Author: Mike

So you want to be a Manager part 2: Common Pitfalls for New Managers

Photo by fauxels

So, you’ve finally been promoted to management. Congratulations! Or depending on the situation, I’m sorry? You’re officially in charge. Whether you landed here intentionally or not there are a variety of stumbling blocks you may find helpful to know about in advance. I’ve been the victim of many of these myself, but with a little planning, discipline and the foreknowledge contained within this post, you can hopefully navigate through the worst of it.

1. The “My Way or the Highway” Trap

You might be bursting with fresh ideas and eager to implement them, but remember, you’re not a lone wolf anymore. Dictating orders and ignoring your team’s input is a recipe for resentment and disengagement. Instead, foster open communication, actively listen to your team’s perspectives, and be willing to collaborate.

Alienating your coworkers to feed your own ego will ultimately create more work for you. You will lose respect if you ignore the opinions of others and they may even start working against you. As long as the majority of your subordinates think you are in the right place the naysayers can trash talk all day behind your back without gaining much traction. Employees who have had input on a particular plan or project are more likely to support it for the long term and make implementation easier.

As a manager, your job isn’t to be a dictator, it’s to be a facilitator, a guide, and sometimes even a referee. You need to create an environment where your team feels heard, respected, and empowered to contribute.

Actively listening to your team is crucial.This is a recurring theme you will encounter often in your management education. Encourage them to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback. Don’t interrupt, don’t dismiss their opinions, and actually consider what they have to say. You might be surprised by the valuable insights they offer.

Embrace collaboration. Don’t treat your team like a bunch of mindless drones. Involve them in the decision-making process, especially when it directly affects their work. Brainstorm solutions together, solicit their input on projects, and create a sense of shared ownership.

Be flexible in the manner of a yoga instructor, don’t be a drill Sergeant. Your way might not always be the only way. Be open to different approaches, perspectives, and ideas. Sometimes, the best solutions come from unexpected sources. And hey, even if you ultimately decide to go in a different direction, at least your team will know their voices were heard.

Explain your reasoning. When you do make a decision, especially one that might not be popular, take the time to explain your reasoning to your team. Transparency builds trust and helps them understand the “why” behind your actions.

Acknowledge and appreciate your team. Let them know that you value their contributions and appreciate their efforts. A little recognition goes a long way in building morale and fostering a positive work environment.

Avoiding the “My Way or the Highway” trap is all about building a collaborative and inclusive environment where your team feels valued and respected. It’s about recognizing that you don’t have all the answers and that sometimes, the best ideas come from the collective wisdom of your team. So, ditch the dictator hat, embrace collaboration, and watch your team thrive. It may seem like this approach takes more time, and in the beginning it does. Consider it an investment up front for greater productivity and less stress in the future.

2. The “Hero Complex”

It’s tempting to try to do everything yourself, especially when you’re used to being a top performer. But as a manager, your job is to empower your team, not micromanage them. Delegate effectively, trust your team’s abilities, and focus on the bigger picture. We all dream of being that lone hero who swoops in to save the day. It’s exciting, inspiring, and completely unrealistic when it comes to management. The “hero complex” is a tricky mindset that can sabotage your effectiveness as a leader. It’s that urge to do everything yourself, to be the savior, the problem-solver, the one with all the answers.

While it might seem effective at first, this mindset can lead to burnout, resentment from your team, and ultimately, hinder your organization’s success. So, how do you ditch the cape and embrace a more collaborative and sustainable approach to leadership?

First, you need to be aware of the “hero complex” symptoms. Are you a micromanager? Do you find yourself hovering over your team like a helicopter, second-guessing their decisions, and constantly correcting their work? This may be necessary in some situations with new employees, but it can be a distracting nuisance to more experienced people. Are you taking on too much or volunteering for every task, even those that could be delegated? Do you refuse assistance from others, believing you can do it all yourself? Are you working long hours, sacrificing your personal life and well-being to “save the day”? If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to take a step back and reassess your approach.

I know you don’t want to give the appearance of being lazy by giving away all your work, but you need to consider the future. If you are too busy doing work that other people can do, you are not spending the time you could be on actual management, which is what you’re getting paid for.

One of the most effective ways to combat the “hero complex” is to become a master delegator. Identify tasks that can be handled by others and assign them accordingly. Provide clear instructions, offer support, and then trust your team to get the job done. Not only will this free up your time for more strategic tasks, but it will also empower your team and foster their growth.  

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or input from your team. Encourage brainstorming sessions, solicit feedback, and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas. Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers. Often, the best solutions come from a collective effort.

It’s important to establish clear boundaries between your work life and personal life. Don’t let work consume all your time and energy. Set realistic expectations, prioritize tasks, and make time for activities that help you recharge and de-stress.

You’re not Superman (or Superwoman). You have limitations, and that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to admit when you need help, delegate tasks, and rely on your team’s expertise. Burnout is ugly and it can escalate from verbal abuse to career ending substance abuse in a heartbeat. I’ve seen it more often than most would believe.

As a manager, your job is to guide your team towards achieving organizational goals. Don’t get bogged down in the minutiae of every task. Focus on the bigger picture, delegate effectively, and empower your team to handle the details. When your team achieves a goal, celebrate their success! Acknowledge their contributions, give credit where credit is due, and foster a sense of shared accomplishment. This helps shift the focus from individual heroics to collective achievements.

The “hero complex” might seem like a noble impulse, but it can ultimately hinder your effectiveness as a manager. By embracing delegation, collaboration, and a healthy work-life balance, you can skip the lone wolf act and become a leader who empowers their team, fosters growth, and achieves sustainable success. Remember, true leadership is about inspiring and guiding others, not trying to do everything yourself.

3. The “Friend Zone”

The ‘Friend Zone’ is a perilous territory for any manager. While building rapport with your team is essential, getting too chummy can blur the lines and undermine your authority. Suddenly, you’re not the boss; you’re just one of the gang. And that’s a recipe for disaster when it comes to making tough decisions, enforcing accountability, and achieving goals.

I have been put in this situation many times. In my case I had often been friends with my coworkers for months or years and then got promoted above them. I learned the hard way that relationships need to change when you become accountable. Good people you thought you knew well will try to gain advantage or get you to make exceptions which will compromise your integrity. 

So, how do you strike that delicate balance between being approachable and maintaining a professional distance? Here’s your guide to escaping the friend zone and solidifying your role as a respected leader:

From day one, establish clear expectations and professional boundaries. This doesn’t mean being cold or aloof, but it does mean being mindful of your interactions. Avoid oversharing personal details, participating in gossip, or engaging in social activities that might compromise your objectivity.

Consistency is key to maintaining authority. Apply rules and expectations fairly across the board, regardless of personal relationships. Don’t play favorites or make exceptions that could create resentment or perceptions of unfairness.

Don’t shy away from addressing performance issues or providing constructive criticism, even if it feels awkward with someone you consider a friend. Remember, your primary responsibility is to the success of the team and the organization. Address concerns promptly, professionally, and with specific examples.

While occasional social gatherings can be team-building opportunities, be mindful of how often you socialize with your team outside of work. Excessive socializing can blur boundaries and make it harder to maintain a professional dynamic during work hours. If you socialize with some people and not others you will be accused of favoritism and give rise to discontent.

Be mindful of your language and how you address your team. Maintain a professional tone, even in casual conversations. Avoid using overly familiar or casual language that could undermine your authority. Avoid anything resembling trash talk. Your friends will often forgive and forget minor offenses and more easily accept poor jokes. Your subordinates will not forget. If you are in charge, people are paying more attention than you think. 

Remember, your role is to lead, guide, and inspire your team. While building rapport is important, your primary focus should be on achieving goals and fostering a productive work environment. Don’t be afraid to make tough decisions, even if they’re not popular with everyone.

Ask for feedback from your team, your peers, or your supervisor about your management style. Are you striking the right balance between approachability and authority? Are there areas where you could improve? Be open to constructive criticism and willing to adjust your approach as needed.

Navigating the “friend zone” in management requires a delicate balance. By setting clear boundaries, maintaining professionalism, and prioritizing your role as a leader, you can build positive relationships with your team while still commanding respect and achieving your goals or attaining mission accomplishment.  It’s about being approachable but not overly familiar, friendly but not a friend. And remember, sometimes, a little distance can go a long way in building trust and credibility.

4. The “Ostrich Syndrome”

The “Ostrich Syndrome” – that tempting tendency to bury your head in the sand when problems arise, hoping they’ll magically disappear. It’s a common pitfall for new managers (and let’s be honest, even seasoned ones sometimes). But just like a real ostrich, ignoring danger won’t make it go away. In fact, it usually makes things worse.

Do you find yourself avoiding problems and hoping they will solve themselves? Perhaps you ignore conflicting personalities, hoping their clashes and disagreements will resolve themselves. Maybe you don’t like difficult conversations, particularly performance reviews and other feedback sessions. Are you in denial of negative trends, performance metrics, or customer complaints? Are you a procrastinator, hoping that a problem will go away or that someone else will solve it?

I have done all these things because it felt easier in the short term to avoid these uncomfortable situations, yet the long-term consequences were a snake in the grass. I thought there was wisdom in not creating more work for myself. Why open a can of worms, if it’s not broken don’t fix it. Pick your idiom or excuse. The fact is the worms will get out eventually and it’s easier to change the oil instead of having to replace the whole engine. Imagine having to explain to an investigative panel how you knew about a problem and could have solved it and you didn’t. This can be detrimental to your team, your organization, and your own reputation as a leader.  

The sooner you address a problem, the easier it is to resolve. Don’t wait for issues to fester and grow. Be proactive, identify potential challenges early on, and take action before they escalate.

Equip yourself with the tools and strategies to tackle problems effectively. You need to truly hear and understand the perspectives of those involved. Learn how to mediate disagreements and find common ground. Use data to identify trends, pinpoint root causes, and make informed decisions. Utilize structured approaches to evaluate options and make sound choices.  

Encourage open and honest communication within your team. Create a safe space for people to voice concerns, share feedback, and raise issues without fear of retribution. Regular check-ins, performance reviews, and an “open door” policy can help facilitate this.  

You don’t have to make decisions from a vacuum. Seek advice from mentors, colleagues, or even external resources when facing challenging situations. Sometimes, an outside perspective can provide valuable insights and solutions.

Those difficult conversations? Yeah, they’re not going away. But the longer you avoid them, the more stressful they become. Practice your communication skills, prepare for the conversation, and approach it with empathy and a solutions-oriented mindset.

We all make mistakes. It’s part of being human (and a manager!). Instead of trying to hide or ignore your mistakes, own them, analyze what went wrong, and learn from the experience.

The “Ostrich Syndrome” might offer temporary comfort, but it’s a recipe for long-term trouble. By embracing a proactive, problem-solving approach, you can conquer this common pitfall and become a more effective and respected leader. So, lift your head high, face those challenges head-on, and watch your leadership skills soar.

5. The “Know-It-All” Illusion

The “know-it-all” illusion is a sticky swamp that can ensnare even the most well-intentioned managers. It’s that deceptive belief that you have all the answers, that your way is the best way, and that your experience trumps everyone else’s. This mindset can lead to a host of management mishaps, from stifling creativity to alienating your team.  

So, how do you break free from this illusion and embrace a more collaborative and effective leadership style? By being open minded and listening. I know some of these points have been rehashed, but they need to be driven home.

Newsflash: you don’t know everything. And that’s okay! Nobody expects you to be an omniscient being. Recognize that your knowledge and experience have boundaries, and be open to learning from others. Embrace the fact that there’s always more to learn, and be willing to admit when you don’t have the answers.

Instead of dominating conversations and dictating solutions, take a step back and listen to your team. Encourage them to share their ideas, perspectives, and expertise. You might be surprised by the valuable insights they offer. Active listening not only helps you gather information but also shows your team that you value their contributions.  

