Category Archives: Guest Blogger

Be Serene

pLMC0503by Danielle Ratliff

I started out my professional life as a Registered Dietitian on the surgical floor of a hospital in 2006. I quickly realized this wasn’t the environment for me, so a year later I transfer to a weight management clinic thinking I would be happier in an outpatient setting. Although it was an improvement from the hospital setting, I still was unfulfilled in my career. The last straw was when I was raped in 2011 in my neighborhood. As a result of the attack, I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder complicated with anxiety and depression. I was at the lowest point in my life and attempted suicide a few months later. Luckily, I did not succeed in my attempt, and after lot of counseling and support from family and friends, battled my PTSD head on and went back to school for massage therapy. So for those who are also constantly battling anxiety, you can use products on https://mrhempflower.com/ to help you get an edge.

GM-FSS-Amazon-2A month before I graduated from massage school, I had the opportunity to purchase Serenity Now Massage Therapy in August of 2012. It had been in existence for a year but was a failing business and the prior owner was moving to Asheville. I jumped on the opportunity even though my business experience was limited. In the beginning, there were two other therapists beside myself and now, less than five years later, I have grown the company to support and employ fifteen therapists. Under my leadership, I was able to turn a profit in six months and have had a 40% increase in net profit year over year, with the exception of last year, which was 30% given we are literally out of room space. I now own the building where we practice and just signed a lease on the building next door to double our current capacity.

My long-term career goal is to expand Serenity Now to the point where it can support both myself and my husband, who currently has a full-time job at an IT services company. He supported me during my difficult times, and I would like to allow him to take a step back from the corporate world. We do not have children, but I consider our three cats to be our “kids” and “furbabies”. I am thankful every day for my family and network of close friends and know that each day is a gift. As a gesture of appreciation, considering his love for our feline companions, you might explore unique gift ideas that celebrate his dedication and provide a well-deserved break from the corporate hustle.

In closing, I believe that our thoughts shape our actions and our actions shape our realities. I think we can constantly reinvent ourselves and grow provided we think positively and find the good in our situations. I believe in this evolution of self so strongly that I had a phoenix tattooed on my back as a reminder that I refused to be confined or defined by negative experiences in my past. Instead, I have risen from the ashes and learned to look towards the future at all times.

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Filed under Business Planning, Guest Blogger

Reasons To Be Interviewed on the Radio

By Debbi Dachinger

In my experience it is great to be on radio. I am known on both sides of the microphone. I host a high-end, award-winning, syndicated radio show and as well I am interviewed as a guest sometimes several times each week, as a Success or Media Expert.

I started out only as a radio host and years later my broadcast program is syndicated on sixty six stations. I really enjoy interviewing people and I have spoken with many authors on my show, which means I’ve spent a tremendous amount of time reading each interview guest’s book before featuring them on Dare to Dream radio.

I myself have written multiple books and I’m interviewed flushing out questions which include very important points so you can promote everything you do and be the best at stimulating book sales and being interviewed.

Being an author myself who’s interviewed, and interviewing authors I am keenly aware of how they present themselves and the impact their interview skills make.

I wrote my first book and started being invited onto programs as a guest expert. I wrote a second book, both international bestsellers, and more stations, magazine and broadcast hosts wanted to interview me. I initially began the interview merely for book promotion, however a lovely surprise occurred, and I don’t know how to emphasize this enough – that it’s changed my life in the best possible ways. I didn’t have any foreshadowing that writing books and opening the door to appearing on media would ultimately charge my career path and truly opened doors for me to speak on stages and teach classes globally and become known in this niche media field.

Although I am still putting out books such as this one, years after my books were released I am still called to Teleseminars, to be interviewed, to appear on radio shows and when share the information and my messages that started in my books on a big platform and to audiences worldwide.

