Here's the Plan, Man.

Ok, here's the standard plan. I"m going to guess that all of us know this one inside and out.

Grow up, get a college degree, and get a job. Or just get out of high school and get a job. Stay with the job for as long as possible in hopes that you won't be downsized or fired, that can afford to keep working there, and that they keep the benefits affordable.  THEN, hope to God that you have invested enough during your lifetime without depriving yourself of every possible thing that might increase your enjoyment that you can get through the end of your life without being completely broke.

Even thought this action plan sounds painfully dismal, it MUST be an awesome plan because so many of us are doing it. In fact, in our society it seems like this is the only plan available.  The only alternative presented to us is to start our own business. If we buy into a franchise, it costs thousands in franchise fees alone. If we start up our own business, it means longer hours with lower pay for the first five years or more (if we succeed), and doing everything ourselves unless we hire employees, and we know what a hassle employees can be and what they can cost (see first paragraph).

Apparently, these are the only options available to us.  Most people, however, go with the first plan and PRAY it will work out.

I recently read that the USPS will be cutting over 35,000 jobs here pretty quickly. The POST OFFICE. I remember when the post office was THE job to get if one wanted stability, great benefits, really good pay, and so on.

There goes that chunk of the rock. The traditional 9-5 job seems to be coming less and less.  So, we've painted ourselves into a corner now, haven't we? Or have we? Well, Sunshine, there IS another option. And I want YOU to have it.

I want you to start implementing this option as soon as you are possibly able. So that, not if, but when the time comes (whether your employer decides that time or YOU do), you are ready for it. I want you to take this option and RUN with it. I want you to go as far and wide with this option as possible, showing as many people as possible so that they, too, may take advantage of this as well.

We only thrive with this option when we help others thrive.

What if.........you could start your own business for $599? Chump change compared to ANY other business model?

What if........someone else supplied the product, the shipping, the marketing, the labeling, the research, more research, and even more research?

What if.....someone else provided the paperwork, the website, the outline of the business, the employees, the UNCONDITIONAL money back guarantee?

What if.....someone else handled with the regulations and rules of creating all the product?

What if....someone else created a solid system that trains EVERYone, including yourself, at no cost to you or anyone?

And what if....there was a system in place where you knew exactly how much income you would be creating for yourself and others?

All YOU have to do is share the business and product. All YOU have to do is find people who want this freedom as well?

Let me ask, how many of you are sick of your job? Give me a show of hands

Ok, most of you. So we know there are MANY others out there aside from you that are looking for another option.

You might be thinking, WIIFM.  What's In It For Me? Fair enough, let's find out.

How about...

You get....peace of mind that all of the above is taken care of in a professional manner.

You get....to have your OWN business, without the hassle of running a brick and mortar business.

You get....to serve others, knowing how miserable you are/were in your job, and others are probably in the same boat.

You get...to introduce people's dreams BACK to them.

You get...to earn as much income as YOU choose to earn, not what a boss tells you. (hey, no glass ceiling here!)

You get....the best products on the market, the best system, the best customer service, the best of the best, with the best looking out for YOUR best interests.

You get....tax benefits from having a business from home. Which means...

You get....to keep more of your hard earned money (now you get to actually pay OFF debt instead of going further into it! You get to invest and save and DO things!)

You get....to hang out with the highest calibur movers and shakers in this world. Hey, some of the richest people have taken advantage of this option.

You get....FREEDOM from the 8-5 Monday - Friday with only major holidays and weekends off.


Ok, so let's have you weight this option with your current option.

If you don't think what I just gave you is real, I'll tell you what. You can keep your job and take this option, start it (yes, you can do that with this option) and make this option your PLAN B.

Plan A can be your belief and trust that your employment will secure you and yours for a lifetime (75% of Americans over 65 are either dead or dead broke, by the way.), and you can work this option as well.

That way, you can either create extra income, just by talking about this option with others, or you can build this business until income passes your current one. Or you can do both forever. It's up to you.

Basically, with this option alone it opens up an opportunity of a lifetime.

So, what do you plan to do with this opportunity? Are you just going to set it aside and walk away knowing what you have in your hands here? Are you going to hand it off to someone else so you can watch them get all the benefits while you get into commute traffic once again?

Think about it.  I mean, really mull this one over in the 'ol noggin. I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Do You Work for 72 Degrees?

I remember hearing this story years ago and was reminded of it tonight.

When we set a thermostat, according to many HVAC professionals, it's usually set around 72 degrees. They call this the 'dead zone'. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right in the middle.

When the system picks up that it has dropped below that temperature or goes above it, the heater or a/c kicks on and works just hard enough until the set temperature is brought back to that degree. Then the system kicks back off until it needs to adjust once again.

