Sunday, March 11, 2012

The Possibility of Magic


I was listening to an interview with actor Jim Belushi on the radio yesterday and he said something very interesting. When asked what he likes most about performing, he responded: "It's the possibility of magic happening on any given night, when you're really connecting with the audience and you just go to a whole new level...."

The possibility of magic.

With what you're doing today, do you have that on a daily basis?

The interview made me think of a conversation I recently had with my father-in-law. I asked him what he likes most about deer hunting. After thinking about it for a few seconds, he said: "Every single day that you wake up to go hunting you have the possibility that today will be the day you get the big one. There's the anticipation for what the day might hold, that it might be one of those epic days that you remember for the rest of your life."

The possibility of magic.

When is the last time you truly experienced magic in your life? In your occupation? In your relationships? In your athletic pursuits? In your hobbies?

I think one of the things I like most about what I do with my USANA business is that every single day there is that possibility of magic. I didn't have that in my corporate job. When I worked for the PR/marketing firm back in Washington, DC, every day was virtually the same. Sure, the tasks were different. But the best I could hope for was a well-received memo, a run-in with a congressman or Senator, or free lunch by the firm. My paycheck would most certainly be the exact same on the 15th and the 31st regardless of what transpired in the days in between.

No possibility of magic.

With USANA, every day is a new adventure, one brimming with hope and opportunity. Every person I meet is someone who might perfectly resonate with the message of health and nutrition I deliver. Every presentation I give might yield the next USANA Diamond director. Every team event might be one overflowing with energy and excitement. And every week in this business might bring about the next surge of momentum that carries team members to new heights of paychecks, rank advancements, and growth.

Looking back, what I've realized is that entrepreneurship has spoiled me for the mundane. "Security" of a 9-5 job no longer has its appeal, because while there may be some tangible benefits (e.g. a steady paycheck, health insurance, etc.), the upside is capped as well. The ability to experience magic is capped, in other words. Yet I'm looking for that possibility of magic -- the ability to be more, do more, have more, and impact the world in a powerful way without limit.

I'm thankful for USANA, which has brought me so many moments of magic over the years. But I'm also thankful for it opening my eyes to greater possibilities than I had previously known. I look forward to many more moments of magic in the years to come, and I pray for each of you that you find a pursuit that gives you the possibility of magic on a continual basis as well.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

10 Ways to Improve Your Day in Just 5 Minutes


One of the challenges of building a booming business is finding balance. Maybe you have kids who vie for your attention. Maybe you work from home and the disarray of your house makes it difficult for you to focus on business. Maybe your physical discomfort is affecting your mental and emotional focus.

Here are some quick, simple tips to improve your day and make it easier for your to grow your business!

  1. Make your bed. Starting off each day with this small ritual can help create a calm environment for you in your bedroom.
  2. Pack a snack. Before you head out the door in the morning, go into the kitchen and grab a fruit (like a banana, apple or grapes) or a healthy snack (like unsalted nuts or low-fat cheese). This way, when a case of the munchies strikes later in the afternoon, you won't be reaching for a bag of chips or a candy bar from the vending machine out of convenience.
  3. Clear your desk. From stray papers to scattered coffee mugs, clutter can make you lose focus and curb productivity.
  4. Pump up the music. Several studies have found that listening to music can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and boost mood.
  5. Sniff a lemon. For a quick de-stressing trick, turn to an underrated sense -- your sense of smell. Japanese researchers found that linalool; a substance found in lemons, has anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce the flight-or-fight stress response.

For tips 6 - 10, check out the full article on WebMD.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Take Fear Captive and Act Boldly

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7.
It is said that fear is the biggest obstacle to success in business: Fear of failure, fear of rejection, and even fear of success. Fear holds a lot of people back from stepping out and starting a business in the first place, and then once in business for ourselves, many of us let fear hold us down and keep us from taking the necessary actions to create boundless success.
Yet, fear is not from God, and it has no place in your business. Don't let your fears take control of you this week! Instead, move boldly and powerfully with what's in front of you and do not be sidelined by fear of failure, fear of rejection, or fear of stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Have a truly blessed week!