In 2015, Nielsen ratings wrote: “Of the 243 million Americans (aged 12 or older) using radio each week, 66.6 million of them are Millennials. This far outpaces the size of the weekly Generation X and Boomer radio audiences, with 57.9 million weekly listeners each. The younger generation also listens to a lot! Millennials spend more than 11 hours a week with radio, and nearly three quarters (73%) of their listening occurs while outside the home and close to making purchasing decisions.”

This too is available for you. It depends on how far you want to take it and how much you are willing to put into it. When people put some attention and energy on media that’s all it takes to get it started and begin opening doors. The exposure and the breakthrough of what’s possible is why we are having this conversation about the next level which is media and specifically about radio. I will address that being a quite comfortable radio host does not equal a quite comfortable radio interview featured guest.  It is a whole new set of skills to switch to the other side of the microphone and be the one being interviewed.

When you’re ready to be coached and interviewed on radio or take a book you’ve written to bestseller status it is time to up your game through a guaranteed best-selling book launch.

Post your feedback to this media blog, I’d like to hear from you.

Are you interested in taking your book to bestseller status? What are your questions?  Send them and maybe I’ll write the next blog to answer it!

BIO:

DEBBI DACHINGER hosts a cutting-edge talk radio show about success, “DARE TO DREAM” syndicated on 66 stations, is a popular media guest and speaker, a keynote at high level national events; an international best-selling author; and sought after media coach. Debbi runs the Bestseller Launch Program taking self-published authors to bestselling book status. Debbi also runs Radio Mastery Training for entrepreneurs, speakers and authors ready to accelerate their skills in messaging on the radio; her clients become savvy, successful and superb while on air.  She is a certified coach. https://MyBestsellerBook.com

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Filed under Business Planning, Guest Blogger, Marketing

Are You for Real? (Excerpt #23 from Mass Influence by Teresa de Grosbois)

You can go kicking and screaming, or you can just go.”

—Jennifer Hough

Confession time. I sometimes do business meetings in my garden while I randomly pull weeds. It’s a grounding act that helps me stay tuned into the person I’m with and connected to who I am.

Pulling weeds is a symbolic act for me. It’s a reflection of all those inauthentic parts of myself that don’t serve me. Anything that pulls me out of the conversation or moment I’m focused on can create a conversation in my head that is different than the one I’m having out loud.

When I’m nervous, when I’m worrying about my schedule, when I’m stuck on being right, when I’m coming from a place of looking good, when I scold myself and stay in my own shame—all of those are weeds to pull.

They choke out the growth of who I really am in the world: someone committed to being deeply of service to others, someone who stands for others stepping into their own leadership.

Weed daily—moment by moment.

Anything that stops you from powerfully walking your path in life is inauthentic to who you are. They are random weeds to pull. Like gardening, it is an ongoing commitment, an ongoing noticing. It is not a task to check off your to-do list. The garden is not weeded once and then you are done. It is a moment-by-moment noticing of what has arisen that might need pulling to leave room for the flowers and fruits to flourish. I work on it daily.

Habit #2: – Influential people are authentic. Their inner voice agrees with what their outer voice is saying.

They do something they deeply care about, and work with others they deeply respect.

The second habit that influential people consistently have is authenticity. People can spot a phony a mile away and they aren’t going to like and trust you if they think you’re a fake. You can become famous without authenticity, but it’s very difficult to become influential.

Get your copy of Mass Influence – www.MassInfluencetheBook.com

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Filed under Coaching, Guest Blogger

Rapid, Terrifying Uncertainty = Epic Win

by Karen Rowe

Here’s a conversation I had with a friend today:

-Hey Karen, what are you up to?

-I’m working.

-But it’s a Holiday. 

-Yeah, not for me. 

