Kindness Counts: Make a Difference Today

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Earlier this year, we celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Week. It’s an opportunity to emphasize something that should be a daily priority. Expressing kindness toward others (and toward ourselves) is so important.

Express KindnessIn thinking about this notion, here are three often overlooked, yet profound benefits of spreading kindness.

  1. It fosters community connectedness: When you extend a hand, you’re not just helping someone; you’re building bridges and weaving a tapestry of compassion that spans across ages, backgrounds, and locations.
  2. Experience a ripple effect: It’s happened to me. Someone’s single act can inspire others, creating a cascade of positivity. Imagine, your one gesture could set off a chain reaction of goodwill!
  3. It’s a boon to your well-being: Studies show that performing kind acts releases endorphins, which boost your mood and reduce stress levels.

Let’s start a kindness revolution! Remember, every act, big or small, has the potential to make a world of difference. And you have the power to create change.

I originally shared these thoughts in a LinkedIn article published on Feb. 14, 2024.

Stress Management: 7 Effective Strategies for a Healthier Life

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In honor of April’s Stress Awareness Month, it’s critical to shine a light on the significance of stress management in maintaining both mental and physical well-being. In my book, All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, I’ve found that living in harmony with your values brings untold benefits.

Conversely, chronic stress can affect our mood, and impact our relationships and overall health. To combat the negative results of stress, I feel it’s essential to incorporate effective stress management strategies into our daily routines.

Why? First, stress management is not just a trendy concept; it’s a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Research has shown that managing stress can lead to better sleep, weight control, reduced muscle tension, improved mood, and enhanced interpersonal relationships. What’s more, chronic stress has been linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety and low tolerance levels, highlighting the urgency of addressing stress proactively.

So during April’s Stress Awareness Month, please try any of these 7 effective strategies to reduce stress.

1. Mindfulness Exercises

Scenario: Practice deep breathing or guided meditation when feeling overwhelmed at work or before bedtime.
Benefits: Helps in centering oneself, reducing anxiety, and promoting relaxation.

2. Regular Exercise

Scenario: Engage in a morning walk or attend a yoga class to kickstart your day positively.
Benefits: Releases endorphins, improves mood, and boosts overall health.

3. Healthy Eating Habits

Scenario: Opt for a balanced meal with vegetables and fresh fruits rather than processed foods during lunch.
Benefits: Provides essential nutrients for energy, enhances mood stability and supports brain function.

4. Quality Sleep

Scenario: Establish a bedtime routine by disconnecting from screens and reading a real book before sleep.
Benefits: Restores energy levels, improves cognitive performance and regulates emotions.

5. Social Support

Scenario: Connect with a friend for a chat.
Benefits: Offers emotional validation, reduces feelings of isolation and fosters a sense of belonging.

6. Time Management

Scenario: I said this in my LinkedIn post but create a to-do list to prioritize tasks and allocate time for breaks.
Benefits: Enhances productivity, reduces procrastination and prevents burnout.

7. Hobbies and Relaxation

Scenario: Dedicate time to painting, gardening or listening to music (my favorite!) as a form of self-care.
Benefits: Promotes creativity, reduces cortisol levels and provides a mental escape.

By applying these seven strategies into daily life, you can effectively manage stress, improve your overall well-being, and cultivate resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

Remember, prioritizing stress management isn’t a one-time fix but a journey toward holistic health and wellness. Start small, stay consistent and witness the transformative power of proactive stress management in your life.

5 Ways to Cultivate a Growth Mindset

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Possessing a growth mindset is critical, especially as the business world evolves at an unprecedented rate. Recent findings underscore that companies fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability outperform their competitors significantly.

What is a growth mindset? It’s the belief that talents and abilities can be developed through hard work, good strategies, and input from others. It stands as a cornerstone for innovation and resilience in today’s ever-competitive market. Spring is a time for renewal and growth. Therefore, it serves as the perfect backdrop to highlight the importance of nurturing a growth mindset in the business realm.

Kevin Guest - Video ProductionCarol Dweck, a renowned psychologist and author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, said: “In a growth mindset, challenges are extended invitations to learn.”

Business leaders who exemplify a growth mindset are those who are not afraid to take risks, experiment with new ideas, and adapt to changing market conditions. They approach problems with a blend of creativity and pragmatism, viewing obstacles not as barriers but as opportunities to learn and evolve.

