4 Steps to Get Motivated & Achieve More

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Successful people do a good job of getting motivated to take action each day. With the right inspiration, I have seen that anyone can become more productive.

Earlier this month, I shared thoughts on how to “March Forth on March 4.” Here are four key steps to help you achieve more.

Get Motivated to Achieve More | Kevin Guest

1. Get Motivated: Find an Activity That Energizes You

Use music, books, quotes, or movies for motivation. Maybe you have a certain movie scene or song that motivates you. For someone else, it might be a favorite quote. Inspirational videos found online only take a few minutes to watch. The key is to start and end the day with something that inspires you to take action.

One thing that can energize you is a good exercise routine that increases your heart rate and sends oxygen to your brain, which will refresh you, help you think more clearly, and feel more like doing your work.

2. Get Started Early in the Day

I’ve found if you can accomplish something worthwhile before 9 a.m., you’ll be motivated to do even more during the rest of the day. If you fail to do anything substantial by noon, you might feel bad about how you’ve wasted the morning.

Often, you won’t feel motivated in the afternoon and will likely stall progress by putting things off until later.

As I write in my book, All the Right Reasons, I took this approach before performing at Grand Ole Opry with country star Collin Raye.

I arrived in Nashville early, interacted with country music idols, and had a great experience when I went on stage. That was a complete turnabout from my first Opry performance. All this was because I was early and prepared, which put me in a calm frame of mind.

3. Break Goals Into Attainable Steps

Dividing bigger goals into a series of small steps is a huge secret to success. What’s more, accomplishing goals rapidly motivates you to the next one. I’ve also found it’s key to celebrate and reward yourself for a job well done, and with small steps, rewards come often.

4. Nothing Changes Until Your Behavior Changes

Visualization and positive self-talk have their place, but they’re only effective if your behavior changes. You can wish your way to make a million dollars by aligning with your values, but it won’t happen unless you’re consistently doing something different. That’s the key to real change.

Most of all, I know life is short, but it’s long enough if we don’t waste time. Simply put, we can accomplish a lot between now and the end of our life if we respect and make the most of our time. It’s easy to put things off until tomorrow, but there are only so many tomorrows left.

I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on March 3, 2022.

Designed to help others find keys to successful careers and life, All the Right Reasons reveals 12 principles for living a life in harmony. All proceeds from sales of the bestseller are aimed at feeding two million meals to hungry children. Available on Amazon, each book sold provides 40 meals through The USANA Foundation.

2022 USANA Asia Pacific Virtual Convention

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Asia Pacific Virtual Convention 2022 Logo

We are less than two weeks away from the 2022 USANA Asia Pacific Virtual Convention. If you’ve followed along on my social sites, you’ve already gained a glimpse into what this incredible event will entail.

I sincerely hope you are registered.

I believe attending events such as these is critical to realizing your full potential. It’s valuable if you’re a USANA business owner. But it’s equally valuable if you’re looking to improve your career, your emotional intelligence, or even your overall happiness.

Supercharge Your Entrepreneurial Vision

The Asia Pacific Virtual Convention live stream aims to teach, inspire, and empower you with actionable insights and key takeaways. Immerse yourself in live and on-demand presentations and workshops hosted by industry leaders, USANA executives, and leaders throughout the Asia Pacific markets.

The can’t-miss event will feature…

  • Impactful keynote addresses
  • Extensive workshop training
  • Recognition
  • Business-building sessions
  • A look at the future of USANA
  • Exclusive product discussions

Asia Pacific Virtual Convention Keynote Speakers

The virtual keynote stage welcomes two outstanding individuals.

Michelle Yeoh is recognized as one of the greatest and most successful actresses from the East. The former Bond girl is best known for her roles in John M. Chu’s romantic comedy, Crazy Rich Asians, Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and Rob Marshall’s Memoirs of a Geisha.

James Clear is the New York Times bestselling author of Atomic Habits. An inspirational speaker and Habits Academy mastermind, James is a personal development authority. Driven, focused, and committed to helping others reach their full potential, he illustrates the profound benefits of small habits, decisive decision-making, and continuous improvement.


Asia Pacific Virtual Convention 2022

Let the event ignite your passion to pursue your entrepreneurial spirit.

Register Today

Please visit the Asia Pacific Virtual Convention website for complete details. It’s your guide to a one-of-a-kind event that could help propel you to even greater heights.

I look forward to seeing you virtually later this month. #LiveUSANA

Greater Harmony Leads to Increased Productivity, Happiness

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Last week we celebrated Valentine’s Day. February, in general, focuses on love. Therefore, I believe it’s the perfect time to increase our respect and harmony in all aspects of life. I’ve seen firsthand that when harmony is high, productivity rises, and happiness is at record levels.

My parents Francis and Venus Guest on their 50th wedding anniversary.

My parents, Francis and Venus Guest, on their 50th wedding anniversary.

Many readers know that I grew up in Montana. It’s there that thanks to my parents’ example, I witnessed the importance of love and harmony.

In the ways that really count, my parents were truly extraordinary. They lived their lives serving and teaching others. Virtue meant something to my mom and dad, and threads of love, kindness, hard work, and integrity wove the strong cords of character in their lives.

My parents’ lessons, both spoken and lived, shaped the man I have become and the person I still hope to be. My success has been, in great part, because I try to remain true to the values my parents taught me.

A Life in Harmony

As I write in my book, All the Right Reasons, putting our core character traits into action is what it means to live a life in harmony.

In music, harmony happens when notes blend so it’s pleasing to the ear. Whether someone performs in a band, a choir, or an orchestra, nothing is quite as exhilarating as achieving perfect harmony with fellow musicians.

In life, harmony means living a consistent and honest arrangement of your values. And then solidly committing to living those values day in and day out.

