Charting the Course for Success in 2014

Hello friends, I trust you had a wonderful weekend and wish you a very peaceful and productive week. On Friday I attended the funeral services for my brother’s wife in NYC. My heart and prayers are with my brother and his children. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Today I would like to share with my thoughts on charting a course for success in 2014. Last Thursday as I sat in the departure lounge at Pearson International Airport I could not help pondering where all the travelers were going? I could not help wondering what they would be doing when they get to their destinations. Most travelers in an airport usually know where they are heading. But do we always know where we are going in life? Do you know what you would like to accomplish in 2014? Do you have a solid plan for success in 2014? Or you just flying by or making it up as you go along?
As we approach the beginning of a New Year it is time for you to start charting your course for success in 2014. Success is achieved by developing a plan to put your dreams into actions. You need a plan or a roadmap to implement and turn your dreams for 2014 into reality.
You have to plan your work for 2014 and start working your plan. Your plan will be an important component to your success in the New Year. Use the S.M.A.R.T E.R framework when setting your goals that is make your goals specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound. You want set out the big goals that will get you where you want to go. Then break your goals into bite-sized pieces you can accomplish each. To do this you need to create a series of easily attainable goals and work towards accomplishing each. For example in 2013 I started to connect with youth groups, schools, colleges and other community based organisations to promote my Leaders Leave Legacy Workshop and solicit speaking engagements.
You must assess and keep track of your progress. A key requirement for success is accountability. How will you track your progress? In my case I am blogging about my progress. You will want to determine how well you are performing during 2014. As you accomplish those easily attainable goals you want to evaluate and re-evaluate your progress and over time revise or set new goals. You can use a daily, weekly or monthly planner as a tool to manage your time and track your progress towards your deadline. Make adjustments to your plan where necessary. You may need to refocus or change your approach. The key here is to make your plan dynamic. You plan should not be static.
You will need to identify the keys areas in which you will need help from others to succeed. You may also need to collaborate with others who have similar goals and objectives. Remember that that working or collaborating with other like-minded individuals can produce amazing results and help you achieve your goals.
To reach your goals, you must first determine what your goals are and then set a timetable to achieve them. Remember that your plan document your dreams into specific goals with a deadline. The secret of success is planning so write down your goals and your actionable tasks. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound. Remember that no matter how thoroughly you plan you can’t anticipate everything so be flexible.
The start of a New Year is an opportune time to chart your course for success …so let us get going or put action into your plan today for success in 2014.

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog  http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share. Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.

Creating Opportunities in 2014

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work”Thomas A. Edison

Happy New Year! May this New Year for you be filled with immense happiness, peace and prosperity.
For me 2014, is all about creating opportunities. For a start for the month of January, I am running a special free offer to deliver one of my presentations or speeches to groups and associations of no more than thirty (30) participants around the Greater Toronto Area. At the same time, I will also make the effort to volunteer my time and skills at the Regeneration Outreach Community in Brampton.
My friends and relatives believe I am lucky. However, I don’t believe I am lucky but rather I tend to create opportunities for myself and the people around me. Sometimes I just happen to be the right place at the right time. For example, once I answered my manager’s phone and the next thing I knew he made me special project manager. Some may call it luck but I don’t. I answered my manager phone because I don’t like calling places of business that allow the phones to go unanswered. What others may call luck I call it creating opportunities.
Please allow me to share my thoughts about creating opportunities in 2014. There are five things for you to take into consideration in order to create opportunities for yourself and others in 2014:

1. What are you core values and priorities?
In order to create opportunities in 2014 you have to assess your core values and determine the most important things in your life. One my core values is compassion and being charitable. As a child I observed my grandmother and mother being charitable and caring to others. Looking back now I believe they created miracles as they had very little yet they were able to share so much with others around them. They were very generous.
In 2014 one of primary goals is to continue to be charitable. At the same time my main priority is to provide for my family. Armed with clear core values and priorities I intend to create opportunities in 2014 for myself and others around me. What are your core values? What are your priorities for 2014?
2. Push yourself beyond your comfort zone
In order to create opportunities you have to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. In 2014, I am stepping outside of my comfort zone of working primarily in financial services and will explore opportunities in corporate training, social media engagement and product review just to name a few. I will continue on my of self-education, networking and asking for help in order to know where to look for new opportunities. By pushing myself beyond my comfort zone I intend to create new opportunities and move forward in 2014. I will be keeping my eyes open for new opportunities in areas where I would not typically. What will you do in 2014 to step outside of your comfort zone?
3. Don’t fail because of inaction
Failure is never an option for me but if I fail it will not be as a result of inaction. Propelled by the level of satisfaction and contentment I experience from my Holiday Season Food Drive, I will be carrying forward that same drive and passion in my charitable work in 2014. In 2013, I committed to be a source of inspiration to you and others and I intend to continue doing so in 2014. Think of it this way, I could have opted not write this post and not to share my thoughts with you about creating opportunities in 2014. However, as you all know by now I have taken action and I am fearless in my endeavour. If I fail in my commitment to you it will not be as result of failure to act. What actions will you take in 2014 to create opportunities?
4. Be in a constant state of alert or military boot camp
To be fearless does not mean to be careless and reckless. I have made mistakes in the past but they were not as result of fear but rather due to my fierce ambition and courage. You have to train yourself to create or look out for new opportunities. As I mention about commit to constant training and education to develop your core competencies. Life is about taking risk and you have to be adequately prepare to take risks and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone to create or exploit new opportunities.
Think about your constant state of alert as being in a military boot camp. You have to create rigid routines, structure and control over every aspect of your life. You have to be goal oriented, purposeful and focus. You have to be always ready to take advantage of the next opportunity. The truth is you may not know when, where or how such opportunity will arise. In order to create or identify new opportunities you have to adjust your attitude in a militaristic way. It requires self-discipline, sacrifice, determine and focus. You have to be mentality prepare to exploit opportunities when they present themselves. Will you be ready in 2014 to take advantages of new opportunities?
5. Have a plan for 2014
It is start of New Year and you will be hearing a lot about New Year’s resolutions. You will be hearing a lot about having a plan and writing it down. Create opportunities in 2014 by having your own plan. A plan is a framework or a roadmap that guides you to where you would like to go in 2014.
In 2014, create opportunities for yourself and others. How will you create opportunities in 2014?
Happy New Year
Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share. Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.

