REFLECTIONS - ACTIONS

Monday’s reflection on the past 10 days has also brought an incredible amount of pride and excitement in the business Jon and I began in January of 2013.  As a quick background, we have always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives as we did in our jobs before retirement.  In the past 7-8 years, we have come across great companies with incredible leadership/training but the product wasn't right for us, then we found a great product but the ownership didn't have integrity and the training wasn't there.  In January, we went to Dallas with Rick Parros, former Denver Bronco and incredible leader and friend.  There we were introduced to Trey White, Brent Hicks, Dr. Anne Smith, and the company EVOLV. 

Originally, I told Rick we would go and listen, but I was not interested in getting involved with a health and wellness company as they were a “dime a dozen.”  Since we have focused on our own health and wellness for many years, people come to us all the time with their products that are “wonderful and will change our lives.”  We tried many of them, partially because these were friends who recommended these products, but nothing really made a difference.  Hence my hesitation to get involved with something new.  However, I did promise Rick we would listen and have an open mind.

After hearing about their mission statement that included Helping Other People Evolve in all areas of their lives, hearing how the company gives back, as well as observing, listening, and believing in the integrity of Trey, Brent, Dr. Anne and the entire team I began lowering my guard and listening more intently.   We were educated on the science behind the products by Dr. Anne.  Products that no one else has and are proprietary to EVOLV. The company focuses on true health, wellness, and for some wealth, and there was transparency with everything from the physical structure of the offices to the documentation and science behind the products.  Time and again there was evidence that this EVOLV company was walking their talk. My skepticism vanished and excitement grew.

Fast forward nine months later.  Not only have we used products like the Limitless for inflammation, Activate for energy, shakes for a meal replacement, Thin for an energy/meal suppressant and others, but we have asked others to try samples.  Stories of no longer having migraines, allergies less severe, our pregnant and now nursing working mom with two children daughter having more energy, Jon lowering his cholesterol medicine level, taking pain away from an aching shoulder for my 86 year old mom, a friend no longer in pain with fibromyalgia, and a testimonial from our 21 year old nephew about reducing his recovering time from a ½ Ironman competition are just a few of the results people are having with these products.  Even our chiropractor/kinesiologist who has done in depth research and investigated the Limitless product now gives trial samples to patients where it would be helpful.

What has truly now become my personal mission and focus is to pay attention to what people are saying about their health, asking questions, and only if it’s appropriate giving out samples for people to try.  Any age (we have customers from 15-86), male/female, athletes or not, people just needing more energy, those in pain, or wanting to lose weight are all people who can benefit from these products.  Jon and I can attest to our own results.

After having my own health challenges with rheumatoid arthritis, watching my sister-in-law surviving an almost fatal stroke, talking to my niece who’s the doctor and can have 3-4 migraines a week if she’s not on medication are all reasons for me to at least let them try the EVOLV products.  If I can make a difference in people’s health and wellness including my own family, then that is my WHY.

EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER

It’s been an “interesting” 10 days.  Everything from the beginning of five days of torrential downpour of rain leading up to the flooding here in Colorado.  In between, there was the trip to Virginia for a wedding that included historical site seeing and forever memories with family.  Coming home to the total devastation all around us but not affecting our home, being on a boil water restriction, to a 50 year high school reunion for Jon rounded out the ups and downs of our days.

A few words that come to mind over this time are: community, compassion, sadness, happiness, new journeys, new beginnings, disbelief, challenges, thankfulness, reflections, and so much more.  It’s been an emotional roller coaster but one where I have been able to watch and observe my own behaviors and those around me. 

Today I find myself more anxious, not as patient, and “out of sorts.”  Why is that?  I have so much to be grateful for and so many blessings in my life.  Then I reread my first two paragraphs.  Though I have been totally present with each day and each activity with so many wonderful memories, there is still that “haunting” feeling of so many people are hurting and there is so much to do to support one another.  What can I do?  How can I help?  We’re going out of town Wednesday to visit our son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, Teagan.  I’m excited as it’s been almost two months since I’ve seen them, but that also means I can’t be here to do something.

It’s interesting how writing this out makes me begin to take control over that anxiousness, and I’m realizing I have been judging myself.  I’m NOT doing enough, others are doing more etc. etc. Negative, negative, negative.  Here’s where the metacognition (thinking about my thinking) has hit me between the eyes.  Remember…what you focus on expands.  (Jim Rohn)  What have I done to bring some comfort or encouragement or support to others?  How may I have added value to someone else’s life in the past 10 days?

