Set and achieve YOUR goals for the New Years and beyond

3 Things that will help you SET and ACHIEVE your goals in 2014 and beyond...
Okay so it's that time of year again.  I don't know why people use this time to set personal goals but I'll leave that for another blog post.  For me 2013 was a year of taking chances and dreaming big.  I'm proud to say that 2013 was the year I broke out of my own self constructed 'box' and set out to achieve my dreams.  

I've learned a lot about setting goals and I want to share that with you so maybe you'll achieve some or all of the goals you are about to set.  It's my hope that by the end of this article you'll be inspired enough to dream big, set goals always and not allow a calendar that you didn't invent to guide your own goals.

1.  Set small goals that will lead to big changes
I want to lose weight, I will workout for an hour a day, I want to save more money and the list goes on and on.  I've discovered that most peoples dreams are serious life changing events.  Be honest with yourself, if you haven't been able to do these things thus far in your life it's unlikely you'll be able to do them any better on January 1st.

The key to making large changes is setting BOTH small and large goals.  Losing weight and working out for an hour a day are great goals but if you can't even workout for 15 minutes a day then you'll never make the full hour (or at least for any significant amount of time that will make a lasting change).  Instead of charging the gym on January 1st (or Jan 2nd if you had too much fun) set a goal of 15 minutes a day, 6 days a week for a month.  The consistency will be better for you, less of a change, and you'll be forming a habit instead of fighting old ones.  Keep adding 15 minutes each month until you get to your goal.

Why did you make a New Years resolution?  To make life changes right?  My point is this, who cares if you reach that goal in January or April?  The goal is to reach that goal an that's it.  By making small changes you increase your success rate exponentially and you don't have to set the same goal the next year.        

2.  Flexible planning
I see this same post on Facebook every year where every week for a year you're supposed to make a $1 incremental deposit into your saving account and by the end of the year you'll have saved approximately $1,300.  While this is a great goal I see a major flaw with this idea and that is that 'life happens.'  Sure January and February are easy but as the year goes on the deposits get larger and more difficult.  Do you really want to be making your largest deposits during the holiday season?




Why not print out the sheet and deposit as much as you can when you can and just check off the amounts as you make them?  This will alleviate stress around holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and other life events both planned and unplanned.  Personally I get some money around Christmas time so I should knock off the more expensive deposits then.

My point is that planning is important but flexible planning will last you longer and ultimately lead you to greater achievements.  The journey may be more important than the destination but it's got to be YOUR journey.  Keep your eye on the big picture and what works for YOU and YOUR life.    

3.  Don't be afraid to fail or have set backs
I started a 90 day workout program called P90X about 3 years ago.  I did it for about 2 weeks pretty religiously until I missed a day and then I quit for about a week.  I picked it back up and completed about 30 days until my grandmother passed away and I had to leave town for the funeral.  When I got back I had lost my momentum and couldn't find the motivation to get back into it.  A month or two later I decided enough was enough and started again this time for almost the full 90 days and quit yet again a week or two before I'd be done.  I forget the reason I quit now but I do remember how disappointed in myself I was.

Then it occurred to me, why am I doing this?  Am I doing this to complete a 90 day program or am I doing it to improve my health?  I had let the challenge of completing the program get in the way of the real picture. Now I workout and eat healthy for one reason and that's to live longer and live happier.

The point is to use failures and set backs as lessons and learn from them.  If it hadn't been for me quitting so much I might have completed the 90 day program and quit for good.  Instead my failures and set backs led me to a lifelong habit.  I think John Maxwell says it best, "Failure can be your best friend or your worst enemy, the choice is yours."

Bonus.  Challenge yourself
The opposite of goal setting is true too.  If you're setting goals that you're reaching too easily or too fast then you're not challenging yourself enough.  Don't be afraid to dream even bigger.

Conclusion
I don't know what your goals are for 2014 but don't fall into the trap of setting goals and not achieving them. Every year it seems like the same thing.  People make these life changing goals and quit within a matter of weeks.

Set yourself up with success by making short term and long term goals.  Make you short term goals attainable with little effort and allow those short term goals to add up to something great.  Allow your goals to be flexible and look at failure and set backs as a little friend giving you advice, and take it.  Most of all allow yourself to dream, dream big and never stop dreaming! 