The Power of Believing in Yourself

Please allow me to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Olivia Wise, the Toronto teen who died Monday afternoon. Olivia was diagnosed with brain cancer two years ago after suffering a seizure on vacation. She captured our hearts with a viral video of her singing Katy Perry’s “Roar.”
Today I would like to share my thoughts on the power of you believing in yourself. The foundation of all success is the awesome power believing in yourself and self-confidence. In February 1964, a 22-year old boxer named Cassius Clay whom we all know today as Muhammad Ali defeated the heavyweight champion Sonny Liston. Before and after the fight Ali said “I am the greatest.” Ali went on to become one of the greatest boxers in history. Ali had the conviction and self-belief to say he was the greatest long this before he knew he was in fact the greatest. Ali later said that he figured that if he said it enough, he would convince the world that he really was the greatest.

Do you belief so strongly in yourself that you can convince the world that you are the greatest? You can achieve anything when you believe in yourself. However, if you are filled with self-doubts, uncertainties and indecisiveness it will eat away at your self-belief and self-confidence and you will fail at whatever you are doing. Throughout my life I have had experiences where the lack of self-belief and self-confidence fuels doubts, fear of failure and fear of rejection which resulted in my goals not being realised. For example, in 2009 I started my blog, McKenzie’s Voice, but I had no specific purpose and consequently I doubted my abilities to truly capture an audience and as such it did not take long for me to stop blogging. Since September I have been blogging daily and I am enjoying it tremendously. Today I have a much stronger conviction in my abilities and as such I have eliminated self-doubt and indecisiveness from my mind when it comes to blogging. As Henry Ford said “Whether you think that you can, or that you can’t, you are usually right.” You have to believe in yourself. You have to be confident whether you think you can or you think you can’t do something.
Self-belief and self-confidence is like a magnetic force that pulls you towards the centre of gravity. It pulls you towards your deepest desires and passions. It is deep in your subconscious mind and navigates you towards your goals, dreams and success. I like to call it the feel good feeling or positive vibration – in Jamaica we would say “I man irie!” Self- confidence is a state for full alignment where you are single minded and fully focused on the realization of your goals. Self-belief and self-confidence is an antidote against naysayers. Naysayers are people who will tell you can’t do the things that are important to you. They will discourage you from pursuing your passion. They will laugh at your dreams or ridicule you for the things you are doing to realise your dreams and goals.
Allow me to share another personal example. For more than 10 years I have honed and developed my public speaking and communications skills through my involvement in the Toastmasters programme. Earlier this year I decided I wanted to move my public speaking and communication skills to completely different level. I decided I wanted to become a motivational speaker. My passion is driven by the fact that through my work in financial services I have had the opportunity to see people and the world that we live in different eyes. I have experienced the beauty of different countries and cultures around the world and I firmly believe that by sharing my stories and experiences with you and others, you will be motivated and inspired to dream. Armed with this self-belief and self-confidence I commenced implementation and execution of my plan to realize my goal to be a motivational speaker.
One of the first steps I took was to accept the nomination and then got elected vice president of education for my home club, City Centre Toastmasters Club and I was also appointed area governor for four (4) clubs in Guelph, Ontario. These two roles provided me with more opportunities to speak within the Toastmasters community. I also joined a number of speaking bureaus in the Greater Toronto Area. I also started promoting my Leaders Leave Legacy Workshop among high schools and college students as well as to community youth groups such as RESQ in Brampton, Ontario. I also joined Terry Fox Public School Council where I am currently the co-chair. In addition, to my Leaders Leave Legacy Workshop, I also started to promote my advocacy work related to social issues such as human trafficking and youth violence in the Greater Toronto Area. I also enhanced my presence on social media websites such as Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Youtube and Google+ to create greater visibility.
Below I share three specific things you should do to start believing in yourself
Determine your core values
Your values in life determine your beliefs, about yourself and the world around you. I am driven by respect, love and generosity. I believe the people around me should be treated with respect and shown love and generosity. This is why I am so excited about my Holiday Season Food Drive to collect non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army of Brampton. Since the launch of my food drive I am truly amazed by how many people have told me this is a noble cause and commend me for my efforts. When you believe in yourself and chose to be a good person you will find yourself to be more positive and successful in life.
  • To determine your core values ask yourself the following questions:
  • What do you really believe in and stand for?
  • What are your values in life?
  • What qualities are you best known by others?
  • What are the core principles that are guiding your relationships with others?
Be Positive (Have a Positive Attitude)
One of the key factors to start believing in yourself is the importance of having a positive attitude. In one of my previous posts titled “The Self-made Man” I spoke about being a delusional optimist. For example, despite the empirical evidence of business failures I passionately believe that my business ventures will be the one to succeed. I have a positive attitude towards life. It does not mean I take an unrealistic view of pitfalls, uncertainties and risks. It merely means I believe in what I am doing and I am empathically confident in my ability to succeed. Remember Muhammad Ali said he was the greatest long before even he himself knew he was the greatest. Consider track and field 100m and 200m sensation Usain Bolt. Before the 2012 London Olympics that he said he wanted to be a legend and after winning the double triple he said “I’m now a legend. I’m also the greatest athlete to live.” When you have a positive attitude you will attract positive people around you. You will attract people who share your passion and interests.
To build self-belief and self-confidence you have to be positive. In my case because of my positive attitude I am always happy and cheerful and I always have an innate belief in a bright future. It does not mean that I don’t get down and sad like others. It does not mean I am unaffected by the lack of progress or failures. It just means that because of my positive attitude I am able to bounce right back up when I hit a hurdle or an obstacle.
I expect good things to happen but I am also conscious that sometimes things don’t always go as planned. Last week someone told me I had no leadership experience and when I smiled she said you take that so calmly. It is true I respond to most things calmly but never without thinking how can I improve as a leader or what have I learned from the experience or what are the things I can do to become a better leader?
Having a positive attitude means where others see challenges I look for opportunities. It means where others see failures, I see experiences and lessons learned. I see the good in people around me and in most situations. To build your self-belief and self-confidence you need to have a positive attitude.
Take Action
Your actions should be consistent with your core values. In my blog yesterday titled “Elon Musk and SpaceX’s Goal Setting and Success” I spoke about the grand plan for the Colonisation of Mars. Your actions to support your core values don’t have to be as grand as building rockets and spacecraft that may one day be used to transport 80,000 people to colonise the Red Planet.
Your action should be consistent to your core values and the activities you are taking to pursue your passion. Your actions should be a reflection of your innermost values, beliefs, and expectations on the inside. This is why what you achieve in life and work will be determined more by what is going on inside of you than by any other factor. My core values are respect, love and generosity. In small ways such as leading a Holiday Season Food Drive or through inspirational blogs such as this one I am taking actions to support my core values and pursue my dreams.
Thanks for reading my blog today and may your day and week be filled with power of believing in yourself and self-confidence.
Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share. Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.

5 Tips for Facing Challenges in 2014

My heartfelt condolences and prayer goes out to the families and friends of those who died in the fire at Résidence du Havre in L’Isle-Verte in Quebec last week. Whenever tragedies such as this occur I usually question the existence of God. Ultimately I accept that there are realities that lie beyond my comprehension and accept such inexplicable mysteries with trustful humility. In the end I respond to such tragedies with composure, quietness, respect and honour. May the souls of the senior citizens who perished in the fire rest in peace and blessing shine on the survivors, families, friends, love ones and first responders.
Last week I faced my own challenges too but it cannot be compared with the losses experienced by those affected by the fire in Quebec. Few days ago I was hit with the bombshell news that I had loss an important client that represented a large part of my consulting practice revenue. For the past three years I supported the client providing advice on technical matters and policy development. The client has decided that they have now built sufficient capacity to fill the role internally. The client was awesome as a primary source of revenue and the work was extremely stimulating.
I knew from the beginning that my practice was overexposed due to the significant level of dependence on the client. The brutal truth is my greatest fear is now a reality and I will now have to intensive my search for other opportunities to replace the revenue hit. The departure of the client comes at the same time when I am also feeling the negative effects of a rapidly declining Canadian dollar. In fact I was speaking with a friend about my experience and he said to me “damn man you might be worth more dead today than alive.” I strongly disagreed with him and since then I have taken some time to reflect on how I will face challenges in 2014 which I will share with you today.
Challenges, setbacks and adversities are a part of our existence. Here are five tips to facing challenges in 2014:
 