Don’t just ask questions to appear engaged. Genuinely seek to understand different viewpoints, challenge your own assumptions, and explore alternative solutions. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn, which can foster trust and respect within your team. 

Recognize that your team members bring a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills to the table. Encourage diversity of thought, and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas, even if they differ from your own.

Don’t just tolerate feedback; actively seek it out. Ask your team, your peers, and your superiors for their honest assessments of your performance and management style. Be receptive to constructive criticism, and use it as an opportunity to grow and improve.

View every challenge, every mistake, and every interaction as a learning opportunity. Embrace continuous improvement, seek out professional development opportunities, and stay curious about new ideas and approaches.

It takes confidence to admit when you don’t have all the answers. Instead of trying to bluff your way through, be honest and say “I don’t know.” Then, demonstrate a willingness to learn, research the issue, or seek advice from others.

The “know-it-all” illusion can be a tempting trap, but it’s a recipe for stagnation and missed opportunities. By embracing humility, actively listening, and cultivating a learning mindset, you can shed this illusion and become a more effective, respected, and successful leader. Remember, true knowledge comes from a willingness to learn, not a pretense of knowing it all.

6. The “Burnout Express” 

Burnout can be a fast track to misery for new managers. Suddenly, you’re juggling more responsibilities than a clown at a birthday party, facing demands from every direction, and feeling the pressure to prove yourself. It’s like trying to drink from a firehose while riding a unicycle – overwhelming and unsustainable.

Here’s the thing: burnout doesn’t just affect you. It impacts your team, your decision-making, and ultimately, the success of your organization. So, before you reach the point of no return, let’s talk about how to derail that “Burnout Express”:

You’re not superhuman, like we talked about with the hero complex. Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Set realistic goals for yourself and your team, and don’t overcommit. Learn to say “no” when necessary, and delegate tasks effectively.

Not all tasks are created equal. Learn to prioritize effectively, focusing on the most important and urgent items first. Use tools like to-do lists, calendars, and project management software to stay organized and on track.

It’s easy to let work consume your life, especially when you’re feeling the pressure. But neglecting your physical and mental health is a recipe for disaster. Make time for exercise, healthy eating, sleep, and activities that help you de-stress and recharge.

Connect with other managers, mentors, or friends who understand the challenges of leadership. Share your experiences, vent your frustrations, and seek advice. Having a support system can make a huge difference in navigating the ups and downs of management.

Step away from your desk regularly throughout the day. Go for a walk, grab a coffee, or simply close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. And when you’re off work, truly disconnect. Resist the urge to check emails or answer calls. Give yourself time to recharge and come back refreshed.

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that often starts with subtle signs like:

  • Increased irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Loss of motivation
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Physical symptoms (headaches, fatigue, etc.)

If you notice these signs, take action. Talk to your supervisor, seek support from a trusted colleague, or consider taking a break. If this support system isn’t enough try reaching out to a professional therapist for guidance.

The transition to management can be a thrilling ride, but it’s important to pace yourself and avoid the “Burnout Express.” By setting realistic expectations, prioritizing your well-being, and building a strong support system, you can navigate the challenges of leadership and achieve sustainable success. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s an essential part of being an effective manager.

7. The “Feedback Vacuum”

A “feedback vacuum” is like a silent killer in the workplace. It’s that eerie silence when you have no idea how your team is feeling, what challenges they’re facing, or whether they’re even remotely engaged in their work. It’s like driving with a blindfold on – you might think everything’s fine until you crash headfirst into a wall of discontent.

As a manager, it’s your responsibility to break that silence and create a culture of open and honest communication. Here’s how to avoid or cope with a feedback vacuum.

Don’t assume everything is hunky-dory just because nobody’s complaining (or maybe they’re just complaining to each other). Actively solicit feedback from your team. Make it a regular part of your management routine. Here are a few ways to do that:

  • Regular check-ins: Schedule one-on-one meetings with your team members to discuss their progress, challenges, and suggestions.
  • Team meetings: Dedicate time in team meetings for open discussions and feedback sessions.
  • Surveys and questionnaires: Use anonymous surveys to gather feedback on specific topics or gauge overall team morale.  
  • Suggestion boxes (yes, they still exist!): Provide a physical or virtual suggestion box where employees can anonymously share their thoughts and ideas.  

People need to feel safe speaking their minds without fear of retribution. Foster a culture of trust and respect where employees feel comfortable sharing both positive and negative feedback. Here’s how:

  • Lead by example: Be open to feedback yourself, and demonstrate that you value constructive criticism.
  • Confidentiality: Assure your team that their feedback will be treated confidentially (when appropriate).
  • Non-judgmental attitude: Listen without interrupting or getting defensive. Acknowledge their perspectives, even if you don’t agree with them.
  • Follow up: Show that you take feedback seriously by taking action on suggestions and addressing concerns.

Sometimes, feedback isn’t explicitly stated but rather conveyed through subtle cues. Pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and changes in behavior. If someone seems withdrawn, disengaged, or less productive, it might be a sign that something’s amiss.

Don’t rely solely on formal feedback mechanisms. Observe your team in action. Pay attention to how they interact with each other, how they approach their work, and how they respond to challenges. These observations can provide valuable insights into their engagement, morale, and potential issues that might not be voiced directly.

If you do uncover issues through feedback or observation, don’t just treat the symptoms. Dig deeper to understand the root cause of the problem. Is it a lack of resources, unclear expectations, personality conflicts, or something else entirely? Addressing the underlying issue is crucial for creating lasting solutions.

A feedback vacuum can be detrimental to team morale, productivity, and innovation. By actively soliciting feedback, creating a safe space for communication, and addressing concerns proactively, you can cultivate a culture of open dialogue and continuous improvement. Remember, feedback is a gift, even when it’s wrapped in sandpaper. Embrace it, learn from it, and watch your team thrive.

8. The “Comparison Game”

It’s a sly saboteur that can creep into any manager’s mind, whispering doubts and fueling insecurities. You start comparing yourself to other managers – their leadership styles, their achievements, their seemingly effortless charisma – and suddenly, you feel inadequate, like you’re falling short.

This constant comparison can be exhausting, demoralizing, and ultimately, counterproductive. It distracts you from your own strengths, undermines your confidence, and prevents you from developing your own authentic leadership style.  

So, how do you break free from this mental trap and focus on your own path? Here’s your guide to silencing those annoying voices and embracing your unique leadership journey:

Instead of focusing on what others are doing better, take time to acknowledge your own strengths and accomplishments. What are you good at? What unique skills and perspectives do you bring to the table? Celebrate your successes, big and small, and remind yourself of the value you bring to your team and organization.

Everyone’s leadership journey is different. Don’t get caught up comparing your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty. Focus on your own progress, your own goals, and your own development. Celebrate your milestones, learn from your setbacks, and keep moving forward at your own pace.

Stop “shoulding” all over yourself. “I should be more decisive like Sarah,” or “I should be more charismatic like John.” These “shoulds” are just negative thoughts disguised as helpful advice. Instead, focus on what authentically works for you and your team.

Social media can be a breeding ground for comparison. It’s easy to get sucked into the highlight reels of others, creating a distorted view of reality. Limit your time on social media, especially if you find yourself feeling inadequate or envious after scrolling through your feeds.

Take time to appreciate what you have, both personally and professionally. Focus on the positive aspects of your job, your team, and your accomplishments. Gratitude can help shift your perspective from lack to abundance, reducing the urge to compare.  

Connect with experienced managers or mentors who can offer guidance, support, and a different perspective. Talking to someone who’s been there can help you navigate challenges, gain confidence, and realize that everyone’s journey has its ups and downs.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. Embrace your unique personality, strengths, and experiences. Develop your own authentic leadership style that resonates with you and your team.

The “Comparison Game” is a quagmire that can drain your energy and hinder your growth. By focusing on your own strengths, celebrating your progress, and embracing your individuality, you can break free from this mental game and become a more confident and effective leader. Remember, your journey is your own. Focus on your path, learn from your experiences, and celebrate your successes. You’ve got this!

Navigating the Management Maze

Becoming an effective manager is a journey, not a destination. It’s about continuous learning, self-reflection, and adapting to new challenges. By being aware of these common pitfalls and taking proactive steps to avoid them, you can increase your chances of success and build a strong foundation for your management career.

Even if you stumble along the way (we all do!), remember that mistakes are opportunities for growth. Learn from them, adjust your course, and keep moving forward. You’ve got this!

So you want to be a Manager Part 1: The Making of a Manager

Image by 愚木混株 Cdd20 from Pixabay

Welcome to the first installment of my five-part series on becoming a manager. It seems like the pinnacle of the American worker’s career, a goal that we set out to achieve as a young motivated new member of the workforce. The reality is kind of a mixed bag and it varies from one industry to another.  I’m going to share some stories from my own career—spanning different industries and roles—and highlight the lessons I learned (sometimes the hard way).  My journey is not exactly a shining example of success. It’s more like a collection of anecdotes and insights to help you navigate your own management ambitions. So, let’s dive in and explore the making of a manager.

For a variety of reasons, I believe that every good employee will eventually have an opportunity to move into a management role. It’s happened to me more times than I can count, sometimes completely by accident. Looking back, I wish I’d had the resources available today—books, classes, the infinite internet—to help me prepare. Take advantage of those opportunities and learn everything you can about your field.

In this series, I’ll break down the differences between management and leadership. I might use the terms interchangeably sometimes, but they do have distinct meanings, which I’ll clear up as we go. I believe becoming a good manager is a natural step for any solid employee. So, if you want to lead, start by being a top-notch worker in your current occupation.

Now, what makes a good employee? Two things: show up on time and do what you’re told. Seriously, few things get under my skin like tardiness. My military background drilled punctuality into me—15 minutes early was the standard. Rushing is stressful, and having to rehash information for those who can’t be bothered to be on time is even more stressful.

Job descriptions might look simple on paper, but real success often means going beyond just following instructions. Performing a task well entails more than just blindly following directions and doing the bare minimum. The big earners are those who can make tough decisions in uncertain situations, especially when those decisions lead to positive outcomes.

But before you can reach that level, you’ll probably have to pay your dues with some good ol’ fashioned “grunt work.” Even when doing those seemingly boring tasks, try to go above and beyond to get noticed. It shows you’re a hard worker and dedicated, which can open doors for you down the line.

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Speaking of grunt work, let me tell you about my summer job in high school at the University of Maine bookstore. My main task was organizing textbooks for the incoming students. Unlike a library, where you shelve books one by one, college textbooks arrived in massive quantities. 

One morning, I walked in to find a mountain of books dumped in the lobby. The manager, looking annoyed, just told me to “find a place for them” before taking off for the day. He probably wanted me to stash the boxes in the back, but I saw a chance to get creative. Thanks to my experience stacking firewood and hay bales, I built these intricate towers of books in octagonal and hexagonal patterns. They were almost as tall as me and lined the ends of the bookshelves.

The next day, I was called into the office, expecting to get chewed out. Instead, the manager praised my creativity and asked me to teach the other workers how to build those book towers. Sure, I could have just moved the boxes and been done hours earlier, but my initiative made an impression.

That bookstore experience helped me land a job in the zoology department the following year. One task involved data analysis, which sounded cool but was mind-numbingly boring. I spent hours staring at a computer screen, identifying and saving specific curves from data related to horseshoe crabs and human eyesight.

Later, I was asked to analyze data on a computer in the basement. Back then, before networked computers were everywhere, we used those ancient 5 ¼ inch floppy disks, so it was just easier to do the task where all the data was stored and then walk back up the stairs with the results. Walking down those dark stairs to the basement was a bit creepy, but the work was easy, and I zoned out to pass the time. The professor who gave me the task said he’d check on me after two hours, but he must have forgotten. I worked until I finished all the data, finally heading back upstairs almost eight hours later. The professor was still there and couldn’t believe I was still working.

Even though I was only a temp, the professor was impressed with my dedication and found more work for me. I even got to tag along with the zoology team on trips to Acadia National Park, where I discovered Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond House, and the amazing lobster bisque with popovers experience. It taught me a valuable lesson: exceeding expectations can lead to some sweet perks.