I was told that this is how most people go through life. We find a middle ground, no matter where it is in our life, be it relationships, work, our business, fitness levels, whatever it may be and we apply the same principle to it.

We find the 'dead zone' that requires as little work from us as possible in order to keep the system running to how we like it, and how we prefer it. Now, this doesn't mean this is a zone that serves us or others in the best possible way or it's ideal for us, it just means that it is in a place we are willing to tolerate what is going on around us.

Every now and then, however, the temperature rises or falls, and we need to act in order to bring everything back into what we think is order.

For example, relationships require a lot of work, but for many as long as we can keep it at a certain level that we find acceptable, we don't want to commit any more and energy to it than that.

At some point it's quite possible that the significant partner in the relationship starts to get a bit upset over how things are.

"You don't do this for me. We never do this. I wish we could..." and so on.

It is here we become much like the thermostat. We recognize something is not right, and we work JUST hard enough to bring that environment back into our comfort zone.

So if we, for example, have a partner that is letting us know they are not too thrilled with us at the current moment, what we wend up doing is ONLY what is necessary to get them back into OUR zone of comfort. Again, it's not about them or their level of comfort, but our own.

And we do this in so many aspects of our lives. People need to lose weight, so they get on one of those quick weight loss shake programs just long enough to drop those pounds and then go right back to eating poor food, not working out and so on, only to find themselves right back where they started.

The thermostat effect.

In order to create real change, we need to find the habit that created the reality, whatever it may be, and change that for good. Literally FOR GOOD.

So, where are you on this? Can you look at circumstances in your life where you changed or exerted extra effort just long enough to get, say, that boss or partner off your back? To get those inches off your waist? Then went right back to the old habits?

Be honest. It's when you recognize this behavior that you can start to change it.

Stop TRYING

We've all heard and probably quoted Yoda. In case you have never read his famous quote, here it is:

"Do or do not. There is no try."

Where DID the word 'try' come from and how did it manage to take such a strong hold in our vocabulary? Now that I know the power it holds over people, I cringe every time I hear it and I hear it OFTEN.

To me, the word steals personal power from the person who uses it on a regular basis.  I tell my kids, 'watch your words, they hold powerful magic.'

The word 'try' is one of the most powerful words in the English and not in a good way. I'm sure you've hear, 'Trying is lyin'.'

It is one of the most dis-empowering words we can use. It gives us an 'out' from being our best. It allows us to not be held accountable for our actions.

Who are you going to have more confidence in:

"I'll try."

"I'll do my best."

Clearly, the wording, "I'll do my best." holds more power and confidence. It tells people and ourselves that our best effort is to be expected and will be given.


For me, 'trying' is a cop out. It allows for excuses and we all know what excuses are about, right?

So here's my challenge for you. REALLY pay attention to yourself and others and consciously listen for the word, 'try'. Listen to the context in which it is given and look for any results.

If you catch yourself saying it, correct yourself immediately! Learn to take the word, 'try' out of your vocabulary completely. It's a word that relays non-commitment to the outcome.

Since you are living an authentic life ( you ARE living an authentic life, right?) you'll be quick to notice and correct yourself.

Then come back and tell me your thoughts.

What's With Your Company?

So, let's really find out why you joined your current MLM company. It's anonymous, so if your mom really did tell you which company to sign with, it's ok, go ahead and let us know. We won't know that it's you.

Then, if you want to expand on your answer, scroll below, hit the comment button, and give us the details.

We'll give the poll a few days for people to answer. Feel free to send it out to your team and upline, so we can get a decent idea. Tweet it, put it on facebook, and any other social media site. Let's get some numbers going here.

Then we'll look at the results and go from there.

Online Surveys & Market Research

Don't Fall Victim to This Day!

I was recalling with business rock star, Patty Gale,  about what it was like working in corporate America. I'm sure it's still the same in today's workforce (for those still employed), but I've been out of that workforce for almost 10 years, so things may have changed. And people in hell now get ice water.

Anyhoo, we were reminiscing about the days when upper management 'rewarded' the staff by having special shirt days, allowing the employees to kick off their heels, loosen their ties, and dig deep into their dresser drawers or into the back of their closet to find that crazy Hawaiian shirt, that seemed like such a good idea at the time or, in my case, the green shirt to wear on St. Patrick's day, or whatever else those wild and zany employee board members came up with.

Actually, if I remember correctly, upper management had nothing to do with those ideas anymore than they had to do with 'bring your kid to work day', but I digress.

This was when 'casual Friday' was still in its infancy, (that's a whole 'nother post) so having an opportunity to wear something that didn't have to be dry cleaned was considered their best effort at throwing the dogs a bag of bones.

