Looking For the Good

Thank you Mary Southerland for today’s message…

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works (Ephesians 2:10, NIV).

As an elementary school teacher, I am fairly certain I learned a whole lot more than my students did. My first fulltime teaching position was in a school of 900 students, K3 through second grade.

As I read over the files of my students, I was appalled at the labels that had been attached to these kids by their previous teachers. At the ripe old age of six, these children were described as corrupt, bad, failures, impossible to control … and one child was actually pronounced “stupid.” I was furious! I was also determined to change the way the children saw themselves. I pulled out all the stops to help them understand how special they were, but “Star of the Day” was by far the most successful.

First, I bought a piece of yellow foam board, cut out a huge star, decorated it with glitter, used adhesive letters to write “Star of the Day,” and attached it to my classroom door. I then took a picture of each student in my classroom. Each day, I chose a student to be the Star of the Day and attached his or her photo to the star. I also made a badge that read “Star of the Day” which the student wore all day long. My husband built a special desk, painted it gold, attached dime store jewels and streamers, and mounted the desk to a small platform. The Star of the Day sat on their “throne” all day.

The Star of the Day was my personal assistant, handing out papers, running errands, sharpening pencils … whatever I needed done. The other students watched the Star to see all of the good things he or she did. It could be something as simple as picking up a dropped pencil … or opening the door … or being especially nice to someone who was struggling.

At the end of the day, I gathered all of the children in a circle around the Star of the Day. Each student shared one good thing they had seen the Star do that day. No negative comments were allowed. And every student had to participate. It was amazing to watch the transformation in the students as they learned to look for the good in each other and share it with others.

We need to do the same with the people in our world. We need to look for the good things in each other … not the bad. We need to be quick to draw attention to the worthy things we see each other do and applaud those things.

Our words should be filled with acceptance and approval. We need to be cautious with criticism and liberal with praise.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 “So encourage each other to build each other up.”

People become what we encourage them to be. We need to train our hearts and minds to pass over faults in search of strong points. We should choose to draw the strong qualities of others into the spotlight.

We really can learn to look for reasons in each other to praise God. Everyone needs a cheerleader. When we choose to look for the good in each other, an amazing transformation happens. Our perspective of people changes, but that is not all. The people in our world begin to see themselves differently – the way Jesus sees them, precious and chosen – like a star of the day.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

What Is Your Vision?

I am taking this week as a week of reflection, a time to clear my head and get ready for the New Year.  I feel more focused in my business then I have in about 2 years – is it the new medicine, the physical therapy or is the remitting MS finally remitting?  Whatever the reason, I am excited to think about and plan for the upcoming year.

When I started my journey in direct sales, I had a dream…  What about you, what is your vision or dream when it comes to your business?

I wanted to quit my job and work from home.  Don’t get me wrong, I loved my job but the commute and the desire to make my own hours again was calling me.  Maybe you want to pay off debt. Maybe you want some ME time. Maybe you want to travel. Maybe you want to be able to give back to the community. Think for just a moment, what was the FIRST reason you joined your direct sales company or you maybe are now considering joining one.

Yes, I wanted to have my own business but I never really thought it would be in direct sales; I actually thought it would be a storefront.  When I starting with Thirty One, it was for the discounts.  With the discounts, I could provide gifts to women and children in need.  I wanted to fundraise to help others. Although sometimes I squirrel off my true course, I do always come back to it.

My “why” is and always has been “to make a difference in the lives of others“.

Our “why” is what motivates us towards our vision. It is the emotional connection you have every day with why you are doing what you are doing. For some this takes time to find – I am a true testament to it taking a long time.  For others, it is easy.

Sometimes our vision will hit us at the strangest moment and it is like a SMACK on the head from God. As I reflect on the last year, a smile comes to my face when I think about the opportunities I have had with the help of my customers to make a difference.