I eventually left the university for the military, but I’m pretty sure that professor would have written me a glowing recommendation if I’d asked.

Image by Nicole Miranda from Pixabay

My first real taste of management came in the Marine Corps. While they call it “leadership,” in peacetime, it’s mostly about managing day-to-day operations. Think paperwork, organization, scheduling, and training—the typical “desk jockey” stuff. I picture “leadership” as rallying troops to charge into battle, something requiring charisma and cunning. Management, on the other hand, relies on a solid work ethic and good time management skills. (I bet a lot of folks get those confused on their resumes!)

After two years in the Marines, I switched specialties and landed in air traffic control school. As an E-3 Lance Corporal, I had seniority over most of the new recruits. Despite the presence of higher-ranking Marines, I was tasked with getting everyone to class on time. You’d think a bunch of adults could manage that themselves, but the military operates differently. Everyone had to form up and march to school in formation. It wasn’t too bad—right face, forward march, a bit of cadence calling, and off we went. However, I quickly learned that if someone was missing from that formation, it was somehow my fault.

Some might call this a leadership lesson in tracking your troops, but I see it as a management issue. My job wasn’t to inspire punctuality; it was to herd cats. This meant daily roll calls and sending runners to fetch missing Marines from their barracks. The real lesson here is accountability. When you’re in charge, you’re responsible for your team’s actions, no excuses.

I thought I might be replaced as platoon leader, but apparently, I was doing better than my predecessors. My lieutenant, let’s call him “Lieutenant Flutter Kicks” for his fondness for that particular exercise, remembered I was a platoon leader and saw I could run fast and so put me in charge of physical training. Lesson learned: doing one task well can lead to more responsibilities.

My good grades also landed me in charge of study groups. Coming from rural America, I had no experience with study groups and found them a waste of time. Most of the Marines and Sailors didn’t know how to take notes or make flashcards—I ended up teaching them basic study skills! It was mind-blowing but explained why so many seemingly intelligent people ended up in the military instead of college. I’m very grateful for my education; I was luckier than many. (Expect some future blog posts on my thoughts about education!)

Promotion in the Marine Corps, at least back in my day, had little to do with actual job performance. Over 20 years ago, it was all about time in service, physical fitness, rifle marksmanship, and staying out of trouble. I often joked that my quick promotions were thanks to my running and shooting skills, which wasn’t far off!

Imagine ten Marines with the same rank and time in service, but only two promotion slots available. We’d calculate scores based on proficiency, conduct, and physical fitness—sit-ups, pull-ups, and running. Maxing out sit-ups and pull-ups was easy with practice, but running tripped most people up. Luckily, I was a distance runner in high school, giving me an edge. Add in expert rifle scores and a clean conduct record, and promotions came relatively quickly.

In Yuma, I snagged more responsibilities by being a bit senior and willing to work. I figured extra duties would boost my chances of getting certified as an air traffic controller—a tough gig with a 50% fail rate at that particular facility. Suddenly, I was in charge of physical training, thanks to my fitness score, and some one on one instruction from Lieutenant Flutterkicks. Then more tasks landed on my plate because others were either underperforming or simply didn’t want the extra work. Within 18 months, I was managing publications, ground control training, and even barracks cleaning and maintenance. Lesson learned: doing good work gets you more work…and a reputation.

Back then, Yuma was considered a career dead-end. Nobody wanted to be there, and getting certified was tough, so Marines who re-enlisted often got stuck. I requested orders to California for my second enlistment, and everyone laughed, thinking I had no chance. Rumors swirled about Camp Pendleton needing good controllers and someone scouting me. True or not, I re-enlisted with orders to California!

At 23, I arrived at Camp Pendleton as a Sergeant, the second most senior Marine in the tower. Over the next four years, my responsibilities kept growing. The Marine Corps supposedly had leadership and management courses, but I never got to attend. There was always a staffing shortage or some mission keeping me busy. By the time I could schedule myself, I was outranking the courses and busy sending my junior Marines instead.

I wish I’d had that formal training. “Trial by fire” meant a lot of mistakes. I’d love to say I had a natural talent for leadership, effortlessly fixing every situation. But the truth is, I struggled and made every classic mistake in the book. Having that much authority at a young age was a trip. My ego got the best of me. I said hurtful things, humiliated people publicly, procrastinated on tasks I disliked, and delegated the crappy jobs. In the heat of the moment, you face moral dilemmas and define who you are as a leader. It’s easy to resort to sarcasm or trash-talk, but when you’re in charge, everyone listens and remembers. This might be the norm in the military, but I wanted to be better. That’s when I started studying management, devouring every book I could find.

Image by Temel from Pixabay

On a side note, I’ve also managed several pizza places. Compared to the complexities of handling Marines or air traffic controllers, pizza joints were pretty chill. Sometimes I was tired of delivering pizzas, my car was out of commission, or I just wanted to stay late after my shift and tackle the paperwork. What can I say? I was a money-hungry workaholic in my younger days.

Pizza places are almost always understaffed, so everyone’s too busy to stir up drama. Like any workplace, you had your go-getters and your bare-minimum folks. Guess who got the better shifts? The paperwork was straightforward: nightly inventory, ordering supplies, tallying the day’s earnings, and reconciling receipts to ensure nothing was missing. I encountered some lazy managers who’d be $200 short at the end of the night and wouldn’t bother tracking down the discrepancy. Daily earnings rarely topped $6,000, so even if I was only $2 off, I’d spend the extra 15 minutes reviewing everything to ensure accuracy. Sure, I was only making $7.25 an hour, but I had my pride!

Despite the low pay, I’d recommend managing a restaurant early in your career for the experience. You gain valuable skills: inventory, payroll, scheduling, quality control, and reconciliation (balancing the till and ensuring those receipts match the daily sales report). These are fundamental skills applicable to managing people in almost any setting. It shows potential employers you have discipline and integrity—someone trusts you with their money. It might not seem like much, but it can be a stepping stone to managing a larger business or even a government operation.

Image by Shri P from Pixabay

Management in the FAA, at least from my frontline perspective, was nothing like what those management books described. The only real leadership came from the controllers’ union. Forget about strategic planning, meticulous budgeting, or burning the midnight oil to climb the corporate ladder. Our management involved scheduling work and classes, along with rigorous quality assurance procedures to analyze errors and prevent future accidents. Performance management existed, but a controller had to practically commit a crime to face any real consequences.

The FAA sent me to countless management classes that barely helped with my daily work. They focused more on navigating union politics and avoiding trouble. Most instructors were sharp but utterly clueless about the realities of an air traffic facility in the 21st century. We did a lot of touchy-feely team-building exercises, which might be helpful for a brand-new facility, but I already knew my controllers well.

I initially had zero desire to be a manager, but politics, money, and other factors (which I might spill the beans on in other posts) conspired to put me in charge. The tipping point was when three controllers separately urged me to apply for an open management position. They knew I was a known quantity and preferred me over another potential candidate. Flattered and a bit naive, I took the bait. I figured I had no shot, being relatively junior and not exactly the air traffic manager’s favorite.

The application involved answering essay questions about my management experience. Apparently, I did okay because I made the top 20. Then came the interview, which I actually prepared for by researching common questions and practicing my answers. I also picked the brains of other managers about their experiences, so I felt ready. It helped that I was relaxed during the interview, not really caring if I got the job.

A panel of six senior managers grilled me with questions about challenging situations. They wanted to know if I’d encountered specific issues and how I handled them. Turns out, I had experienced them all and had some good stories to tell. I hadn’t always handled things perfectly, but given my relative youth, I think they appreciated my honesty about the consequences and what I learned. I also shared follow-up stories about similar situations and how I improved my approach. The panel kept asking questions, and I must have rambled for over an hour!

The assistant district manager for Southern California called later that week, impressed with my interview. He said I was initially ranked last, but my responses bumped me to the second spot. The top-ranked candidate withdrew after realizing how much their pay cut would be, and I got the job. Lesson learned: be a good storyteller!

So, there you have it – a glimpse into my winding path to management. It wasn’t always glamorous, and I stumbled more than I’d like to admit. But each experience, from stacking textbooks to herding Marines, taught me valuable lessons about initiative, accountability, and the importance of exceeding expectations. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all route to management. Explore different industries, embrace new challenges, and never underestimate the power of a well-told story. And most importantly, don’t burn bridges – you never know when you might need a reference or a favor down the road. So, keep learning, keep hustling, and who knows? You might just find yourself in the manager’s chair sooner than you think.

My E-Business Experience

Image by muntazar mansory from Pixabay

I have posted in the past about my experience running an Ebay store as a hobby and what you need to know and do to get started. Now, I would like to get into a little more detail with my methods, theories and concerns in this particular area of e-commerce. I believe this can be a worthwhile work from home option for those who are willing to make the effort, however, there are a number of pitfalls I would try to steer you away from. So let’s say you have your business license, fictitious business name and website all taken care of and now you want to know how to really run your business. How do you turn this into a profitable and consistent enterprise?

Pick a niche. I’m sure you have heard this before, in order to stand out you need to specialize. So now you’re thinking, well what about Walmart and Amazon? I’m assuming you don’t have a massive budget and army of minions to help you jump straight into the online department store game. Also, keep in mind that Amazon started off just selling books. Think small enough that with your budget you can encompass the entirety of the market. As an example I specialized in role playing games that used the d20 rules of play. Within a couple of years I had a copy of 95 percent of all the d20 books ever published. Were there a lot of other people in the market? Of course, everybody wants to see if they can make money with their hobby. Few of them, however, had the consistent selection I had combined with a 100% feedback rating. So, for what I had, my books sold well, and I was able to charge a higher price and get it.

The problems with my particular niche was that it consisted of a limited number of items with a small number of customers and a very small profit margin. It was tough to get stock because relatively few people were selling and prices were competitive, even in the bulk market. I expanded into game miniatures thinking I just needed to have more products to sell. For a while it felt like I was doing well because I had at least one of almost every plastic Dungeons & Dragons miniature from the various sets and I was selling a great deal of multi-figured lots and combining my shipping efforts. When I finally sat down and did the math, however, it was a face slap of a wakeup call. 

On average I would sell about one item per week for every fifty items I had listed in a 30 day auto-renewal store format. There are a lot of variables here, so I am just estimating. I think Ebay has some sort of algorithm that rates your items higher when you list more items. I would always sell more items the first day or two after listing a bunch of new items. For a while I thought I could incorporate that into my system and get more sales, but it turns out to be an exponential curve where you simply run out of items to list. So I did the basics by making sure I at least had a business card or brochure with all my packaging. I usually listed items between 5 and 7 at night because apparently people tend to check right after work for new stuff or listings that are ending soon. My average amount of sales never really changed though.

I thought, ok I just need to list a massive amount of items. You can probably imagine that my profit margins were small. I tried to always make sure I had at least a dollar of profit with the books. The miniatures were a different story. You need to take into account the Ebay fees, PayPal fees, sales tax, shipping costs, and packaging costs. It seems pretty complicated, but you can set up a spreadsheet pretty quickly that will do the math for you. 

So lets say I have an average profit of 1 dollar per item and I need about 50 items listed in order to sell one item per week. You are probably getting the picture. In order to make 50k a year in profit you need to sell about 137 items per day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. Oh and you would need to have about 48,000 items listed and you would need to keep listing about 137 new items every day to keep up! I know there are automations and duplicate items and processes that can help out, but do you know how much time it takes to package and list items? I think on a good day I could package about 10 items an hour and list about 12 per hour if I was sort of familiar with everything and I did not run out of printer ink or packaging materials. Of course you have worked this imaginary 24 hours a day 7 days a week to make 50k and it will now be subject to the other 3 taxes: the federal, the state, and the self employment tax. Now imagine doing all this with a family encroaching upon your workspace, including kids and pets.

