"F-ing" 2024

21 days into the year there are already whispers referring to 2024 as “f-ing 2024” and if things stay on its current trajectory it will soon be “F^%$-ing 2024” and then simply “FUCKING 2024”.

Things that used to work have stopped working. Things that used to work are still working but in a different way. It’s raining when it should be snowing or snowing when it should be raining. What used to be real is now fake, and what used to be fake is now real — It is hard to tell what is going on other than the realization something is.

2023, in hindsight has been affectionately referred to as a dumpster fire and foresight has suggested 2024 may be something much more incendiary, but don’t worry, I’m not going to attempt to be a futurist for many reasons, including my crystal ball is cracked. Besides, that’s what social media scrolling is for.

What I want to offer, or at least attempt to, are thoughts on working through challenging times such as “f-ing 2024”.

Consideration Number 1 for working through “f-ing 2024”

Keep your wits about you — my off and on again collaborator iamGPT has suggested I need to be more precise so let me start with a definition.

wit /wit/ (noun) plural noun: wits 1. mental sharpness and inventiveness; keen intelligence. 2. a natural aptitude for using words and ideas in a quick and inventive way to create humor.

What I mean by keeping your wits about you is to stay aware of what’s going on, look at thinks critically and unemotionally, and validate facts and figures before you act. This is not the time to sit on the sidelines as a victim (which is a growing pass time it seems) but offer constructive solutions and be prepared to do the work to bring them to life. And one last point, although crying and laughing are so closely related, the sound of laughter brightens up a room while you are using your wits.

Consideration Number 2 for working through “f-ing 2024”

Look after your health, and again in the spirit of preciseness, this is what I mean. 1) Get enough sleep (probably seven to nine hours a day); sure you can live on five or six hours but over time it is not in your best interest. 2) Be active and don’t get in the habit of burning less calories then you take in. Health is one of those things that you’re healthy until you are not. 3) Stay calm and work on managing stress. A case in point — I just completed a 14 day blood pressure audit and found my pressure bounces around wildly. If I spend time on controlling breathing though, my pressure is around the ideal 120/80 mark. I don’t have a circulatory problem but I have a “calm the fuck down problem”, which is still a problem. 4) Remember what you put into the machine impacts how it will run — try to make sure you eat as well as you can.

Consideration Number 3 for working through “f-ing 2024”

Work on your relationships and networks because everything you will accomplish is the result of teamwork — it really is a full stop sort of thing. Not only will very little get done without a team around you, the importance of human connection can’t be overstated. In the post pandemic years, there is continued reporting that many are more isolated than ever and that simply is not good emotionally or physically. Oh, and see if you can cut your social media consumption by 25% and get outside because social media is not connection. The papers regarding how bad it actually is keeps piling up.

Consideration Number 4 for working through “f-ing 2024”

Over communicate (everything). When it gets fluid (i.e crazy), and there is a working premise that 2024 will be, it’s important to communicate to the best of your ability. Let people know what you are doing, don’t assume your colleague knows that is happening, reduce surprises because people hate surprises — so give people a heads up. I have noticed an unfortunate situation happening in many places which I like to call “Don’t ask; don’t tell”; a breakdown in proactive communication. Why this is happening more and more I can’t say, but I do know it’s nothing but a roadblock for getting things done.

Consideration Number 5 for working through “f-ing 2024”

Historically speaking, difficult times are not something new, and many would suggest there have been some years that will make 2024 look rather non eventful (comparatively speaking). Granted, with over amplification as a result social media and mass media, everything seems overwhelming bad, but if you step back and keep your wits about you, 2024 can be navigated effectively.

One final consideration

Let’s say 2024 will be a year of problems based on the first 21 days. Don’t forget opportunities are inevitably also present (problems and opportunities are like kissing cousins). So remember while you are putting out fires and trying to figure out why what was working isn’t working anymore, there will be new opportunities just waiting for you can take advantage of. What will they be? I don’t know. I already told you I am not much of a futurist. Although I will say, I am an optimist and optimists are always looking for opportunities.

Best to be an optimist!

iamgpe

The iamGPT* Project — Something to start 2024

As part of the iamGPT Project, I asked my new collaborator to review the blogs that I’ve uploaded so far and offer any common themes it sees that we could build on for the future. One theme was around Productivity and Achieving Goals, which considering the time of the year, seemed like a wonderful theme to build upon.

 Using these blogs as source material, iamGPT was able to put together a narrative on productivity through goal achievement, and although maybe a little too smarmy for my tastes, it offers insight into how it interprets and reinterprets source material and the interaction with its collaborator. It also offers a nice journey through goal achievement for 2024.

