Innovation

Yesterday I read this article from the Ottawa Citizen describing a very exciting and innovative  project that may bring electricity to many parts of the world that currently is not served. I found this very exciting because the implications could be far reaching. I have been thinking about it and the possibilities for other innovation throughout the world.

Now don't get me wrong. I like my first world stuff. I like my iPhone, and my big screen TV. Without unique thinking none of these items would exist. However, I think the unique challenges of the developing world, especially in rural areas provide the biggest opportunities for innovation.

Sitting in my high-rise apartment in Ottawa, I take a lot for granted. I have reliable energy to provide heat, cooling, light, refrigeration, information, sanitation, and entertainment. It's a very nice way to live. In much of the world some or all of these comforts are not available or reliable. This results in challenges. 

However, what if we can improve the infrastructure in under-developed areas? What if we can start to provide the affordable access to resources that the developed world enjoys? It can give many people new opportunities to provide for their families. It can open new markets in both directions. It can introduce new talent into the global marketplace. The only thing we have to do is put in the the time, effort, and resources. We need to look at what is not there and how do we get it in. We need to use local and scalable solutions and we need to do it now.

This is a great opportunity for investment. There are billion dollar ideas waiting to be developed and implemented. The markets will evolve. Moving a family from two dollars a day to ten dollars a day is a five-hundred percent increase in income. There are a lot of families in this category and it will have a huge impact on global buying power. More money will be moving and more people will be earning. Improved infrastructure will make it easier for new money to move into under-developed regions. Rural economies will have more opportunities to get goods or services out to move more money in. Everyone wins.

I have often said the best social programs are a good stable job. Most people want to be self-sufficient. The standard of living of a region can only improve if goods or services are flowing out, otherwise the money is just going around in a circle. Opportunities like what is presented in the article will help this.

If you can design things, consider making something to change a community a long way away. If you can invest, consider investing in these types of activities. It will make a big difference for a lot of people in a lot of places.

Understand

I've been thinking a lot about how to get things done. It isn't always easy as there are always roadblocks. One of the biggest impediments is people not sharing the same views as you. It can be frustrating but it is also a reality. I have often been able to build consensus. For a long time I couldn't understand how I was getting it done. With some reflection, I think I know what I've been doing.

Everyone believes what they believe for a reason. It is relatively easy to understand what someone believes. They will probably tell you the what, even if you don't want to know. To make any headway you must understand why they believe what they believe. You need to understand what teaching, experience, legend, myth, book, movie, or conversation makes them hold that belief.

However, all that doesn't mean you have to accept what they are saying. They can still be flat out wrong but if you understand why they believe what they do, you can attack the foundation and change their mind. It is only possible if you really understand what is driving their thought process.

Their is also a flip side. If you can make somebody else understand why you believe what you do, it can help change their mind. This is a much tougher route to follow as you are not working with your subject's values and beliefs but it will help them see why you are holding your ground.

Most people tend to stop digging once they know what their subject believes. This is only half the battle and will not lead to the desired results but understanding the why will. You don't have to like why they believe what they believe, you don't have to agree with what they believe but if you understand why they think like they do you can begin to build a bridge and change their thinking.

Running Away

It's no secret I have never been a fan of running. I think there is a couple of reasons for this. 

First, I don't have a classic runner's body. I have broad shoulders and notoriously short legs. It's not the frame of a guy who is going to pick up running.

Second, I have never had a real reason to head out and just run.

A while back I was talked into signing up for the 5K in the Army Run. I'm pretty sure I could have just showed up and ran it but if you are going to do something, you should do it right. So, I have started running.

Now, with any new venture there will be some bumps in the road. The first couple of runs were in the early afternoon. It was when I had time. If you have not been running regularly, taking off for a run in Eastern Ontario or Southern Quebec in the hottest part of the day in July is not recommended. It wasn't so much that I had been gassed, I felt like overheating was imminent. Check. Lesson learned.

The next attempt was early in the morning. It was a great improvement. I wan't going to be standing in a puddle of my own sweat at the end of the run. I was thinking I had it figured out. Then I realized I had made a bit of an error. The night before I ate some spicy Italian sausage. I'll save you the gory details but lets just say it was rather critical that I slow down or bad things were going to happen. Check. Lesson learned.

Yesterday, I went again. Like the last run it was early in the morning so I didn't overheat. Again it wasn't perfect but I have sorted some of it out. My biggest problem now is trying to keep myself slowed down so I run a steady pace. This will take a few runs to get it sorted out but I'm getting there. 

I think after giving up Coca-Cola which has resulted in losing thirteen pounds and having to buy smaller pants and walking to work since moving to Ottawa, running is a natural extension. I have been exercising regularly for almost a decade but I always avoided running. Not any more.

I doubt you will ever hear of me running a marathon. It's not on my horizon at this time. If you want to run one, giver but it's not my goal. I see running as a compliment to my existing fitness routine.

I'll provide an update when I'm further into this new adventure. For now I'm hoping for a couple of runs a week while I figure out what a good pace is and a decent performance in the Army Run. It can only serve to improve my fitness and that is never a bad thing.