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You Can’t Enjoy One without the Other

Lots of people have been hurt by the recession, and many people are scrambling to get more money, pay off debt and be financially secure.   I know what that fear and anxiety can be like, because I lived through it. Not long ago, my husband was underemployed and because of the recession, business was down.  We scrambled, took seminars, read books, cut expenses, etc.  I learned a number of things that helped us diversify our income streams and pay off debt. I’m deeply grateful that my husband now has a terrific job and business is good.

But I also learned one of the most important lessons from the death of both of my parents; one over 30 years ago and one a few weeks ago.  Money without health means very little.  There are plenty of wealthy, lonely, critically ill people who would give up every dollar to be fit, healthy, loved and vibrantly alive.

My mother suffered over 15 years before she died. What made her regain her will to live each time was seeing her two children and their love. A lifelong smoker, my dad had been ill for a few years. His lack of good health kept him homebound, when he had planned to travel. Sadly, he died just before Christmas. Their examples taught me to cherish my health, to be proactive and physically active, to take lots of vitamins and eat right.

Your health is critically important to your enjoying your life.  So while you’re making money, take excellent care of your body. It’s easy to let take over your life. But what good is money if you can’t enjoy it?  Your family values you – the human being, not the moneymaker. The key is balance: stay fit and healthy so that you can enjoy the benefits of your hard work and be with loved ones.

 ©2011 Snowden McFall All Rights Reserved. No duplication 
or reprinting without permission and author reference

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Study Shows Accountability and Written Goals are the Key

Many people use the new year to kick off resolutions, but the truth is, only 1/8 of people actually follow through, according to Darren Hardy.  Resolutions typically don’t work because:

• lack of support and belief in your resolutions
• lack of a realistic action plan
• lack of accountability.

Instead of resolutions, have written specific goals.  A study done at Dominican University shows the power of written goals, coupled with accountability.  Those who had written goals with someone to check on them regularly were much more successful than those without written goals and without support.

So write your top 10 goals for 2012, get an accountability partner to help you along the way (as you help them) and make an action plan.  You’re already on your way to success.

To sign up for Snowden’s ezine newsletter on stress, happiness, marketing and motivation, go to: http://firedupnow.com/firedupemailregister.html

 ©2011 Snowden McFall All Rights Reserved. No duplication 
or reprinting without permission and author reference

Success is Just Around the Corner

Did you know that Walt Disney lost his job at a newspaper because “he lacked imagination and had no good ideas”?  He also went bankrupt several time before building Disneyland.  But Disney had a big vision and he succeeded.  On opening night of Disneyworld, an employee noted to Disney’s wife – “Too bad Walt couldn’t see this.”  She replied ‘ He did see it- that’s why it’s here.

Keep your vision strong, stay positive and never ever give up.

Motivational Gifts for $30 or Less Some of my clients and friends have asked me what they can get by Christmas that’s under  that will help motivate their loved ones.  There are many to choose from, including the Fired Up book for only $14, Stress Express for $19 and more.  Check out the holiday flyer with sales specials.  Many items can be downloaded over the internet and most can be shipped in plenty of time for Christmas in the US. Holiday Flyer

To sign up for Snowden’s ezine newsletter on stress, happiness, marketing and motivation, go to: http://firedupnow.com/firedupemailregister.html

 ©2011 Snowden McFall All Rights Reserved. No duplication 
or reprinting without permission and author reference

Acknowledge Each Other Regularly

Taking the time to thank your loved ones for their small acts of kindness goes a long way.  It’s a key to a good marriage, friendship or family.

Certainly, one spouse may do most of the cooking and the other take out the garbage, but sharing your appreciation of each other throughout the week can help keep the love alive.  Making requests, rather than demands, is far more effective at keeping the love flowing.

Be Aware of Your Own Gratitude

Consider keeping a gratitude journal, where you record 5 things you are grateful for each day.  Some days it may be your health, other days it may be your home and loved ones, sometimes it may be that you made it home safely after a grueling trip. What’s important is to acknowledge verbally that you have been blessed.  Some people prefer to do this once a week; either way is fine, so long as you acknowledge the good things in your life.

Gratitude teaches us not to take people or life for granted. It’s one of the lessons the great late Christopher Reeves shared when he spoke- to appreciate every moment while you have it.  He was a very smart man.

To sign up for Snowden’s ezine newsletter on stress, happiness, marketing and motivation, go to: http://firedupnow.com/firedupemailregister.html

 ©2011 Snowden McFall All Rights Reserved. No duplication 
or reprinting without permission and author reference

Pay Attention to Your Prospect’s Style

In Neuro- Linguistic Programming, the concept of matching styles means that if someone converses with you in a quiet, low key manner, you respond in kind, matching vocal tone, physical gestures and body posture. If they sit back with their arms crossed, you do the same.  You don’t mimick every gesture, but you match their style.   The theory (based on decades of solid research from Bandler and Grinder) is that this builds rapport and makes the other person feel comfortable.

While this may seem artificial and awkward initially, there is great value in matching styles.  It can be jarring to a quiet person to have an exuberant one approach them with lots of energy. (I know because I am usually the exuberant one!)

I have learned the hard way that moderating my energy, softening my tone and calming my enthusiasm can put the other individual at ease.

It’s important to acknowledge that we are all different, and demonstrate respect for those differences, through your actions, physicality and words.

Meet people at the level where they are, and then gradually, bring the energy up together with shared enthusiasm.  Then you are truly partnering  and collaborating.

To sign up for Snowden’s ezine newsletter on stress, happiness, marketing and motivation, go to: http://firedupnow.com/firedupemailregister.html

 ©2011 Snowden McFall All Rights Reserved. No duplication 
or reprinting without permission and author reference.