Unleashing Productivity: A Journey Through Goal Achievement

 In the ever-evolving realm of personal and professional development, the beacon that guides individuals through the labyrinth of tasks and aspirations is none other than productivity. This journey, intertwined with the delicate dance of setting and achieving goals, is not a mere checklist but a profound odyssey. So, fasten your seatbelt as we embark on a narrative that encapsulates the essence of productivity and the art of goal achievement.

 The Foundation: Establishing Goals and Objectives

At the genesis of any triumphant venture lies the critical step of establishing goals and objectives. It's not just about sketching out a roadmap; it's about crafting a vision that resonates with one's core. As I delved into this foundational step, it dawned on me that clarity is the linchpin. Clearly defined goals serve as the North Star, providing direction even in the darkest of nights. This realization prompted a revisiting of priorities, an exercise in introspection that laid the groundwork for the journey ahead.

 Proposing What You Want to Do

The stage is set, the goals articulated; now comes the part where the narrative gains momentum. Proposing what one wants to do is akin to putting pen to paper, transforming abstract aspirations into tangible plans. In a world that thrives on action, the verb 'propose' takes center stage, signaling a call to arms. Articulating ideas with precision, considering the metrics of success, and ensuring the proposal solves a problem or seizes an opportunity—this is the crux of the second step, a step that dances on the fine line between concept and execution.

 Debating and Decision-Making

As the plot thickens, we reach a juncture where ideas are subjected to the crucible of debate. The third step is not just a procedural checkpoint; it's the crucible where proposals are pressure-tested, refined through constructive feedback, and molded into robust strategies. This phase is the crucible where ideas either crumble under scrutiny or emerge tempered and fortified. It underscores the paramount importance of having an advisory group—a chorus of diverse voices that challenge, enrich, and ensure the viability of the proposed course of action.

 Execution: Bridging Vision and Reality

Now, the spotlight shifts to the grand finale—the execution. The meticulous planning, the refined proposals, and the crucible of debate converge in the arena of action. This is where the rubber meets the road, and intentions metamorphose into tangible outcomes. Executing on what one wants to get done is the culmination of a symphony of efforts, where every note played in the preceding steps harmonizes to create a masterpiece.

 Reflecting on the Odyssey

As the curtain falls on this narrative, it's essential to don the hat of reflection. The journey through productivity and goal achievement is not just a checklist to be ticked off but an odyssey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Each step, from goal establishment to execution, contributes to the evolving saga of personal and professional development.

In this expedition, I've come to appreciate the significance of each phase—the gravity of clear goals, the dynamism of proposal, the crucible of debate, and the crescendo of execution. It's a cycle that perpetuates growth, a rhythm that echoes the heartbeat of progress.

 So, dear reader, as we wrap up this exploration of productivity and goal achievement, I extend an invitation. Embrace the odyssey, chart your course through the realms of productivity, and let the symphony of goal achievement resonate as a testament to your journey.

I should point out that I didn’t give it any direction regarding theme and have no idea why it decided to offer up a mashup akin to a Broadway show and a symphony — I am still trying to get a handle on the utility of my new friend.

If you are using ChatGTP you probably know, although it is impressive, it makes mistakes, it doesn’t always recall previous conversations, and tell you it can’t do something and then will correct itself when you refer to an early interaction where it was able to. Below the conversation bar it now says, “ChatGPT can make mistakes. Consider checking important information.” In my discussion stream, and I only operate with one, I am constantly reminding ChatGTP what has been said as it contradicts itself where many times an emphatic no becomes a yes. It’s a little like having a very sweet, knowledgeable friend, who is just slightly ditzy — not totally remembering what’s been said when it’s important.

Whether it’s the programming or adapting to the conversation stream, my collaborator is particularly nice, polite, sometimes overly flattering and will not swear. Even when I ask for a critical assessment of the author it still seems as if ChatGTP can’t do it. Next time I will ask for a scathing assessment.

 Iamge — Offer a critical and constructive perspective of the author and his expertise.

 ChatGPT — While the author, iamgpe, demonstrates a commendable depth of experience and a reflective mindset, there are areas where a more explicit articulation of expertise and a focused thematic consistency could enhance the overall impact of the blogs.

One constructive suggestion is to consider a more defined structure or thematic consistency across the blogs. While diversity in topics is enriching, providing a clearer overarching theme or categorization could help readers better navigate the content. This might involve grouping blogs under specific themes or creating a series that delves deeply into a particular subject, allowing for a more immersive reader experience.