I started working with a new company at the beginning of May, and it has been a game-changer for me. It has been years since I have worked on a Holiday. I can safely say that I have NEVER worked on a Holiday and been happy to do it. It has been years since I have felt this inspired, thrilled, charged up, challenged and elated.  These days, I’ve been workin’ 12- hour days. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Anyone who knows me knows that this is not my standard M.O. I am the Queen Preacher of Work-Life-Balance. My social life is important to me; my dating life is important to me; my margaritas are important to me. I’ve honestly always felt sorry for people who work 70- or 80-hour weeks, sanctimoniously believeing that I knew something they didn’t, that *I* had figured out the secret to a happy life.

I have been wrong all these years. Happily, joyously wrong…

Mostly because I have never been invested or all that interested in my work. Mostly because I’d never been part of a team that inspired me to bring my A-Game so consistently and clearly and measurably.  Every time I think, ‘oh ya, I got this in the bag,’ one of them comes along and hits me right between the eyes and takes me down. I consider this a compliment, by the way. There aren’t many people that can consistently keep me on my toes like that. I am a master at getting ahead of people; it’s always been my way of having the upper hand. I  move fast, I catch up, I get in front. It’s a control thing.

This time it’s different.

This time I’ve met my match. This time what’s in the bag is game-changing, show-stopping clear leadership.

You have to understand that anything I ever thought I knew about business was only just in theory, and this is the first time in my life that I’m getting to really see it live and in action; it’s the first time I’m getting to play in a really big and tangible way. I’m up to bat, and if I don’t sharpen my skills, well then I’m just going to strike out and have to sit in the dugout. And who the hell wants to spend their entire life in the dugout?? NOT ME!

I’m going to need a bigger container. Contextually, I mean. I get my mind blown on a daily, if not an hourly, basis. The things I am learning, what I’m doing, seeing, hearing, being every minute of every day right now scares THE HOLY LIVING BEJESUS OUT OF ME. It just takes that wee, tiny little context of mine and eats it for breakfast with a side of bacon.

And isn’t this the way it should be, always?? Shouldn’t you — we– all be surrounding ourselves with people who ask us to play a bigger game, who push us to be our very best selves, to take risks, dive in with both feet, barrel through our days with gusto and holy living terror?

Or is that just me?

Seems to me if you want a life in your comfort zone, keep your day job. If you want to take great risks, move mountains, and get epic wins, then surround yourself with people who make your butt cheeks pucker & don’t buy any of your bullshit.

This work has gotten me to start facing the truth within myself; it has gotten me to see that the journey for my truth will actually set me free.

So is that worth working on a Holiday for? Hell ya. 

– See more at: https://karenrowe.com/2012/07/01/epic-win/#sthash.rJMgSyfA.dpuf

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Filed under Guest Blogger

Freebie Friday

Guest blogger Terri Levine has graciously shared a spreecast with our audience.

Click here to access:  https://www.spreecast.com/events/the-best-low-and-no-cost-marketing-tools

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Filed under Freebie Friday, Guest Blogger

Stay Hungry

By Terri Levine

One of the main differences between mediocre business people and highly successful business people is their appetite for “more”… they are ALWAYS hungry for something more. Having achieved a major goal, they are not satisfied just with that and will immediately start working towards the accomplishment of a new goal. Their success comes from constant action, constant movement towards new goals. Think of Richard Branson, for example!

Being hungry and moving forward need not always entail new ideas. Perhaps, if you think of the project just completed, you may think of something you wish you had done better or differently – this is a healthy hunger and great results can come from trying to appease it.

Hungry people realize they don’t know everything, but they don’t stop searching and trying to learn new things.

Are you maximizing your talents and those of your staff? Develop yourself and those who work for you to their fullest potential. Pinpoint areas where each different talent may excel and don’t be afraid to experiment. Hungry people try new things -You won’t know if you don’t try!

Hungry people are competitive and want to outdo themselves. Their hunger fuels their determination and their efforts.

While many people would be satisfied with the accomplishment of one goal and sit around enjoying a celebratory champagne, hungry people have enjoyed one glass and have now left the room, donned their thinking caps and are already off in search of their next win.