My 83 year old aunt lost her car when the garage in her building was flooded, so I took her to get her hair done, we ran errands, and we had a coffee catch up time as she needed to “get away” from the frustrations of the water damage in her building.  At Panera Bread, I gave the manager $25 to pay for a flood victim who came into the restaurant, and I donated clothing to a consignment store that allowed flood victims to come in and get clothing for free. 

In addition, my sister-in-law and mother of the groom suffered a severe stroke 5 years ago. In a conversation with her, I was able to share with her how she is such an inspiration to me, her siblings, her children, and her grandchildren and to realize how much she contributes to all our lives.  Her sister, one daughter, and her husband were all there with each of us adding to a lively discussion. She commented later how much she appreciated the encouragement.  I recommended a book called ­The Present  by Spencer Johnson.  It’s a powerful book and one I would recommend to anyone. 

During that visit in Virginia, I focused on spending quality time with my three nieces and my nephew, the groom, listening to their stories of all that’s been in their lives lately. One niece is in her last year of residency in pediatric neurology (married with two children), drives two hours one way to the hospital in Boston, and was also in Boston when the Boston Marathon bombs went off.  Another niece has recently moved to a new location, has a new job as a preschool director, and her youngest son, 8 months, was born without an ear canal or ear drum.  She and her husband are amazing young people and this little boy is healthy and happy despite what some might term a disability.  Each one had their own trials and tribulations yet they are all positive, see the sunshine rather than the darkness, and are adding value to my life, their parents’ lives, their own children’s lives, and are making a difference in this world.  I am so proud of them all. 

What was my role what did I do?  I was an encourager, a listener, I was present with each conversation, and I enjoyed the times without judgment. I’m feeling a calmness come over me.  I’m realizing that though I still feel I need to do more, I have done some things, and I will continue to be present to see what is next.

COLORADO STRONG,

First and foremost, the flooding that has occurred in the Boulder, Longmont, Lyons, and Estes Park areas has been devastating to so many.  The number of homes lost is over 1,500 and counting, over 16,000 homes damaged, the numbers yet unaccounted for is still over 600, more than 200 have been air lifted to Boulder from mountain areas, and 7 deaths.

Our home is in the northeast corner of Boulder County. Fortunately, we have not had any real water damage to our home and the only "issue" we're facing is needing to boil all our water until further notice.  It's hard to believe as we look out our window with the sun finally shining, we can see the mountains once again, and what had been so brown due to the drought is now green, that just 10 minutes in any direction there is flooding, roads destroyed, bridges no longer in place, and so much more devastation.

I think back to all I've written over the past few weeks about a positive attitude, moving forward, yes, maybe some luck, and helping others is now playing out here in Colorado with the floods and even earlier in the summer with all the fires around Colorado Springs.  The people who are being interviewed reflect first about the fact they're alive, their family is together, and the things lost can be replaced. I'm  uplifted hearing the stories and the first response of resiliency.  Already it's coming up on Facebook and other social media outlets of ways people can help:  donate clothes and shoes to a second hand clothing store where victims can come and get what they need for FREE, T shirts showing a new emblem representing this time where all the proceeds go to a relief effort, people opening their homes, and that's only the beginning.

This is a disaster beyond what most of us can understand.  There hasn't been an air evacuation this large since Katrina so we know this is only the beginning.  A long journey of recovery.  The roads, bridges, once again power and safe water will take time and a lot of patience.  In addition, the emotional challenges will come and go for a very long time.  So how will each of us react to our personal experiences?  There will be that emotional roller coaster sometimes even from hour to hour.  I think we will need to be sensitive to our own emotions and those around us, listening is key, we need to be present with our emotions whatever they may be, it's ok to laugh and cry all in the same breath, and it will be important for us to be patient and fluid with how we are dealing with and how others are dealing with this tragedy.

My blessings to all Coloradoans!  We are a proud, strong group of people.

Do You Believe in Luck?

Do you believe in luck?  Would you consider yourself a lucky or unlucky person?  Once again, we want to put ourselves into a box with a label.  I find myself saying things like…why bother to even put my name into the drawing, I never win anything.  Yet, I can always point to someone else who “seems to have all the luck.”

Richard Branson was asked if he felt like luck played a part in his success.  Read his answer, “Yes, of course, we are all lucky.  If you live in a free society, you are lucky.  Luck surrounds us every day; we are constantly having lucky things happen to us, whether we recognize it or not.  I have not been any more lucky or unlucky than anyone else.  The difference is when luck came my way, I took advantage of it.”

