I have a confession to make...

Are you sure you're ready for this?

...

I hate sports.

I feel like I'm breaking some kind of time honored tradition or 'guy law' by saying those words but it's the truth. I've just never understood them or cared.  Now let me specify exactly what I don't like.

Specifically I don't like watching sports on TV.  I love going to LIVE sporting events and I love playing sports, but mindlessly yelling at a TV has just never appealed to me.

I just don't get it. I have seen people literally fight with other people while watching sports. What the hell? Do you own some kind of stock or shares in that sports team? Did you at least bet some money on the game that you're getting so infuriated at? If not, why all the craziness?

Oh but it gets even better. Has your team ever won and you feel a sense of pride and then decided to shove that pride in other peoples face because their team lost?  Really? Were you in the game or did you do anything to assist in that victory? I'm actually asking, what role did you pay, I mean play?

It's funny I hear things like "I can't believe that player(s) gets paid so much."  Do you really not know where all that money is coming from?  Let me give you a clue. It's coming from YOU.

Look, I'm not completely clueless to the fact that watching sports provides many people entertainment and I certainly don't want anyone to think that just because these are my feelings that I think they should change theirs; unless you are the crazy who is starting the fights.

Conclusion
I guess my opinion is this, and I truly try my best to live by something I heard a while back from Brendon Burchard the author of The Millionaire Messenger. On my deathbed I hope I'll be thinking about my family, my friends and if I mattered in this world.  I'll most likely want some more time and I don't want to look back knowing that I spent too much time or energy on something that isn't one of those three things.

What do you think? If you're a sports nut what is it exactly that you get from it? I'd like to understand this better.
 


   

I had an awesome conversation with some friends of mine the other day which brought up some really cool ideas I wanted to share on how to achieve success more easily.

KEEP OUT:  Negativity and limits
"Don't say I can't, say I presently struggle with" is a quote from Tony Horton in the beginning of one of his popular P90X workouts.  Keep negativity and limits out of everything you say and the world will truly open up for you.  I find whether you want to achieve something or not, it's always best to keep negativity and limits out of your vocabulary.

There's another great quote that says, "It doesn't matter if you think you can or if you think you can't, either way you're right."  Your mind is a sponge, keep garbage out of it and it won't give you garbage.  This isn't always an easy rule to follow, but I promise you it will pay off, and you'll literally see life in an entirely different light.

The 5 minute rule
Have you ever wanted to do something that is counterproductive to your goals?   Of course you have, everyone has!  Try this next time.  Let's say your goal is to lose some weight.  The next time you have that beautiful piece of chocolaty desert sitting in front of you I want you to wait 5 minutes.  At the end of 5 minutes if you still want the cake eat it, if not then don't.  It's that simple.

This rule works in reverse too.  Want to lose weight but don't feel like working out that day.  We've all been there.  Do this, start working out but only commit to 5 minutes.  If at the end of 5 minutes you still don't feel like completing your workout don't, if you do, keep on going!  It doesn't matter what it is just take 5 minutes in the direction of your long term goals and if at the end of that 5 minutes you still feel like going the other way, do it.

This is a great rule for achieving anything in your life and realizing that life isn't made up of snap decisions like all marketing would want us to believe.  Take your time, weigh the pros and cons and only then make a decision.  Sometimes you'll still make a decision that isn't quite inline with your goals but a majority of them will be, and that's the idea.  Goals aren't reached by never failing, they're reached by continually doing better over time.

Would you rather?
Similar to the 5 minute rule but without the time limit.  Instead of setting a time, take the time to think to yourself would I rather.  Would I rather keep losing weight or would I rather eat the desert.  Would I rather keep sleeping in or would I rather get more work done and finish up earlier today.  Compare your actions with your goals and take just a few seconds to think about it.  I don't promise this will be easy but it will be worth it.

After some time you'll  most likely find yourself keeping away from activities which put you in a situation that you even need to ask the question to yourself.  It's much easier to say no to a beer after work if you're not already at the bar surrounded by friends!  :)

Conclusion
Incorporate all or just some of these mental 'games' into your daily decisions and you won't believe how much faster your goals will come.  After sometime you'll begin to notice other people who could also use this advice, please share this with them!

If you have any questions or want to continue the conversation contact me now.

