Author: Winston Ash

by Winston Ash on Business

#Business: Better at Many Projects

I listened to the podcast episode for the 14th time. Before I couldn’t say exactly how I felt. But then I knew.

This is my business. I can build it anyway I want.

I want to be able to work on any task that I want.

There are many tasks that have to get done. Just not by me.

Pick tasks I like. Do them.

Pick tasks I hate. Delegate them.

Make sure everything gets done. I am the boss after all.

No excuses. Just find a way forward.

Good news for everyone involved. Before the projects were overwhelming.

But with this mindset.

Where is my Easy button?

Easy Button

 
by Winston Ash on #Fitness

#Fitness: July 2016 Recap

90 Days of Running

via @ RunKeeper.com

The chart above is from RunKeeper. An app I have been using over the past three years to keep track of my workouts.

July was a good month for me. I spent a lot of time focusing on getting back into shape. Finally, my foundation is set. I can run 3-5 miles. It’s a good feeling. My focus on fitness is not new but reinvigorated.

Why Now?

I just feel it is time. I need to ensure that I take care of myself. I am optimistic about the future. And the best way to take advantage of the opportunities I see is to be healthy. So the real question is why not? I have the time and it does not take that much effort. The hardest part was the start.

Why Running?

So, this is actually an illuminating answer.

[Tweet “Because I hate it. And because running is hard.”]

I know not good reasons on the surface, but when you dig deeper it makes sense. There are a lot of things I do becuase they are easy. BUT I never feel that sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. My choice of running is becuase I can win at it. Running is a personal journey and no one can do it for me. My choice is because the only one who wins or loses is me. And I decide everything about it.

I know … that is a lot of thought about running. But at the end of the day. My choices matter.

What’s the goal?

Good question. Maybe next month I’ll have a long-term goal. Right now it’s just RUN.

Lessons Learned

Don’t stop running. Restarting after a few weeks off is Hard. And not in the good way of picking running as my activity. My body does not adjust well to starts and stops. I crave consistency.

 
by Winston Ash on #Fitness

#Fitness: August 2016 Goals

Here are some goals I want to hit in the month of August. I haven’t defined my overall goal for running, but I have a few short term goals.

Goals

  1. Run 60 total miles
  2. Break my PR per mile – Currently at 8:49 set in 2013.
  3. Get ready for a 5k race in September

That’s it for now. 3 simple goals that will keep me moving and motivated.

 

Hope you guys have a great month!

 
by Winston Ash on #Maker

#Maker: Weekends are for Projects

 

Last weekend I finished my fire pit. It looks great and only took me about three weeks to complete. The problems being only working on it during weekends and the weather. But now it’s done and on to the next project.

After the fire pit, I tackled my favorite activity, organization. So, I started with a place i control completely, my garage. The workspace is mine and so is everything in it.

My plan is from two sources.

[Tweet “Benjamin Franklin, “A place for everything, everything in its place.””]

And the idea of first order of availability combined with 5S. I need to be able to access any tool without moving or opening anything. Also 5S stands for: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. I took both of these concepts from work and applied it to my garage.  

My theory on this is everything needs a label and identified visually.

Ok, that’s a little theory to the madness that ensued. I spent a whole weekend pulling all tools out, cleaning, labeling, and then shadow-boarding. Once finished it turned out amazing. And now I have a functional workspace to start my projects.

What’s up Next?   

Projects in Semi Order

  1. Bedroom to Walk-In Closet
    1. Build shelving
    2. Build Cabinets
    3. Build Clothes Racks
  2. Tackle Bathroom
    1. Replace Shower Head
    2. Repair Tile
    3. Fix Wall Radiator
  3. Ride-On Mower & Push Mower
    1. Get Working Again

These projects shouldn’t take too long. Plan is to get started on them this weekend and document as I go.

What Else?

On a completely different note, I am fascinated by the Maker Movement. I want to turn my garage into my own Makerspace / Workshop. There are a ton of things I want to learn and do.

Skills

  1. Electronics
    1. No Knowledge besides how not to get electrocuted.
  2. Woodworking
    1. Basic knowledge and have hand tools
  3. Metal
    1. I can weld and use a torch. I am comfortable around these and work has given me ample practice.