Image by Tung Lam from Pixabay

The moral of that story is sell bigger ticket items or collections of smaller items. I think back in the day the recommendation was items that have a profit of at least 50 dollars each or something. I have friends that ordered pallets of stuff from China and stored it in their garages while trying to sell it off. I stuck with my collectibles because I wanted to at least be interested in the stuff I was handling. 

So I tried selling more expensive stuff and collections, but it was more of a slog because I couldn’t really find a lot of collectibles to mark up that much. At least not ones that I could afford myself. Living in Southern California in small condos and apartments also didn’t help. I simply did not have room for all the items, much less the packaging. Then I ran into more social issues. Some friends were watching our apartment and decided they could smoke in the spare bedroom, which I had converted into a library with all my gaming books. Yeah, smoke never really comes out of books. I probably lost close to 10,000 dollars with all the markdowns. I had another box of signed first editions that after a move somehow ended up in a cardboard box in the garage under a leaky pipe. That loss was less expensive but I lost some great books, like the leatherbound annotated Dragonlance Chronicles signed by Margaret Weis. Sigh. I was pretty disheartened after that and considered renting a storage area for all the Ebay stuff. The logistics there proved more cumbersome than I was willing to put up with and way more expensive than I was expecting. I spent the next couple years selling everything off, which sort of worked out since it helped us purchase a house and pay for 60k in renovations. 

I know you’re probably thinking, so what about drop shipping? Believe me I looked into it. After scouring markets like Worldwide Brands and Alibaba for something I was both interested in and thought I could turn a profit on, I was still pretty discouraged. There is a lot of junk out there, and the stuff that looks interesting, well I’m not the only one who thinks so. The margins were so small and sometimes nonexistent because of the competition. I saw items selling for 5 to 10 percent less than what I could get from a distributor. I still don’t understand it. A buddy of mine who tried drop shopping with little success, eventually wrote a program that tracked prices of certain items on Walmart.com and Amazon. He would list the items on Ebay and have Amazon or Walmart deliver them and he was making better margins than our best dropshipping calculations.

So why bother, right? Well, let’s just say that online sales are not for the faint of heart. More specifically I mean that an online business person, like anyone starting from scratch I suppose, requires persistence and creativity. There are certainly plenty of success stories out there. My same friend who used Walmart and Amazon to ship for him eventually found success with glass etching. He bought pallets of glassware and did custom engravings for weddings and such making as much as 50k a month when we last spoke. Obviously this takes a certain skillset, marketing and some investment in machinery. The ticket here is a modification of an existing product. Much like flipping a house, you buy it, upgrade it and then turn around and sell it for 20-30% more. In this case we have bulk glassware that is custom etched and sold for an 8x markup. Sounds easy right? Not so much, but if you can pull it off and get some quality employees working with you, it’s definitely worth the effort. As soon as I find something like this that works for me, I’ll let you know.

All About Abs

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Sometimes I really miss having abs. It’s been almost 20 years since mine were discernible in any fashion and it has occurred to me on several occasions that the longer I wait to address the issue, the harder it will be to fix. Looking into the problem more thoroughly I realize that for health and self-esteem reasons, this is something I really want to address before I retire. I’m already an older Dad, and I don’t want to be that guy who can’t keep up with his 10 year old son. I also don’t want to be that guy who has a heart attack in his 50’s. Let me walk you through my research on the subject and what I plan to do about it

The first thing we need to do is understand the enemy.  Belly fat, also known as visceral fat, is fat that surrounds your internal organs. It’s considered particularly dangerous because it’s been linked to a number of health problems. Visceral fat differs from subcutaneous fat, which lies beneath the skin. It is more metabolically active and releases hormones and inflammatory substances that can impact health. 

Lets look specifically at some of the metabolic effects. It releases fatty acids and other substances that interfere with insulin signaling, leading to insulin resistance. This can impair your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels which contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes. Visceral fat produces hormones and adipokines (cell-signaling proteins) that can disrupt metabolism. These substances can affect appetite regulation, energy expenditure, and fat storage, making it harder to lose weight and maintain a healthy body composition. Visceral fat is associated with an increased risk of dyslipidemia, a condition characterized by abnormal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. This can contribute to the development of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.

In addition there are a variety of inflammatory threats to your body. Visceral fat secretes cytokines, which are molecules that promote inflammation. This low-grade, chronic inflammation can damage tissues and organs throughout the body, contributing to a wide range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Visceral fat also generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause oxidative stress and damage cells. This further contributes to inflammation and chronic disease.

Visceral fat is not merely a passive storage of energy; it actively contributes to metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Reducing visceral fat through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management is crucial for improving metabolic health, reducing inflammation, and lowering the risk of various chronic diseases.

What are some of the factors that contribute to the acquisition of visceral fat? Hormonal changes, such as those occurring with age or stress, can influence fat distribution. Cortisol, a stress hormone, can promote belly fat accumulation. One more reason I need to leave my career as an air traffic controller asap. Insulin resistance, often linked to poor diet and lack of exercise, can also contribute. If you are having difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, or unexplained weight gain, fatigue or mood swings you may want to see a health professional for advice on managing your hormone levels. Genetic predisposition can play a role in where your body tends to store fat, including the abdominal area. It should be pretty obvious looking around the dinner table during a Thanksgiving reunion if you are predisposed to belly fat. I know just looking at my Dad’s side of the family, there is no doubt. Diet and exercise habits significantly influence belly fat. A diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats can lead to weight gain and increased visceral fat. Lack of physical activity further exacerbates the issue. 

We know that chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to a variety of issues. Understanding the specific factors may help you make informed choices. It’s a bit of a wake up call to realize just what kind of snowball effect a little tummy pudge is rolling into. Lets do a little recap and add some more specifics: Visceral fat cells release adipokines, which are cell-signaling proteins. Some of these adipokines, like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), are pro-inflammatory, meaning they promote inflammation. As visceral fat accumulates, it attracts immune cells called macrophages. These macrophages release additional inflammatory cytokines, further exacerbating the inflammatory response. The fat cells release free fatty acids into the bloodstream. These free fatty acids can trigger inflammation in various tissues and organs, including the liver, muscles, and blood vessels. Visceral fat also generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and tissues. This oxidative stress can contribute to inflammation and chronic disease. Even with my marginal understanding of what all this means, it still kind of freaks me out. 

Just to reiterate, again, visceral fat acts as an endocrine organ, secreting hormones and adipokines that influence inflammation and metabolism. The accumulation of visceral fat leads to a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state, which is linked to numerous health problems. Reducing visceral fat through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can help decrease inflammation and improve overall health. Yup, that’s why we want abs.

So how do we deal with all these issues and flatten our stomach? I suggest we start with food. Eat more fruits and vegetables. They are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied. Choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats over refined grains like white bread and pasta.  Include sources of lean protein such as chicken, fish, beans, and lentils in your diet. Incorporate healthy fats like those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

Here are 5 sample recipes that, as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle, can support your goals for reducing belly fat:

1. Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl:

  • Ingredients: Quinoa, black beans, chopped bell peppers, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Why it helps: High in fiber and protein, this bowl keeps you full and satisfied. It’s also packed with nutrients and healthy fats.

2. Baked Salmon with Roasted Vegetables:

  • Ingredients: Salmon filet, assorted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts), olive oil, herbs and spices.
  • Why it helps: Salmon provides lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while roasted vegetables offer fiber and antioxidants.

3. Lentil Soup:

  • Ingredients: Lentils, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, herbs and spices.
  • Why it helps: Lentils are high in protein and fiber, promoting satiety and aiding digestion. The vegetables add essential nutrients and antioxidants.

4. Overnight Oats:

  • Ingredients: Rolled oats, milk (or plant-based alternative), chia seeds, Greek yogurt, berries, nuts.
  • Why it helps: Overnight oats are a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein, providing sustained energy and keeping you full until lunchtime.

5. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry:

  • Ingredients: Chicken breast, assorted vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas), brown rice, low-sodium soy sauce, garlic, ginger.
  • Why it helps: This stir-fry offers lean protein from chicken, fiber from vegetables, and complex carbohydrates from brown rice, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.

Remember, these recipes are just examples, and you can adjust them to fit your preferences and dietary needs. Focus on incorporating whole, unprocessed foods, lean protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet for optimal results. For further reduction of inflammation I would suggest going organic when it’s available and you can afford it. I could, and probably will, write a whole other blog post on the problems with pesticides.

A  ketogenic diet can also potentially help reduce belly fat. By drastically limiting carbohydrate intake and promoting fat burning for fuel (ketosis), it may lead to overall weight loss, including visceral fat. Some studies suggest that ketogenic diets might be more effective at reducing visceral fat compared to other diets. However, more research is needed to confirm long-term effectiveness and safety. I am personally starting to lean away from keto as an option to reduce my gut size. I worry that my age and relatively inactive lifestyle could leave me open to unwanted side effects from ketosis such as nutrient deficiencies, kidney stones or liver problems. Talk to a doctor if you are thinking about going keto for a flat tummy. 

In case you are going this route here are 5 sample keto-friendly recipes that, as part of balanced ketogenic diet and active lifestyle, can support your goals for reducing belly fat:

  1. Avocado and Shrimp Salad:
    • Ingredients: Shrimp, avocado, cucumber, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
    • Why it helps: This salad is low in carbs, high in protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and filling meal that won’t kick you out of ketosis.
  2. Baked Chicken Thighs with Asparagus:
    • Ingredients: Chicken thighs, asparagus, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Why it helps: Chicken thighs are a good source of protein and fat, while asparagus provides fiber and essential nutrients, keeping you satiated and energized.
  3. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Chicken:
    • Ingredients: Zucchini noodles (zoodles), pesto (made with olive oil, basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese), grilled chicken breast.
    • Why it helps: Zoodles are a low-carb alternative to pasta, and the pesto and chicken provide healthy fats and protein, making this a delicious and filling keto-friendly meal.
  4. Cauliflower Fried Rice:
    • Ingredients: Cauliflower rice, eggs, vegetables (peas, carrots, onions), soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium option), sesame oil.
    • Why it helps: Cauliflower rice is a great substitute for traditional rice, and this dish offers a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
  5. Keto Chili:
    • Ingredients: Ground beef, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Why it helps: This hearty chili is packed with protein and healthy fats, keeping you full and satisfied while staying in ketosis.

Again these recipes are just a starting point, and you can adjust them to fit your preferences and dietary needs. Honestly the only one I’ve actually tried is the keto chili and it’s just not the same without the beans. 

Reducing the inflammation will help us get into a position where we feel healthier and more energetic. Then we can really get into the physical fitness aspect with more enthusiasm. Here are five more recipes that can specifically help with inflammation:

  1. Turmeric Ginger Smoothie:
    • Ingredients: Spinach, frozen pineapple chunks, banana, fresh ginger, turmeric powder, Greek yogurt (or plant-based alternative), and almond milk (or water).
    • Why it helps: Turmeric and ginger have potent anti-inflammatory properties. The fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants and fiber, while the yogurt adds protein.
  2. Mediterranean Salad with Grilled Salmon:
    • Ingredients: Mixed greens, grilled salmon, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs (oregano, basil).
    • Why it helps: The Mediterranean diet is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation, and the vegetables offer antioxidants and fiber.
  3. Berry and Spinach Salad with Walnuts:
    • Ingredients: Spinach, mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), walnuts, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and honey (optional).
    • Why it helps: Berries are rich in antioxidants and fiber, while walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols, all of which have anti-inflammatory effects.
  4. Lentil and Vegetable Curry:
    • Ingredients: Lentils, mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli), coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and onion.
    • Why it helps: Lentils are high in fiber and protein, promoting satiety and gut health. The vegetables and spices offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
  5. Oatmeal with Berries and Nuts:
    • Ingredients: Rolled oats, milk (or plant-based alternative), berries, nuts (almonds, walnuts), and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
    • Why it helps: Oats are a good source of soluble fiber, which can help reduce inflammation. Berries and nuts add antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Focus on incorporating a variety of whole, unprocessed foods rich in antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids to promote overall health and reduce inflammation.

