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This made my day

INSPIRATION - OUR DAILY BREAD

Off site in the beautiful surrounds of Balmoral Beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches, planning our approach for 2010.

The agenda noted an external speaker by the name of Gary Bertwistle was brought in to help us bring ‘our mojo back'. Initial thoughts before I met him were that this was probably a nice way to end the planning day. I was ambiguous and wondered if my attention could be captured for two whole hours. My blackberry beckoned.

It took less than five minutes into the presentation for me to feel a palpable sense of wonder. More importantly, my inspiration radar was on high alert. And it struck me, again and again, that truly inspirational people inspire with the least amount of effort for they are the visible, living proof point of their own success. It also struck me that he was able to combine a sense of the ethereal, believing in the world of possiblity, and marrying this with a pragmatic thread that kept us grounded. The combination was unlike anything I've encountered before.

The message was simple and the method of delivery compelling. The key message was about getting above the self-imposed ceiling that we impose on our lives; think like a world class performer. In other words, back yourself. It made the entire day resonate. I consumed his words and felt a perceptive shift, entirely tangible. A tantalising acknowledgement that greatness is not just for the select few, but possible for the majority.

His messages were filled to the brim with wisdom that spoke plainly and brought the world of possibility to the fore. "Successful people fail more often - they just don't take it personally." Another message was, "you can't buy standards, you need to set them." My favourite was "when was the last time you did something for the first time?" And he made me realise that it was fine to be relentlessly restless and curious. That these were the hallmarks of an active mind that produced questions that challenged our thinking.

Our CEO arranged for the team to receive a copy of Gary's book which he kindly signed and wrote a heartfelt message in. I will commence reading this tonight and continue to be inspired, sufficient to take these lessons to heart and apply them. It feels like I'm on a new stretch on this journey of life. More in touch with where I'm meant to be heading.