So my memory was this. We all got the notice (on green paper, of course), that St. Patrick's Day was coming up. (I should be saving this post for St. Patrick's day, but oh well, I'm feeling creative today.), and we all were 'given' the opportunity to get as crazy as we could in order to celebrate this one day furlough from pinched toe shoe hell.

For me, as much as I couldn't stand my job, my best idea to celebrate was to put as much Irish Whiskey in the sludge they called coffee and actually be happy during the nine hours I had to put in.

But I didn't. I found, in my extensive collection of crap clothes that I had yet to take down to Goodwill, a greenish shirt with hints of blue in it. I knew it was pushing the envelope, but hey, WHO is to say what 'green' is? So many shades, and what if someone is color blind? I figured it was good enough, and put it on with my best pair of Levis.

Ahhhhh, never mind the color, it was a T-SHIRT & JEANS day! YA, BABY.  The way I saw it, I was more productive than when I was in my 'office attire'. I was willing to be reprimanded if I could just be comfortable for once.

As I suspected, every one went stone cold crazy, wearing mile high hats with shamrocks on them, lime green and shamrock green shirts, socks, over sized clown sunglasses that were green and, dare I say, green pants.

About two hours into my workday, I was approached by the head of the 'employee morale board' (I'm not kidding) in my very official cubicle and started speaking softly to me.

"Jhanna", She leaned in and half whispered to me. "Ummmm, a few of the employee morale board members have come to me and have mentioned that your shirt really isn't (insert air quotes here) "green". You know, this is green." She gave the thumbs up to her own shocking green shirt with shamrocks emblazoned on it.

I leaned forward in my synthetic fiber office chair. "uh-huh. Go on." I said, squinting my eyes slightly to express that, perhaps, this news might actually have me concerned.

"Well, here's the thing. If you don't abide by the rules of the fun shirt day, well, we just won't have them any more. And I can understand if you don't, you know, have the (air quotes again) "funds" to purchase a real green shirt, then you'll just need to wear your normal professional office attire." (thanks for acknowledging how little the company actually paid me.)

She leaned back and stared with her head cocked to the side, and pinched her brows together, like a concerned cocker spaniel.

I wanted to pinch her arm until she cried.

I gave a sigh, slumped my shoulders a bit and said, 'I understand, and am truly, so ashamed. I mean, look at me.'

She cocked her head even further, to the point I thought it might fall off her shoulders. She gave a small smile and perked up.

"I'm glad you understand because, hey! This is supposed to be FUN! We work for such a fun company! (it was a bank), and we want everyone to have fun! Ok, then! Let's go have some green Tampico punch and shamrock cookies in the break room!"

I could not make this up if I tried. This is corporate America at its best. Or it's worst. I dunno. I'll let you decide.

As I sat in the bar that night, slurging down my beer with all the other lost business souls, I couldn't help but think, 'What the F*CK am I doing WRONG?! Why don't I get it? Why do I not fit in at ANY job I work?!"

I had answered my own question. "Why do I not fit in at ANY job I work". Because it's a JOB!

Corporate America is not intended for people to thrive. It's just not. They have a bottom line that they want to accomplish, and you are there to help fulfill that goal. their goal, not yours. You get paid a certain amount and, if you're in a 'good' job, you get two weeks vacation after exchanging fifty-two weeks of your life for it.

I'm sure some readers will say, 'Hey, now! My company is great!' Great. Live long and prosper. More power to you and 'your' company.

But the majority of people who work in a corporate J-O-B are M-I-S-E-R-A-B-L-E. It's where their dreams go to die. Nothing will kill your dreams faster.

The reason some one's dreams succeed while working at a corporate job is because the dream is to get OUT of the corporate work force.

Ok. Enough of that. Now go. Go work on your business. Go create your dream career. Go get to your MLM company's convention. Just promise me, you'll get out of the corporate world as quickly as possible.

If you don't have a social marketing company you're affiliated with, contact me. If you've got one and you don't know where to start, then contact me and we'll just talk. Just GO and release yourself from the pain of a possible Casual Shirt Friday.

If it's too late and you already have your story, let me know and I'll do my best to help you so you don't end up with another story.

What Game Are You Playing?

Are you playing to win? Most people would answer 'yes'.

More than likely though, people are playing another game. I'm going to suggest that many are playing the 'Not to Lose' game.

Eyew, huh? That game doesn't sound like there's much success or empowerment involved, for yourself or others.

The Not to Lose game is what most of us play, by being content with where we are in life. It's our safety zone. What we're really after when we play the not to lose game is comfort and convenience. We don't want to rock the boat, so we settle. We don't want to lose.

