I've decided to create my own website: www.MikeNunn.ca.
For the longest time I've been wanting to write, initially thinking this blog was the answer but without a focus I lost the passion that I needed to keep it going. Then I moved to journaling, which I've continued doing since May 2012. I truly enjoy journaling and maintain a passion for it because it's for me, by me, meant as a reflection tool. Though this, over the last year, I've still wanted to do more with respect to writing. A couple weeks ago it hit me, Lean!
The more I get into Lean with Ideon and networking, the more I've realized that Lean (and my opinions/ideas surrounding Lean) is what I want to write about. There are so may topics within in Lean that I can share my experiences from, and my goal is to share them in a way that is easy for anyone to understand, not just people who know what gemba, heijunka and poke yoke are.
To give you an idea of what I will be talking about, here are some topics I will be sharing:
- The Process of Problem Solving
- Solutions - Steps to Sustainment
- Scope - Staying Focused on the Task at Hand
- Training - It's Not a Single Event
With my passion for Lean and drive to have it add value to anyone who wants to learn more about it I created MikeNunn.ca. The website isn't live yet, I'm still building it, but it will be up soon. I will use this blog as the main source of fresh content to keep the site up-to-date, the site will ink directly to my blog.
So... This is the rebirth of Thought To Reality as a source for my thoughts, ideas, experiences and opinions on all things Lean.
Stay tuned.
Mike
Vision
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Monday, November 4, 2013
The 5 W's on Losing Weight
Let me start off by saying that I'm not a nutritionist, personal trainer or any other type of professional related to health and wellness; however, I have lost 65 pounds and I'm now in the best shape of my life.
I was inspired to write this after reading an article that talked about overweight being a choice. While I fully understand there are medical conditions that can lead to being overweight, my firm belief is that the majority of people are overweight as a result of the choices they're making. Moreover, like my former self, those choices are being made out of a lack of understanding on the right things to do.
There are many books and professionals out there on the topic of healthy living, fitness and losing weight, all I offer here is what worked for me. The one thing that I will caution you on is that there is no quick fix, miracle diet or secret to losing weight. It takes hard work, discipline, an ability to push yourself to do things when your body doesn't want to and many months of consistency to achieve your goal.
So, what was my secret to losing 65 pounds and counting? The answer: the 5 W's. Why, What, When, Where and Who. I didn't learn then all right away, but now I understand them and know they are the reason for where I am today.
What's the one that get's missed the most? The same W that I missed when I started my health and fitness journey? I'll save that one for the end.
Let's start with WHY. There's a reason I wanted to talk about WHY first... WHY is your purpose, WHY is the reason, WHY is the thing that will keep you going when your body is in pain from working out the day before, WHY is what drives you to lace up your shoes and go for a run despite the rain and cold, WHY will help you defeat the excuses. To find your WHY you've got to dig deep; it could be your kids and wanting to see them grow up to have kids of their own, it could be your own health crisis like diabetes, it could be in support of a loved one or any number of other things. Before you succeed in losing weight, you first need to find your WHY.
WHAT is the part that most people get. WHAT is a balanced diet and eating healthy things like whole foods, and if you don't know what whole foods are then I suggest you read up on them. Try reading E3 for Life or The Power of Food by Adam Hart. WHAT is also exercise. I workout and or run 4-5 times per week but I didn't start there. All that I would recommend is to do something, and whatever that something is you should try to make it something you enjoy because that will make the exercise easier. Start, then push a little more each time. I need to make absolutely clear that WHAT is not dieting, it's not miracle weight loss drugs and it's not easy. WHAT is hard work, it takes discipline and will get you the results you want.
You are going to need the support of the people around you, especially immediate family and friends; these people are the WHO. Remember though, WHO starts with you. If the lifestyle of your entire family is one of the sources of your current health state then you should have a family plan of action for weight loss. Working as a team is way easier than doing it on your own. My wife and I help each other.
WHERE is one of the bigger derailers to losing weight. WHERE is at work, it's out for dinner, it's at home, it's everywhere you're going to be tempted to fall off the rails. At home stay away from processed foods. At work, take a brown bag lunch that you made the night before and fill it with healthy options (you'll actually save money doing this too). At restaurants, choose the healthy options and avoid the grease. No matter WHERE you are you have a choice, remember your WHY and be strong.