Truth in MLM (Multi Level Marketing)







*This blog was originally posted 12/17/13 and updated to reflect new thoughts and opinions 12/17/15

I wanted to share MY truth and what I've learned about MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) systems over the past few years.  This blog isn't about recruiting you and I'm leaving the name of the MLM I am a part of out of it. This is meant to be an educational piece for people researching whether or not they should join a MLM company.

Let's clarify first (Wikipedia)...
"Multi-level marketing (MLM) is a marketing strategy in which the sales force is compensated not only for sales they personally generate, but also for the sales of the other salespeople that they recruit. This recruited sales force is referred to as the participant's "downline", and can provide multiple levels of compensation."
"Pyramid scheme is an unsustainable business model that involves promising participants payment or services, primarily for enrolling other people into the scheme, rather than supplying any real investment or sale of products or services to the public. These illegal in many countries."

If you get nothing else out of this article please recognize the differences between the two and 'judge' accordingly.  Multi Level Marketing is often confused with the Pyramid scheme which is where most of it's negative reputation spawns from.  Another source of negativity comes from peoples failed attempts at running a successful MLM business.  I'm sorry it didn't work for you but basing a systems integrity on your failure doesn't make the system (or company) unworthy. 

Okay... so you're considering joining a MLM which is pretty popular now-a-days because jobs aren't paying as much, people are looking for outside sources of income and MLM's have the opportunity to make your dreams come true.  Most people are skeptical and the truth is you shouldn't be.  What?!?  Why?  Because if you learn as much as you can, like anything in life, than you can make an informed decision.

So how do you make an informed decision?  By asking the right questions.  Here is a list of some of the questions I would ask, and if there aren't answers to these, then you have my permission to turn on your skeptical radar  :)
  1. Who is pitching you on the company?  Is this a friend, loved one, stranger?  What is their credibility?  Some people over look this part.  How well do you know the person pitching you the idea?  If it's a good friend then I'd hope they'd have your best interests at heart and if not, get some new friends.  If you don't know the person, get to know them.  Is there contact info readily available? Are they willing to set up a chat or answer your questions?  If not, shy away. Why would you want to join that person you can't get a hold of anyway? 

    And just because someone is new to a business opportunity doesn't mean you should automatically run away. They obviously see something you don't.  Allow them to share their vision before judging them on it.
  2. MLM's are business opportunities, that's it!  MLM's are opportunities to succeed, not guaranteed success.  If they guarantee anything that is a sign that you may need to start taking a few steps backwards.  Either your going to work towards the opportunity or you're not; but I can promise you if you don't put any work in you won't get anything out. 

    Think of an MLM as a job that hires everyone. Instead of a salary or hourly rate you get paid on your success and progress in that company.  Work = getting paid.  Not working = no pay.  It's up to you to decide if you're willing to do the work.  
  3. Getting rich quick? Be honest with yourself, it doesn't happen often.  The only people getting rich quick are the ones starting the business and getting millions of people to sign up.   If you're in the business to get rich quick, it's probably not going to happen.  Make sure you have a good reason to be in the business.

    Now to be fair define quick.  I know people in my MLM who worked their butt's off for 14 months and are making six figures.  That's pretty quick right?  Of course I'm sure it didn't seem quick at first. For others it may take 3-7 years to get into that range.   Whether it's 2 years or 7 years all I know is that earning six figures is better than I could do at my last job!
        
