Will You Shift Your Thinking to Change Your Life?

Life has a way of throwing us curve balls.  One minute all is wonderful and the next we are slammed with challenges which can send us into a black hole.  On this Monday morning, how will you see the world?

Will you be ready to charge into the week or are you already thinking how behind you are or how bad it will be?  You have a choice and what you decide can make the difference in a good week versus a bad week.

I love how my Thursday morning Weight Watcher meeting messages tend to relate to my everyday life.  The topic of “shift your thinking” hit me hard.  Why?  I am continuously guilty of the failing prey to the negative inner gremlins.  I talk a good game but I have moments too when those curve balls send me down the dark path of doom and gloom

So, on this Monday morning when I am headed home from an amazing visit with my daughter in North Carolina – I am fighting the inner gremlins.  I have decided to slam the door on them.  Yes, I may have eaten (and drank) more than normal.  Yes, I may have gained a little weight (or not).  Yes, I may have taken the focus off my business for a little bit.  BUT instead of thinking of the negatives of the trip, I will focus on the positives.  I got to spend an awesome 5 days with my daughter so we could reconnect.  I got to meet new people.  I got to clear my head and get creative in my business.  I got to rest.  All positives I will focus on as I head home.

Your mindset is not set in stone.  Think about how many times during the day you switch from a positive to a negative mindset.  Believe it or not, we do it ALOT!  There are two areas in our lives we need to switch from a “fixed” mindset to a “growth” mindset – our weight loss journey and our business.  What’s the difference in the two mindsets?

A growth mindset lets us see new experiences and challenges as a chance to grow – to learn, to improve and benefit.  I like to think of this a the positive inner gremlins beating the negative ones.

A fixed mindset is when we are not open to new things.  We tend to except things as they are.  Negative thoughts stick in our brains and setbacks seem like mountains we are unable to climb.  As a result, we continue to do the same thing expecting different results.

When we are ready to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, we unleash positive powerful changes.  The weight starts to come off, your business starts to grow.  We develop skills which will help us to not only make healthier decisions but will also help us to succeed in life!  Our growth mindset allows us to reflect on our slips or mistakes and learn from them while moving forward.

Why do I relate the two – weightless and growing your business?  Because  the journey for me has been linked to the same negative inner gremlins.  If I am feeling bad in one area of my life, the other seems to suffer as a result.

So, how do we shift to a growth mindset?  We need to stomp to the inner gremlins and here is a way to do it:

Fixed Mindset:  “I knew I wouldn’t be able to do this (lose weight or make money in my business).  It’s so hard!  I don’t think I can keep going.”  See the negative inner gremlins feeding and growing stronger.

Reality Check:  “This is a challenge and I’m not sure how long I can keep going, but I won’t ever know if I stop now”.  This is where we make the conscious decision to try.  To give it one more day/week/month to eat healthy.  To give the business one more month to see if I can make money.

Growth Mindset:  “This challenge has been tough but if I continue to make small changes and try to keep going, I know I can do it”  Focus on the accomplishments – big or small.

I challenge you to start this week with a growth mindset, will you accept the challenge.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

How to Command an Audience

Happy Monday and it is time to conquer the world!

Believe it or not, I’m an introvert, content to be on my own working behind the scenes.  I work every day to overcome this in my business.  I mean, let’s be honest, being in direct sales you need to be out sharing and talking to people, right?

I never thought I would or could command an audience.  When I think of an audience, I think of standing in front of a large group of people speaking – YIKES!  The knees start to shake, I get nervous and totally forget what I am trying to say.  Without even knowing it, we command an audience…

• Are you a mom or dad? Your family is an audience.
• Have a job? Your co-workers are an audience.
• Own a business? Your employees and customers are audiences.

When I put things in this perspective, it is a little bit easier to swallow.  The list goes on because an audience can be just one person you are talking to.  I love Andy Andrews! When I first saw him a Thirty One’s National Conference, I wanted to soak up everything he said.  The memory may not be great BUT I do read everything he puts out.  Some things stick with me while others I need to re-read lots of time.

He has an actual formula for commanding an audience no matter the size of the audience.

1. You want the audience to view you as a friend.

Do you feel like you need to have an answer for everything?  Are you a “know it all”?  Did you know the way your audience see you can determine how successful you are?   When your audience identifies with you or see you as a friend, they are more likely to be nice and engage in conversation.  Think about the people you enjoy being around. Then consider each situation from your audience’s point of view and make an effort to be friends with them, you will win their hearts.