Now for some workout routines to take advantage of all that extra energy we’ll have from eating well and reducing inflammation. Regular exercise typically involves at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of more intense activity. This can be spread out over the week into five – thirty minute workouts or whatever works for you. For those of us with more time and will power maybe we can raise the bar a little, but be careful of overreaching. You don’t want to hurt yourself and be unable to work out for days or weeks. Engage in both cardiovascular exercise and strength training to improve insulin sensitivity, boost metabolism, and promote fat loss.

Cardiovascular exercise: Activities like running, swimming, biking, and dancing can help burn calories and reduce overall body fat, including belly fat.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT): HIIT workouts involve alternating short bursts of intense exercise with periods of rest, which can be effective for burning fat and boosting metabolism. Here is an example if a HIIT workout focusing on belly fat reduction:

Warm-up (2 minutes):

  • Light jog in place or jumping jacks (1 minute)
  • Dynamic stretches like arm circles, leg swings, and torso twists (1 minute)
  • Workout (8 minutes):

Perform each exercise for 40 seconds, followed by 20 seconds of rest. Repeat the circuit twice.

  1. High Knees: Run in place, bringing your knees as high as possible towards your chest.
  2. Burpees: Squat down, kick your feet back into a plank position, do a push-up, jump your feet back to your hands, and explosively jump up.
  3. Mountain Climbers: Start in a plank position and alternate bringing your knees towards your chest in a running motion.
  4. Butt Kicks: Run in place, kicking your heels towards your glutes.
  5. Jumping Jacks: A classic cardio exercise that gets your heart rate up and works your entire body.
  • Cooldown (Optional): Light stretching or walking to bring your heart rate down gradually.

Important considerations:

  • Intensity: Push yourself to work at a high intensity during the 40-second work intervals.
  • Form: Maintain proper form to avoid injuries and maximize the effectiveness of each exercise.
  • Modifications: Modify exercises as needed to suit your fitness level. For example, do modified burpees with a step instead of a full push-up.
  • Progression: As you get fitter, increase the duration of the work intervals or add more challenging exercises.
  • Consistency: Aim to do this workout 3-4 times per week, along with a healthy diet and other forms of exercise, for optimal results.

This is just a sample workout, and you can adjust it to fit your preferences and fitness level. If you really don’t know what you are doing, there are plenty of Youtube videos that will guide you through a HIIT session. If you have health issues, consider consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program.

Strength training: Building muscle through exercises like weight lifting and bodyweight exercises can help increase your metabolism and burn more calories at rest. Here are some simple sample exercises you can do almost anywhere:

Bodyweight Exercises:

  1. Squats: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, lower your hips as if sitting back into a chair, keeping your back straight and chest up.
  2. Lunges: Step forward with one leg, lowering your hips until both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Keep your front knee aligned with your ankle and your back heel lifted.
  3. Push-Ups: Start in a plank position, lower your body towards the floor by bending your elbows, and push back up to the starting position. Modify by doing knee push-ups if needed.
  4. Plank: Hold a straight line from head to heels, engaging your core, glutes, and shoulders. Start with 30 seconds and gradually increase the duration.
  5. Side Plank: Lie on your side, supporting your body with your forearm and feet. Keep your body in a straight line and hold for as long as possible.

Exercises with Weights (Dumbbells or Resistance Bands):

  1. Dumbbell Rows: Hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back flat. Row the dumbbells towards your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  2. Dumbbell Chest Press: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Hold dumbbells with elbows bent, and press them up towards the ceiling.
  3. Dumbbell Shoulder Press: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, hold dumbbells at shoulder level with palms facing forward. Press the dumbbells straight up overhead.
  4. Dumbbell Bicep Curls: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, hold dumbbells at your sides with palms facing forward. Curl the dumbbells towards your shoulders, keeping your elbows close to your body.
  5. Dumbbell Tricep Extensions: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, hold a dumbbell with both hands overhead. Lower the dumbbell behind your head, keeping your upper arms stationary.

Start with a weight that challenges you but allows you to maintain good form. Aim for 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions for each exercise. Gradually increase weight or repetitions as you get stronger. Incorporate these exercises into a well-rounded fitness routine that includes cardio and core work for optimal belly fat reduction and overall health.

Core exercises: Exercises that target your abdominal muscles, such as planks, crunches, and leg raises, can help strengthen and tone your core, but they won’t necessarily spot-reduce belly fat.Here are 10 exercises that effectively target your core muscles, helping to strengthen and tone your midsection:

  1. Plank: A classic core exercise that engages your entire core, including your abs, obliques, and lower back. Hold the plank position for as long as you can, maintaining a straight line from head to heels.
  2. Side Plank: This variation targets your obliques and helps improve core stability and balance. Hold the side plank position on one forearm, keeping your body in a straight line.
  3. Crunches: A popular exercise for strengthening the rectus abdominis (the “six-pack” muscle). Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Curl your upper body towards your knees, engaging your core.
  4. Bicycle Crunches: This exercise works your abs and obliques simultaneously. Lie on your back, bring your knees towards your chest, and alternate touching your elbow to the opposite knee, as if pedaling a bicycle.
  5. Russian Twists: This exercise targets your obliques and improves core strength and rotational power. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat. Lean back slightly, holding a weight or medicine ball, and twist your torso from side to side.
  6. Leg Raises: This exercise strengthens your lower abs and hip flexors. Lie on your back with legs extended. Raise your legs towards the ceiling, keeping them straight or slightly bent, and lower them back down with control.
  7. Flutter Kicks: This exercise targets your lower abs and improves core endurance. Lie on your back with legs extended. Lift your legs slightly off the ground and alternate kicking them up and down in a fluttering motion.
  8. Mountain Climbers: This dynamic exercise engages your entire core, as well as your shoulders, chest, and legs. Start in a plank position and alternate bringing your knees towards your chest in a running motion.
  9. Bird Dog: This exercise challenges your core stability and coordination. Start on your hands and knees, then extend one arm and the opposite leg simultaneously, maintaining a straight line from head to heel.
  10. Dead Bug: This exercise improves core strength and stability, particularly in the transverse abdominis (deep core muscle). Lie on your back with arms and legs extended towards the ceiling. Lower one arm and the opposite leg towards the floor, keeping your core engaged, and alternate sides.

Remember to start with a comfortable number of repetitions and sets, and gradually increase the intensity and duration as you get stronger. Focus on maintaining proper form and engaging your core throughout each exercise to maximize its benefits and prevent injuries.

Other strategies to combat belly fat include the fitness and welfare basics. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep per night to support hormone regulation and overall health. Practice stress-management techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature. Remember that sustainable weight management takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks, and focus on making healthy choices consistently. Your lifestyle choices have a significant impact on your health and body composition. By adopting healthy habits, you can take charge of your well-being and achieve your goals. If I accomplish mine, I will certainly update with what worked and what did not. Good luck with those abs!

Why Your Kid Should Have A Dog

Image by Tony Minguillon from Pixabay

I wasn’t on board with this at first. My wife insisted and all the while I was thinking ‘ we are getting a large animal for our 4 year old that he’s not going to care about and I’m going to have to take care of it. I was wrong on several levels. I think the choice to get a dog has been an emotional and social advantage that our child would have otherwise been lacking. Our child, Elliot, has a natural empathy and confidence toward other critters that I don’t see with a lot of other children. He has a physical presence and aura of authority that I believe is also related to his canine sibling. I think this relationship between child and pet is underrated and deserves a closer look.

I wasn’t very close to our dog growing up. We had a large black Lab who stayed outside and did not interact much with the family other than feeding time or trips to the lake. My father believed that animals belonged outside, and not having many other authorities on that subject in my life, I adopted a similar attitude. I never understood just how social dogs are, and looking back on my childhood I think that our dog lived a fairly sad and lonely life. As an adult I began to realize that dogs required a lot of interaction to be truly happy and I never got one for myself because there was always a ton on my plate and I didn’t believe I had the time or space to be a good dog owner. 

I had a tenant later in life who was a co-worker and eventually a good friend of mine. He purchased a German shorthaired pointer to have as a pet, which cemented all my beliefs about why I should not have a dog. That dog was hyper, needy, loud and destructive. I could take that dog for a 5 mile bike ride while he ran alongside. We would get home and he would rest for 30 minutes and be ready to go again. I understood later that it was a poor choice of dog for the size of our condo, lack of a yard, and proximity to neighbors. Looking back, I see that he was an amazing dog in a poor environment, and I remember him more as loyal, intelligent, goofy and lovable.

My wife always had a different attitude toward pets than me. I looked at animals for their practical traits, whether they were for food or protection. Dogs and cats always seemed to get along with me but I never became too attached. I guess the exception would be a couple of the cats I had as a young child. My wife looks at pets as a responsibility, almost like having another child that needs not only sustenance, but love, affection and happiness. She had a Chihuahua when we first met. A tiny dog she allegedly stole from her ex-husband because he treated the dog poorly. The dog was fidgety, noisy, spoiled and yet still riddled with anxiety. It was the complete opposite of a practical pet, although I guess he made a good door alarm. My wife slept with him in her bed every night. To say that it took some getting used to is an understatement. I eventually got it. The grumpy little guy was affectionate, cuddly and had that wide eyed puppy look down pat. You really couldn’t help but appreciate the fact that you were finally good enough for him to let you pet him, and oh the look of jealousy I got from my wife when after a few months he would curl up on my lap instead of hers. 

Bodi, the Chihuahua, died when my son was 3 years old. I was distraught cried like a baby, but I also thought, finally no more cleaning up pee and poop. My wife had other ideas though. She is a scientist and a researcher and she decided that the best dog for our little boy would be a standard poodle. She had several reasons for this from how they are with children to how they allegedly won’t trigger allergies. I knew once she decided on this, it was going to happen, so I grumbled a little bit passive aggressively, then I did what any good husband does, and got out of her way. 

A little side note here. We originally wanted to have more than one child with the idea that siblings would be a good experience for any kid to have. We were older parents and so our boy is an IVF (In vitro fertilization) baby. Yes, that means he was conceived in a petri dish. We had intended for him to have brothers and sisters but the process is long and hard (especially on the female half of the team). We had already had one failure before our son and he was also supposed to have a twin sister which did not work out. We tried two more times, the second time failed so spectacularly my wife almost died. It involved an ectopic pregnancy, and burst fallopian tubes. The ambulance brought my wife to the hospital after she collapsed in the living room. Even though they knew she was 8 weeks pregnant, they still blew her off for hours at the hospital thinking she was just having indigestion or something. The nurse asked her to stand up and she passed out onto the floor. That’s when they finally figured out that she was bleeding to death internally. After a messy surgery,  a week in the hospital and a trauma she still hasn’t quite recovered from, she decided our son would have to do without siblings.  The next best option would be Riker

We named the poodle Riker because my wife was a closet Star Trek the Next Generation fan in high school and Riker would be our son’s number one. Riker immediately reminded me of that German shorthaired pointer because he was energetic, needy and loud. Things became better as we figured him out a bit more. Riker is energetic but does not have endurance like the pointer. He is loud but he eventually (somewhat) learned when it was appropriate to bark. His neediness is endearing and apparently most dogs are genetically bred with that trait in mind, so what can you do?

The first couple years were a love-hate, almost brotherly relationship for the dog and his boy. Riker was like the bully older brother, even though he was younger he still outweighed the kiddo by about 20 pounds. He would accidentally bowl the boy over or hip check him into the couch or chew his toys to pieces.  Riker destroyed a couple of stuffed animals which incurred such an episode of screaming wrath from my son that the dog learned after the second such encounter, to stay away from the stufties. We’ve had the dog now for 5 years and it has been almost 4 since he has so much as licked a stuffed animal. 