Change negative into positive
In 2014, I will endeavour to change negative into positive. I will continue to pursue other areas of interest to diversify my business. As I have posted in previous blogs in 2014 you have to make the impossible possible, creating opportunities, discover new talents and exceed your potential. In my case I am not going to over-analyse the loss of my client or other setbacks I might face this year. Rather than trying to figure out why and see despair I am going to see opportunities and possibilities. I will strive to be happy and I will remain calm and optimistic.
This week for example I will participate in two debates at the Mississauga Central Library on Thursday January 30, 2014 at 6.30PM. I will be on side opposing the following motions Newspapers are a thing of the past and Cell phones should be banned from schools. By participating in these two debates I am hoping to rekindle my passion for debating and develop my persuasive speaking skills. You too can seek out ways to change a negative into a positive. Don’t dwell on the challenges you face instead look for the positive and seek out new opportunities.
 
Rather than being in denial, accept your situation, let go and move forward
The reality is I cannot change the fact that the client has decided to move on. I also cannot be in denial but rather I have to accept it, let go and move forward. I have to see this as an opportunity to truly diversify my practice. I have to press forward with my plans to develop new products and services as well as breaking into new markets. For example, Friday, January 31st I will a guest speaker in Mississauga where I will deliver my Leaders Leave Legacy Workshop. I will also be a Target Speaker in Brampton. These are specific actions I have taken to promote my professional speaking and coaching business.
The key for facing challenges is to acknowledge your vulnerabilities, imperfections and flaws. In my case I have to accept that in some circumstances I have made mistakes. I have to accept that I am where I am today. I realise I can’t change today but if I let go I can move forward. I have to let go of my fears surrounding the loss and avoid apportioning blame or feelings of anger.
You too can get to this point. For example, if you believe someone has caused you pain or hurt you, you have to be able to forgive. Remember “Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” – Paul Boese. To face challenges in 2014, rather than being in denial, I encourage you to accept your situation, let go and move forward.
 
Get some reinforcement (have a support network)
A key strategy for me in dealing with challenges and setback is my support network. I have a wonderful wife and beautiful children. I am very close with my brothers especially Peter McKenzie, an attorney in New Jersey. We speak daily on the phone. I have people around me who are honest and frank with me. They keep me in check and will not standby to let me spiral out of control like Toronto Mayor Rob Ford or Justin Bieber. When faced with challenges you need a capable support network from which you can get meaningful reinforcement and encouragement.
 
Face your fears, be decisive and take action
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Who are you not to be?” –  Marianne Williamson from her book, A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles
As I have said repeatedly, I do not want to fail because of my inaction. The mistakes I make must be as a result of my fierce determination and courage. In light of my recent loss, I now have to decide the best approach for this situation and create a plan of action. I have to tackle this challenge with courage not fear and above all I have to be decisive and take action.
You are awesome. You have to believe in yourself. Face your fears, be decisive and take action.
 
Practice gratitude
As I stated at the beginning the challenges I face pale in comparison to those who loss love ones in the fire in Quebec. I am truly grateful for my life and the experiences I have had so far. As I noted in previous posts on my blog, this year I have committed to volunteer at Regeneration Outreach Community in Brampton. In February, I will be offering my time and skills to help in Regeneration Outreach Community Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Campaign. Giving back to the community is one way in which I demonstrate my gratitude. If you are faced with challenges practice gratitude.
How will you face challenges in 2014?

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share. Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.

Discover Your Talents in 2014

Thanks for your continued support and encouragement. I trust that you had a wonderful first week of 2014 and hope that the rest of year will be filled with joy, peace, happiness and success.