  4. Do you know anyone, or access to anyone who is making money doing this?  If so, how much?  Not everyone is willing to show you their income statements but I think it's important they give you a ballpark of how they're doing.  Or the company should have a statement of incomes earned by their members.  I've had people come onto my team who make more then I do and I've had people make less.  Either way it's a good idea to get some kind of idea.  
  5. Marketing: will you have to do it all by yourself?  This is a big one that is often overlooked. Assuming you're selling a product or a brand does anyone know about it already?  Are you going to have to ONE, convince people the brand is trustworthy, and then TWO sell them on the product?  If the brand is already well known then that cuts half your work, if not more, right there!
  6. What are the products (if any)?  Do you believe in or take the product?  Maybe you can share a product you don't use but I can't.  People aren't as stupid as we sometimes think they are.  If you're not excited about what you do they will sense it.  Steak knives may sell fast but how long until you become bored with them.  I have nothing against knives all I'm asking you to consider is try to find something you're passionate about.  
  7. Is there a membership fee and what is it going towards?  In the MLM's I've come across there is always a membership fee but the real question is where is that money going?  Is it going towards the support of your business or it is just going to the CEO?  Make sure that your money is going to support, services, web maintenance, etc and not to someones pocket.  Remember you're making them money by promoting and selling their products, they shouldn't also be making money off of your membership fees.
  8. Is there a support or training system?  Okay so I'm about to join, what kind of support do I get?  Is the person who recruited you going to help you?  Is there training material and if so is there an added cost for it?  Find someone who is going to stick with you on this journey and who you trust will help you.  I can't tell you how many people I see get lost in the system because their sponsors didn't help them.  It's very sad because many of these people could have been very successful and instead they left with a negative view on MLM's.
  9. Is there a need?  What is the longevity of the product?  How long has the product been around?  Is it brand new?  Does the company have a large catalog of products or are all their eggs in one basket? Candles, jewelry and makeup are all great until someone comes out with something better. Guess what, someone always does. Is your company continually innovating are is this a one time deal and you're just waiting around for a new company to take over?
  10. False Promises and Webpage Hits.  I've see this one emerging more and more.  I'm not an expert but MLM's that promise web traffic and fast commissions don't last.  You may make a nice paycheck here and there but most MLM's are based on repeat business, so find  a company where you are connecting and providing value to your customers, not just taking a quick buck or two.  Just because your reaching millions of people doesn't mean you can convert them to customers.  How often do you get spam email or ads and look right over them?    
  11. Happiness...  Here's one I think is often overlooked.  In all likelihood you're going to be in this business for a few years.  Does it make you happy?  Do you enjoy the business or is it just a pay check?  Find an MLM that will give you years if not a lifetime of happiness.  Not only will you never work a day in your life but your customers will sense that in you.
Conclusion
MLM's are real business opportunities but that's it.  It's an opportunity, either you take a hold of it and put in the work or you don't.  Just like you job if you show up and do nothing you get paid nothing.  Same thing here except in my opinion the rewards out-weigh the work far more then a typical job.  Check out my other blog where I give you a more personal review on that HERE.

I hope that this blog helps you make a more informed decision for your future and if this is something that is right for you!








The Details of P90X3















What special offer is associated with the release of P90X3?
All orders of P90X3, purchased from 12/10/13 through 12/31/13 will include a free P90X3 hat!

Is there a vegan meal plan option available for P90X3?
There will be vegan options included in the new P90X3 Nutrition Guide that will be available on December 10, 2013.
For tips and ideas on how to modify the P90X3 meal plan to be more vegan friendly, we encourage customers to post the topic on the Team Beachbody message boards (http://www.teambeachbody.com/connect/message-boards/-/message_boards/category/19535469). We have dietary experts that monitor the posts and provide some great ideas and direction.

How long does it take to complete P90X3?
P90X3 is a 90 day program, split into 3 Blocks. Blocks 1 & 2 each consist of 4 weeks, while Block 3 lasts 5 weeks.
Additionally, the Elite Block calendar, which is an optional block to be completed AFTER the initial 90 days, lasts 4 weeks.
The Elite Block includes 3 workouts not included within the P90X3 Base Kit. These workouts and calendar can be found within the P90X3 Deluxe and Ultimate Kits. In addition, they can also be purchased separately.

How long are the workouts for P90X3?
All P90X3 workouts are 30 minutes. The lone exception is the X3 Ab Ripper workout (15 minutes), included within the Deluxe Kit. Most workouts include a 2-3 minute cool down period.