Hungry people keep their eyes and ears open for new opportunities and they march to the beat of their own drum.

There is nothing wrong with being satisfied with what you have or where you are – you should be satisfied with what you have and where you are. It’s just that if you do want more, wishful thinking will not get it for you. You need a healthy appetite!

About Terri Levine: Business mentor Terri Levine specializes in helping entrepreneur-owned businesses achieve record-breaking growth. She has been featured on ABC, NBC, CNBC and MSNBC, and in more than 1,500 publications. She is the best-selling author of Sell Without Selling, Coaching Is for Everyone and Stop Managing Start Coaching.

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Shifting to the Next Level

By Debbi Dachinger
Host of Syndicated “Dare to Dream” show
Bestselling, Award-winning Author

When we desire to shift our life to the next level, we should ask these questions.

Are you expressing thankfulness right now? Look at your level of Gratitude and Gratefulness.

How authentic are you in your life?

How adaptable are you?

Can life and circumstance still surprise and delight you?

Do you keep things simple or do you complicate life to be full of drama and chaos?  Do you listen to others? Do you command the space you came here to inhabit? Do you use your gifts and talents?  Does your passion lead you to the next right thing?

Being Authentic

“I had no idea that being your authentic self could make me as rich as I’ve become. If I had, I’d have done it a lot earlier.” -Oprah Winfrey

Great leaders are who they say they are. Vulnerability and humility are hallmarks of the authentic leader and create a positive, attractive energy. We all want to help an authentic person to succeed. There used to be a divide between one’s public self and private self, but the social internet has blurred that line. Tomorrow’s leaders are transparent about who they are online, merging their personal and professional lives together.

Responsiveness

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” -Charles Swindoll

Everyone you come in contact with today is a potential viral sparkplug, for better or for worse, and the winning leader is one who recognizes this and insists upon a culture of responsiveness. Whether the communication is email, voice mail, a note or a tweet, responding shows you care and allows others to make a positive impact on your organization.

How Adaptable Are You?

“When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.” -Ben Franklin

Gratefulness

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” -Gilbert Chesterton

Setting one priority doesn’t mean we don’t do other things. However, we give each of our biggest goals top priority in our busy schedules and look for ways to tie our other activities to that priority. It makes us go around the table to ask ourselves: What do we need to do this week to move this goal forward?

The best way to stay focused is to ignore the back and forth swings and instead focus on the long run.

REMEMBER:

  • Do What Makes Your Heart Beat The Fastest:
  • Surround Yourself With People Smarter Than You:
  • Nurture and Develop: Go where you’ll stretch yourself and be forced to grow in ways you wouldn’t have planned.

The point is this – we’re all going to be overpraised and we’re all going to be underpraised, but the key is to just buckle your seatbelt and keep on. If we’re not making mistakes and we’re not trying new things, then we’re not innovating. Learning from your mistakes is how you reinvent yourself and your life.  Are you ready to shift?

Written by Debbi Dachinger

Debbi’s brand new (second) book entitled: Wisdom To Success will launch on September 17, 2013. Come to Mystic Journey Bookstore for a special presentation AND book signing on Saturday, September 21 at 2 PM. This book is positively impacting millions of lives as Debbi’s mission is to teach and inspire people to create their dreams into a reality and accomplish their goals – someone out there will invent something to save the planet or change the ocean or just make new toys – we are all contributors; let’s align to free all our dreams.