As we are still at the beginning a New Year I would like to share with you my thoughts on how you can discover your talents this year. We all have special talents that can propel us to success in our finances, careers, relationships. We can use to pioneer a new business. We can use our talents to help others in our communities. Finding your talent and passion does not always mean that is how you will make a living. Some people like Tiger Woods, Lebron James, Usain Bolt and others are able to turn their talents into jobs. The winner of the American reality TV show, The Voice, Season 5, Jamaican recording artist Tessanne Chin coached by Adam Levine is hoping to use her talent to make a living. However, we can’t always turn our talents into jobs.
I used my knowledge and experience in finance to start my consulting practice, Mark McKenzie Consulting. Late in 2013, I use my communication and organisational skills to carry out a Holiday Season Food Drive and collected over 2,000lbs of non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army of Brampton. I discovered at a very early age that I had a special knock for building consensus and creating synergies within teams. In university my peers would always asked me to join their project groups. Throughout my career, I am frequently requested to undertake special projects.
I believe the reason others are attractive towards me is because of my ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Perhaps I benefit from what sociologist call the “halo effect” where people automatically associate traits of kindness, trust and intelligence to my attractiveness. By attractiveness I mean my ability to attract and draw people to me. Let me be very clear, in social settings I never set out to be the centre of attractive but through my life I have always noticed that people seem to naturally attractive to me. Consequently, as I am attempting to build my professional speaking business I have started wearing a fedora hat as well as I also wear baby pink and other bright colour shirts as part of my brand recognition. I use those props as part of my icebreaker.
Again we may not all be able to turn our talents and passions into income generating activities. Notwithstanding we must seek to discover our talent and passion. It is about making time to do the things that you are good at doing and most importantly doing the things that make you feel fulfilled, purposeful and authentic. If you are able to turn your talent into a business you will likely be your own boss but not always.
What is your talent? Do you have a hobby at which you excel?
Once you have discovered your talent and passions ask yourself the following questions:
What do I want to achieve with my life?
What are my purpose and goals?
Which are my most important natural talents I want to develop further?
Which of my natural talents can contribute most to achieving my purpose and goals?
What do I have to do to develop these talents into strengths?
What knowledge do I need to learn to develop these talents?
What skills do I need to acquire or improve to develop these talents?
What weaknesses do I need to overcome to develop these talents?
As I pointed out in my blog last week Creating Opportunities in 2014 you have to identify your core values and priorities. To do this you must identify your unique talents and passions. This does not happen by chance. Your talents and passions are as scarce as precious metals and very often they are buried somewhere deep inside of you. You have to be focus, deliberate and systematic to discover your talents and passions. Ask yourself, what things do you enjoy in life? What am I good at? What do you love doing?
We are all unique and talented. As I wrote in my blog Rekindling A Childlike Approach to Success Curiosity, creativity and imagination, eagerness to learn and exploring new things are attributes for success. You have the tremendous powers of imagination and creativity. The magic key to discovering your talent is The Power of Believing in Yourself and overcoming fear.
The greatest obstacle to finding your talent and passion is fear. We fear our friends and relatives’ opinions. We fear failure. We fear we may be seen as foolish. Fear can lead us to inaction. You do not want to fail because of inaction but rather make mistakes because of your fierce ambition and courage to succeed. Finding your talent and passion takes courage. Look at Elon Musk he wants to colonise Mars. Is he foolish?
I don’t think Elon Musk is foolish since he one of the most successful individuals today and he is also a  billionaire. Passion and courage are key drivers for success. Remember strong passion and enthusiasm blend with moderate talent take you further ahead than strong talent with little passion and enthusiasm. And when you add courage you too can contribute to the colonisation of Mars, if that is your dream.
What is your talent? Discover your talent in 2014!

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share. Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.

Exceed Your Potential in 2014

As you all know by now I am an avid cyclist and I also enjoy walking and running. As a cyclist I enjoy taking long rides in Halton Hills, Caledon, Belfountain, Terra Cotta, Erin just to name few of my favourite destinations. During the winter months I enjoy running in doors at the Mississauga YMCA. As a cyclist and running I am also trying to improve my endurance capacity and my time. I can ride a 100K in under 4 hours or at an average speed of 25K per hour. I can run a 10K in about hour and 20 minutes that is roughly 8 minutes per kilometer. I am not an elite athlete. However, I try to eat right and keep physically fit and health as part of my effort to improve my performance in cycling and running.
As result of being diagnosed with two medical conditions, I am usually cautious in how far I push myself to improve my performances. First, I suffer from very severe headaches called cluster or vascular headaches. They are currently in remission but whenever I experience attacks they are usually very debilitating. Regular exercise and eating right helps to keep my heads under control but if I over exert myself least I may trigger an attack. The second medical condition that limits the extent to which I push myself physically is the fact that I have a narrow chest wall and this can affect my heart.
I share the above to say to you that while I can certainly attempt to improve my time for cycling and running, my physical potential is to a large degree limited by fixed based on predetermined genetic boundaries or my known medical conditions. On the other hand, there are little or no limitations on our potential for professional growth, development and success.
Are you the best you can be?
Are you really trying your best?
How can you really exceed your potential?
Our potential for professional growth, development and success is only limited by our capacity to make the impossible possible and creating opportunities. In one of my previous blogs I mentioned Elon Musk of SpaceX, whose goal is colonize Mars. I also mentioned Richard Branson and Virgin Galactic plans to provide suborbital spaceflights to space tourists. Elon Musk and Richard Branson are attempting to create new markets and driving the demand for their products and services. We don’t all need such lofty goals and plans as Elon Musk and Richard Branson but we need to be visionaries and forward looking in order to exceed our potential. We have to seek to create value for others where there is a market need and in exceptional cases we have to create new markets and drive demand to exceed our potential.
Here are my six secrets to exceeding your potential in 2014:
  1. Have a vision and a plan. Visualise what you want and how to achieve it. Ask yourself, where am I now? Where do I want to be? How can I get there? Email me at mastbmckenzie@gmail.com and I will send you a copy of my developmental plan template.
  2. Be proactive and actively seek opportunities.
  3. Think outside the box. Do something new. Be innovative. Rekindle your childlike qualities and take some risks. Don’t fail because of inaction but rather because of your determination and courage to try.
  4. Be passionate and enjoy what you do. This will increase your motivation to work hard and drive up your creative energy for great ideas. Consider: What do you enjoy doing? What are you good at? What do you dislike doing? Where can you improve?
  5. Broaden your horizons and add new skill sets and competencies. The best way to increase your capacity and exceed your potential is to invest in your own personal and professional development. Network and connect with like-minded people.  Sound your seductive siren. Read about me in Share News.
  6. Most importantly, believe in yourself.