2. You always want to actively engage your audience.

Do you get distracted talking to people (a group or event one person)?  You must ACTIVELY keep your audience engaged the whole time you are talking with them.  It can be stressful, right?  I tend to lose focus now with the MS and as a result, I tend to lose my audience.  So, I am working on way to acknowledge the distraction or “squirrel moment” so I can get back on track (for me and for them).

When I am talking to a small group (like at a home party), I used to stand in the front of the room – almost frozen in place, afraid to move.  Now, I walk around and talk to people while sharing the products.  If someone responds to something I said, I may walk over and share the product with them or try to engage them further in conversation.

The truth is despite my best efforts, I will become distracted or my audience will so I have to be ready to deal with it before it happens.

3. Communicate “what’s in it for them.”

When it comes to reading, watching, or listening, we only pay attention to things of interest, or those which affect us, or benefit us.  I mean, you aren’t interested in something, how long are you going to continue to listen or are you going to zone out?

Let your audience know what they will get from you (or the conversation).  If you simply tell them—they will show interest. Sounds easy, right? The key is to take the focus off of you and share what THEY want.  I have been doing this at my Thirty One parties but talking with the hostess before hand to get her favorites or the things she thinks might be of interest to her guests.  It has made a BIG difference in the interactions during a party.

The key is to Always keep “what’s in it for them” in the top of your mind. Tell the the value of your information upfront and it will not only keep their attention but it will also help you to focus your message on the key points.

If you want to make an impact, you must learn to engage and interest your audience.

What are your best tips for keeping your audience engaged or interested? Share them with us.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Do You Listen to Your Core Desires

Monday morning – the moment many dread as they head to their job wishing for a longer weekend.  I am blessed to be able to work from home and make my own hours.  I have been working with a coach and an amazing group of women doing “31days & 31 ways to Jumpstart Your Abundance”.  My second go around and new things are coming to light.

We have been talking a lot about core values and our core desires.  Maybe it is the MS and memory issues or maybe it is the inner gremlins who take joy in squashing my hopes and dreams but this is a struggle for me.  Whatever the reason, I’m sure I’m not alone.

Let’s take a minute to focus on our life  – our definition of success, and how we can find purpose, fulfilment, and joy by letting the things which truly matter guide us.  I know a heavy topic for a Monday morning but give it a try!

How many of you struggle with the noise, and “norms” of society which make it difficult to stay connected to your core desires.

I have been trying to focus on my core desires in my work and my life.  These are the things which help me to focus on how I will prioritize and spend my days, how I define success, and how I will show up in my life.  Here is what I came up with:

Financial independence

I never thought much about being financially independent.  It was always about paying the bills and having “things”.  As I have gotten older, health challenges have come to light, I want to feel stable, secure, self-sufficient, and be independent financially.  It goes beyond wanting a  roof over my head (hubby takes care of all the household stuff) and food on the table.  I want to feel happy and at peace by making mindful, intentional, and responsible decisions when it comes to finances, and by showing up wholeheartedly for my business too.   It means paying off credit card debt.  This is such a huge change for me from just “winging it”.

Emotional & physical well-being

Living with a chronic health condition has taught me to pay more attention to my health and well-being.  I can’t change the struggles my health issues sometimes cause, but I can control how I get through them.  Feeling emotionally and physically healthy is something I have been prioritizing in my life this year.  I try to honor the needs of my health in my business, and how I support my health in the lifestyle choices too.

Living & telling my truth

I struggle so much with accepting who I am, yet, I am willing to share my strength, hopes and experiences with everyone.  I continue to work on accepting who I am – the good, the bad and the ugly.  I am learning to embrace my  strengths and weaknesses. In my business, I want to inspire others never letting pride or fear hold me back from showing up, supporting and encouraging others.

Meaningful work

I crave meaningful and joyful work. I long to make a difference and am always searching for my true purpose.  It isn’t about the money I make, it is about what the money can do to make a difference.  I love when customers feel comfortable enough to share their story, their fears, their joys, and their desires with me.  My heart swells with joy, when I see someone smile who is struggling.  I want to honor this desire by never losing sight of what matters most to me in my work, and never letting money be bigger than the “why” behind what I do.

To be of service

Whether it’s in my business, in my relationship, friendships, and with my family, or how I contribute to the world, I always want to be the positive in the lives of those around me.  Yes, I want to live a joyful and fulfilling life, BUT I don’t want to always be looking at my own needs.