21 Day Fix Essentials (Base) Kit 30-day money back guarantee Free Gifts Start Here Guide with Workout Calendar 3-Day Quick Fix** Eating Plan** 24/7 Online Support** g Work Outs 7 workouts on 2 DVDs (VHS not available) Dirty 30 workout** Total Body Cardio Fix Upper Fix Lower Fix Pilates Fix Cardio Fix Yoga Fix Ultimate Workouts No Equipment No Nutrition Samples No Containers 7 color-coded portion-control containers Shakeology shaker cup **Free Gifts with purchase to keep

21 Day Fix Ultimate Kit 30-day money back guarantee Free Gifts Start Here Guide with Workout Calendar 3-Day Quick Fix** Eating Plan** 24/7 Online Support** Insulated Tote Bag Work Outs 7 workouts on 2 DVDs (VHS not available) Dirty 30 workout** Total Body Cardio Fix Upper Fix Lower Fix Pilates Fix Cardio Fix Yoga Fix Ultimate Workouts Flat Abs Fix Barre Legs Equipment 1 Pro-Grade Resistance Band (Pink=15lbs) Nutrition Samples No Containers 7 color-coded portion-control containers Shakeology shaker cup Large on-the-go container

EMERALD OPTION(S)
21 Day Fix BASE kit ($59.85)

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RUBY OPTION
21 Day Fix BASE kit + Shakeology ($140 Introductory Price, $160 normally)

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Conclusion
Look, there are diet pills, fat burners and other crap out there that claim results but how often do they actually deliver?  There's no secrets here.  We're going to work on portion control, getting you moving and learning how to live a healthier lifestyle that will last you far longer that 21 days.  Oh and BONUS, after you're done, the program is still yours.  Do it as often as you like.  Many of the test group participants have gone on to do this program 10 times for extreme results.

We are all sick of gimmicks and although we may not always like the truth, we know it when we hear it, and this is it.  The only question is, are you ready?

Questions?
If you have any more questions either please contact me directly or I have set up a Facebook group for people wanting to know more.  Check us out here https://www.facebook.com/groups/21DayFixFeb17/

This blog is going to be short and if you're willing to accept it, I'd like to give you some advice on eating out. This simple, and in my opinion genius piece of advice is going to help you save money, not get full, lose weight (or at least not add it) and make you happier  :)  

Here is the method one of my best friends and I have been using for over a year now. When we go out to eat we collectively order ONE appetizer and ONE entree.  That's it!  Okay maybe we'll each get a drink too but I'll leave that decision up to you.  Simple huh?  If you go out with someone who has completely different food tastes this may not work, but for the rest of us this can be an awesome way to have our 'cheat' meals AND save money.

Have you seen the ridiculous portions on our plates today?  I am constantly wishing there was a half sized meal for half the price on the menu.  I understand we all want our dollar to stretch as far as it can but you don't need that much food.  I read somewhere that your stomach is the size of your fist before it expands then the size of your hand when expanded.  Is the food on your plate the size of your fist? Or even the size of your hand?  Doubt it. Then what the hell??? My cousin recently shared this article and quote with me...

Since the late '70s, we've added 570 calories a day to our diets, and half of them can be attributed to larger portions, according to research at the University of North Carolina. "Even though today's serving sizes can be more than triple what the USDA recommends, they've become our new normal, and anything smaller can seem puny by comparison," says Lisa R. Young, PhD, RD, a FITNESS advisory board member and the author of The Portion Teller Plan.*

Here's another tip, if you're worried that you won't be full by the end of your meal you can always order more food.  Why do we feel the need to order way too much up front?  Order less, spend less and if you want more then just order more.  It's that simple.

Conclusion
Nothing about this advice is really revolutionary and in my opinion it's just common sense.  I'm going to assume marketing has poisoned our minds into believing we need all this food when we don't. Save your money, save your waistline and enjoy your meal by simply splitting meals with your friends.  And remember you can always order more :)

*LINK to article from FitnessMazazine.com

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! 

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

I love changing the background of my iPhone for many reasons. Sometimes just for the season and sometimes for inspiration and helping me achieve my goal. I'm doing the work anyway why not share it with my friends? If there is something you' like me to create for your phone please let me know and I'll see if I can do it for ya! If not enjoy the backgrounds I've already made!

Here are some already created and ready for you!  If there is something cutomized you want hit me up and tell me what you want jimmie.brenton@gmail.com.  I'll be adding more as people request them so check back for new additions!