Develop a Growth Mindset

The good news is that a growth mindset can be developed. Here are a few tips:

  1. Reframe challenges: View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow
  2. Focus on effort: Believe that your abilities can improve with effort and practice
  3. Celebrate learning: Embrace a passion for lifelong learning
  4. Seek feedback: Actively seek feedback from others and use it to improve
  5. Foster a supportive environment: Encourage risk-taking and celebrate effort over mere outcomes

After an embarrassing experience presenting a proposal to a major Texas retailer decades ago, my then-business partner and I could have felt like failures. Instead, we channeled our experience into fuel for their ambitions, propelling us toward success.

As I write in All the Right Reasons, during a long layover in the Denver airport, Shawn and I wrote a business plan on the back of about 20 napkins. This laid the groundwork for our highly successful video production company in the years ahead. Yes, we were humiliated. But we didn’t let the experience break us. Shawn and I still laugh whenever we talk about that experience. Our belief in ourselves and our growth mindset made all the difference.

Reason No. 9: The Cardboard Keyboard Principle (video)

I originally shared these thoughts in a news release published on April 2, 2024. All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, which is available on Amazon, uncovers 12 principles for living a life in harmony and drawing on the power of values to help find life’s success secrets. All proceeds feed hungry children, with each book purchase providing 40 meals.

Golden Rule Week: Treat Others with the Respect You Deserve

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Imagine a world where everyone treats each other with the same respect and kindness they crave themselves. That’s the power of the Golden Rule!

We celebrate this timeless principle the first week of April. And it’s not just about being polite; it’s about building genuine connections in every aspect of life.

Kevin Guest - Golden Rule Week - April 2024 LinkedIn

Picture this: At work, a supportive colleague offers clear feedback instead of harsh criticism, fostering a culture of learning. In our personal lives, a patient ear and a helping hand go a long way in strengthening bonds with loved ones. In schools, students actively listen to classmates, creating a safe space for diverse perspectives.

The Golden Rule isn’t just about what we say; it’s about empathy. By putting ourselves in another’s shoes, we can truly understand their needs and respond accordingly.

Feeling heard and valued is a cornerstone of strong relationships, and the Golden Rule is the key that unlocks that door. Read more in my book on page 39: “I like to look you in the eye.”

This week, challenge yourself to embrace the Golden Rule. Actively listen, offer support, and treat others with the respect you deserve. You might be surprised at its positive ripple effect on your big and small connections.

I originally shared these thoughts in a LinkedIn post published on April 1, 2024. All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, available on Amazon, uncovers 12 principles for living a life in harmony and drawing on the power of values to help find life’s success secrets. All proceeds feed hungry children, with each book purchase providing 40 meals.

Listening as Leaders: Realizing 7 Benefits

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I believe it’s so important to develop strong interpersonal skills. Becoming a better listener is a priority for me. Listening — truly listening to understand — is a lost art.

March is Listening Awareness Month. Throughout the month, I’ve considered ways leaders can benefit from becoming better listeners. I shared four benefits on LinkedIn, which I’ve listed below, and included three additional benefits.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Listening as Leaders

  1. Builds trust, respect, and relationships
  2. Uncovers hidden gems
  3. Encourages innovation and creativity
  4. Sharpens your decision-making skills

Additionally, never underestimate how becoming a better listener can have a positive impact on those around us.

  1. Strengthens emotional intelligence and empathy
  2. Promotes inclusivity and diversity of thought
  3. Boosts employee engagement

Great listeners who follow through are positioned to empower teams to work at their highest levels. In my career, I’ve intentionally surrounded myself with those who knew more about a key matter than I did. I listened to their perspective, applied my own knowledge, and implemented the best action. That formula has worked for me.

Previously, I shared thoughts on Interpersonal Tips for Success. Unsurprisingly, working to become a better listener made the list.

 

7 Key Benefits to Listening as Leaders

An Honor to Visit the Iconic White House

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The historic and iconic White House is a beacon of democracy. It stands tall and proud, commanding respect worldwide.

When the invitation to visit the White House arrived, I immediately recognized its magnitude. Let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. I’m grateful to have joined Direct Selling Association colleagues on Feb. 28, 2024, to present on key policy matters that could affect entrepreneurs.

The Direct Selling Association delegation presented at the White House on policy matters important to entrepreneurs.

As I stepped on the grounds and through the doors, I felt a sense of honor and humility. Walking the halls world leaders walk. Rooms echoing monumental decisions that shaped our world. This grand structure symbolizes unity and belonging.

