By MUIR Founder & CEO Ian Muir McNally
This has been one long tough year. The economic and public health impacts of COVID-19 have been devastating. MUIR’s mettle has been tested like never before. Through hard work, determination and creative thinking, we have not only survived 2020: we have grown by ~25%.
Our success is the product of many factors. We make really good products. We have a remarkably talented team. We have an awesome community. My main job is to articulate and drive the MUIR Vision forward.
Leading MUIR requires a lot of mental and physical energy. Three activities I use to keep me functioning at my best are journaling, making music and running.
Journaling
I have an active mind. Writing helps me think through new ideas and solve problems. MUIR is charting new ground, so brainstorming with pen-on-paper has been invaluable. Most of my journaling is drivel, but every once in a while, an interesting thought emerges. For example, the day after Thanksgiving, I wrote this:
Before each activity, ask yourself two questions:
- Will this bring peace?
- Will this reduce suffering?
This brainstorm immediately sharpened my relationship to time and priorities. I’ve eliminated most of the time sucking, peace-less, suffer-inducing activities from my life. Good riddance!!
Making Music: Schubert
Goethe wrote: After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music. So true! All music can have this effect. My particular jam is classical music, and right now I’m obsessed with learning Schubert D984. This masterpiece transports me to a peaceful place, it stimulates my creativity, and fills my soul with joy.
Running: Jack Daniels
Frustrated by several years of inconsistent running (more off than on, truth be told), I recently committed to a structured running program, courtesy of Jack Daniels’ book, Running Formula. I have blocked out 3-4p everyday, to run, strength train or stretch. It’s only been a few weeks, but already I’m feeling healthier, more focused and more energized. To celebrate this “milestone” commitment, I bought some new running costumes from my favorite running shop, Milestone Running.
Without a doubt, these three peace-generating, suffering-reducing, activities, have made me a better person, a more loving husband, and a more effective leader for MUIR Energy.
Thank you for reading this. I hope it was worth your valuable time.