Connection

I long to feel connected to what matters most to me, to the people in my life who I love and adore, to my business and the work I do.  I try to stay aligned with my core values, desires, and intentions, by carving out time for my favorite people, by interacting in and engaging with the world around me, and by getting outside of my comfort zone. YIKES! A tough one but so important in staying connected with the world to find ways I can play a small but positive part in it.

What are you core desires in your work and your life?  What are they and are you honoring them in your work and daily life?  Share with us….

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

How to Use a Key FOB

Happy Monday!

The Monday before Christmas when all through the house…..

How would you finish this sentence?  Is it the calm before the storm?  Are you on the hunt for your keys?  Are you excited to be escaping to work to avoid the mess at home?  Are you still trying to figure out what to get for people? Or are you done with holiday shopping and ready to get organized in the new year?

Today is about a simple inexpensive solution to some every day challenges…

Thirty One’s Key FOB is so much more than just a key chain.  Yes, it is perfect for your keys because you can hook them onto your purse or on a tote when you go shopping.   Or hang them on a hook when you come in the house.  Or slip it on your wrist so you don’t drop them when you are carrying lots of things. BUT have you every thought what else you could use it for?

Have you ever entered a public bathroom and there was no hook on the door for your purse?  The moment when you can’t figure out what you are going to do.  I HATE putting my bag on the floor – why not use a key fob?

Even if your keys are on the ring, you can still use it.

I know it is a little cold for the beach BUT for some it is never too early to plan (or dream of warmer weather).  Use your Key FOB to hold your beach bag up off the sand.

Do you have hair ties all over the house but can never find one when you need it?  Enter Thirty One’s Key FOB.

Going grocery shopping – child in the seat and the basket full of groceries?  Use your key fob to  hold your Essential Storage Tote or other reusable grocery bags.  Or use it to hold your purse or diaper bag.

      

Do you spend a lot of time in the car?  Ever had to stop short and your purse topples to the floor, contents all over?  I’ve had it happen more than once and occasionally something will roll under the seat and I won’t know it until I go to find it later on.  Use a key fob or two to attach your purse to the head rest to create a no spill solution.  

I love this one but it would definitely NOT work for the fur grand babies we have – they are way too big.  Walk two dogs at the same time without having two leashes to get them tangled up in.

 

One of my customer’s favorite uses for a Key FOB is as a gift for a teacher or coach.  A simple gesture to let someone know you appreciate all they do for you.

So a key fob is so much more than just a keychain.  It has a multitude of uses and here is a list of 31 uses:

What would you use your key fob for?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Monday Morning Ramble

It’s Monday morning.  For some (like me), I love Mondays.  I get to spend the day with hubby who is off. There is nothing on my calendar after a few morning hours in my office.  We will head to lunch and if it is nice, maybe even head to the lake to take a walk.  It is the perfect way to continue a fun filled weekend!  At Saturday’s craft show I got to catch up with some old friends then again with even more at St. Paul’s Annual Variety Show.  On Sunday I got to make some new friends while helping a Kathryn get some FREE Thirty-One products.  We were #bettertogether with Thirty-One and Pink Zebra.

This is the FIRST Monday in a LONG time that I am stuck!  Yup, not sure what to talk about…..So, I am going to “ramble” about some thoughts I had while I was on the road this past weekend.  As I used my GPS, I thought about a picture that I used to have hanging in my office:

Okay, I know it is a little strange but for awhile it kept me focused on my business when I was in my office.  It kept me from getting lost in the black hole of social media.  The work I did in my office was all income producing in an effort to build my business.  Then I thought, what is someone put one of those “pocket cams” on me for a week, what would they think is important to me based on how I spend all my time.

YIKES!  I don’t know about you but that could be a little scary.  I mean most of us can talk a good game, right?  We can share our values, our beliefs and even our “why”.  We can share our material wants and needs. We all carry around a picture in our head of what’s important.  You could give someone a visual picture of what is important to you.  BUT if they shadowed you for a day or a week, what would they say?  We can put words to things but what about that old saying “actions speak louder than words”.

So the question is, do you spend a lot of time on certain activities? Honestly, the typical assumption is that if it’s important, we spend more time doing it.  BUT, does that really tell the whole story.  Maybe you spend most of your life at work.  Does that make it most important? As for me, I think that “quality time” should definitely replace “quantity of time” as a way to determine importance.  For me, it can all be summed up in 6 words:

Giving myself away so others smile.

So, how will you SHOW people what’s important in your life?  Believe it or not, when you find your answer, then your true self is obvious to everyone. So, let YOUR sparkle shine today!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!