This is the game we play when we're afraid of sticking our necks out there. This is the game when we live in fear of rejection, and it can appear in lots of hidden places in our lives.

It appears when we continue to work at a job we can't stand.
It appears when we don't talk or call back those prospects.
It appears when we don't live our passions.
It shows up all the time, throughout our lives.

The Not to Lose game puts our fears in control. We don't want to lose and be miserable, we just want to keep on keepin' on, whatever that may be.

So what game ARE you playing?

Release That Which Holds You Back...

Sounds pretty powerful, doesn't it?

I decided that for my first post of the new year, 2010, I thought I'd explain what the Burning Bowl Ceremony is and how to go about it. Even though we're into the new year, you can do it any time. It's about the ceremony and intention, not the time of year.

The Burning Bowl ceremony is an opportunity to take a look at what might be holding you back from stepping into your greatness, and releasing it back into the universe. If all things are pure energy, then this energy can be released, and recognizing and consciously accepting other energy into your life that will help you grow and learn can be done.

So, what has held you back? Has it been fear? Doubt? Lack of self-respect?  Negative thinking? As I've brought up in the past, most of us have 'things' that have held us back for what we can accomplish. Even just a lousy childhood can hold us back, if we allow it. And, it could very well be that these traits have served us in the past, for some reason or another.

But you want to continue to grow and become a bigger person, so now is the opportunity to let it go and give it up. Burn it up and release it with gratitude.

The Burning Bowl Ceremony is a native american tradition, that has been recognized and used by the Unity church for years.  I've had the honor and pleasure of experiencing this ceremony several times through my local Unity.

But this time, however, I noticed a step that I had missed in the past.  A step that changed how I approached this ceremony, and changed how I released things this time.

For this ceremony, you'll need the following, if you choose to do it.

1. Two pieces of paper
2. pencil
3. Lit fireplace, BBQ, or something else that will safely hold a flame

Ok, here's the steps:

Take some time to quiet your mind and listen to what it is you want to release from your life. It can be something like ~ Worry, regret, victimhood, lack, beliefs surrounding money, jealousy, etc.

Really take some time to discover what you'd like to let go of. It can be different for everyone.

Now here's where I learned something new that made a profound difference in how I handled the ceremony this time.

Don't just write down on paper what is holding you back. I want you to take the time to think about how those things served you, or what you learned from it.

These things and energy came into your life because you needed to learn something from them. You invited them in, manifested them into your life. Recognize how they served you and appreciate that.

For example, for me a big one to let go of was victimhood. As ready as I was to let go of that, I took some time to thing about how being the vitcim served me. I appreciated it, because it did serve me, when I needed it, and I did learn from it.

However, it doesn't serve the person I am anymore. So I released it back to the Universe.

Write all of these down. Take as much quiet time as you need.

Then go to your fire, and drop the paper into it. As it burns up really let go of it. Thank those energies and know you are being washed clean of it. Stay and meditate on it as long as you'd like. It really is a purifying experience.

When done, grab another piece of paper. Again, sit quietly and think about what you would like to manifest into your life this year. Now, I know usually the first thing that comes to mind is material things such as money, a bigger house, a leaner body, etc.

But you know what? You're more powerful of a being than that. Really dig deep. If you're into it, ask your higher power, whatever that may look like to you, and ask to be given those answers.

What would it take from you to create the truly abundant life you are looking for?

Here's a few of what came to me: Creativity, Pure Love, Joy, Abundant thinking.

These are qualitites that I believe I am to manifest this year.

I've got big things on my plate that I'm looking to create this year and I do know I'll need all of those to manifest what I'm looking to do.

So write all of those down. Place it in an envelope. Now, you can either give it to a friend or a family member to mail back to you in six months, or just hang on to it. Hang it somewhere, so you can see it through the year. This way you can be reminded that you are looking to bring some amazing qualities into your life.

The final step. Within the following 24 hours of you releasing, I want you to tithe to the organization of your choice. It is important that the flow of energy continue to moves, so find an organization that you love whether it's your church, the humane society, salvation army, whatever, find what feeds your soul and tithe to it. This is hugely important as it's recognition that energy moves through us, as we give, we receive.

And that's it! Simple yet powerful steps to releasing and accepting.  I've done this ceremony with friends, and with my four and six year old. My kids LOVE doing this ceremony, even as young as they are.

Let me know your thoughts with this. I'd love for you to give it a go, and get back to me on it.

In the meantime, Happy New Year!!

Namaste',
Jhanna

Boy Scout Motto: Be Prepared. Are You?