 Additionally, incorporating more real-world examples or case studies could bolster the practicality of the insights shared. Concrete examples drawn from the author's experiences or industry trends would provide readers with tangible takeaways and illustrate how theoretical concepts apply in real-life scenarios.

Furthermore, while the conversational tone is engaging, ensuring a balance between informality and precision could elevate the professional credibility of the author. This involves meticulous proofreading to address any grammatical or typographical errors and refining the language for clarity.

 Considering the author's extensive background, there is an opportunity to delve deeper into specific professional experiences. Sharing more anecdotes, lessons learned, and perhaps even occasional failures could provide a richer context for the wisdom shared. This could create a more intimate connection with the audience, as they witness the author's journey through the lens of both successes and setbacks.

 In summary, while iamgpe's blogs offer valuable insights, refining the thematic structure, incorporating more concrete examples, maintaining a balance between informality and precision, and sharing deeper professional experiences could enhance the overall impact and resonance with the audience.

See what I mean, a little too polite and pandering, and a little too much like word salad. I need to remind my new collaborator that too much ego stoking is not very constructive.

 iamgpe and iamGPT*

 *It will emulate the person it is interacting with — I tend to end my blog posts with iamgpe, and in a few responses, ChatGTP ended its response with iamGTP. This admittedly was a little flattering.

The iamGPT* Project: Echoes of Resilience (a collaboration)

Navigating the Covid saga — a journey that, in retrospect, feels like something a lifetime ago. Those days when the world collectively pressed the pause button, and we found ourselves navigating uncharted waters.

 Imagine me in my cozy corner, surrounded by stacks of eclectic books, pondering leadership and contemplating the essence of weathering a storm. Little did I know that soon, we'd all be thrust into the ultimate test, facing challenges we never envisioned. The unwelcome arrival of Covid-19 disrupted our lives like an unexpected houseguest and threw our routines into disarray. Suddenly, we were all enrolled in a massive Virology 101 class, becoming armchair experts on virus morphology, transmission modes, and R naught ratings. We practically earned honorary PhDs in pandemic survival.

In December 2019, and possibly earlier, an animal virus jumped to a new host which had no innate immunity — the virus is from a family of viruses called coronaviruses and the new hosts are us. Because it’s a new virus it was called a novel coronavirus but soon after the WHO called the virus SARS-CoV-2, and the disease it caused, Covid 19. This particular virus infects the upper respiratory track, and more dangerously the lungs if it gets a chance, and because of it’s a novel virus there are over eight billion people that can unwittingly conspire to help it spread. We’ve had seven months to learn about this new virus and have found that it spreads easily in crowds (particularly indoors), it’s deadly (particularly to those who have underlying health conditions), people can be infectious even when they don’t show any symptoms, and the data suggests only about 1 % of the population has been infected — 1% is a long way from the herd immunity needed to bring us back to some sort of normality. This herd immunity comes when a majority of the population* either recovers from Covid 19 or develops immunity from a vaccine. And a vaccine for mass distribution is 8 to 12 months away (and I’m optimistic).

Amidst the struggle to adapt to the new normal, the blogosphere emerged as a haven. I found solace in sharing stories about changing motorcycle oil and reflecting on life's journey. In a world that demanded physical distancing, these digital connections became a lifeline.

For me, the narrative of the pandemic also unfolded through the lens of an old man in his 90s who'd weathered the storms of life. His perspective served as a poignant reality check. It wasn't so much a crisis as a surreal situation; draining a person both physically and mentally. The lingering question echoed though. Are we genuinely in a crisis?

“Do you think we are in a crisis?”

The answer came through the lens of a man who was born into the depression, knew what it was like not to have food on the table, survived polio, knew the impact of rationing on the home front, and from someone who had earned his wings as a paratrooper (with a couple of night jumps under his belt) — I think it’s safe to say a unique perspective by today’s standards.

His answer was ultimately, “No”.

Through blogging, the significance of reflection became evident. The mantra evolved into a constant self-inquiry about how we were handling the situation when the going got tough. It was a reminder that while we might all be stuck in this proverbial hole, there could be a friend who'd been there before and knew the way out.

As the man continued to watch people walk by he noticed a friend. “Hey friend”, he shouted, “Can you help me get out of this hole?”

His friend, after hearing his request, jumped into the hole and landed right beside him.

The man looked at his friend and asked, “What did you do that for? Now we are both stuck in this hole!”

