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Wednesday, 19 February 2014

The differences in the generations!

It’s amazing the differences between the generations. Being from Generation X, I’ve been brought up in the outdoors, experienced the freedom and ventured beyond the four walls, only when PC/computers were introduced into the workplace that I invested in the hardware myself. I grew up with creating basic websites and even when search engines first came about, I grew and evolved with the online technology. For me, this first became a hobby, it was new technology and toys to play with, incorporating it into the years of experience I had already gained in marketing! Now it’s the norm, as it’s what I do.

Currently, with Generation Z, I wonder if it’s completely the reverse, technology is something they grow up with, especially in the way they communicate. It’s the outdoors that has become a hobby/novelty, is this really the case? I’ve noticed that the mention of ‘love’ and hugging has become commonly expressive with the young. I certainly didn’t notice this with Generation Y, they’re the complete opposite, and don’t let me me get started on the Baby Boomers!

I’m wondering whether social media and the ‘sharing’ mentality has caused this character trait within the Gen Z’s, not only do they do this online but this trait is leaking out into their reality. Perhaps some good can come out of it!? Although of course, too much sharing can sometimes be a bad thing! At times, I’ve noticed too much personal information being shared with their friends, family, acquaintances and even work colleagues, which is something you wouldn’t do in reality! Private should be private, not shared. Some of this also applies to the later Gen Y’s. There appears to be no middle ground with this generation and they don’t even realise or comprehend their actions. So with that, as well as being so reliant on the hand held devices, the way we use this tech is changing, I mean how many young people can cope without their smartphone for just 5 minutes? Ok, a slight exaggeration, but you know what I mean!?

The concerning matter for me, is when you hear about young people feeling the need to sleep with their mobile device, the FOMO syndrome (fear of missing out) has a big part to play, feeling the need to always stay in contact. How reliant and obsessive will this generation become with their tech. The interesting thing is, is that there are signs that it’s no longer a novelty, it’s the norm for them, and they are now more curious about doing outdoor activities! Maybe it will go full circle and they will become more interested in the outdoors again!?

So what will happen with wristband tech and virtual reality simulators. I guess time will only tell with that one! How will the next generation cope with that, what will be the norm and what will be a novelty? Exciting times ahead, maybe!?

Sunday, 9 February 2014

A fab session of snowboarding on the dry slopes at Trowse, Norwich. Loved it!



A fab session of snowboarding on the dry slopes at Trowse, Norwich. Loved it! >> © A picture by Mark Ovens

Thursday, 6 February 2014

The end of year thinking!

When it gets to the end of the year, it always gives me the opportunity to look back on the last 12 months, but to also look forward to the challenges that have been set for the new year.

In regards to relationships, it’s interesting to see those who have entered my life and those who have passed through it; the most important thing is those that have chosen to stay and have wanted to be a part of my world, however different or obscure my world may seem to others!

It’s a reminder that we all have a role to play in each other’s lives and it can differ at various stages of that journey we all take through life, whether we’re a crutch to support those in need or even an inspiration to those who require the encouragement and excitement. In some cases our role maybe to help complete a specific individual, complementing their characteristics, fine tuning their drive and focus, fulfilling a need or desire to motivate and enhance ones vision, along with the feelings we all have of being wanted and accepted! I also have my own desires and needs, but one day it might be me needing a similar level of support or stimulus. It’s very clear that we all strive to be happy and focus on sustaining that feeling indefinitely.

There is no secret in finding the right people to surround us in our own unique world, but one thing is for sure, if you find those special people, ensure you appreciate and be grateful that they have chosen to be there. Life has a funny way of shaking things up from time to time, so when they occur, who knows what or who may change. Enjoy it whilst you can, as you don’t know what changes lay in wait, however good or challenging they may be!

My contribution to a little creative flare! Picture taken at Wymondham Abbey, Norwich



My contribution to a little creative flare! Picture taken at Wymondham Abbey, Norwich :) >> © Picture taken by Mark Ovens

It’s always good to instigate reflective practices every now and then!

I’m feeling a little bit inward this evening, reflecting on recent events and resting from my achy muscles; some real thought provoking moments! This is a good thing, as when I’m in this state of mind, it allows me the time to instigate reflective practices to ensure I’m not bulldozing through life without any concern for others, it makes me think about how my actions and personas might impact on others.

This is an exercise that everybody should undertake every now and then, it will benefit all of us with this thinking, rather than having the ‘I don’t care what other people think’ attitude and mentality, there has to be at least some middle ground.

It does seem like empathy and mindfulness is a little lacking in the world in more recent years; lets hope society and cultures will change in time to make us a more considerate race of humans again!

How do you like your steak cooked!?

I have to say I have always liked my steak cooked very rare, I can’t help but like it juicy and bloody! Just recently I was at a very nice restaurant where we decided to order steak. We advised the waiter of our preferences, but when the main courses arrived it was unfortunate that there had been a bit of a mix up, it seemed that mine had been over cooked. They did cook me another steak but this time it was cooked ‘blue’, it was delivered to the table within minutes but I was happy to accept it and give it a try.

It was surprisingly not as raw as I thought it was going to be, except for the inside of course, I was just so surprised that it didn’t leap from the plate and run off…! Even so, I must admit I did enjoy it, but I think I prefer it cooked just that little bit more so that it’s juicy and bloody just the way I like it.

I was so glad I tried it though as it was still very tasty, it wouldn’t bother me having it ‘blue’ again! It’s always good to try new things however off putting it might seem to begin with!

Some like me…and some don’t…!

Some like me, and some don’t; that’s not a bad thing, right!? The formula between two entities has to work, doesn’t matter whether its between two people or whether it’s sitting in front of representatives of a business. I have always found that I’m looking for that zing, the signals from an entity that offers the right cultural characteristics that helps make me function correctly, even down to whether we share the same objectives and outlook on life.

These fundamentals have a big impact on how I perform and behave, just like I look for people to engage with me and not expect me to do all the talking, I like the brain picking philosophy! It’s a two-way thing, right!?