I'm borrowing the Boy Scout Motto, Be Prepared, and I'm applying it to Network Marketing for this post.

Now, the reason I'm borrowing it, aside from the fact that it can be applied all the time, is because lately I've been coming across prospects that might want a few tips on being prepared when they are thinking of joining a network marketing company.

So here they are in no particular order.

Be Prepared to:

1. Invest in the larger starter kit. Some companies only have one start up option, but most offer different sized kits for all budgets. Honestly, go with the bigger kit. What other industry can you start up your own business for under $500? Even if the package is $1500 (most are less), there isn't a franchise that you can start for that little.

Remember, it's not just the package you are getting, it's the training, coaching, forms, back office, and more.

So, ok, the first objection I hear when I suggest the larger package is, 'well, if I had the money, I'd do it. But I don't.'

To which I answer, 'then find the money'. Have a garage sale. More than likely there is enough stuff in your house, garage, storage locker, and so on that if you put it on craigs list or held a garage sale you'd make more than enough to purchase the larger kit.

Do odd jobs, borrow it, figure it out. Just don't give excuses. Invest in business, not the excuse, and get the larger package.

2. Be Coachable.  I can't tell you how many times while coaching I give suggestions, recommendations, and such, and immediately hear, 'that's a good idea, but I do it this way because (insert feeble excuse here).'

Listen, I don't know how to break this to you, but you don't know it all. Now, don't get defensive about that statement. Once you realize you don't know it all, then you get to have the fun of learning new things. You start to see that there is a ton of great stuff to learn!

What you know has gotten you this far. In order to go further, you're gonna have to learn, grow, stretch, think, and so on.

Be open to coaching. Be open to listening. Be open to trying new ideas, concepts, training and so on.

Here's a perfect example. My mentor has been in this industry for years. I mean, years. Just recently, a few of us and my mentor took a tele-seminar together in regards to a certain aspect of our industry. She took the approach of a brand new student of the industry.

It was really cool to hear her willingness to accept that she didn't know much about that particular topic, and to. When was the last time someone asked you a question and you honestly said, 'I don't know.'

Wake up each and every day and be a new student to this industry. You'll be shocked at what there is to learn.

3. Invest in Your Self  & Your Business. This sort of goes hand in hand with purchasing the biggest starter kit possible. It's a business, folks. Not only are there the necessities such as business cards, a phone plan, order forms, catalogs, samples, and other business supplies, there are expenses such as books, product, training cds, training seminars, and other tools to help propel you in your business.

It can't be stressed enough, your business only grows as fast as you do. I have yet to meet a leader in this industry or any other that hasn't stated that it's imperative to read, read, read, take seminars, listen to CDs, and so on. Support your business by supporting yourself.

4. Put your big girl/big boy panties on. The beauty of this industry is, how you handle your business is your business. The reason most people fail in this industry is because, how you handle your business is your business.

It's a double edged sword, and if you don't grow up, be accountable for your actions, and learn to be pro-active, well guess what? More than likely you'll join the statistic of those who drop out of their companies and network marketing completely within the first 90 days.

You can have a blast in this industry, but it does require you to grow up with your attitude and professionalism.

5. Spend Time on Your Business. Yes, I know the thought of coming home from a long day or long week and then working on your business just makes your head want to explode. I get it. I really do.

But listen, don't get off work, go home, and sit your butt in front of the idiot box, and then wonder why your business isn't taking off. I understand the whole 'needing to decompress' idea, but you can decompress for a few hours each night now or, if you work your business instead of zoning out to one of the reality shows, you can decompress for the rest of your life later on.

I know someone who spent $1400 on a kit for a company and he never took all the stuff out of the box. It just sat in the corner of the room like the ugly step-child. Then he berated himself for purchasing the kit, blamed the company for this and that, and this was all while he played Farkle on facebook. Suprisingly, he never made a dime in the business and is still broke. Go figure.

If you aren't willing to work on your business, then just don't bother.

6. Work with your sponsor, but don't abuse their time. I LOVE working with my team. I love brainstorming, supporting, and developing relationships with my team. And I love my upline. When I started I had loads of questions and ideas I wanted to bounce off them.

They are there to help guide you, point you in the right direction, support you and suprisingly, learn from you as well. But do respect their time.

Ok! I think that's it (to start, anyway :o) ). This isn't to dissuade anyone from joining. Then again, maybe it is. If you aren't ready to Be Prepared, perhaps you might want to consider just chillin' at your day j-o-b for a while longer.

We do hope you will join us at some point and see what all the excitement is about. 

At that point, come on in....the water is fine.

Namaste',

Jhanna

Put Yer Head Down!

