January 2021 - Kevin Guest

A new year, for many, means new resolutions (or old ones revisited). For me, time is of the essence. In fact, in a recent video interview, I mentioned that being present is critical to success. Take time to enjoy the beauty of life and count your blessings with an attitude of gratitude.

Be present with a grateful heart and I think we’ll have the best year we’ve ever had.

USANA President Jim Brown

USANA President Jim Brown wrote an article late last year about this notion of time. In it, he offered several insights on time management and creating an optimal work/life balance.

As I’ve done with previous articles in this “engagement series,” I wanted to share some of Jim’s thoughts with you here.

“Working from home is the new norm for hundreds of employees at USANA,” Brown says. “We’re also connected 24-7. Our work/life balance is more challenging than ever, and I worry your days don’t stop.”

Brown recognizes that companies need to have tools in place to make sure employees are balancing workloads. Without them, it can be easy to slip into 10- or 11-hour workdays — especially when working from home. A set system or schedule can help you manage your time and stay productive.

Below are several excellent time-management tips, courtesy of Jim Brown.

Plan Your Productivity

I use Outlook. The calendar and reminders keep my day on track. And I set alarms on my phone, so I never miss a meeting. I also schedule downtime, time for me to just sit back and read a book, to learn and grow.

A simple pad and pen work for me, too. I keep my daily action items on it and take them into my meetings so that I can write notes. I put an “AI” next to action items. If I don’t keep track of them, I’ll forget to do them. The list sits on my desk.

My administrative assistant, Irene Howell, also helps me organize my events. She has access to my email and can add items to my calendar. She’s always looking ahead for me. It’s nice to have that extra help. She does a lot to help USANA move forward.

Fine Line Between Work and Life

I’ll look at my phone before bed to check if anything has popped up. But even if it’s urgent, I take care of the issue the next day.

Working from home, you get to decide if you’ll take a break or run an errand. Your inner voice may make you feel guilty for going to the bank or hardware store. But if you’re good at time management, and you’re knocking action items off your list (whatever that may look like), you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking time for yourself.

Sit down and look at your time. Make that work/life balance happen.

It’s Your Time

Some companies have implemented companywide initiatives to block out hours when employees can’t schedule meetings.

We don’t have any such plans. USANA shouldn’t be blocking out hours, you should. And this goes back to time management. Develop your own schedule. Say you need to pick up the kids from school or help them with homework — that’s your downtime. I don’t want you to lose that because the company has scheduled hours for everyone to follow.

Yes, we all have big days that require long hours, but this shouldn’t be the norm. Our normal is a very stable work week where we effectively give to the company because USANA gives back to us.

Good Timing

Time management takes extra effort and attention to detail. It also goes beyond calendars and to-do lists. Here are a few suggestions to help you make the most of your day.

1. Look Ahead

For some people, it’s helpful to always look a day ahead. I keep an eye on my whole week. Managing your calendar in advance gives you the flexibility to modify your schedule for both your business and personal needs.

2. Take Time to Reset

Free time is important. I’m trying to exercise a little bit more now, so that helps me. At night, my son and I play video games together. It’s a great way to spend time with him. I also just love gaming. Call of Duty or Madden is my way to take my mind off work.

3. Procrastination

Everyone procrastinates on some level. Though it’s not something I have much of an issue with. I have a lot of other things to work on, like my impatience.

Procrastination usually happens if a task doesn’t excite you or is something you don’t want to do. But the longer you wait, the worse it gets. It’s better to tackle these things head-on.

And if you have control over your time, you can afford a little procrastination.

4. Say No

I honestly don’t think any of us are good at saying “no.” When something lands on your desk or you’re asked to take on a task, look at your priorities. If you don’t have the time and it’s reasonable to do so, say no.

5. Delegate

Delegating is a great way to get stuff done. It’s a chance to help others learn something new and inspire them. The higher your position, the more important it is to delegate. If you’re building a team, they need to be prepared to move up as well.