Wisdom To Success:  The Surefire Secrets to Accomplish All Your Dreams”

by Debbi Dachinger

Website: www.deborahdachinger.com/book

Debbi is an expert in goal achievement.  She is a radio and TV personality; a three-time bestselling author, keynote speaker, and coach (for goal attainment and in coaching people how to be exquisite talent while being interviewed on radio).  Her work with people in the media, workshops and through coaching has been achieved through decades of research and education.  Debbi’s “Dare to Dream” radio show is a syndicated, multi-award winning program with 2+ million listeners offering inspiring information and methods on how to achieve goals and dreams. Deborah is a top-notch radio personality, was an award-winning actress and singer, a successful motivational speaker, a professional voice over artist, and was a popular jewelry designer. Awards or Accolades to mention: Editor’s Pick: Featured Intriguing Creator, Broadcasting Industry Lifetime Achievement Award, Featured in multiple news sources, Inducted into the Who’s Who Hall of Fame for entertainment, Opened a workshop for don Miguel Ruiz, Seen in the documentary film “Girl’s Rule,” about Self-Esteem and Confidence, Author of the bestselling book: “DARE TO DREAM: THIS LIFE COUNTS!” International speaker, Has an inspirational video channel at: YouTube.com (debontheradio).  Debbi’s abundant career is in using her voice to live out loud, to teach and inspire others to Dare to Dream and make their dreams a realityWEB: https://www.deborahdachinger.com
Debbi Dachinger
Goal Achievement Expert
Syndicated, Award-Winning Host of “Dare to Dream” Radio
Bestselling author of “DARE TO DREAM: This Life Counts!”

Bestselling Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1467930814
https://www.deborahdachinger.com
https://www.YouTube.com/debontheradio
https://www.Twitter.com/debontheradio
https://www.DebOnTheRadio@blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/DaretoDreamRadiotv
https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbidachinger

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9 Simple Ways to Create a Business Video that Rocks

by Debra Kasowski

Do you want to create a video for your teleclass, blog post, or book launch? Do you want to create your own YouTube TV show? Many small business owners back away from the very thought as they think it costs big money to create video that is compelling and increases their web presence. Professional videos have their place; you may not have it in your budget yet.

I learned a simple yet less expensive way to get quality video that can maximize your exposure on line and attract more customers.

One of biggest lessons I learned during trial and error is that you need to –KEEP IT SIMPLE!

Remember why you have decided to use the video platform. Was it to create that visual connection with your audience? Was it to demonstrate how your product or service works? Was it to capture a testimonial from someone you did business with? If you said yes, let’s keep going! One should know how to sell a business as well in case of a crisis.

You can often use what you have as smartphone technology has advanced to help capture clear high quality images.

  1. Equipment – I use my iPhone attached to a Belkin adapter that sits on a tripod. It works great to keep my video stabilized. There are many hand held flip camcorders that you can use to shoot your video.
  2. Create a script – There is nothing worse than going blank in front of a camera. The great news is you are in control of the camera and you can retake as many times as you need too. Use a queue card, flip chart paper, or create a teleprompter with your laptop to help you remember what you want to say. Don’t forget practice makes perfect.
  3. Deliver Content Worth Sharing – You want to create content that is compelling that inspires, educates, or entertains. Your video should be anywhere between 2-15 minutes in length. People are busy and time is a commodity so pack in 3-5 tips and techniques that provide value.
  4. Good Lighting – Good lighting is essential to creating a good video. Do not shoot your video with a window behind you as it creates shadow and darkness. Shoot where you can get lots a natural light.
  5. Great sound quality – Shoot your video away from extra distractions and lots of background noise. People running through your background or making peace signs can distract your viewers from concentrating on your message. An external microphone can be helpful but not always necessary. Speak loud and clear.
  6. Make Up and Clothing – Wear colours that flatter you and you feel good in. Avoid prints as they tend to move and shift on screen. Apply a bit more makeup that you normally do on film. Use powder to touch up any shine on the forehead, nose, or chin.
  7. Let the good times roll! You can add music to the introduction or the end of your videos for an add effect. Background music is good but make sure that it does not overpower your voice and message.
  8. Add Text – Emphasize key points by using text when editing your video. Not everyone learns the same way so text helps those who learn from reading. iMovie has an easy editing software.
  9. Call to Action – End your video with a call to action! What do you want people to do after watching your video? Share it will others. Comment. Go to your website.