I wanted to save the best for last, you guessed it, WHEN. How many times have I heard in articles, on TV and from friends, "I workout, eat healthy, but I just can seem to shed the pounds." Believe me, I was there too, but found the answer in WHEN. Assuming you've nailed the other W's, this W is the key. Your biggest meal of the day should be breakfast, followed by a medium sized lunch, then a small dinner. If you need a snack in between keep it small and healthy like an apple or yogurt. The concept is simple, your body needs time to digest, process and burn off the food you eat. If you starve yourself all day only to have a big and late dinner then your body doesn't have time to burn off what you ate, consequently the pounds don't drop no matter how healthy you think you're eating. To take this to the next level throw in a workout BEFORE breakfast and you'll be surprised how much energy you have throughout the day.
If you're serious about losing weight, try following my 5 W's for 30 days. What do you have to lose?
I was inspired to write this after reading an article that talked about overweight being a choice. While I fully understand there are medical conditions that can lead to being overweight, my firm belief is that the majority of people are overweight as a result of the choices they're making. Moreover, like my former self, those choices are being made out of a lack of understanding on the right things to do.
There are many books and professionals out there on the topic of healthy living, fitness and losing weight, all I offer here is what worked for me. The one thing that I will caution you on is that there is no quick fix, miracle diet or secret to losing weight. It takes hard work, discipline, an ability to push yourself to do things when your body doesn't want to and many months of consistency to achieve your goal.
So, what was my secret to losing 65 pounds and counting? The answer: the 5 W's. Why, What, When, Where and Who. I didn't learn then all right away, but now I understand them and know they are the reason for where I am today.
What's the one that get's missed the most? The same W that I missed when I started my health and fitness journey? I'll save that one for the end.
Let's start with WHY. There's a reason I wanted to talk about WHY first... WHY is your purpose, WHY is the reason, WHY is the thing that will keep you going when your body is in pain from working out the day before, WHY is what drives you to lace up your shoes and go for a run despite the rain and cold, WHY will help you defeat the excuses. To find your WHY you've got to dig deep; it could be your kids and wanting to see them grow up to have kids of their own, it could be your own health crisis like diabetes, it could be in support of a loved one or any number of other things. Before you succeed in losing weight, you first need to find your WHY.
WHAT is the part that most people get. WHAT is a balanced diet and eating healthy things like whole foods, and if you don't know what whole foods are then I suggest you read up on them. Try reading E3 for Life or The Power of Food by Adam Hart. WHAT is also exercise. I workout and or run 4-5 times per week but I didn't start there. All that I would recommend is to do something, and whatever that something is you should try to make it something you enjoy because that will make the exercise easier. Start, then push a little more each time. I need to make absolutely clear that WHAT is not dieting, it's not miracle weight loss drugs and it's not easy. WHAT is hard work, it takes discipline and will get you the results you want.
You are going to need the support of the people around you, especially immediate family and friends; these people are the WHO. Remember though, WHO starts with you. If the lifestyle of your entire family is one of the sources of your current health state then you should have a family plan of action for weight loss. Working as a team is way easier than doing it on your own. My wife and I help each other.
WHERE is one of the bigger derailers to losing weight. WHERE is at work, it's out for dinner, it's at home, it's everywhere you're going to be tempted to fall off the rails. At home stay away from processed foods. At work, take a brown bag lunch that you made the night before and fill it with healthy options (you'll actually save money doing this too). At restaurants, choose the healthy options and avoid the grease. No matter WHERE you are you have a choice, remember your WHY and be strong.
I wanted to save the best for last, you guessed it, WHEN. How many times have I heard in articles, on TV and from friends, "I workout, eat healthy, but I just can seem to shed the pounds." Believe me, I was there too, but found the answer in WHEN. Assuming you've nailed the other W's, this W is the key. Your biggest meal of the day should be breakfast, followed by a medium sized lunch, then a small dinner. If you need a snack in between keep it small and healthy like an apple or yogurt. The concept is simple, your body needs time to digest, process and burn off the food you eat. If you starve yourself all day only to have a big and late dinner then your body doesn't have time to burn off what you ate, consequently the pounds don't drop no matter how healthy you think you're eating. To take this to the next level throw in a workout BEFORE breakfast and you'll be surprised how much energy you have throughout the day.
If you're serious about losing weight, try following my 5 W's for 30 days. What do you have to lose?
Saturday, August 17, 2013
The Secret is There is NO Secret
So many people are out there looking for the secret recipe to lose weight, have a successful career, how to eat healthier, develop better relationships and a million other things people want to strive for.
There is NO secret!
The answers are out there, already discovered by many other people who wrote about what they discovered. The best part is, it's never complicated. Success is usually a few simple steps taken and maintained with discipline. Really. No secrets.