As mentioned before, I've been competing in sports for over half my life. While I haven't won any Olympic medals with my speed, I have been able to push my body and mind to its limits in regards to discipline and endurance.

One of my favorite sports is trail running. It gets me out off the road, which is the worst thing I can imagine doing, and gets me connected to the beauty that surrounds me in the eastern Sierra Nevadas.

Incredible endurance runs such as the Western States 100 Miler, and the American River 50 Miler are classics in this area.

My first and all time favorite ultra trail run is Cool Canyon 50K. True, it's only a 50K, but where it takes the runners is both pure beauty and pure hell.  The ascents, descents, stream crossings, and more provide an unprecedented experience for the first and old timers alike.

Only 500 runners race it each year.

As a first timer, I was excited and nervous. I had never run more than a marathon, which I hated, and vowed to never do again unless it was off road, so the thought of running more than 26.2 miles was a challenge just to think about it.

But as the hours and miles went by, I kept chugging along. Making sure I took in my fluids and food, I kept chugging along. I put my head down and eventually lost track of time and distance and just fell into the experience.

At one point, I guesstimated that I had approximately 15 miles left. I was starting to become concerned at that point. I was growing tired, my legs were pounding, and running through the ice cold, thigh deep streams felt good on my hot feet.

When I came upon an aid station, I stopped to re-fill my water bottle and asked the volunteer, 'how much further?'

Imagine my suprise and relief when the volunteer said, 'About three miles. You'll hit the dirt road right up there and then you just run it home.'

I had become so lost in the experience itself that I had covered more ground than I imagined. It gave me renewed strength to know I was only three miles from completing my goal. Completing something I had been training so hard for, for months by just putting my head down and being in the experience and the now made all the difference in the world.

If I had been checking off mile after mile and checking my time constantly I can almost guarantee that it would have been a miserable race. In fact, the following year, I did just that and it WAS a miserable race.

It's the same with network marketing. Just fall into it. Enjoy the experience. Put your head down and be in them moment. Work on it daily. Do things that scare and excite you, and push yourself when you're tired, and ready to stop.

If you do that, at some point you're going to look up and be astonished at how far you've come, and the distance you've covered. The accomplishment will be overwhelming, and the best thing will be that you enjoyed the journey...

Namaste'

You'd Think the Universe is Trying to Tell Me Something?

Yesterday, I read two blog posts from two separate leaders in the Network Marketing industry, Tony Rush & Jonathan Budd.

I'm not going to try to paraphrase anything here, I'm just going to give you the links to the two posts I came across.

Here's Tony's:

Tony Rush Blog

Here's Jonathan's

Jonathan Budd Blog

I can't stress how important it is to read these if you aren't where you want to be in regards to anything in your life.

Is your business not where you hoped it would be? Read the blog posts.  Not making the income you thought you'd be making? Read the blog posts.

Read the blog posts.

Did ya get that?

S.M.A.R.T. - Are You?

If you remember, and feel free to read my last post, I started talking about goals, and one way to create and write them down.

We touched on the S letter of the acronym. Today it's M

M is for Measurable. Now, we kind of brought it up last time as it goes hand in hand with Specific.

Measurable mean, you'll know when you've reached that goal. Stating something vague like, 'I want to lose weight', isn't a measurable goal.

Saying,  "I am weighing 140", when you currently weigh differently, is a measurable goal.

Saying, "I want to be rich" is not measurable. Stating, "I am making $50K monthly" is measurable.

You'll definately know when you hit that goal. :)

Next time A - Achievable!

Namaste'

Jhanna

Take a Peek at Goal Setting

As I've stated in my previous posts, I have a dream board. And, boy, the things I have on there make my toes twinkle!

But one thing I haven't done, until now, is write out specific goals. I know. I KNOW.  But starting today I'm changing that.

It makes me wonder how many other people know that goal writting is essential to success, but how many don't? Let's explore the 'requirements' of goal writing together and get them written down.

Based on an acronym I saw earlier today and Napolean Hill's book, 'Think and Grow Rich', We're gonna break it down into five steps.  Here's the acronym: S.M.A.R.T.

I'll break each letter down, and go over one each entry until we've gotten it all down and our goal written out completely.

Let's go through the first one:

S:  Specific. Your goal needs to be as specific as possible. Don't write down, "I want to be rich". Your brain and subconscious doesn't know what to do with that, it's too vague. Instead, write down a specific amount. Remember, these goals aren't set in stone. You can always change it.

State them as declarations of intentions, not items on a wish list.

 "I Am"  is far more powerful and focused than 'I want'.

So, since I started with a financial goal, let's use that as an example.