• Dialysis Bags
• Chemo Comfort Bags
• HERO bags for our troops
• Pamper Kits for new moms
• Random Acts of Kindness with my Give Back With Me Program
• Fundraisers

My BIG dream is to create a non-profit focusing on bringing smiles to the faces of women and children in need.

The truth is “kids are my heart” and anyone who knows me, knows I have been saying it since I first started with the South Jersey AIDS Alliance all those years ago.

I want to be able to use my Thirty One business to CELEBRATE – ENCOURAGE – REWARD kids and their moms who are struggling. Why kids? They didn’t ask to be brought into this world and in most cases have no control over the cards they are dealt. God has a plan for each of them; even those who are struggling. I want to be the light which shines in their life. I want to show them there are people who care. I want to make a difference.

The vision is cast, the goal has been set, now to put a plan together to reach the dream. If it is God’s will, it will happen – in his time, not mine.  I have been casting the vision for two years now, baby steps.

What is your bigger than seems possible (scare the crap out of you) DREAM or VISION? Share it with us.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Happy Labor Day

The official end of summer.  For many the school year started early, for others it is the last few days before the new school year.

Do you know why we celebrate Labor Day? Honestly, I never really got it. How could I relate to the “labor movement”. WHY was Labor Day created?

Labor Day was created by the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Did you know the world of not only direct sales but self-employed individuals is growing every day and making a HUGE impact on the world.  For years, we didn’t think of direct when we thought of the labor or workforce of this country.  We immediately thought about those who tirelessly work everyday to support and provide for their families. I thought about all of the phenomenal women I have met on my Thirty One journey who have been an inspiration to so many.

Our founder, Cindy Monroe, whose vision opened the doors for many to change their own  lives.  These women not only started their own business, reached for the stars and made their dreams come true – they shared the gift with others. As their teams grew, the lives they touched were not only their recruits but their customers, hostesses and their communities. They shared our amazing products and their “WHY” so others could begin to dream. My Sponsor, my Director but most of all my friend, Hope Shortt helped me to see the potential in myself and has encouraged me along the way. Her love and support has helped many of us to strengthen our walk with God so we are able to provide for our families with this “purse gig”. The women on my team who despite personal challenges are overcoming obstacles to provide additional income for their families. Thirty One CELEBRRATES – ENCOURAGES – REWARDS those in the community as well who are not a part of our Thirty One family by giving back in so many ways. Check out this You Tube video about Thirty One Gives..

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today on Labor Day, let’s celebrate the military who protect us everyday giving their life for our freedom; the company workers who go to work every day to support their families and the entrepreneurs who dreamed BIG and are working to change lives by owning their own business.  Let’s CELEBRATE everyone who works tirelessly to support their families.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Hump Day or Workaholics Day?

Do You know what time it is?  Yes, it is Wednesday, traditionally known as “HUMP DAY” but today probably feels like a Monday since many people had a LONG weekend for the 4th of July.

There are lots of “special days” celebrated for many reasons but this was definitely a new one for me!

According to Punchbowl which helps you plan a party from start to finish – July 5th is Workaholics Day!  By definition, a workaholic is a person who is addicted to work.  Generally it implies the person enjoys their work and they feel compelled to do it.  According to an article on Webmd, a workaholic is a life out of balance with key signs to when you are in trouble.  Does this sound like you?

• Trouble delegating work
• Neglecting other aspects of your life (family, special events, vacations, etc) to work
• Incorporating other aspects of your life into work (turning a hobby into a new business)

So, if I have just described you – TODAY is dedicated to you.  It is a time for you to step back and take it easy.  Do some mindless activity you enjoy – read a book for fun, take a nap, take a walk on the beach or spend some time watching YouTube videos.  If you are the friend or family member of a workaholic, CELEBRATE – ENCOURAGE – REWARD them for their accomplishments today.