The secret to losing weight... Eat healthy, whole foods, reduce/eliminate processed foods, eat proper portions (big breakfast, medium lunch, small dinner) and mix in daily exercise. You just have to do it.
The secret to success in anything... Work harder than everyone else, emulate people who are already successful in the area you're aiming for and keep a positive attitude through thick and thin. You just have to do it.
There it is, no secrets. If you want more details then find as many books are you can in the area you're aiming for and teach yourself. Learn, grow and do it and be disciplined about it.
There is NO secret!
The answers are out there, already discovered by many other people who wrote about what they discovered. The best part is, it's never complicated. Success is usually a few simple steps taken and maintained with discipline. Really. No secrets.
The secret to losing weight... Eat healthy, whole foods, reduce/eliminate processed foods, eat proper portions (big breakfast, medium lunch, small dinner) and mix in daily exercise. You just have to do it.
The secret to success in anything... Work harder than everyone else, emulate people who are already successful in the area you're aiming for and keep a positive attitude through thick and thin. You just have to do it.
There it is, no secrets. If you want more details then find as many books are you can in the area you're aiming for and teach yourself. Learn, grow and do it and be disciplined about it.
Friday, July 26, 2013
I Commit To...
Eating more whole foods and less processed foods. You don't need to search for health food if you just choose to eat healthy food.
Daily exercise. I used to weigh 235 pounds, now I weight 170 pounds... I am proof that regular exercise and eating healthy works.
Being the best and most positive role model possible for my children. I know my children are 100% a product of how they are raised by me and my wife.
Life-long learning. I don't know everything and never will, but if I keep reading and learning then I can add more value to my family, friends, coworkers, employer and everyone else I meet along life's journey.
Being positive. Positive or negative attitude is a choice. Why choose negative?
Seeking first to understand, then to be understood. This is a tough one, a constant test, but a necessity.
What positive choices will you commit to?
Daily exercise. I used to weigh 235 pounds, now I weight 170 pounds... I am proof that regular exercise and eating healthy works.
Being the best and most positive role model possible for my children. I know my children are 100% a product of how they are raised by me and my wife.
Life-long learning. I don't know everything and never will, but if I keep reading and learning then I can add more value to my family, friends, coworkers, employer and everyone else I meet along life's journey.
Being positive. Positive or negative attitude is a choice. Why choose negative?
Seeking first to understand, then to be understood. This is a tough one, a constant test, but a necessity.
What positive choices will you commit to?
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Rule #8 - Be Honest With Yourself, and Others
This seems so simple and matter-of-fact but it's all to often ignored; the importance of being honest.
We've all done it, myself included, told the little white lie (to ourselves or others) or even told a big hairy lie. Big ir small, ourself or to others, out of avoidance or fear, no matter why we weren't truthful, we made the easy decision.
Telling the truth is rarely the easy road to travel; truth can make you unpopular, people may not believe you, truth can hurt others or even ourself. A lot of the time truth is hard so we avoid it with a lie.
My motivation for wanting to improve in this area is my kids and the need for them to have a positive role model. With honesty as a foundation, I (with my wife's help) want to give my kids the best shot at growing up to be outstanding, charismatic and honest people. People respect honesty.
We can all continue to do better with our honesty because in the end it's the best way to live. Truth... Short-term pain for long-term gain.
Choice and Discipline.
We've all done it, myself included, told the little white lie (to ourselves or others) or even told a big hairy lie. Big ir small, ourself or to others, out of avoidance or fear, no matter why we weren't truthful, we made the easy decision.
Telling the truth is rarely the easy road to travel; truth can make you unpopular, people may not believe you, truth can hurt others or even ourself. A lot of the time truth is hard so we avoid it with a lie.
My motivation for wanting to improve in this area is my kids and the need for them to have a positive role model. With honesty as a foundation, I (with my wife's help) want to give my kids the best shot at growing up to be outstanding, charismatic and honest people. People respect honesty.
We can all continue to do better with our honesty because in the end it's the best way to live. Truth... Short-term pain for long-term gain.
Choice and Discipline.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Today Was a Great Day!
Today was a great day!
5AM - Woke up, worked out and started the day with energy.
6:30AM - Headed to the office before continuing Downtown.
8AM - Attended a Lean Summit presented by Lean Sensei and featuring a keynote presentation by Dr. Jeffrey Liker, author of the Toyota Way and co-author of multiple other Toyota books. Lean, leadership and a lot of learning were on the agenda.