 

Exceed your potential in 2014 by simply growing your capacity to provide value. Are you making the most of your time? Will you exceed your potential in 2014?

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share. Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.

5 Tips to Be Extraordinary

On Friday I had the opportunity to present my Leaders Leave Legacy Workshop to a group of about 20 employees of large investment firm in the Greater Toronto Area. During my presentation I made the point that an effective leader must have clear vision and goals. I used my personal experiences to show how having clear vision and goals can lead to commitment from team members and ultimately success. One of the examples I used was my Holiday Season Food Drive and the level of support I received from others. I also used the example of Elon Musk and his goal to colonise Mars, the Red Planet, with 80,000 people. When I mentioned Elon Musk, I posed the following rhetorical question to the participants: Do you think Elon Musk’s goal is ridiculous? I followed up by telling the audience that my goal for Holiday Season Food Drive was to collect 10 boxes of non-perishable food item for the benefit of the Salvation Army of Brampton. I went on to say that compared to Elon Musk my goal was simple and perhaps it meant I had low expectations or no ambition! My comment was purposefully. It was intended to be self-deprecating while eliciting reflection and introspection from the participants.
Since my presentation on Friday, I have being reflecting on my statement and I have concluded that there are five key attributes to be an extraordinary and effective leader. Today, I would like to share my thoughts on these five key attributes. One of the key lessons I have learned about leadership is that extraordinary leaders are extremely intentional about everything they do and say. In order to be intentional as a leader you have to be deeply committed to constant self-examination so that you can determine your path to becoming an effective and extraordinary leader.
Before I proceed to share the 5 key attributes to be an effective and extraordinary leader, please allow me to share one of my lofty goals. For the month of February I am committed to helping Regeneration Outreach Community of Brampton in its Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Campaign on February 22, 2014. Regeneration Outreach Community cares for the homeless and those at risk of being homeless. They believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Regeneration’s goal for the Coldest Night of the Year Campaign is to raise $40,000. Participants can register to join a team or start their own team here. As a participant you can determine to walk or run 2K, 5K or 10K. As at the time of writing this post for my blog McKenzie’s Voice the amount raised so far is $11,735 or 29% of the target.
My goal is to raise $2,000 for Regeneration’s Coldest Night of the Year Campaign by February 22, 2014. Commencing today, Monday, February 3, 2014 I will walk 2K daily, 5K on Saturday and Sundays and on February 22, 2014 I will walk and run 10K.
However, I want to do a little more to test the attributes of effective and extraordinary leadership. Within the context of Elon Musk lofty goal to colonise Mars, I am committing to spend the entire night of February 22, 2014 outdoors at 156 Main Street in Brampton, Ontario. Please note that I have never spent an entire night outdoors during the winter. I am terrified of the cold but on February 22, 2014, I want to confront this fear with a mission and a purpose. I will need all your encouragement.
How will I achieve my goal of raising $2,000? I am pledging $50 from my fees from each of my speaking engagements during the month of February to Regeneration’s Coldest Night of the Year Campaign. In addition, by committing to walk 2K daily commencing today, 5K on Saturdays and Sundays as well as walk and run 10K and spending the entire night of February 22, 2014 outdoors, I am seeking your kind support and support of the wide public for the benefit of Regeneration’s Coldest Night of the Year Campaign.
You can register here to make your contribution. After you have registered, I am kindly requesting that you call or text me at 647-406-4622 or email me at mastmckenzie@gmail.com to share tips on how to survive the cold outdoors. Also message me on Facebook, Google +, Twitter and Linkedin with the hashtag #mckenzie2000.
Why have I set such a lofty goal? My goal may not appear to be as lofty as Elon Musk’s goal to colonise Mars with 80,000 people but it is specific and sufficiently challenging, it is measurable, attainable, result-focused and time-bound. More importantly with your kind support I can achieve my goal of raising $2,000 for the benefit of Regeneration’s Coldest Night of Year Campaign.