What is included in P90X3?
P90X3 Base Kit Includes:
  • 16 unique and brand new workouts on 8 DVDs
  • Plus, 5 Free Gifts
  • Fitness Guide
  • Nutrition Guide
  • 90 Day Workout Calendar
  • How to Accelerate Intro DVD
  • 24/7 Online Support
  • Network Exclusive P90X One on One: On One Leg DVD
  • Network Exclusive Premium P90X3 Hat ($24.95 value) - December Only!
Base Kit Pricing
  • Retail           $119.85 + S&H
  • Club             $107.87
  • Coach          $89.89 (90 PV)
P90X3 Deluxe Kit
Includes everything in the Base Kit PLUS:
  • 3 Elite Extreme workouts on 1 DVD
  • Includes free Elite Block Calendar
  • 1-Month E&E Tub
  • 3 B-Lines Resistance Bands
Deluxe Kit Pricing
  • Retail           $239.70 + S&H
  • Club             $215.73
  • Coach          $179.78 (180 PV)
P90X3 Ultimate Kit
Includes everything in the Base & Deluxe Kits PLUS:
  • 1-Month R&R Tub
  • Gym-Quality P90X® Chin-Up Bar
  • P90X® Chin-Up Max
  • Premium Beachbody Jump Mat
Ultimate Kit Pricing
  • Retail           $329.55 + S&H
  • Club             $296.60
  • Coach          $247.16 (247 PV)
P90X3 Challenge Pack
Retail Price: $205 (December Promotional Price: $180)
  • P90X3 Base Kit
  • 30-Day Supply of Shakeology HD
  • 30-Day VIP Team Beachbody Club Membership
What are the P90X3 workouts?


Product links. NOTE: These will NOT be active until end of day 12/10 when the products are live in the store.

What do the holidays mean to you?



Okay Thanksgiving is over, Black Friday is over and Cyber Monday is over.  All the deals are gone and if you didn't get your Christmas shopping done then it's probably on your to do list.  Is the end of November and all of December all about shopping and deals now?  I thought Thanksgiving was about you know... 'giving thanks,' and Christmas (at least for me) was about spending time with loved ones and celebrating the holiday season together.

I admit I do enjoy November because many of my friends partake in the every day in November "I'm thankful for..." post on their Facebook walls.   I also secretly enjoy the hearing about Black Friday craziness that has happened all over the country (ironically happening after Thanksgiving where we all just gave thanks).  I even check out the deals online but rarely ever buy anything.

With all that craziness and even more coming in December it can be hard to 'keep your eye on the prize,' and use what these holidays were meant for in my opinion; removing yourself from the daily stresses of your life and simply being happy and celebrating life.

I have TWO questions for you...


ONE - Giving Thanks and Thanksgiving
Why are you only thankful during November?  Or is it easy to put a 'cap' on the number of thankful posts you are required to do because there are only so many days until Thanksgiving?   Look, I'm not trying to 'knock' anyone who partakes in these posts but why not take it a step further, continue this all year round.

I've learned that in order to create a happier life we must always be giving thanks and praise to the people around us.  If you're not comfortable posting publicly then make sure to contact your friends, family, co-workers, etc every so often and just say thanks!  These actions have actually been proven to help make you a happier less stressful person.

TWO - Shopping and Black Friday
Okay so you've accumulated a bunch of stuff, now what?  Fine if your TV is broken and you want a new one I get it but I think most people just buy stuff to well, just buy stuff.  Is the new TV that's 4 inches bigger making your life any better?  Has waiting outside for hours on end for the latest deals made your life any better?  I can't tell you how often I look around my apartment at 'stuff' that hasn't really added any value to my life.  I mean, I wanted it at the time and now I can't remember why.

Here's my formula for everything I buy now.  I ask myself...
1.  Why am I buying this?
2.  Does this purchase improve my life?
3.  Does this purchase help me achieve my personal goals or dreams?

If I answer 'no' to the last two questions then I rethink why I'm buying whatever it is. This doesn't just work for buying things, it also works for spending you time.  We all complain about not having enough time yet we're constantly wasting it on things that don't matter.  YOUR health, YOUR family and friends, and YOUR dreams matter the most.  Spend your time, money, effort, and love on those items and less on everything else.

Conclusion
I read a quote once that went something like, "on your deathbed you're not gong to have wished you worked more, spent more time on the computer, or watched more TV.  You're going to wish you spent more time with friends and family, tried new things and experienced all that life has to offer."  I'm paraphrasing and adding my own words in but I think you get the point.  Spend your time, money and emotions where it matters the most.

This holiday season I challenge you to step back from the sales, the marketing, the traffic, the lines and all the stresses and think about what really matters the most to you.  Remember to breath when something doesn't go your way and start the New Year off with an entirely new view of the world and what you want to accomplish in it.



P.S. If you liked this post please check out one of my favorite speakers on 'Happiness' Shawn Achor.  He has an amazing TED Talk you can watch which I share with all my friends.  I listen to it about once a month.




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