So what has my son learned from having a dog? I suppose I can’t definitively prove anything, but I can describe what I have noticed in comparison with other children his age. Elliot seems to have a lot more patience and empathy with other children who have communication issues such as foreign languages or mental handicaps. He is also more tolerant in general of people who are different physically or socially challenged, and even seems to gravitate toward them. I can relate some of this to the way Elliot looks at Riker kind of like another human being. He was frustrated as a younger child because he didn’t understand why Riker wouldn’t listen to him and do what he was told. I had to explain to him how dogs don’t understand English and really only understood a few words. Elliot learned quickly how much more responsive Riker was when spoken to in a calm but firm voice while holding a snack in hand. It was somewhat humorous watching the boy use similar techniques on his little human friends with similar results.  

Elliot is not afraid of other animals. He approaches all other animals with the assumption that they want petting and treats. He knows not to approach strange dogs, especially if they are leashed, without asking the owner first. Riker is very protective when being walked on a leash and Elliot takes it as a given that other dogs may be the same way, so he is careful and cautious, but not fearful. He’s ok with being jostled or knocked over by larger dogs and accepts it as part of playing, but he’s not afraid to stand up to them loudly and decisively when they go too far. Apparently he did the same with some bullies at school in such a way that everyone within a hundred feet heard the dressing down. After being treated like ‘bad dogs’ and laughed at by half the school, they don’t seem to bother Elliot anymore. 

I notice that my son has an affection for other animals as well. He is not the type of boy who will casually kill frogs or even insects. He loves petting zoos and the last one we went to was at the Skowhegan Fair in Maine. He spent almost two hours in a pen with ducks, geese, rabbits, goats, sheep and chickens. After a while he became the ‘expert’ and was helpfully instructing the other kids about the animals, including which ones liked petting, which treats they liked and their general personality. After a thorough hand washing all he wanted to talk about the rest of the day was farm animals. He wasn’t even interested in the rides, he spent another hour just walking through the farm exhibits and asking questions. We had to explain several times that no, we would not be purchasing any rabbits or chickens and taking them back to California.

I know his personality is not all about the dog, but I do believe Riker has had a positive impact on his emotional development. I think that being an only child would be much more of a struggle without his furry buddy. There are certainly some natural genetic traits involved and surely parenting plays a role as well, but true empathy requires more thought and experience. I think the quality of school is also important for emotional development and I may write a post on that subject in the future. Watching him go from follower to leader over the past 4 years has been a treat and has changed my perspective on a lot of things. I think his confidence would have suffered greatly without his trusty and faithful, four legged friend.

What can we do for you?

Image by Michi S from Pixabay

When pilots tour an air traffic facility one of the most common questions is: What can we as pilots do to make the lives of air traffic controllers easier? We do appreciate the concern. As you can imagine, this particular topic is often discussed in detail when it’s just us controllers, but we tend to be a little more political when our customers are in the room. Yes, customers. Whether we like it or not, air traffic is a service industry. That certainly doesn’t mean that the customers are always right, because if they were, air traffic controllers would be out of a job. Here is my disclaimer before we get too far: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are my own and do not represent the official policies, positions, or opinions of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or any other governmental agency. I do not speak on behalf of the FAA, and any information provided is based on my personal experience and knowledge.

Air traffic controllers are aware of the stress that pilots face, many of my fellow controllers are pilots, some of them were even pilot instructors. That being said, when we’re on the spot and stressed out, we tend to have little tolerance for poor piloting. We generally don’t lash out directly unless we’re really at the end of our rope (which can happen several times on a bad day). On frequency you may notice a hardening of tone, a shortness that indicates we have a lot on our plate and the latest pilot error has just drastically increased our workload. 

I think this reaction to stress is only human. After almost 30 years of stressful work, I still lose my temper sometimes. I think I’ve only raised my voice twice to my wife in 13 years. I get angry more often with my 8 year old son, but I’m even keeled enough where just a slight change in tone lets him know he messed up. I might say something like “I know jumping on the couch is fun, but it would be a shame if that resulted in the Playstation power cord being lost for the rest of the day.” But still, I have probably seriously raised my voice to him 3 times in the last 2 years, and he can really push my buttons. I get pissed off at a pilot almost everyday of the week, sometimes more than once a day. I generally don’t express it out loud in any way and it only lasts a few minutes, but in that moment I feel more disrespected than from anything my wife or kid has ever done. Part of this comes from the fact that most people are not risking lives or property when they mess up, so our expectations tend to be higher. Also keep in mind that I talk to hundreds of pilots every day, so from that perspective one or two isn’t bad.

It’s not that the pilot necessarily made some huge mistake or did something intentionally wrong, it’s the particular situation. Imagine you are already stressed out, at the end of your mental capacity trying to keep 12 other people happy and one person has to go and break the flow by slapping you in the face, or careening into the final or following the wrong airplane or circling in your departure corridor. Objectively, I get it, pilots are human and they make mistakes. Also, I work at a training airport and many of the pilots are either students, very inexperienced or the dreaded ‘weekend warriors’. The problem is, and this may be my age talking, I believe it’s getting worse.

There are a few common issues that I have seen an increase in over the past 18 years at my particular airport. Flight planning seems to be a big one. I don’t know if it’s the reliance on technology or a change in culture but more aircraft are coming to the airport with little to no idea where they are going. They have more trouble finding the airport than back in the day when they were just using VORs and TACANs. I’ve had a pilot try to get a landing clearance telling me that according to their IPad they were five miles south. We had them squawk ident and scrolled out the RADAR to find them almost 30 miles south in restricted military airspace. 

There are more people coming off the runway onto the taxiway and not knowing which FBO (fixed base operator) they want to go to. They might want self-serve fuel and not know that they exited on the wrong side of the runway, They get clearance to county transient parking and end up turning into the restricted commuter ramp and never tell ground control they need progressive taxi instructions.

Yes, I am venting a little. I should mention that the vast majority of professional pilots are spot on and know exactly what they are doing. It can actually be quite enjoyable to work with a half-dozen aircraft that all respond immediately and correctly to every instruction. 

Let’s get back on track and talk about flight planning. I’m not a pilot but I did some flight planning and navigation training in the Marine Corps. We spent about 80 hours in the air flying all over the country keeping track of everything from fuel to our exact location. We used a variety of tools including pen and paper, an antiquated calculation device we called a ‘whiz wheel’, TACANs, VOR/DME, INS(inertial navigation system), pressure, and celestial navigation. Yes, I have navigated on a moving aircraft going 400 knots with a flipping sextant sticking out of the top of the aircraft, taking three star, sun or moon readings at 4 minutes each and using an almanac to triangulate our position on a chart and then dead reckoning to adjust the heading. Our instructors had fancy hand held Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, which were new at the time, to check our work. Despite all the amazing technology of the 90’s, the one thing that kept us afloat were checklists. Yes, checklists. We had so many checklists that we had checklists for our checklists. I have heard that pilots use these things too.

I’m sure flight planning has changed quite a lot in the last 30 years, but who knows, in the tower we still have paper versions of everything. I would hope that you are plotting your route of flight on a valid up to date published chart or digital version. You want to know if you are creeping up on or going through a class B, C, or D airspace and who you should be talking to. You want to know about the artillery range that you’re flying right next to. You should be aware if you are on someone’s final or in their departure corridor. Know the new landmarks. Southern California changes relatively fast. That reservoir you used as a landmark 3 years ago might be a condo development and those smoke stacks on the shore that were such an eyesore have been torn down and if you forgot where they were, suddenly you’re careening into my departure corridor. Know the airport layout. 

So you’re a little lost in the air, you call in 7 miles east when you are actually 5 miles due north and you are asking to land on a runway that doesn’t exist. We got you. Now we know you are new and will guide you in with caution (as soon as we verify you’re going to the correct airport.) Yes, people try to land at an uncontrolled airport 7 miles north of us all the time thinking it’s us. Sometimes they succeed. There are some funny stories there which I’m pretty sure I’m not allowed to tell. Just make sure you are landing at the right airport or the runway might be half as long as you think it is, or even better your aircraft is surrounded by Marines with loaded rifles before you even get on the taxiway.

Awareness of your location is a key concept that deserves some more time. Again, more and more often aircraft seem to be flying through arrival and departure corridors without talking to anyone. Fairly often a slow mover (ie. Skyhawk, Cherokee or almost any single engine prop) will call up on a 10 mile final at 3500 feet asking for a straight-in to the runway, completely oblivious to the global express descending out of 6000 4 miles behind them. Or someone will be off shore in the departure corridor circling at 3000 feet ‘whale watching’ while departing jets are trying to climb through that altitude. Then there is the classic response when you tell certain pilots that what they are doing is not safe, it’s something to the effect of: ‘well we’re VFR and this is uncontrolled airspace so…’. I can’t help but think, who are they going to take with them on their flaming plummet with that attitude?  It’s like walking through an active rifle range, having faith people will see you and stop firing, or maybe the big sky theory is going to save them. But then again, I suppose it’s job security.

So you’re on the ground, landed and safe. Wait, what’s a safety area? The safety area is a protected area on either side of the runway that needs to be kept clear in case an aircraft veers off the runway. Apparently this is not common at other airports but our runway safety area goes right up to the taxiway. Make sure you are up to speed on the runway and taxiway markings at the airport where you are landing. If you stop inside the safety area, air traffic control is not supposed to land or depart any airplanes on the runway. You can imagine how happy the bizjets are to be sent around because some cessna stopped just over the white line and is fishing for a ground frequency. Poof, 500 to 1000 dollars up in fumes depending on the type of jet and how far they have to fly to get back on final. All because someone didn’t scope out the airport they were flying into.

If you need help or don’t know where you are going, please say something. I know sometimes controllers can sound intimidating and impatient, and I suppose to a large extent we are, but it is our job to help you. If you need help, tell us. We can’t read your mind and when we’re busy we rely on the idea that pilots will do exactly what they are supposed to do in order to keep our plan in motion. If something disrupts the plan, then we adapt, but it’s more work and probably shortens our lifespans. If I tell you to follow the Mooney on a 3 mile final and you tell me you have traffic in sight, I’m not expecting you to follow the Centurion on a 1.5 mile final where your base turn tries to t-bone the Mooney. If you are not sure where your traffic is just tell us you’re still looking or ask us to call your base turn. 

I notice more pilots who do not know basic instructions and terminology. I understand that companies want the ground school to be relatively easy because, well, more customers is more money, but maybe we can have a more comprehensive review at the end or something? We issued a go around once to a pilot who had no idea what we were talking about. After the resulting pilot deviation, they had to call on the phone and have us explain to them how to do a go-around. Seriously. More often I’m getting pilots who don’t know what ‘the option’ is. This is a clearance that means you can do a full stop, stop and go, touch and go, or low approach. I use this often because about one in five student pilots will go around anyway and about one in ten will do whatever they want regardless of what you tell them. I get it, they are training and nervous. If I clear them for the option, then I’m ready for any surprises. At least twice a week I hear something like ‘Ah, no tower we’re actually requesting a touch and go…’ and I have to explain how yep, that is part of the option.

Ok, that was a lot of ranting. To summarize, in order to help controllers more, pilots can plan better, listen carefully to the frequency, speak up if they are confused or not sure of something, and study hard before you get into that plane by yourself. I feel like somewhere in that sentence could be a basic mantra for living your life, but that’s a topic for another post. 

Now that we’ve ragged on pilots for a while let’s talk about what controllers can do better. What? Controllers aren’t perfect? What blasphemy is this! It’s true though, we are all human and until that blessed day when our future AI overlords take our jobs too, you have to deal with us. 

Controllers tend to talk fast. This happens to me fairly regularly. I get excited and start going full speed and about the third time I hear ‘say again?’ I realize it’s time to calm down, take a breath,  slow my speech rate, and focus on proper enunciation. Some controllers never figure it out and they become more frustrated with the pilots’ lack of comprehension and compliance. It makes a long and frustrating career for those controllers. Controllers have hearing problems too. I know my baseline goes down every year and I have to keep turning the volume up loader. Between my poor ears and the number of foreign pilots training, one of my favorite phrases has become ‘Say Again?’.