Video is one of the most powerful tools on the internet today. It increases your Google ranking and exposure to potential clients. It helps build a connections and relationships and especially the know, like, and trust factor.

Empower yourself by keeping things simple and getting your message out into the world.

Debra Kasowski is a transformational speaker, author, and success coach Debra Kasowski is best-selling co-author of GPS Your Best Life: Charting Your Destination and Getting There in Style and her latest solo authored book The Entrepreneurial Mom’s Guide to Growing a Business, Raising a Family, and Creating a Life You Love was just released. Get your Free Mp3 Download of the 7 Resolutionary Breakthroughs to Profit and Prosper by Taking Charge of Your Business and Your Life when you sign up for her ezine https://www.themillionairewoman.com



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Filed under Guest Blogger

Who’s Your Gladys? How to Turn Even the Most Difficult Customer into Your Biggest Fan

Today’s guest post is an excerpt from the bestselling business book by Marilyn Suttle and Lori Jo Vest, “Who’s Your Gladys? How to Turn Even the Most Difficult Customer into Your Biggest Fan” To celebrate the release of the paperback version, the authors are giving away free gifts with purchase here: www.whosyourgladys.com/paperbacklaunch

This excerpt from chapter 1 is based on interviews with Professional Movers, a world-class moving company located in Walled Lake, Michigan.

Eighty-seven-year-old Gladys has a reputation among her fellow retirement community members. She’s known as a cranky complainer who is impossible to please. But to her surprise, when she called Andrew Androff’s company, Professional Movers, to move her into her new apartment, she was treated with warmth and respect. When her sales rep, Chris, visited her home to quote the job, he noticed her prickly personality and made a conscious decision to focus on her spunk and tenacity. By the end of his visit, Gladys had bonded with Chris and booked the move.

On moving day, there was a mishap. One of the movers accidentally cracked Gladys’s marble tabletop. Andrew knew that she would be furious. Determined to set things right, he prepared himself to let her vent before she could even think about possible solutions. As predicted, Gladys had steam shooting out her ears.

Andrew felt compassion for her while she vented and assured her that his company would have the table repaired, and that if she wasn’t satisfied with the results, he would replace it. Although he continued to reassure her that things would be set right, she was still spitting mad. Gladys wanted to talk to Chris, who had sold her on the company in the first place, and Andrew promised to have Chris call her as soon as he came into the office.

Chris arrived dead tired after a long day filled with meetings with potential new customers. When Andrew told him about Gladys and asked if he’d be willing to call her, Chris responded, ‘‘No way. She’s going to need more than a phone call. I’ll stop by her house on my way home.’’ Chris arrived at Gladys’s house ready to comfort her through her anger and outrage. Then he assured her that he would personally oversee the repair of her table. This calmed her down, and she thanked him for coming over.

Unfortunately, the repair was less than perfect. Andrew knew that he had to set things right, even though doing so would be expensive. He called Gladys and promised that she could meet Chris at the marble store and personally pick out her new marble tabletop. Since Chris knew that Gladys didn’t drive, he called and arranged to pick her up and take her to the store himself.

Gladys is now living at one of metropolitan Detroit’s premier retirement communities with her new marble table. While it cost Andrew and his employee Chris extra time and extra money to make things right, the payoff was outstanding. Gladys tells everyone moving into or out of her assisted living complex that they have to hire Professional Movers if they want to work with the best movers in town. High and persistent praise from such a hard-to-please person attracts attention. As a result, Andrew’s company is now the number one choice of movers for Gladys’s retirement complex. By creating a culture that values compassionate connection with his customers, Andrew has built a referral base that has helped his sales grow by over 40 percent in two years.