As I pointed out above I am using the opportunity to test the 5 attributes of effective and extraordinary leadership I mentioned below. More importantly I recognise that it is easy when we walk by someone living on the street to assume that the person is there because he or she is an alcoholic or drug addict. However, I know that this is not always the case as there are other factors such as mentally illness, lack of education, job training, employment, housing and abuse that can lead to an individual ending up on the street with nowhere to live or eat or take care of their personal hygiene. Regeneration Outreach Community of Brampton has a wonderful program to help provide breakfast and care for those who need food and care. To this end, I am committing to help Regeneration reach its goals of $40,000 for its Coldest Night of the Year Campaign. In addition, I want to use my skills and time to help bring public awareness to the issue of homelessness and care for the needy.
Here are the five attributes of effective and extraordinary leaders:
Clear Vision, Goals and Plan
Effective and extraordinary leaders always have a clear vision, goals and plan. Vision is about tomorrow. It is about how leaders see the future or what they would like to happen in the future. Vision provides purpose and direction which are turned into goals, plan and activities. Vision solicits commitment and support from others. My vision is link to my core values of love and compassion for others and my strong desire to contribute to my community.
A S.M.A.R.T goals is defined as specific, measurable, achievable, result-focus and time bound. Your plan document your goals and the activities and tasks required to achieve your goals. Above I articulated and documented my goals and laid out my plan of action while seeking your commitment. A plan is a roadmap or guide used in the pursuit of your dreams and ultimately achieving your goals.
Emotional Agility or Flexibility
As a leader you have to be deeply aware of your emotions and how you respond or react to various situations. What level of emotional agility or flexibility do you possess? How do you respond when you are angry, confused or fearful? I am truly terrified of the cold. Should I allow my fears of the cold to prevent me from taking action to make a contribution to the Regeneration’s Coldest Night of the Year Campaign? Is it courageous to say I want to spend a night outdoors in the cold? Or is it, perceived by some people, as ridiculous as  Elon Musk’s goal to colonise Mars?
Systems Thinking
Victory or success for me is not about whether I stand or sleep outdoors on February 22, 2014. I am fully committed to executing my plan. I share it publicly because I want to be transparent. I want to be held accountable by you. I want to confront my fears of the cold during the winter months but my deeper battle is to help bring public awareness to homelessness and care for the needy. I don’t want to win my own battle and lose sight of the war. I am deeply conscious that my single act is not all that is required for public awareness on the subject of homelessness. It is only a small contribution but it is better than doing nothing. It will not create sustainable change but it is a first step. As an activist I recognise that public awareness and change must occur within the context of public policy and the overall social system. To be an effective and extraordinary leader you must ask the following questions:
What is the change you want to make?
What is the larger system or wide environment you to need to effect, and work in, in order to make that change?
Communicate frequently and with precision
Effective and extraordinary leaders are effective communicators. Leaders must communicate frequently and with precision to promote transparency and openness. A leader that wants to be taken seriously must lead with a steady hand and calming voice. Leaders must be patient. A leader must take time to explain complex actions in a simple manner. Leaders must speak bluntly without offending others. Leaders must leave a window for descending views and allow room for dialogue and discourse. In this post on my blog McKenzie’s Voice I have taken the opportunity to put to test the key attributes of effective and extraordinary leadership. My goals are very are clear.
Build a team
One of the hallmarks of effective and extraordinary leaders is that they always surround themselves with a strong support team. By articulating my vision and goals I am hoping to inspire your loyalty and support. I am fully conscious that I cannot do this alone. If I am going to sleep on cardboard boxes I will need the best cardboard boxes to protect myself. I may even need a cup of coffee. You are part of my team.
Will you join me? Support Regeneration Outreach Community Coldest Night of the Year Campaign.
Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share. Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.