What a great response.  I have added to my list of gratitudes at the end of each day, the fact that I live in a free society and am able, as a woman, to pursue my dreams.  I have on a new pair of “glasses” to be sure I’m NOT taking things for granted such as living in this country and having the freedoms that we have.  I AM LUCKY.

Darren Hardy has this to say in his Compound Effect book, “we often hear that luck is when opportunity meets preparation, but that isn't enough.”  Darren added two other critical components to that word “luck.”

“The (Complete) Formula for Getting Lucky:

Preparation (personal growth) +

Attitude (belief/mindset) +

Opportunity (a good thing coming your way) +

Action (doing something about it) =

LUCK”

Here we go again….I need to take full responsibility for what has happened in my life – good or bad, right or wrong, success or failure…

The late Jim Rohn says, “The day you graduate from childhood to adulthood is the day you take full responsibility for your life….embrace the fact that you are freed by your choices, as long as you assume personal responsibility for them.  It’s time to make the choice to take control.”  No more blame, finger pointing, “poor me” attitude etc. etc. (nonresourceful feelings) Metacognition…be conscious of your decisions.

Jim also has said, “ What’s simple to do is also simple not to do.

The biggest difference between successful and unsuccessful people is…who’s willing to do what others are not willing to do?”  Vince Poscente talks about this in his book, The Ant and the Elephant.  There are many well known self development authors who are saying the same things, just different words.  Personally, when I finally got to the place I was ready to learn I’m “seeing” these common threads all around me.  (Isn't that the same as when I’m looking for a particular car, that particular car is all I see.  It’s not that there really are more of them, it’s because I’m alert to it.

Lucky?  YES, I AM!!  

CHOICES

Once again from Darren Hardy, “Everything in your life exists because you first made a choice about something.  Choices are at the root of every one of your results.  Each choice starts a behavior that over time becomes a habit.”  (It’s the elephant again – our subconscious)  “Choose poorly and you might find yourself back at the drawing board.”  Of course you also realize that not making a choice is also a choice.  It’s the choice of being passive to whatever comes your way.  Have you ever heard someone blame another person, their situation, lack of money, etc. etc.  Why is it so difficult for us to realize that WE are the ones in control of our lives?  When we point the finger at something else, we have three pointing back at us. Hmmm…

“We don’t intend to sabotage ourselves, but by not thinking about our decisions – weighing the risks and potential outcomes -  we find ourselves facing unintended consequences.”  We didn't mean to put on those extra 10 pounds, we didn't mean to have credit card debt to such a level, we didn't mean to let our marriage get to the point of divorce, but “often (if not always) those consequences are the result of a series of small, POOR choices.” These are the ones that come back to bite us.

“You have to be willing to take 100 percent responsibility for making your life work.  This concept could transform every area of your life.”  What if I owned all my choices?  I owned every way I chose to respond to a situation or conflict?  That’s a powerful thought.  My life is up to me.  I must hold myself accountable to everything I do and those I didn't do, or how I react to something that was done to me. 

Think about that for a minute.  How does that make you feel?  Excited? Scared?  Nervous? Anxious?  Is there a little voice on your shoulder already telling you that YOU don’t have that much control because remember all those things that have happened to you in the past?  What makes this any different for the future?  Or is that little voice on your shoulder ready to travel a whole new path like the Ant and the Elephant?

My experiences since working with the concepts Jim Britt teaches,  is that my life has changed.  My choices are better, my consistency is much better, but it’s all still a work in progress.  I’m more conscious of my words, actions feelings etc.  It’s fun, exciting, and I have seen a difference in all areas of my life.  The term is “metacognition” which is thinking about your thinking. There’s first my self awareness and then comes a consistent plan of action.  What do they say, it’s not practice makes perfect but perfect practice makes perfect.  Isn't that also why we call life a journey?  If we’re learning, growing, willing to change, and move forward being present each and every day then we can truly make a difference in ourselves. 

With all of my blogs, I would enjoy hearing your thoughts.  Have a great day!!

Choices - Behavior - Habits

This is the first of several blogs where I’m reflecting over my own life and seeing where I can make a change.  There is so much in this book, The Compound Effect, which is why I’m revisiting and reviewing my highlights about every two months.

Have you ever been asked the question, “If I offered you three million dollars in cash right now or a single penny that doubles in value every day for 31 days, which would you choose?”  It’s back to instant gratification.  Many people see $3 million in cash and that’s all they can see.  They don’t think any further.  If you haven’t already guessed…the penny is the right answer. 

