The Turn Up the Volume Principle: Prepare, and Then Go, Baby, Go!

In life, we may be presented with opportunities that intimidate or scare us. Often, the fear stems from the unknown or an unfamiliarity. The Turn Up the Volume Principle, which is Principle No. 3 in my book All the Right Reasons, addresses this.

Prepare, and then Go, Baby, Go!

I’m reminded of a golf tournament I helped organize as a college student. Though I hadn’t any experience organizing such an event, I knew it would be a good experience, so I accepted the challenge.

I’m so glad I took the leap! It provided me with invaluable experience. And the opportunity to connect with many individuals who would help me in business for years to come (notably, Dr. Myron Wentz, the founder of USANA Health Sciences).

Turn Up the Volume!

Another illustration of the principle involved a show I produced many years ago called Turn Up the Volume! I worked as a producer and frequently filmed the segments. As I discuss in my book, the concept involved going behind the scenes with famous rock musicians.

Kevin Guest - Turn Up the Volume PrincipleThe series catered to die-hard fans who wanted to know everything about a rock star’s life.

  • What it was like when they were on the road or backstage before a big concert
  • Who or what was their inspiration for writing music
  • How did they put an album together?

Those were the stories I wanted to hear, the ones I knew other fans would also be interested in.

Well, I developed a business plan and pitched the idea. We got the green light to begin production. One night, I got a call that we had an interview set up with Gene Simmons of KISS…in two days. Equal parts of excitement and fear enveloped me. I couldn’t believe I’d be interviewing a legend. Yet, I didn’t have the appropriate camera equipment ($80,000 at the time) to film the interview.

Long story short, I rented a camera, spent a long night learning how to use it, and filmed the interview the next morning. It proved to be a success.

These notions of “fake it ’till you make it” and then “go, baby, go!” are courtesy of my grandfather. The words were written on a plaque in his office. Of course, you need to be careful with the “fake it” part. Preparation is key, and putting in the effort is critical. So when opportunities come, you’re ready to seize them.

My grandfather believed if he were prepared and took action, good things would come to him. I have consistently found this to be true. When in doubt, act.

In Addition…

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7 Ways to Find Peace & Lower Stress

Recently, the world celebrated International Peace and Love Day. People across the globe commemorate the day each July 7.

Introduced by Ringo Starr, born July 7, 1940, the famed Beatles drummer said he wanted peace and love for his birthday and he encouraged people worldwide to spread peace and love.

Research shows that as we seek peace and show kindness, we reduce stress and become more productive. Committing to a calm personal approach is important not only on International Peace and Love Day but also every other day of the year.

I was fortunate to meet Ringo Starr backstage before a concert and saw firsthand that he was an exceptionally nice person. Ringo laughed and joked as if he had plenty of time to spend with us in the waiting room. He seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself.

When we took a picture, Ringo put his arm around me, chatted for a bit, and showed the peace and love signs he’s famous for. He was gracious and genuine to each person in the room because he chooses to treat people with respect and warmth. He chooses the kind of person he wants to be. Everyone there went away feeling good about themselves and loving Ringo even more.

7 Steps to Find Peace, Lower Stress

1. Genuinely share peace and love to reduce stress

This brings more accomplishment and a sense of ease that is contagious.

2. Choose to treat others with respect and kindness

Listen and validate others’ emotions and experiences. Letting them know their happiness and well-being matter to you is key to cultivating a personality of peace.

3. Slow down and focus on their own breathing

Being mindful of your breathing brings you into the present moment, sharpening clarity and concentration. I like to breathe in for four counts, hold my breath for four counts, exhale for four and hold that for four counts. Doing that six times brings more oxygen and clear thinking.

4. Simplify your task list and devote efforts to top priorities

Don’t spread yourself too thin and be conscious of what matters most.

5. Walk outside and soak up nature

My boyhood home was near Flathead Lake, Montana, so growing up surrounded by water, trees, and mountains is second nature. Living that deeply in nature calms you and reminds you of the bigger perspective when facing life’s challenges.

6. Get massages for relaxation and muscle relief

Mayo Clinic findings cite massages reduce pain and muscle tension, improve blood circulation, lower heart rates and blood pressure, and improve immune function.

7. Make a list of things you are grateful for

These should be things that make you feel happier and calmer. Keep that list on your device and at low points during the day, review it and see your life in a more positive, realistic light. As I do that, I have found things are not as bad as I thought, and life is moving along better than I imagined.

I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on July 7, 2022, International Peace and Love Day.

KUTV ‘Eye on Utah’ Segment Features Kevin Guest

KUTV, Utah’s CBS affiliate, featured Kevin Guest, bassist for a professional band and USANA chairman and CEO. The televised segment discussed Kevin’s role as CEO of a billion-dollar company and his career as a part-time professional musician. The segment aired twice on July 5, 2022.

The online version of the article — Utah man balances being a CEO and part-time rock star — is available now.

KUTV Eye on Utah Screenshot

 

Behind the Scenes

Here are a few behind-the-scenes photos from the interview, which took place in May 2022. ???? Candid Communications

 

USANA Celebrates 30 Years

Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to meet many great people. One of the greatest helped shape the last 30 years. Dr. Myron Wentz, the founder of USANA, created a path that I’m grateful I followed.

In some ways, I can’t believe it’s been 30 years since I hitched my wagon to Dr. Wentz and this great company. Where did the time go? Yet, I smile each time I think about the longevity and the tremendous impact USANA has had on so many lives around the world.

USANA is preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary at our Global Convention. It reminds me why we’re all here.

We’re here to create the Healthiest Family on Earth.

Our focus remains consistent, as it has for three decades. This notion of the Healthiest Family on Earth continues to be relevant and important. I’m sure 30 years from now, the idea of health — physical, emotional, spiritual — will be even more relevant than it is today.

A Global Celebration

For the first time in three years, the USANA Family plans to gather in Salt Lake City to celebrate. The 30th Anniversary Global Convention is scheduled for Aug. 17-20. It’s an event to celebrate you and all the wonderful people who make USANA what it is.

Create memories to last a lifetime as we recognize you and everything you’ve achieved. Power your entrepreneurial mindset with engaging workshops, energizing speakers, and an electrifying party three decades in the making.

This year’s global convention is positioned as a hybrid event, which means there are in-person and virtual elements.

Health and safety are paramount. I encourage you to carefully consider your own circumstances and select the ticket option that works best for you (here are answers to several common questions). The online component no doubt will be outstanding.

Yet, as the global USANA Family prepares to meet in person for the first time in three years at an event three decades in the making… Well, let’s just say the USANA 30th Anniversary Global Convention is poised to be an event unlike any other.

USANA and Culture

As a side note… Recently, I’ve written about corporate culture and how I believe it’s a differentiator for USANA. It’s one reason we’ve been around 30 years — and I believe it’s why we’re just getting started.

Aligning personal values with your employer’s culture brings a peaceful sense of harmony and strengthens teams. If you missed my thoughts on this notion, I invite you to read the full article.

8 Steps to Restoring Corporate Culture | USANA Chairman & CEO Kevin Guest

Here’s wishing you good health and happiness, and I can’t wait to see my extended USANA Family (either virtually or in person) in August.