It was an experience that left me deeply moved and inspired. Two things stood out:

  1. The dedication of the good and hardworking people managing our nation’s daily complexities
  2. The overwhelming sense of patriotism, especially when I saw the American flag posted proudly

Creating Powerful Memories

This visit held a personal significance for me. Like many of my friends, my father’s military service meant personal sacrifices and a dedicated commitment to our country. Throughout the visit, I felt a connection to Dad and thought of the sacrifices made by countless individuals for our freedom and democracy.

It reminded me of the leadership, hard work, and sacrifice we all share to realize a common purpose. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we come together, guided by sound values and principles.

My visit to the White House reaffirmed my gratitude for our country’s past and hope for its future. It reinforced our shared democratic values, a testament to our collective strength as humans. It’s a reminder that we, the people, are indeed the pillars of this great nation. Let’s all remember the importance of unity and commitment to a greater cause.

Leap Day: 7 Ways to Make the Most of Added Day

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Every four years, we’re given a unique gift — one extra day. Feb. 29, 2024 is Leap Day, a rare occasion that offers an additional 24 hours in the year.

Some might view Leap Day as just another day. But those who understand the value of time see it as a bonus for personal development and skill-building.

To maximize this Leap Year Day, I’d like to share seven effective strategies that cater to a spectrum of interests.

7 Ways to Make the Most Out of Leap DayLeap Day: Time for Self-Care

Self-care and harmony are prioritized in the first three suggestions.

  • Meditate: Dedicate the day to nurturing your mental health. Practice mindfulness or learn the art of meditation. It’s a gift of tranquility you can offer to yourself.
  • Read: Leap Day is a good time to catch up on reading. Is there a book that’s been sitting on your reading list for too long? Use your extra day to immerse yourself in a good book and broaden your horizons.
  • Reconnect with nature: Carve time in the extra day to bask in the great outdoors. Hiking, gardening or merely relishing in the beauty of nature can provide a much-needed mental reset.

Fourth, I encourage everyone to define your goals and aspirations. All of us can benefit by creating our own vision board that helps us visualize our ideal future.

Start Something!

Escape the monotony and find a new groove with these final three action-oriented suggestions.

  • Learn a new skill
  • Kickstart a passion project
  • Volunteer your services

Whether learning something new, igniting a dream project you’ve been contemplating, or giving back to your community by volunteering, all are invigorating ways toward personal growth.

With Leap Day as a time of self-reflection, nothing speaks more profoundly to the essence of self-care than living a life that’s aligned with your core values. That’s an empowering journey that fosters personal growth and paves the way for personal fulfillment.

I originally shared these thoughts in a news release published on Feb. 28, 2024. All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, which is available on Amazon, uncovers 12 principles for living a life in harmony and drawing on the power of values to help find life’s success secrets. All proceeds feed hungry children, with each book purchase providing 40 meals.

USANA India: The Latest Step in Creating the Healthiest Family on Earth

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USANA is resolute in its vision to create The Healthiest Family on Earth. It’s an important overarching goal that requires us to reach individuals and families around the globe. I’ve been thinking about this notion, considering we recently officially welcomed India into the USANA Family.

You’ve heard me talk about our ambitious goal: connect with 1 million families and introduce them to the USANA products. It’s a big number, for sure. But it’s only the beginning as we strive to truly create The Healthiest Family on Earth.

The effort to connect with more and more individuals requires companywide participation. Each USANA employee and every USANA distributor plays a role in helping us to achieve our goal.

When I proposed that each Associate make two connections a day, I envisioned that those two connections would be meaningful ones.

I continue to be impressed by the strong interpersonal relationships that have resulted.

 

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Welcoming USANA India

These connections help to expand our reach, while also making a difference in the lives of so many. USANA operates with distributors in 25 diverse markets around the world. In late 2023, we welcomed USANA India and are enthusiastic about the opportunities to share the USANA message with friends there.

Our corporate core values — Community, Excellence, Health, and Integrity — guide each decision USANA makes. They are the lens through which we decide whether something makes sense for who we are and who we want to be as a company. And each time we expand internationally, we’re committed to ensuring success within the new market.

For India, it’s home to a significant number of people. Even more, India prioritizes health and family. It aligns perfectly with USANA’s core values.

I invite you to learn more about the market on The Hub and connect with USANA India on Instagram and Facebook.

 

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A post shared by USANA India (@usanaindia)

The Value of Relationships

As I write, we’re celebrating International Friendship Month. Those who know me understand my reverence for relationships. Nothing is more important than building and nurturing strong relationships in our personal and professional lives.