Delegation is a tool for growth. Look at it as a teaching tool. If you’re just using it because you don’t want to do stuff, (and I don’t think we have employees like that) then you are not using it right.

6. Set Your Phone Aside

I never actually shut my phone down. But when I finish work, or when I come home, I’ll set it down to take a break from the texts. I typically put it away so that I can spend one-on-one time with my wife and son, too. That way, I can give them my undivided attention.

I’m not always perfect. If that phone vibrates, I’ll pick it up and look at it just to make sure everything’s OK. But sometimes putting it to the side is all you need.

7. Take Vacation

I struggle to use my vacation hours. Sometimes I take a Friday off or go to Lake Powell for a week. But most of my vacations are extensions of my weekends.

Vacations help us wind down and take a mental break from work. I understand vacations look different right now, but it’s important to take time for yourself.

The Value of Time

In the end, the one thing we’ll regret most is the time we didn’t spend with our loved ones.

With good time management, you’ll spend less time working and still get just as much done. Schedules make you feel prepared and productive. And they can help you enjoy work — and life.

To view additional articles in this series, please click here.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

I’d like to share the following article that went out to news organizations in late 2020.

Getting a Fresh Start in 2021

Making a fresh start toward success in 2021 requires three key decisions to forge forward no matter the past. The following strategies are based on principles in All the Right Reasons, a bestselling book by Kevin Guest.

“Few people dispute that 2020 has been one of the most difficult years in history,” Guest said. “But 2021 can become one of the best, especially when we apply solid principles that can move us forward.”

First Key: Learn From the Past

“The first principle is to learn from the past and move forward,” said Guest, who’s also chairman and CEO of USANA Health Sciences. “It’s something I was inspired to do from the life of World War II fighter pilot Butch O’Hare.”

O’Hare became the Navy’s first Ace of WWII and the first Naval aviator to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Guest wrote in his bestselling book, All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony.

“Butch O’Hare, for whom the Chicago O’Hare Airport is named, was the son of Easy Eddie, the famed attorney for Al Capone in the 1920s and ’30s, who was notorious for racketeering, bootlegged alcohol, gambling rings and prostitution in the Windy City,” Guest wrote.

“But Easy Eddie wanted a better life for his son, and his son, Butch, looked to the future instead of dwelling on the past and made contributions that saved countless American lives in the war. Believing in fresh starts is the key, and there is no better time for us all to do that than Jan. 1, 2021.”

Second Key: Help Others Who Are in Need

The second principle is to help others who are in need.

“Losing yourself in the service of others is therapeutic beyond measure,” Guest said. “That’s something that will bring untold benefits because it helps the giver and the receiver, who may be a coworker, friend, or even a stranger. The rewards of simple acts of service are immeasurable and something we need as we enter a new year and detach from the pandemic.”

Third Key: Never Give Up

Guest’s third principle comes from his grandfather, who taught his grandson confidence, courage, and commitment.

“My grandpa was a strong influence in my life in Montana,” Guest said. “He loved to make things happen, not only in business but in life. He was full of enthusiasm and optimism, a real dealmaker.

“His favorite mottos were on a plaque on his desk: ‘You Gotta Fake It Till You Make It’ and ‘Go, Baby, Go.’ Those sayings have stuck with me and taught me that you have to give it your all for as long as you can. You have to be committed and see things through to the end. That’s when the magic happens.”

Leading a billion-dollar company in 24 markets worldwide, Guest applies the principles globally and expects to see a 2021 work environment bring successes for all who apply lessons from the pandemic, help lift others higher and energize their talents to make a difference for the better.

“Persistently implementing these patterns into our personal work habits can carry us to higher levels of personal success — especially as we enter a new year of opportunities like no other time in our lives,” he said.

All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, written by Kevin Guest, is available on Amazon. All proceeds benefit The USANA Foundation, which works to feed hungry children. Each book purchase provides 40 meals. A version of the above article was distributed as a news release on Dec. 29, 2020.

Your Time is Valuable: Insights on Time Management