"I Am Earning $50K Monthly"

Now, one thing I have always done when manifesting something is leaving the amount open to being better than what I'm asking. So I always add, 'or more' to the end of my desires.

For example: "I am earning $50K, or more, monthly."

Sounds NICE, doesn't it?

Now, it doesn't have to be about finances. If you are in network marketing, you can say something to the affect of,

"I am signing ten new leaders, or more,  to my team monthly"

Or, "I am holding five, or more, highly profitable parties each month"

For everyday life a fitness goal can be "I am working out three times a week."

Ok! So I'll let you get started on the first step! Have fun and if you'd like, feel free to post your goal here. We'll discuss the next letter in my next entry.

Namaste'

5 Powerful Words for Recruiting

Mr. Doug Firebaugh is one of network marketing's most powerful speakers and trainers. Basically, he knows his stuff.

Needless to say, when I came across this video, I listened closely. I recommend you doing the same.

Screw You, I'm Flying First Class

I figured that title might get one's attention. But seeing this post has a link to a writing from Frank Kern, I thought it would be appropriate.

Frank is one of my favorite millionaires to follow. He's honest, down to earth, and has some great ideas on making money. If you watch the previous Tony Robbins videos I posted you'll know who I'm talking about. If you haven't seen those video, I highly recommend finishing this post and scrolling down to watch them.

Anyway, as I was perusing the web this fine mornin I came across this note written by Frank.

Now, just so you know one of the things I love about Frank is, he's a straight shooter. Therefore, there is some adult content in this..

But, as I've always said, 'take what you like and leave the rest'. Don't let the foul language get in the way of receiving his message.

Notes From a Millionaire

Enjoy. Feel free to leave your thoughts. I Think he's dead on.

Imagine Your Ideal Working Day

Last night, I was clipping out (actually tearing. I feel it adds to the experience) pictures from old magazines to add to my dream board.

I came across an article about "how to". I don't recall the rest, but did take notice of the first exercise in the article.

It said, "Imagine Your Ideal Working Day".

As an active participant in the law of attraction, it caught my attention. It listed several questions to ask yourself to help imagine what your ideal working day is.

I tried it and like it so much that I clipped it out, and taped it onto my computer so I see it several times a day.

So what are the questions? Glad you asked.....

1. What time of day is it?
2. Where are you?
3. What are you doing?
4. Who are you working with?
5. What about this work feels good?
6. Who are you talking to for support?
7. Who is paying you?
8. How much are you getting paid?
9. Why are they paying you instead of someone else?

By asking yourself these questions at the start of every day, you can start to create the business of, well, your dreams!

To your success!

I Don't Need a Story Anymore

I've relied a lot on my story in the past. I love reading other's stories too, about how they overcame adversity in order to achieve their highest goals and dreams.

I figured, 'boy my story is gonna be a good one to tell.'

Then one day I was reading an article from somewhere..someone, I don't quite recall.

This article suggested that perhaps in order for me to 'have a good story', I've been attracting all the wrong things in my life. Drama, difficult people, situations, and obstacles that quite possibly aren't necessary in order for me to get to my goals, but is actually ME bringing these instances into my life in order to make my 'story' BETTER.

Ouch.

So, I'm dropping my story. I mean, my past is my past, but I don't need to continue to add to the drama that becomes part of my story, my struggle.

My story from now on includes only successes, peace, prosperity, ease, and pure joy.

I don't need a story that includes unnecessary drama. Do you? How's your story coming along?

Back to the Comfort Zone

I want to bring the topic of the 'comfort zone' back up, because it's such an interesting thing, and I'm looking for answers not just for me but for all of us.

So we know we have a comfort zone, and are currently in one, no matter where it is. Mine is gonna be different from everyone else's.

But, my question is, how do you recognize your comfort zone in the different areas of your life?

For me, everything is based on results. Do I have the income I desire? Do I have the relationships I desire? Do I have the surroundings I desire?

If the answer is no, than more than likely I've been just 'getting by' and going with the flow instead of working towards those desires.

Working towards those desires.

What does that mean? Working more hours at my job, working a 2nd job, or asking for a raise? Perhaps. Pinching pennies even tighter? Perhaps. Visualizing, starting with the end result? Maybe

You tell me.

Subtle Education

I've read hundreds of self help, self development, MLM, sales, and similiar kinds of books. I love them.

Since the beginning of my divorce back in June of 2008, I immersed myself in them. I knew I already had some stinkin' thinkin' going on, and it looked like I was going to have to deal with some not so comfortable situations in the near future, so I felt it necessary to keep my head swimming in these kinds of books.

I knew I needed them in order to reprogram my behaviors that were no longer serving me.