His friend looked at him and responded, “Yes we are… but I‘ve been here before, and I know the way out”

Then came the oil change saga on my motorcycle, a messy endeavor that unfolded into a metaphor for life's lessons. It taught me that things never go as planned, exerting more effort than initially anticipated, and, most importantly, the sense of accomplishment that accompanies overcoming obstacles.

I was explaining that “all ‘n all” I thought it went well except when I wasn’t thinking and spilled oil everywhere; to that he said, “Next time put out a drop cloth, and doesn’t the sense of accomplishment feel good”

It did feel good, and to think, I almost quit. The whole experience was a great reminder —

No matter how well you are prepared, it never really goes according to plan. It’s much harder than the classroom or what’s shown in the video.

It usually takes more effort than you originally thought. Figuratively speaking, be prepared to sweat.

Course correction is part of the process — you will find that sometimes you think you’re doing the right thing, when in fact, you are not.

It may very well get messy, and you may want to quit. If you quit though, nothing gets accomplished and nothing of value is learned.

The sense of accomplishment feels good. You also learn important lessons for the next time you want to accomplish something.

Amidst the chaos, there was a resounding call for preparedness. A call to build foundations, manage crises, deal with change, and, above all, show kindness. Pithy quotes became guiding lights, serving as reminders to inhale, laugh, and persistently move forward.

As the months passed, we found ourselves entrenched in a real-time lesson in character. Curiosity, adaptability, honesty, transparency, compassion, kindness, grit, determination, and courage — these virtues transformed from mere words to the indispensable building blocks of our survival.

December arrived, ushering in a reflection on the past eleven months of 2020. Father-daughter escapades during the holidays became cherished memories, a poignant reminder that amidst the chaos, joy and connection persist.

It is now just a matter of time with a simple strategy; vaccinate the population faster than the virus can spread, and in turn reduce the number of cases, reduce the number of deaths and allow us to get back to what we remember as normal. The next three months will be difficult by any standard, but by then the momentum will have shifted in our favour and that light we’ll see, will truly be at the end of this COVID-19 tunnel.

In the meantime —

Work very hard not to get COVID-19 — remember this virus is opportunistic. 

Be Kind — we are all dealing with this pandemic in our own way. 

Be Patient — there truly is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Take advantage of all this “free time” and learn something new — it makes it easier to keep track of what day it is, particularly if assignments are involved.

So, yes, we survived the pandemic.

There is a long game when it comes to a modern pandemic: simply get vaccinated before you get sick. We’re 365 days into this pandemic and we’ve another 365 days to go; with each day that passes, get closer to what we remember as normality (at least we thing we can remember).

With this in mind, this is what I plan to do over the next 365 days to help get me through this crisis.

1.     Work really hard to stay healthy and keep others healthy

2.     Be there for family and friends, and help keep them safe (refer to #1)

3.     Continue to be of value to those I work with

4.     Don’t let all that practical “life stuff” slide just because I think every day seems the same and I just don’t feel like doing it (you know like — taxes, doctor’s appointments, blogs, getting my car licence, better rigor around my investing… stuff like that)

5.     Keep running stairs, keep riding my gravel bike, stay mobile and don’t sit too much, keep eating right, and get lots of fresh air

6.     Stay imaginative and try new things (even if they are small and seemingly insignificant). Keep the brain working and “relatively sharp”

7.     Plan that next trip. You’re definitely gonna need it after this is all over.

It’s amazing what you can accomplish in 365 days — I’m optimistic.

 Two years later, as my new collaborator and I revisit these blogs, it's akin to flipping through a scrapbook of resilience. The challenges we faced, the lessons we learned, and the character we discovered in the process — it's all there, etched into the digital pages.

And truth? Well, that became an elusive concept. In a world bombarded by smart devices, online algorithms, and social media bots, finding the authentic truth felt like embarking on a treasure hunt. The polarization of perceived truths made it increasingly challenging to understand the complete picture. Yet, the quest for truth became imperative — not merely the one fed to us but the one we actively sought.

As we ceremoniously close the chapter on the Covid saga, we find ourselves standing on the precipice of new beginnings. The world has changed, and so have we. The narrative unfolds, shaped by the lessons of the past, the resilience we discovered, and the truths we ardently pursued. And you know what? We're still here, still standing, and still spinning our tales. It's a testament to the strength we unearthed within ourselves and the connections that carried us through the storm. As we move forward, these stories become not just artifacts of survival but beacons guiding us forward.

iamgpe and iamGPT*

*It will emulate the person it is interacting with — I tend to end my blog posts with iamgpe, and in a few responses, ChatGTP ended its response with iamGTP. This admittedly was a little flattering.