Controllers can be mean. Most of us have large and strong egos because they need to be in order ro resist the pummeling they take on a regular basis. This is a good thing, trust me you want the controller who is excited and loud and confident over the one who is apathetic and uncaring. Unfortunately after enough time on our high pedestal we tend to look down upon the lesser mortals and might start spouting sarcasm. We can be condescending, passive aggressive and patronizing but will never curse at you, at least not on the recorded line. The vitriol slips out now and then, sometimes subtle, sometimes not so much. I think a lot of controllers could benefit from some basic customer service training.

Distractions are one of the safety concerns that we get educated on regularly. It can be anything from someone telling a joke in the background to a tour standing behind you asking questions that subconsciously competes for that limited attention span. Other issues include problems at home, family strife, sick loved ones, or money problems that cause your mind to drift and introduce more risk. These are all known issues that the Agency (FAA) is aware of and spends a ton of money trying to fix. We do have a lot of options that we can use to deal with our drama, but again our egos come into play and we think we are fine to be at work or we don’t want to let down our co-workers or we don’t have any time off left. I do have some strong opinions about these issues, but I’ll save that for another blog post, perhaps after retirement.

There is a lot more that can be improved upon by both sides. Some of the controller issues which I have not mentioned deserve several posts of their own or perhaps a small book to dive into, and I’m not ready to broach those areas yet. It eventually comes down to human beings being flawed and oh yeah, money. I want to give a shout out to all the people who work hard to keep our national airspace safe and efficient. There are some real heroes out there in my industry that work diligently despite the barriers of politics, short sighted hiring and antiquated training practices, to make sure aviators are safe and on time. 

I would also like to thank bizjet and airline pilots for their professionalism and consistent desire for self and passenger preservation. We can’t see everything after all. I am humbled daily by all that you do. I would also like to give a shout out to all the pilot trainers out there. I can’t imagine the guts it takes to sit next to a student pilot and put your life in their hands. I think you’re all crazy. Amazing but crazy.

If I continue posts on this topic, I think I will focus on more instructional philosophy toward air traffic controllers. If there is any particular subject you would like me to go more in depth on, let me know and I will be sure to answer with my completely biased and somewhat professional opinion.

Starting a Cleaning Business

Image by svklimkin from Pixabay

Why would anyone want to start a cleaning business? It’s not something I would have considered until I started considering the conveniences people will actually pay for in the real world. I have all these fantasies about starting a business that revolves around what I want and what I need, but the real money is in what other people need. Cleaning is something a lot of people pay for in Southern California. I grew up cleaning after myself and for many years scoffed at the idea of paying someone else to do something so trivial. In my maturity and continuing trend toward the SoCal lifestyle I see the appeal. I am a busy person and I have paid 40 dollars to have someone clean my car. It took them 20 minutes and a machine did most of the work. I have paid 400 dollars to have my house cleaned. It took them 4 and half hours and I thought, dang, after taxes that’s more than I make in a 10 hour day (8 hours of work plus 2 hours of driving). 

I know from my own searches that finding a good and consistent cleaner can be troublesome. You might wonder, who am I inviting into my home? Are they going to steal my stuff? I feel like this is not too much of a concern with most professional cleaning services. The concerns I have had are more like: What chemicals are they using that my family and pets are going to be exposed to? Did they know they pulled the curtains out of the drywall and if so why didn’t they just tell me? Did they literally sweep everything under the carpet or was that there already? Minor stuff overall, but sometimes annoying. Honestly I don’t have a lot of experience with hiring other people for cleaning, like I said I am usually too cheap and just do it myself.

I believe there is a need in my area for competent and consistent cleaners. I think people will pay a lot of money for such a service. The question is, do I want to be the one to provide that service? I am no spring chicken and the physical aspect alone is daunting. I know I could adapt, but I would hope to hire help relatively soon. I also have this vision in my head of dealing with snobby customers who are ultra perfectionists, doing white glove inspections after each job and publicly complaining. My experience in customer service is limited, but I know people will always find a way to critique. 

I always thought getting a government contract would be the best way to go. Our facility contracts a company to clean the windows, a separate one to clean the shades, and another one to do the basic janitorial work. I have done all these things for an air traffic control tower, because the Marines do not contract people to clean when enlisted people can do it, and it’s all pretty simple. I’m not up on the exact numbers that contractors get these days but I feel like I could meet all of their requirements in about 5 hours a week. I estimate Uncle Sam pays about 1800 dollars for that work. Yeah, 1800 dollars for 5 hours a week. That’s why our Janitor drives a Mercedes and I drive a Nissan. That’s the type of cleaning business I want to have.

Isn’t it funny how you talk to certain people and they look down on certain industries like they are less worthy. I think jobs need to be done, and if you can make money doing it, good for you. I had a friend who would rag on me because I delivered pizza. He was a real estate agent, and I didn’t realize this at the time but I made more money than him. Now he is unemployed and struggling because he’s too good to work a ‘menial’ job. I’ll bet that guy who used to work at Dominoes and now owns 16 franchises would be laughing his ass off from his Laguna Niguel mansion with his 15 cats. Yeah, you know who you are. 

I’m honestly a little worried about pushback from my own family. Not my East coast family, they won’t care. My West coast family, like my wife, California born and raised, is gonna be like; “you wanna do what now?”. Oh and of course my kid at school; “yeah my dad’s a…sanitation engineer…”. Obviously it’s not what I want to do until I drop dead, I just feel like it is a practical business idea that can actually go somewhere with a little discipline and persistence. I like the idea of running a business and watching it grow, improving the numbers. With that in mind I created a little sample business plan with the help of ChatGPT and my own prior experiences such as they are.

Business Plan for California Casual Cleaning Service (The name needs work, I know, just go with it.)

1. Executive Summary

  • Business Name: California Casual Cleaning Service
  • Business Address: Somewhere in Orange County, CA
  • Owner: The one, the only: Mad Mike
  • Services Offered: Residential cleaning (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly), deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning
  • Mission Statement: To provide top-quality, reliable, and affordable residential cleaning services, ensuring our clients’ homes are always stress free, clean and comfortable.

2. Business Objectives

  • Short-term Goals:
    • Secure 10 regular clients within the first 3 months.
    • Achieve a 90% customer satisfaction rate.
  • Long-term Goals:
    • Expand to include commercial cleaning services in 2 years.
    • Grow client base to 100+ regular clients in 5 years.

3. Market Analysis

  • Target Market: Homeowners and renters in Orange County, particularly busy professionals and families.
  • Market Needs: Professional, reliable, and flexible cleaning services.
  • Competitors: Local cleaning companies, national franchises, independent cleaners.
  • Market Trends: Growing demand for eco-friendly cleaning solutions and convenient booking options.

4. Services Offered

  • Standard Cleaning: Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, kitchen and bathroom cleaning.
  • Deep Cleaning: Detailed cleaning including baseboards, behind appliances, and inside cabinets.
  • Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning: Comprehensive cleaning for homes before or after moving.

5. Marketing and Sales Strategy

  • Website: Create a user-friendly website with online booking capabilities.
  • Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to reach local customers.
  • Advertising: Utilize local online classifieds, community boards, and flyers.
  • Promotions: Offer first-time customer discounts and referral incentives.

6. Operations Plan

  • Location: Operate from a home office to reduce overhead costs.
  • Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM.
  • Suppliers: Source cleaning supplies and equipment from local or online retailers.
  • Staffing: Start with a small team, hiring additional staff as needed based on growth.

7. Financial Plan

  • Startup Costs:
    • Equipment and supplies: $1,000
    • Business registration and insurance: $500
    • Marketing and advertising: $500
    • Miscellaneous: $500
  • Monthly Expenses:
    • Supplies and equipment: $200
    • Insurance: $50
    • Marketing: $100
    • Miscellaneous: $100
  • Pricing Strategy:
    • Standard cleaning: $100 per visit
    • Deep cleaning: $200 per visit
    • Move-in/Move-out cleaning: $250 per visit
  • Revenue Projections:
    • Month 1: $1,500
    • Month 3: $4,000
    • Month 6: $8,000

8. Legal and Administrative Requirements

(So in the beginning I would probably go with a sole proprietorship for the sake of simplicity. I’ve never actually done an LLC, but my understanding is that the LLC model is for a larger business that needs to limit liability on the owner, and look better to more prestigious clients.)

  • Business Structure: LLC for liability protection.
  • Licenses: Obtain a business license from Orange County.
  • Insurance: General liability insurance and bonding.

9. Conclusion California Casual Cleaning Service aims to become a trusted name in residential cleaning in Orange County by providing exceptional service and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and customer care.

I’m going to research the idea of cleaning for a straight hourly wage. I don’t like the idea of being potentially paid 100 dollars for a job that takes 8 hours. I would have to set minimums as well, I’m not thrilled with the prospect of driving 20 minutes to work for an hour, and then having to drive back. I once worked teaching chess to kids after school for 20 dollars an hour as a part time gig. It sounds great and fun on paper, but some of these schools were 35 minutes away, and the class was only an hour long. Yeah, it took me less than a month to realize I made a mistake and I got out as soon as I could. Luckily the classes were only 5 weeks long.

Getting insurance was not something I had initially considered. I feel that something like cleaning should be relatively low risk, right? Unfortunately, Californians do love to sue each other. It’s so scary to think that you could lose everything because some idiot slipped and hurt themselves on a wet floor. Dumber things have happened. I know someone who used to work for a company that did risk evaluation and litigation assistance for construction companies. I heard a lot of stories, but one that got to me was this guy who was running down the sidewalk, tripped and broke something, I can’t remember what. So he sues the owner of the house next to the sidewalk because their tree root had lifted the sidewalk and made him trip. Yes, he won the lawsuit. 

So if I do this, I will shoot for a start date around January 1st 2025, since that seems like a good time to start a business. It seems like relatively little effort to at least try it out and see how it goes. Maybe I won’t get any customers because the need is not as great as I thought. More likely though, I’ll clean a few houses and the customers will be so disappointed with the results, that they don’t call back. I do not underestimate the difficulty of competing with the companies already out there. Let me know if you have tried anything like this and how it worked out. Wish me luck.

First Anniversary

Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay

So today marks the one year anniversary for this blog. It is also exactly 2 years until I am eligible for retirement. I had some grand ideas and goals for this blog and to say the results are lackluster would be an understatement. I have 15 posts, about 24,000 words total and 21 subscribers. Those numbers are something I would like to achieve monthly this year. 

I’m pretty sure all of my subscribers are marketers of some kind and I’m not sure how to take that. I do wonder if any of them get anything from my posts or if they are all just hoping I buy something from them. I suppose I should be happy people are looking at all, but I was hoping for a little more engagement. The one comment I have is from one of my best friends and he didn’t even subscribe. In reality, I know it’s hard to build audience engagement when my topics are so scattered. 

I’m still not sure what to focus on. The obvious choice would be something money related since that particular post was by far the most popular. Is that really what I want to do though? Do I want to be just another wannabe financial guru that is really just an affiliate marketer reposting the get rich wisdom of the ages? There is a lot of material to pull from there, and I should know I’ve read dozens of those books. The basic premise all boils down to the same few things though. I can summarize hundreds of hours of reading into a few short words: discipline, perseverance, luck…

Yeah, that’s about the size of it. The Secret? Believe in yourself. The entire point of Think and Grow Rich: Be passionately disciplined and driven. There is a reason why your OCD friend is richer than you. I know there is objectively more to these books, but you can only read so many inspirational stories before they all start to sound the same. Much like marketing websites. After you get drawn in a few dozen times by the flashy headlines and pictures, they all just seem to blend together in a nauseating stream of ads and clickbait. 