I remember reading once how Zig Ziglar's son saw his dad packing up for a trip, and noticed the self development books that had been tossed into the suitcase. He said, 'dad, you are one of the top motivational speakers in the world, why are you reading those?'

To which his dad replied something to the effect of, 'Son, it's an ongoing process. There is no end, or mastering of it.'

So on my bed now, I am surrounded with approximately seven or eight books that I choose to read from each night. Some nights I focus on one book, and other nights I read a few pages from several of the books. I read, and I read, and I read.

Now, there are times when I have consciously applied the principles I have read about, but more importantly, one day while talking with someone, I realized that I had started to the principles, concepts, ideas, and more that I have been reading without being aware that I was doing it.

All the information I had been reading had started to quietly sink into my subconscious and I had begun to change my behaviors.

Now, I couldn't tell you which book they came from, since I read so many of them. All I know is, the continual exposure to any kind of information does have an affect, whether it's consciously realized or not.

I used to hear the term, 'garbage in, garbage out'. It refers to what you feed your brain, is usually what starts to come out in your actions, behaviors, and thinking. Feed your braing garbage tv, video games, input from people, reading, etc, and it's what you will start puttingo out.

What are you feeding your brain? Is it productive? Does it serve you in your life as a positive thing? Let me know.

I Have to WHAT? *gulp*

I've had my fingers on the MLM pulse for many years. Some of these years I was involved directly and others, I just watched, read, listened, and learned.

One thing that has changed dramatically is how we talk the talk. Back in the mid 80's when I signed with Amway as my first MLM adventure, I was required by my sponsor to find the people to talk with and my sponsor would do the talking.

When we met with the prospect, I was just to sit and listen, and to learn.

Interestingly enough, although I had signed as a distributor, I didn't like what was being said to the prospect. There was no relationship being built, we didn't ask about our prospect, his family, or life. Strictly business.

Now, when I signed up, I had signed up with my brother, who's sponsor was my parent's next door neighbors. See the value? We signed with people we already had a relationship with. We were comfortable and trusted that person or people already.

If someone had approached me and immediately started in on, 'do you like this product? ME TOO! WELL! Have I got an opportunity for YOU, my friend!'

Guess what? It happens ALL the time. With the internet, all of us in the dirct sales, network marketing, and MLM world now have billions of prospects at our fingertips or twittertips, or facebooktips, or whatever other social media platform is about to come along.

So, if developing a relationship is what this business is really about, why is there a difference online?

I think most of you know what I'm talking about. The blatant ads, links, and spam that is sent out not just regularly but flooded out on these social media sites. Go to these sites and they scream out to you, 'SIGN NOW!! BE A BAJILLIONAIRE BY 5PM!!'

In my mind, the people who send these out are the people who would never make it in the old style of MLM, or don't have any local prospects or teams. Why? Because the thought of actually approaching someone and developing a relationship of any sort with them might very well be the last thing they want to do.

I'm going even further with this. Developing a relationship involves risk. Risk of rejection, mostly, and that terrifies many people. The thought of having to actually approach someone, in person, and take that risk of someone saying, 'No' paralyzes people and their businesses.

Many people consider it a personal attack on who they are at the core, and in my humble opinion, these are the very same people who post on FB and Twitter.

Our business is not for the weak hearted. those wanting and willing to grow, risk, develop, and become an active participant in their own lives are drawn to it.

In return, they get to expand their lives, minds, social circles, and yes, bank accounts.

Developing relationships whether it's offline or online requires time and energy, and can involve a risk, but the benefits outweigh them.

Next time you're on one of the social media sites, try to stop talking about you and your business. Send private messages, do posts that are fun, and ask about the other person.

Otherwise, it will be me that develops that relationship with them. ;)

Accepting Things As They Are

Saying: If you understand, things are as they are. If you don't understand, things are as they are.

We are the only animals on the planet that attaches emotion to situations, and base our decisions on these emotions.

Things really are as they are. It's what we attach to these experiences that determine our outcome with them. But in reality, they just 'are'.

Someone told me once our perceptions of reality is neither good, bad, right, or wrong. But if our perception isn't serving us to our highest good, we might want to reconsider.

I've looked at a LOT of situations recently and, for me, more importantly than trying to attach a positive spin on the situation or trying to 'learn' from every single situation, I'm just allowing the situation to exist without doing ANYthing in regards to emotional attachment.

Instead of allowing my mind to think, 'this is a bad situation' or 'this is a great situation', I'm saying, 'it is what it is', and then I go from there.

It's amazing how the rollercoaster of emotions can settle down when life situations are looked upon as such. Clearer decisions can be made, calmness appears, and energy flows instead of charging.

Do you think you can apply this to any situation in your life?