6:30PM - Back at home for dinner with the family, caught up on everyone's day. I especially like hearing how my 3.5 year young daughter's day went.
7PM - Play time with my kids before bed time. Tonight it was a tea party with my daughter.
8:30PM - After the girls were in bed I headed out for a 7km run.
9PM - Wrote this post and an entry in my journal.
9:30PM - Spent time with my wife.
Somewhere between 10PM and 11PM - Read then get some sleep. Right now I'm reading "Teaching the Elephant to Dance" by James Belasco, it's a little dated but the concepts still ring true. Tomorrow will be another early rise so I can make another great day.
5AM - Woke up, worked out and started the day with energy.
6:30AM - Headed to the office before continuing Downtown.
8AM - Attended a Lean Summit presented by Lean Sensei and featuring a keynote presentation by Dr. Jeffrey Liker, author of the Toyota Way and co-author of multiple other Toyota books. Lean, leadership and a lot of learning were on the agenda.
6:30PM - Back at home for dinner with the family, caught up on everyone's day. I especially like hearing how my 3.5 year young daughter's day went.
7PM - Play time with my kids before bed time. Tonight it was a tea party with my daughter.
8:30PM - After the girls were in bed I headed out for a 7km run.
9PM - Wrote this post and an entry in my journal.
9:30PM - Spent time with my wife.
Somewhere between 10PM and 11PM - Read then get some sleep. Right now I'm reading "Teaching the Elephant to Dance" by James Belasco, it's a little dated but the concepts still ring true. Tomorrow will be another early rise so I can make another great day.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Choices
A recent conversation with someone and how they reacted to a traffic altercation inspired me to write.
NO MATTER WHAT SOMEONE ELSE DOES TO YOU, YOU ALWAYS HAVE A CHOICE OF HOW YOU'RE GOING TO REACT. You don't have to 'flip the bird' in return. You don't have to swear back. You don't have to hit back. You don't have to stoop to their level. You do have an ability to make a choice.
In a striking example of coincidence there was even a news report on tonight of parents involved in a physical altercation at their children's sports day event. The parent who did most of the damage in the fight was reportedly heard saying, "she started it". This parent, and everyone else on the face of the earth, can make the choice to not take the eye for an eye mentality.
I strongly urge you to think about who's watching when you choose how you're going to react. Kids? Family? Friends? Colleagues? Boss? How you react to any situation will create a perception of you in other's eyes. What perception do you want people to have of you? Their perception is created by you and only you.
Something I always try to do is look at the situation from the other person's point of view. Maybe they're having a bad day, they're running late or they've just received some bad news. Regardless, you have no idea why they reacted the way they did, so don't form negative assumptions, rather choose to do the right thing and make the situation better with your reaction. Besides, it's more important to be happy then right. Agree?
Like I've said may times in the past, success kn anything comes down to choice and discipline, and the same goes for when you're faced with a tough situation. Make the right choice for your success, happiness and health.
How great would the world be if we all lived our lives seeking to understand and choosing a positive response in every challenging situation? One person at a time, we can get there.
NO MATTER WHAT SOMEONE ELSE DOES TO YOU, YOU ALWAYS HAVE A CHOICE OF HOW YOU'RE GOING TO REACT. You don't have to 'flip the bird' in return. You don't have to swear back. You don't have to hit back. You don't have to stoop to their level. You do have an ability to make a choice.
In a striking example of coincidence there was even a news report on tonight of parents involved in a physical altercation at their children's sports day event. The parent who did most of the damage in the fight was reportedly heard saying, "she started it". This parent, and everyone else on the face of the earth, can make the choice to not take the eye for an eye mentality.
I strongly urge you to think about who's watching when you choose how you're going to react. Kids? Family? Friends? Colleagues? Boss? How you react to any situation will create a perception of you in other's eyes. What perception do you want people to have of you? Their perception is created by you and only you.
Something I always try to do is look at the situation from the other person's point of view. Maybe they're having a bad day, they're running late or they've just received some bad news. Regardless, you have no idea why they reacted the way they did, so don't form negative assumptions, rather choose to do the right thing and make the situation better with your reaction. Besides, it's more important to be happy then right. Agree?
Like I've said may times in the past, success kn anything comes down to choice and discipline, and the same goes for when you're faced with a tough situation. Make the right choice for your success, happiness and health.
How great would the world be if we all lived our lives seeking to understand and choosing a positive response in every challenging situation? One person at a time, we can get there.
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