I would really like to write a web serial, but am I passionate and disciplined enough to pump out content on a regular basis? I used to do a lot of story creation as a dungeon master for tabletop games. I used to revel in the creative process. After a while the need to come up with new and engaging creative content for my group of five players every Friday became more like work. I burned out and stopped playing for a long time, and when I tried again years later, the passion was gone. I was going through the motions enjoying the social aspect a bit, but almost dreading the game preparation. The press of life as an adult does not seem to lend itself readily to creative insight. Now that my friends and family are so scattered it’s hard to justify the effort to put a tabletop game together when Elder Scrolls is just right there!

On the subject of what I plan to do in two years, I’m still largely undecided. I’m kind of hoping some awesome opportunity is going to land in my lap and make all my decisions for me. Staying in my current job is certainly an option, and looking more likely since I just bought a new car. Stay tuned for a possible upcoming blog post on car buying. Don’t get me wrong if the right opportunity to work from home appeared, I would sell that car in a heartbeat and share a lease with my wife to make the transition more affordable. 

The idea of starting my own small business is sounding more appealing. I still like the idea of an online business but I lack the confidence in my ideas to invest a ton of money into it. I’m considering something where there is a definite need in my area, like house cleaning, or daycare, or pet sitting. I don’t necessarily enjoy any of these things but I like the idea of running a business and trying to get it to the point where I can step away and let my employees take over.

In the end, while the subject of retirement and a second career looms on the horizon, I’m not terribly worried about it. I usually make the best of every situation that comes about. I might procrastinate or get sucked into video games but when the time comes I will step up and do what needs to be done. Sometimes my confidence wavers and part of me thinks I might be getting too old and lazy for something new. Deep down, however, I know I’m still that guy who will power my way through any obstacle. I’m still that kid who worked on a farm for 3 dollars an hour to buy comic books. I’m that kid who biked 85 miles with everything I owned on my back because someone told me I couldn’t. I’m still that guy who renovated an entire house by myself in two weeks. I’m still that guy who hiked Mount Whitney at 44. Don’t give up on me yet.

My Air Traffic Conflict

Image by Wälz from Pixabay

A friend of mind is encouraging me to write about air traffic control on my blog. She is someone whom I respect greatly, a retiree from the industry and someone who has the consulting job of my dreams. I have mixed feelings with regard to talking about air traffic in a public forum. On the one hand it is what I have been doing with my life for nearly 30 years and I do know a lot about it. On the other hand there is a lot that is political, controversial or just plain up for interpretation, which could invite some backlash. On one side I have a lot of bitterness from what I perceive as poor overall management. On the other hand this is by far the best job I’ve ever had on almost any practical scale I care to measure. 

So my mentor says I should write about ATC (air traffic control) because she thinks it can add credibility to any application I might make for a consulting job after I retire. She should know. She works as an independent consultant who works from anywhere she wants and works whatever hours she wants. Her hourly rate is outrageous and if they do need her in person somewhere, they fly her wherever she needs to go and compensate her very well. Yes, I want to be her. The cynical side of me worries that my honest opinions could get me blackballed from the very companies I would like to work for.

For starters, who am I to talk with any authority on the subject? I don’t have a college degree, though I have been told that my experience is the equivalent of having a Ph.D. in the field. I don’t really agree with that educational assessment though I respect the source. I suppose it makes sense when you consider that Ph.D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy, because I feel like once you get to a certain level in an area of knowledge you become a philosopher. I mean a philosopher in the sense that you start to question and evaluate the very basic principles that are the core of your profession. 

In terms of practical experience, I have worked at four different facilities, and air traffic is very facility specific. A person can be a working controller for decades and still need to train for months or years to be certified at a new facility. I have been in management, I have helped develop procedures, and been heavily involved in QA/QC(Quality Assurance and Quality Control), mostly the QC side. I have taught classes and trained around thirty other controllers. None of this experience is really unique or particularly ambitious for someone who has been doing this as long as I have.

I am honestly not sure who my audience should be when writing on the subject. Should I try to write for the layperson who has little to no understanding of the industry and thinks I wave batons to assist parking aircraft? Should I write to pilots who have a basic understanding of aviation but do not know all the intricacies and expectations of the mysterious controller on the other end of the radio? Perhaps I should write to the perspective or developmental air traffic controller who has little to no concept of the world they are stepping into.

This niche could definitely help  improve my writing. It is something I can say a lot about at least somewhat competently. I would never be at a loss for words or subject matter. The research materials are at my fingertips, though I would likely just use ChatGPT for that sort of busy work anyhow. 

I will play it by ear for now and perhaps write a few posts that address the most commonly asked questions we get from pilots or laypersons. For now I shall close with a disclaimer provided by my favorite AI assistant: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are my own and do not represent the official policies, positions, or opinions of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or any other governmental agency. I do not speak on behalf of the FAA, and any information provided is based on my personal experience and knowledge.

My Keto Experience

Image by Sarah Kallend from Pixabay

I’ve talked about this a little in some previous posts, but never really got into any detail. The keto diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet designed to shift your metabolism from relying on glucose (carbohydrates) for energy to relying on ketones (fat). This metabolic state is called ketosis. By significantly reducing carbohydrate intake (less than 30 grams a day for me) and increasing fat consumption, the body is forced to use fat as its primary energy source.

For me, the most difficult issue with this diet was the company I kept. Having family and friends around deviously offering high carb foods and sugary treats was an ongoing distraction. My nemesis, beer, was another big hurdle. I’m sure a lot of people with stressful jobs get this, but at the end of the work day there is this willpower vacuum. Your adrenaline is calming down as you leave work just so you can endure an hour-long drive through traffic to get home and deflate. Nothing sounds better than a burger, some fries and an ice cold beer. Nope, not on keto. You can have a burger with no bun, some cheese, low sugar veggies, and a glass of water.

As a result of temptation, over the course of five months I slipped in and out of ketosis several times and that back and forth kind of sucks. Keto is definitely something you should be prepared to maintain for the long haul. I didn’t measure ketones with special equipment or strips or anything because I never felt that serious about the experiment and it was pretty obvious to me when my metabolic shift occurred. The first time getting into keto consisted of about a week of sluggishness where I felt like I could not sleep enough and a pretty gnarly headache for about 3 of those days. I’ve always struggled with some bad breath issues so I did not notice that symptom in particular and my wife is pretty good at letting me know if it’s a problem. I generally brush and use mouthwash 2 or 3 times a day and use Altoids between meals. Can’t do Altoids on keto, or at least you need to be careful not to do too many.

After about a week my mind became noticeably more clear and my short term energy became more easily accessible. By easily accessible I mean that the period from rest to motion grew shorter. For example getting up off the couch became easier and I didn’t have to stumble around for a few minutes before it felt like my muscles and mind were up to speed. I felt less desire for caffeine. In fact, over the course of 3 weeks I went from a pot a day to zero coffee. It was a weird feeling being at work without a coffee cup. 

The first time I slipped out of keto was only 3 weeks in, but the effect was like being drugged. After a hard day of work, weakness overtook my senses and I decided to relax with a hazy IPA. I barely made it through half the beer when fog seemed to come over my mind and my muscles seemed to become too relaxed. I remember my vision was affected to the point where I couldn’t read words on the tv screen even with my glasses on. When I got up to walk it took effort and my balance was off for about 20 minutes while I experienced an intermittent kind of vertigo. I think it took me about 3 days to get back into keto after that. The fatigue transition was milder and the headache was very minor. Basically, the day after that one beer I felt like I had a very mild hangover. 

The weight loss or the way it worked rather, was quite surprising. Over those first 3 weeks I lost ten pounds, but then I stopped losing weight for a week after that one beer. I figured that those first few pounds were mostly water weight anyway, and I didn’t worry too much. The surprise was that it stopped so completely even though my diet didn’t really change, I think it took almost 2 weeks to drop another pound. 

Another cool effect of keto was the appetite suppression. With the right meal I could eat around 11am, eat another small meal around 6 or 7pm and be satisfied until 11am the next day. This was quite novel for me, because when I’m not on keto I tend to graze with 5 or 6 small meals and snacks throughout the day.

Depending on what you decide to eat on your keto diet it can be a little more expensive and a lot more work than normal meals. For some people the food cost alone could be prohibitive. I’m used to California prices which for a lot of the basics is a little more than triple what my brother pays for the same thing in Maine. I tried a bunch of different things but the one I liked the best was the steak and salad meal plan.  I would buy a large pack of ribeye steaks, preferably  from Costco when they are on sale for $13.99 a pound, and prepare a huge salad to go with them. I went with simplicity for the steaks, seasoning them with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. The thin ones I would cook in the oven on 350 for about 15 minutes and the thicker ones for maybe 25 minutes. The salad was a bit more work and the ingredients would vary depending on what I had on hand. A typical salad would have lettuce and or spinach, arugula, hard boiled eggs, bacon, cucumbers, almond slivers, pine nuts, walnuts, black and green olives, avocado, and whatever varieties of cheese I had on hand. I used whatever type of salad dressing I wanted or was available, usually some organic variety sold in the refrigerated section. Eating the above meal exclusively I could sit on my butt playing video games eating as much as I wanted and consistently lose 1.5 pounds a week. Sounds easy and amazing right? Well believe it or not steak can actually get boring and making a fresh salad every day with umpteen ingredients is labor intensive. 

Over the next few months I cheated a few times with the transitions in and out of ketosis much less noticeable. I think the longest I stuck to the diet was about six weeks straight. The results after about 5 months was a loss of 22 pounds. I should mention that for about 3 weeks of this stretch I was on vacation and cheated quite a bit but did not gain or lose any weight. I was also very inactive for most of this time mostly because my endurance seemed to be affected. I would try to push up a hill during moderate hike and it was more of a struggle than it should have been. I’m guessing this was a result of a lack of carbs because when I left keto for the holidays my endurance returned just fine.

I stopped keto right before Thanksgiving because I did not feel like restricting myself with all that yummy food available. The transition was pretty smooth and I actually felt pretty good for about 2 weeks, then the weight came back with a vengeance. I was doing longer walks and not eating too terribly but over the course of six weeks I gained back 10 pounds. After the holidays the weight gain slowed a bit but now a year later I’m not quite back where I started, but only a couple of lazy weeks away. To give you an idea of the numbers, I am 5’11 and was 210 pounds when I started the diet and 188 when I consciously quit. I tend to fluctuate a lot with water weight so I weigh myself every morning when I get up for consistency. This morning I was sitting at 202 which is about my average for the last 5 years. 22 pounds does not seem like a lot when I consider that I once lost 11 pounds in one day hiking to the top of mount Whitney and back. It seems pretty good when I consider how much I cheated on the diet and how inactive I was.

Before I wrap up I have some other observations to share regarding what triggered a falling out so to speak versus what did not. Liquid carbs seem to thwart keto faster than solids, and processed, especially baked types of foods cancel keto faster than whole foods. For example, a heavy beer, ice cream or a slice of cake and for me that was pretty much back to square one. Although it seemed quicker to get back in the ketosis state as far as energy and mental benefits each time, the metabolic benefit would basically halt for at least a week. I would have some fruit now and then in my salads, such as dried cranberries, dried blueberries and tomatoes, with no discernible effect. I had small servings of potatoes or hash browns with no ill effect. I never tried eating a whole banana which would probably cross the line. I feel like the diet was more tolerant the longer I sustained it. At one point I had two 12-ounce Miller Lite’s in an hour and did not have an issue. 

I believe the amount of carbs you can have is dependent on your personal metabolism, the types of carbs and the time between consumption. That being said the road is much smoother if you count every carb and don’t experiment. I have heard that some people have trouble finding enough fat, which I find funny because I love cheese. I suppose if you are lactose intolerant then feeding this diet could actually be a challenge. Personally I don’t think keto is for me in the long term because I don’t like closing off so many other delicious options. Plus, I like beer. In closing, it needs mentioning that I am not a doctor or in any way related to the health profession. Nothing I say should be considered medical advice. If you are one of those fortunate people who actually has the ear of a doctor you can trust, by all means consult them before trying keto.