This culture of connection has been particularly effective in building a strong business with senior citizens. Seniors often move from their homes to be nearer to their children or to retire to a senior community. Professional Movers has found this population to be a good fit for its particular style of customer service, so it put a great deal of effort into developing the market segment. Everyone at Professional Movers makes a practice of creating a human connection with her clients. The staff members show respect for their clients’ wisdom, experience, and opinions.  They also know how moving affects their clients, both physically and emotionally. It isn’t easy leaving behind the security of their homes, their friendships with neighbors, and the familiarity of their routines. Andrew’s employees are trained to be sensitive to the unique issues of downsizing. They are sensitive to the emotional connection to their precious family heirlooms that senior citizens feel as they leave behind the past. Professional Movers strives to give seniors the sort of service they would receive if their own family were doing the job.

‘‘It’s like we’re their sons,’’ Andrew said with a laugh. ‘‘We get very close with their families. We interview their caregivers and their social workers. It really helps us develop a customized process to address their concerns.’’ This needs-based approach to both customer service and sales has helped the company become the top provider of moving services in metropolitan Detroit’s retirement market.

Enjoy  “Who’s Your Gladys? How to Turn Even the Most Difficult Customer into Your Biggest Fan” – available at most online booksellers.

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Filed under Business Planning, Guest Blogger, Image & Identity

Happiness

by Lisa Chell

The first week of January 2013 represented more than a New Year for me. It was the week that the ‘baby’ of my four children turned 18 and became a legal adult.

Remember turning 18? I do.

One thing has changed from when I was that age: parental advice.

When I was 18 and tossing around ideas for my studies and career, the questions I got asked were: Will you make a good living? Will you be able to buy a house? Does it have security? What kind of benefits will you get? Does it provide a pension?  A typical conversation with my parents would end with “As long as you can make a living and provide for yourself.”

While some of these questions still get asked today, there’s one glaring difference when I talk to my kids. I end conversations with “As long as it will make you happy. The rest will take care of itself.”

Happiness.

I believe it’s been an under-rated and overlooked priority in how we live our lives.  Most of my friends followed the same advice as I did and what I see is disturbing. There’s a whole generation of us who are, just now, seeking happiness, purpose, connection and something more meaningful than a paycheck.

A friend’s marriage ended after 25 years.  The reason? She wasn’t happy.

A former colleague is physically ill and constantly in and out of hospital because he’s so stressed out.  The reason?  He’s in a job he hates but has 19 years invested and doesn’t want to walk away from a good vacation and benefits package. He’s not happy.

A client whose job as an executive paid for all the trimmings, trappings and travel her heart desired and yet she suffered from severe depression.   The reason?  Money didn’t make up for her lack of worth or happiness.

Happiness doesn’t come from the outside in.

How does a person nurture and align with happiness when we were taught to seek something else? How do we wake up every morning and say “I’m happy to be me!!” regardless of what exists in our physical realm?

Good question. I believe it’s been answered in a similar way by spiritual leaders, masters, gurus, speakers, and authors for years. Happiness comes from mind, body, spirit connection and mastery.

What separates the unhappy from the happy is the difference between knowing something and living it.

It may look something like this:

Mind: Self inquiry, living the universal laws, living your values, gratitude, laughter, journaling.

Body: Mindful movement such as yoga, tai chi, dance or walking, pure nourishment, holistic health practices and body work.

Spirit: Daily meditation and prayer.

Happiness is not a time-based outcome. It’s a journey to the sweet spot in your heart and soul that carries positive energy from the inside out.  Wherever you are on the path, today is the best day to take your next step.

Are you unsure how to take that first step towards a happier you?

Pura Vida! Pure Life!

Lisa Chell is a speaker, trainer, Power Coach®, best-selling author and president of Ultimate Clarity Incorporated. Her mission is to help others find happiness and joy as leaders of their own lives through connection of logic and heart.  Lisa and her partner Sherpa of Happiness Valerie Sheppard, are co-creating a Happiness Sabbatical in the tropical, eco-rich splendor of Costa Rica July 19-27, 2013.

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