The Will To Continue

In my blog 5 Tips to Be Extraordinary I committed to walk/run 2K daily, 5K on Saturdays and Sundays and 10K on February 22, 2014. I also committed to spend the entire night of February 22, 2014 outdoors in solidarity with the homeless. My goal is to raise $2,000 for Regeneration Outreach Community of Brampton’s Coldest Night of the Year.

On Thursday I saw the shocking video of two homeless persons being enticed by someone to be kicked in the groin for money. People living on our streets are desperate and consequently some will even agree to being kicked in the groin for money. However, that does not make it right and the individual or group of individuals who chooses to exploit the most vulnerable in our communities in such an inhumane manner are insensitive. It is distasteful, degrading and despicable to take advantage of a vulnerable person such as someone who is homeless with the promise of money to compensate them for injury.
There are a number of different reasons why people end up homeless and living on our street. Some people are living on the street because they are alcoholic or drug addict. Some may suffer from mentally illness or some may be escaping abusive relationships. People who are living on street need food and care for their personal hygiene. They should not be subject to abuse and further humiliation on top of their already tough lives. Regeneration Outreach Community of Brampton has a wonderful program to help provide breakfast and care for those who need food and care. To this end, I have committed to help Regeneration reach its goals of $40,000 for its Coldest Night of the Year Campaign. Click here to sponsor my walk/run.
I will use my time and skills to help bring awareness to homeless and needy in our communities. Allow me to share my experience since Monday about my walk/run. I spent Monday at Regeneration on Main Street. My walk Tuesday morning was uneventful as the weather was not bearable. On Wednesday, February 5, 2014 record snowfall in the Greater. Toronto Area prevented me from going out for my 2K walk/run. The intensity of the snow fall created some doubts in mind. However, as my desire to success at my goal outweighs my fear on Thursday morning I went for a 5K walk/run making up for the mileage lost on Wednesday. My walk/run on Thursday was eventful as at one point along the path on Kennedy North heading towards Mayfield I underestimated the depth of the unplowed snow. It was knee high and by the time I realized I had to crawl out using my hands which even I found rather comical and made a pleasant sight for the passing motorists. Friday morning I went for another 5K walk/run in much colder temperatures due to the wind chill. Saturday morning it was -18C and wind chill it felt like -24C.
I am undaunted by the record snowfall mid-week, knee high snow and bit cold temperatures. As I mentioned in my blog 5 Tips for Facing Challenges in 2014 in the pursuit of our goals we will encounter challenges and setbacks. I am not going to deny that record snowfall and the bit cold is not frightening. My goals are clear. I am facing my fears. I am determined to help the homeless. I am determined to succeed and I am moving forward. What are you doing to achieve your goals? Do you have the will to continue?
To be successful, we need to set ourselves goals. In the pursuit of your goals you will encounter obstacles which you have to be determined to overcome. Last Thursday a friend said to me teasingly that since I am from the tropics I should camp outdoors in the summer instead of on February 22, 2014. In response another friend reminded him that the homeless are outdoors in the winter too. The latter comment was very encouraging for me since a part of my goal is to bring awareness to the issue of homelessness. However, if you think about, I have decided to walk/run an aggregate of approximately 50K in the month of February in a year when we are experiencing one of the worst winters in a long time.
Why am I determined not to be daunted? First, relative to Elon Musk’s goals to colonize Mars with 80,000 people I am confident I will raise the $2,000, walk/run approximately 50K and survive a night outdoors in the cold. In addition to fostering public awareness if my actions can spur others to act on their dreams and goals then that would be an added bonus. So where do I get the will to continue?
I get the will to continue from you. If you feel you lack the will to continue I encourage you to seek out reinforcement or a support network. Remember success comes from building an effective team. I encourage you to join me on this journey. Sponsor or donate here and email or text me you words of encouragement.
Here are some of the positive comments I received:
 
Tuula Redditt, Digital Artist, Sky Studio, Brampton, Ontario:
Mark what a fantastic leader you are for all of us to aspire to. You’re the BEST!
 
William Ramdass, Real Estate Sales Representative, Mississauga, Ontario:
Pity I met you so late in life. I would have been a vastly improved if I had you as mentor and coach but it’s never too late to learn. You are an inspiration to the young and the old alike yet maintain such humility – the mark of true leader. The fact that you will show solidarity to the homeless in such a very direct manner reminds of a man who lived here about just over 2000 years ago.
 
Julie Slusher, President, Antigua Toastmasters Club
Thank you for your uplifting message. There are not many great leaders in this world who are able to inspire others to become more than they are. But that’s exactly what you did when you helped us to form the Antigua Toastmasters Club. We remember you fondly all the time. I am always saying how lucky we were to have you as our mentor and sponsor for an entire six months. Even though the club is only one year old, we are already President’s Distinguished Club 2014 and welcome the opportunity to host our District 81 Conference in May 2014. You are a generous, insightful, effective leader who is an inspiration to those who have the privilege of working with you. All the best with the 50K run/walk and I am sure the time you spend with the homeless will be a source of encouragement for those who are less fortunate. I am proud to have met you. Best regards.
 
Trudie German, Personal Trainer & Fitness Competitor, Body Envy, Mississauga, Ontario
Oh my goodness Mark, you say we inspire you, but the truth is YOU inspire us. WOW….walking/running 2-5km and spending a night outdoor in this weather is altruistic of you. Here are a few tips for your walk/run:
 
Dress Accordingly
Layers, Layers, Layers that is very important. You will definitely need an outer layer that offers protection from the wind, hail, rain or snow while offering ventilation and allows moisture (sweat) to escape.
Gloves, hats, headbands and even masks are definitely essential (think about the stinging wind in your face).
Bright or reflective clothing are strongly recommended if you will be walking/running in the evenings.
This way you are more obvious to drivers.
Added precaution against slipping and falling would be to wear traction devices that can easily be slipped over your running shoes.
This allow for better grip on the road and reduces the risk of injury (these are to your feet what snow tires are to your car)
 
Hydrate
You may think hydration is only required during the warm summer months for your walk/run, but believe me you need to hydrate in the winter months just as much.
Even when it’s freezing outside, you still loose water through sweating.  Have those water bottles with you on hand during your walk/run.
If roads are icy or slushy stop and drink instead of simply slowing down to drink.
 
Have Fun
You chose to walk/run this winter. Don’t lose sight of your goal. Enjoy the journey and congratulate yourself at the end of each walk/run

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog http://mastbmckenzie.blogspot.ca/ and always write me a comment and share. Follow me on Twitter @mackynacky. Connect with me on www.youtube.com, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.