And that is why I am so confident that USANA can connect with 1 million people…and then 2 million and 5 million… The possibilities are immense for us as a global organization that’s thrived for more than 30 years.

When I moved into the role of Executive Chairman in 2023, I knew USANA was well on its way to creating the Healthiest Family on Earth. As we look toward the future, I’m grateful for the teams we have around the world that are aligned with our vision of doing just that. Thank you all.

Friendship Focus: 3 Benefits of In-Person Contact

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February’s International Friendship Month is a time for people everywhere to strengthen personal connections in an age where digital communication dominates.

As I’ve said many times before, there’s nothing more important than relationships. I’ve found that friendship isn’t just about sharing good times, it’s about being there for each other when life gets tough. My friends have been my pillars of strength, helping me navigate through the storms.

When I’m speaking to audiences, a few topics always resonate:

  • How to be successful in business
  • The importance of connecting personally with others
  • The value of truly connecting with people in a hyper-digital world (as I wrote about recently)

Strengthening my network of associates — and friends — has brought success in my professional and personal life.

Building on Friendship: In-Person Contact

Over the years, I’ve found three key benefits of prioritizing in-person contact:

  1. An enhanced emotional connection
  2. Increased trust and rapport
  3. A stronger sense of community

Bringing people together builds relationships more effectively than anything else.

Studies dictate that face-to-face interactions bear fruits of understanding and trust that digital dialogue simply cannot replicate. In-person requests are 34 times more likely to receive a positive response than one by email, according to research reported by The Washington Post.

As a result of one volunteer project, I worked with Bob Hope and began a business relationship with Alan Osmond. The opportunity to work with highly respected politicians, celebrities, and sports figures opened the door for many future corporate events and projects that otherwise wouldn’t have happened.

And it was all in person where I made contacts and friends who promoted my business for years to come.

Technology is ideal for training and project management, but it falls short in terms of building relationships and addressing conflict.

You’ve heard me say before: Everyone is in the people business. It’s the handshake, the eye contact, and the unplanned conversations that often lead to remarkable ideas and lasting collaborations.

This month, I’m issuing a challenge to rekindle the spirit of genuine bonds in person.

I originally shared these thoughts in a news release published on Feb. 1, 2024. All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, which is available on Amazon, uncovers 12 principles for living a life in harmony and drawing on the power of values to help find life’s success secrets. All proceeds feed hungry children, with each book purchase providing 40 meals.

Make 2024 The Year of Connection

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One notion I’ve thought a lot about lately is how we’re living in a super-connected world, yet many of us feel disconnected. That’s why I’m encouraging us to make 2024 The Year of Connection as we strive to make more meaningful connections.

In this increasingly digital era, the paradox of disconnection in a connected world is more real than ever. Despite unprecedented digital connectivity, many find themselves feeling more alone than ever.

The detrimental effects on mental and emotional well-being are alarming, with loneliness, anxiety, and depression topping the list and becoming all too common.

🎥 Make Meaningful Connections in Our Over-Connected World

Make 2024 The Year of Connection

Studies show that 95% of teens are on social media. A third say they are on it “almost constantly.” And nearly 40% of adults in the United States use social media for more than two hours a day.

A CDC study found that between 2013 and 2019, one in five teens reported they had experienced major depression. A 2022 analysis found that social media addiction was associated with a 20% increase in loneliness, with 26% of Americans reporting they feel lonely on a regular basis.

In fact, multiple studies have found a correlation between social media addiction and loneliness.

🤔 Are we using technology as a tool to foster genuine relationships or are we letting it dictate our interactions?

Making Meaningful Connections

As we navigate the digital era, I implore you to connect in person with colleagues, friends, and family.

As we begin 2024, let’s balance our online presence with real-life engagements. Let’s reshape the narrative of our digital lives and prioritize genuine connections. By intentionally deciding the way we engage with technology, we can cultivate authentic relationships amid the digital noise.

Let’s use technology as a bridge to genuine human connection, not as a barrier. Strive to make 2024 The Year of Connection!

Let Our Ugly Sweaters Connect Us

You may have seen this photo on my LinkedIn and other social media. But I wanted to post it here as a reminder that showing off our wonderfully imperfect selves can help us foster a deeper connection with those around us. USANA CEO & President Jim Brown and I had a good laugh seeing each other’s ugly sweaters in celebration of Ugly Sweater Day on Dec. 15.

Kevin Guest and Jim Brown in Ugly Holiday Sweaters | 2024 The Year of Connection

I shared a version of this blog post in a news release published on Jan. 3, 2024. Other material originated on my LinkedIn.