As for me, I am a struggling recovering workaholic.  Family and friends used to take a back seat to my job – I thought it was my calling or passion.  Now, my passion is owning my own business.   Yes, I always have a catalog with me.  Yes, I am always ready to share about the way Thirty One has changed my life.  Yes, I love every time I go to work – I get to PARTY!  The difference is now i take time to spend with hubby on his days off, or play hookie to hang out with my best friend or spend the day with my mom.  I still slack in the family time area but I am a work in progress.

I challenge you to look at your life and do a double check – do you have a healthy work-life balance?  If not, what are you ready to do about it?  Please share how you will be celebrating today

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

What Does Your Image Say About You?

A new Thirty One year starts today!  Every year (actually twice a year) I look back on my goals and evaluate what went right or what went wrong.  I don’t focus on the negative BUT I do acknowledge it so I know the changes I want to make in the new year.

Over the last year, there have been some noticeable changes personally and professionally in my business.  I have been saying and visualizing daily mantras to combat those nasty inner gremlins – the result, a more positive attitude.  The more positive attitude has rippled into a stronger marriage and a stronger business.  

I am learning to be ME!  At age 60, you would think I have this down pat but alas I don’t!  I used to practice my 30-second commercial so much, it felt canned and never really natural.  So, what did I do?  Changed it from a practiced commercial to “I help busy woman with simple organizing solutions so they can enjoy quality time with family and friends”.  I am a walking billboard with Thirty One products so it is easy to then share how they help me to stay organized.

But my image is more than my 30-second commercial… it is also about how others perceive me.  I’m a jeans girl.  When I was working in the non-profit world as a Social Worker and then as a Chief Operating Officer, I wore jeans with comfortable shoes (no sneakers) and a nice shirt.   As a direct sales consultant, jeans and a company tee shirt have been my attire for as long as I can remember.  But I will admit, getting older and closer to goal weight, I am changing things up a bit.  Nothing costly or dramatic just enough to let my sparkle shine through.

Do you remember the show “PanAm Girls” (I said I was OLD!).  These flight attendants were well groomed ALL the time, top notch, first class all the way.  Their hair, makeup, jewelry and clothes had everyone wanting to be just like them.  

What do you think of when you think of First Class?  

In direct sales, we are “on” all of the time.  Do people think you are well put together or a hot mess?  People pass judgement on us without us even opening our mouth.  Our clothes have a language all its own.  I’m not sure if mine don’t show I’m a hot mess more often then I want.  

Here are some of the tips to help you sparkle:

1. Always where solid colors to a party or event.  You certainly don’t want to clash with your products.  As a Thirty One consultant, we have lots of prints to show so this makes sense.
2. Be genuine, gracious and acknowledge others.  To me, this is a no-brainer for we Celebrate, Encourage and Reward our customers and hostesses.  This also is a great way to use Dana Wilde’s 10-second rule.
3. Little details make up the big picture.  Pay attention to the little details your customers or potential customers share with you.  When I am at an event or party, I even make notes on the order forms so I can remember something about the customer.  
4. Dress to showcase the best you.  Leave the tennis shoes at home.  Stay away from clothes which are too tight or too big.  Instead of jeans and a tee why not khakis and a tee. I have started wearing more of our jewelry and makeup to parties.
5. If you saw you, what would you think?  Are you an all together girl?  Or are you a hot mess? When I think of an all-together person, there is a women at Weight Watchers who always looks FIRST CLASS.  Color coordinated, hair done, makeup, jewelry, etc. and she is just weighing in.  I always tell her I aspire to be like her.
6. You are what you wear even BEFORE you have a chance to give your 30-second commercial.

I have also found my angels help me to stand out from the crowd.  A handwritten thank you with an angel goes a long way to someone remembering who I am.  The “ThirtyOne Angel Lady” as I am known by some fellow vendors.

What have you got to lose, right?  Who knows,you may recruit more and sell more so isn’t it worth a try?  Time for a haircut or at least to clean up my current hairstyle.  How about you – do you portray a first class image or a hot mess?

 

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day.