Imagine you’re the one who chose the $3 million and a friend takes the penny.  Watch this:

Day 10             You:      $3 million                   Friend:  $5.12

Day 20             You:     $3 million                    Friend:  $5,243

Day 29             You:     $3 million                    Friend:   $2.7 million

Day 30             You:     $3 million                    Friend:    $5.3 million

Day 31             You:     $3 million                    Friend:  $10,737,418.24  ( 3 times more)

 “Very few things are as impressive as the ‘magic’ of compounding pennies.  Amazingly, this ‘force’ is equally powerful in every area of your life.”  The Compound Effect.

I find it fascinating how the key to having success in any area of our lives even with our  relationships, is the lack of consistency and that instant gratification expectation.  Haven’t we all made New Years Resolutions only to realize two, three, or four weeks later, we’re back into our old ways once again?  We aren't seeing the weight lost, avoiding junk food or fast foods, we’re back to listening to the nightly news at the end of the day and the list goes on and on.  The excuses and the blaming (Jim Britt’s nonresourceful concepts) begin so we can justify why we aren't doing something.  However, I agree with Darren Hardy when he states, “with enough time and consistency, the outcomes become visible.  Better yet, they become predictable.”  Just like the penny analogy.  It wasn't until day 30 of the 31 where your friend made more money and the very next day it was THREE TIMES the amount of the $3 million. 

The time for the penny was only 31 days.  What about your health?  Your financial freedom?  Your relationships?   How long are you willing to make the small, smart choices consistently, over time to have a radical difference?  “The beauty of the Compound Effect is that we have to keep working away for awhile, consistently and efficiently, before we can begin to see the payoff. 

Then there’s complacency.  We may get to a certain level of success and we become too comfortable. “We can experience extended periods of prosperity, health, wealth, our marriage is doing great…  We stop doing the things that got us to that point.”  It’s gradual and can go unnoticed until there’s a problem.  We notice the scales show an additional 5 or 10 pounds, we have credit card debt, there’s more conflict with our spouse. The excuses and blame creep in once again.  We’re back to our microwave mentality. 

Small Smart Choices...

With a focus on my health and well being, for me, it means both physically and mentally.  I've been fascinated to learn more about how our past plays a part in our decision making as well as the influence our subconscious mind has on our actions or lack there of.

Have you ever read Success magazine?  If so, you’re familiar with the name Darren Hardy who is the publisher and founding editor of Success. (Great reading, by the way.) I recently reread his book, The Compound Effect, which I highly recommend.  What he discusses in his book correlates with everything else I’m reading from Jim Britt, to Jim Rohn, to many others.  Here’s the first paragraph of his introduction:

“This book is about success and what it really takes to earn it.  It’s time someone told it to you straight.  You've been bamboozled for too long.  There is no magic bullet, secret formula, or quick fix.  You don’t make $200,000 a year spending two hours a day on the Internet, lose 30 pounds in a week, rub 20 years off your face with a cream, fix your love life with a pill, or find lasting success with any other scheme that is too good to be true.  It would be great if you could buy your success, fame, self-esteem, good relationships, and health and well-being in a nicely clam-shelled package at the local Walmart.  But that’s not how it works.

We are constantly bombarded with increasingly sensational claims to get rich, get fit, get younger, get sexier…all overnight with little effort for only three easy payments of $39.95.  These repetitive marketing messages have distorted our sense of what it really takes to succeed.”

As Vince Poscente discusses in his Ants and the Elephant book, our conscious mind (the ant) reacts to those infomercials so we instantly buy.  How many of those purchases end up on the shelf never opened, or we don’t use the product for very long or we don’t get the results quick enough so we give up etc. etc.?  It’s also a piece of this instant gratification environment we seem to live in today.   Meanwhile, our subconscious mind (the elephant) is reminding us that those diets work for everyone else, only the rich can make money, the wrinkle cream works for everyone else just not me etc.

So what exactly is the Compound Effect and why should I care?  The definition is “it’s the principle of reaping huge rewards from a series of small, smart choices…..These small changes offer little or no immediate results, no big win, no obvious I-told-you-so payoff.  So why bother?  Most people get tripped up by the simplicity of the Compound Effect.  For example, they quit after a couple weeks in the gym because they’re still overweight.  Or they stop practicing the piano after six months because they haven’t mastered anything other than ‘Chopsticks.’  Or they stop making contributions to their IRA after a few years because they need the cash – it’s not adding up to much anyway. What they don’t realize is that these small, seemingly insignificant steps completed consistently over time will create a radical difference.”

Small smart choices + Consistency + Time = Radical Difference