End of the World V2

I made 2 versions of this post. One, if the world did end, and one if it didn't. This is the version for when the world did not end.

If you have been too busy closing all those deals needed to achieve year-end and a decent bonus and have therefore shunned all human contact except for those clients with last-minute unallocated budget, here is a small backgrounder.

We have come to the end of the Mayan Long Calendar at the conclusion of the 13th Baktun. Each Baktun lasts 5,125 years. For some, this denotes the end of the world. For some others, including the Mayans, it does not - tending to suggest there is a strong likelihood we have all survived long enough to read this.

Now the danger has passed, you can go back to closing the quarter. But that potential tactic about offering a "Buy now. Pay later" deal and then closing by reminding the client they won't have to pay at all because the world is ending will have to be consigned to the "desperate pitch archive".

I was struck by some of the ceremonies that were happening around the world in which those who believed it was all about to end were involved in all manner of rituals. If I were a believer, I would of course be tempted to put my things in order and prepare myself for the final whatever comes next.

I did find it strange though to see some of the celebrants taking photographs. Who did they think was going to enjoy them?

Good to see too that at least there were two places where one could be safe. The first was at Bugarach in France and the second was Sirince in Turkey. Sadly according to Wiki, Sirince does not exist. Maybe it got to the calendar's end a little ahead of time. As for Bugarach, there was a rumour that M. Hollande was proposing a purely temporary hike in sales tax on "fin d'humanite" souvenirs (now that's a true contradiction in terms) to help out the nation's finances. For both places though and many more sites in Mexico, the end of the world has brought a welcome boom in tourism during these tough economic times.

An ill cosmic wind obviously blows someone some good.

But the end of an era that lasts five thousand years (but then didn't bring about the end of the world at all) does surely deserve some form of recognition. So here is something to empathise with those who aren't able to celebrate the world's end, and make them feel a little better. (From Mika).

I wish all those I know a happy start to the beginning of the 14th Mayan Baktun.

And to those who believe, all my best wishes for a peaceful Christmas with those you love.

Leaving Some Headroom

Celebration and recognition are important in all sorts of ways. Whether it is a birthday, a special occasion or a team or company that does something extraordinary, there should always be a way to mark an occasion. But how far do you go and how quickly?

I am just back from a trip to buy Christmas cards for close family and friends. Most of them still live in England and the cards are in English too. Living in Belgium somewhat restricts choice but there are a few outlets. Today was the day I chose to be brave and venture forth.

I have been struck by the language of celebration this year. Everyone who might be sent a card has been elevated to the position of being close to god-like. My brother is "fantastic". My sisters are "brilliant and wonderful". My mother and father-in-law are "perfect" and my wife and children are, well I guess you get the picture.

That's only on the outside of the cards on offer because, once you venture inside, they are lauded even more highly - all the things they are; all the things they do and all the joy they bring to those around them throughout the year. When my grandmother wanted to burst my bubble, she used to say I was just too clever for this world. With such mutual admiration going on, she would be very busy popping egos were she still alive.

Understand, I do love my family but all that stuff simply does not ring true. Like everyone else, we can drive each other to distraction. We need a little less hyperbole and a little more sincerity.

That got me thinking about how in our professional lives we are also maybe going too far and too fast in creating and rewarding heroes (and I suppose) villains. Overnight success is often very hard won and should perhaps be lauded not for its apparent sudden notoriety but for the energy and perseverance that it so often takes.

Twitter was close to ten years in the making and it took four generations for the iPod to become an overnight sensation. Success needs many ingredients but stamina does so often seem to needed to be combined with good timing. Even in these tough times - Try often. Fail sometimes. Learn always. Never give up.

With all this in mind, I am going to brave another shop and see if I can find cards that are more to my liking. Then , probably have to make my own that are closer to what I really want to say. Thank you for being you. I care about you. Enjoy Christmas and I wish you all good things for the year to come.

Now there's an idea - even a new business venture perhaps?