for second best

I agree with everything except No. 15. If my Creator rested one day a week, then I am not proud enough to think I can do better. I have watched people (even in my own family) suffer emotional and physical health setbacks by ignoring the Golden Rule – to take a day off at least once a week to revitalise, relax, have quiet time with family, friends or in nature, whatever it takes to .restore your emotional and physical energy so that you can put absolutely everything into the tasks and challenges you need to face in your business environment.