How many times have you set a goal only to have it come crashing down on you because of any number of reasons: not enough time, unachievable metrics, too many other goals, etc.?  I felt like this about 30 days ago when I learned I had Sphenoid Sinusitis at the peak of training for my first half-marathon, the 41st Drake On-The-Roads on April 25. I can remember my ENT doctor telling me (while reviewing my CT Scan of my sinuses), “Hmmm, that doesn’t look good,” as he went on to explain that my Sphenoid cavity on the left hand side (located in the middle of your head right next to your optic nerve and a major artery) was filled with something. He went on to say, “In fact, it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up to think about having to operate on this.” Always a comforting comment from your doctor:).

Long story short(er) – I was treated with 20 days of antibiotics and about 2 weeks ago I was medically cleared after my final MRI. I tell you this because after 6 months of training, I wasn’t sure if I would get a chance to run in this race…after all the hard work.

I’m happy to say that I ran in the half-marathon yesterday in Des Moines, IA. It was 50 degrees and raining at 8 a.m. The longest I had ever run was 7 miles so this would almost double my longest run, but I was dead focused on accomplishing this goal. The gun shot and…

• I quickly realized I ran the first 3 miles (pure adrenalin) at about a 7 minute pace (much faster than I typically run)
• At mile 5 I watched about 2/3 of the runners make a turn back towards the starting line (they were doing the 8K)…I SO wanted to make that turn with them…but didn’t
• Mile 7.1 I was in virgin territory (for me)
• Mile 8 my cousin (who lives in Des Moines took this picture right in front of her house) I forced a smile:)
• Mile 9 I started losing feeling in my legs but didn’t feel too winded
• Mile 10 I was fortunate to connect with a friend running in the race who gave me some amazing jelly beans for energy (thanks Jelly Belly)
• Mile 13 my feet were numb, my legs were trembling but I did what felt like a sprint…and finished

It’s great to set goals for yourself.  We will all face many hurdles and excuses about why we shouldn’t accomplish them (that’s quite easy). But when you do, it helps you realize that you can accomplish anything you want and inspires you to set and accomplish many more. I hope the same for each of you.

Have you ever accomplished a personal goal in the face of adversity? I’d love to hear about it!

For us “news junkies” we can’t help but see the stories and chaos taking place on Twitter today around Amazon.  According to reports, their supposed “glitch” resulted in several gay and lesbian authors and books being flagged as “inappropriate content.” Several folks are posting to the Twitter hash tag #AmazonFail (here is some additional background on this).

Without knowing all of the details or specifics, I have to offer up some PR thoughts to this entire situation (i.e., PR dilemma):

1. Speed of message – As many of my PR colleagues (@chrispitre & @JGoldsborough) mentioned while tweeting about this story earlier today, how could Amazon have sat on this over the weekend (regardless of it being Easter)?  As of 1 p.m. CT today, there has yet to be any statement beyond “glitch” from Amazon. Such an organization cannot afford to have their PR people (or their executive team) sitting back while getting slaughtered online & in the news.
2. Just tell the truth! – I’m not sure how much of the truth was revealed on this situation by Amazon, but when the WSJ, AP and others just have that you’ve said it was a “glitch” you aren’t quite answering the question.  Just admit, “we messed up” or “have no idea what happened but will get back to you once we do.”  Or in the spirit of yesterday’s religious holiday…”the truth will set you free!” Unfortunately it may be too late!
3. Get online – Regardless of the “facts” Amazon needs to be on Twitter, commenting on blogs, and communicating with the social media communities.  I’m not sure if this is their official Twitter profile, but it certainly appears to be “crickets chirping” on their end. This is a colossal mistake…either way you look at this issue.

I could have done a Top 10 or 20 list here but thought I’d start with the 3 most obvious:).  I’d love to hear your comments or reactions to the way Amazon is dealing with (or not) today’s situation.  Thanks!

What a pleasant surprise to wake up this morning and see that I was able to round out the list of 115 Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses in today’s The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur! 

What tips might you have added to this list? Any good anecdotes? Enjoy!

Bear with me for a minute as I’d like to quote one of my kid’s absolute favorites – Dr. Suess’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go:

“You’ll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You’ll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life’s
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.”

In my opinion we are living in an extremely complex (and stressful) period of American history – the recession, new leadership, downfall of “Corporate America” as we once knew it, financial turmoil, etc. Adding to these complexities, here we are communicating in so many different ways including the relatively new social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.

It hit me last week as I was laying with my 3-year old in his bed reading him this Dr. Suess favorite…life truly is a great balancing act. In fact, today we are likely balancing our day-to-day tasks and challenges while riding the unicycle (in a proverbial sense).

As a business owner, serial philanthropist, husband and father I often come to the crossroads of this great balancing act each and every day around 4:45 p.m. In fact, I often here this song by The Clash playing in my head everyday at this time – Should I Stay or Should I Go .

I’m very proud to say that I figured out at a very early age in my career, marriage and since beginning fatherhood that we all must maintain a healthy work/life balance…despite everything that surrounds us today.

I’ll be leaving work today at 5:00 p.m. as I try and do everyday. To spend the final waking hours with my two young boys…perhaps reading them a little Dr. Suess as they doze off around 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. I’m good like that.

What do you do to help manage your work/life balance? I’d love to do a follow-up post listing out all of the great ideas and suggestions. Thanks!