Each of us experiences defining life moments when choices align with destiny and catapult us in an unanticipated direction. These moments can paralyze us, or they can transform us. They can profoundly reshape us for the better, leaving us with fresh insights, new goals, and strengthened resolve.

With your values defined, love, kindness, and respect for others, especially now, will foster harmony in relationships that literally enriches life and makes it more rewarding.

I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on Feb. 7, 2022.

Designed to help others find keys to successful careers and life, All the Right Reasons reveals 12 principles for living a life in harmony. All proceeds from sales of the bestseller are aimed at feeding two million meals to hungry children. Available on Amazon, each book sold provides 40 meals through The USANA Foundation.

Since 1992: USANA Celebrates 30 Years

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It doesn’t seem that long ago that USANA celebrated its 20-year anniversary. And then came 25 (and with it, a world record). Now, as we enter 2022, USANA is poised to set a mark that relatively few companies attain. Oh, what a difference USANA’s made in its first 30 years.

Here’s a short trip down memory lane…

Since 1992, USANA’s vowed to create The Healthiest Family on Earth. It started with Dr. Wentz’s vision and now envelopes everything we do in two dozen markets around the world.

As we approached 30 years, I’ve expressed my gratitude for what the USANA Family’s accomplished in its first three decades. But, even as someone who’s been fortunate to work with USANA since Day 1, I’m especially excited about what the next 30 years—and more—entail.

30 Years: A Big Milestone

USANA Founder Dr. Myron Wentz

USANA Founder Dr. Myron Wentz

As I mentioned in an interview on the Driven with David Mulham video podcast, there aren’t many companies that get the opportunity to turn 30. It’s been a privilege and a blessing for me to watch the company grow.

What started as a microbiologist’s idea is now a global enterprise. Right now, I truly see the vision of creating The Healthiest Family on Earth happening.

The positive difference we’re making around the world is incredible. Our worldwide team of dedicated health professionals is helping so many individuals. And The USANA Foundation is bringing much-needed access to quality nutrition across the globe.

Living a healthy lifestyle, I believe, is critical to happiness. This notion of health is so much more than what we put into our body. It’s also what we feed our mind and our soul. USANA, therefore, is in an endless pursuit of health in all aspects of life.

I’m excited for what the future holds, and I’m grateful that you’re joining me on this year-long journey to celebrate 30 years of USANA.

Kevin Guest on Harmony and Productivity in HR.com Magazine

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Kevin Guest, USANA Chairman & CEO, wrote an article for the February issue of Personal Excellence, a publication of HR.com.

In the piece titled “Using Love, Harmony, and Kindness to Increase Productivity,” Guest explains how teams working together with more love and harmony increases productivity and happiness.

Read the Full Article (Full Magazine PDF)

February, the month we celebrate love, is the perfect time to increase harmony in all aspects of life, Guest writes. Where harmony is high, productivity rises, and happiness is at record levels.

About the Publication

Personal Excellence aims to promote personal and professional development based on constructive values, sound ethics, and timeless principles. HR.com assists in developing human resources professionals. The organization’s global community features close to 2 million HR practitioners.

Take the Stairs: 3 Surprising Benefits

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National Take the Stairs Day, which takes place each January, can lift workers in three ways beyond physical health.

It’s obvious that taking the stairs gives immediate physical benefits by keeping heart rates up. But applying that simple mindset of taking one more step can bring untold benefits to us mentally, emotionally, and socially.

National Take the Stairs DayBy taking the stairs, we learn that progress is made one step at a time. One international speaker reminded his audience, “the elevator is broken; you’ll have to take the stairs one step at a time.”

That punctuates the point of steadily working toward a goal instead of chasing instant rewards. After all, the world rarely works that way.

3 Surprising Benefits of Taking the Stairs

Viewed as a metaphor, steady, one-step-at-a-time actions will strengthen us…

  • Mentally: By seeing our own accomplishments
  • Emotionally: By realizing we belong and have value
  • Socially: By reaching outside ourselves to make a difference

In the pandemic, a stream of articles shows many individuals have been more aware of nature. That reminds us that consistent, steady work wins the day and brings rewards. One such example is Mother Teresa.

Despite health problems, Mother Teresa continued her active role as superior general of the Missionaries of Charity until her last year of life, an anecdote I share in my book, All the Right Reasons.

When Mother Teresa died in 1997 without a penny to her name, her society had nearly 4,000 sisters, 300 brothers, and more than 100,000 volunteers. They oversaw 610 houses in 123 countries. Today, foundations on every continent serve as hospices and homes for the destitute and those suffering.

“Mother Teresa never got a college degree, starred in a movie, made her fortune in the stock market, or worked her way up the corporate ladder. She herself admitted she hadn’t done any ‘great’ thing, only small things with great love. But she kept taking one step forward and discovered the secret to living a life in harmony.”

On the other end of the financial spectrum, Warren Buffett drew a similar conclusion.

One of the wealthiest people in the world, Buffet told Berkshire Hathaway shareholders he measures success “by how many people love me.” No matter where a person is on the continuum, applying the principles of taking the stairs can bring huge benefits by accomplishing goals, connecting with others, and reaching outward to serve.”

A Day to Take the Stairs

Established by the American Lung Association, “National Take the Stairs Day” on the second Wednesday of January urges everyone to do what they can to increase heart rates, which improves physical health, heart, lungs and muscles.

I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on Jan. 11, 2022.

Designed to help others find keys to successful careers and life, All the Right Reasons reveals 12 principles for living a life in harmony. All proceeds from sales of the bestseller are aimed at feeding two million meals to hungry children. Available on Amazon, each book sold provides 40 meals through The USANA Foundation.

4 Ways to Enhance Your Career in 2022

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As the pandemic lingers, here are four actions to help boost your career in 2022.

In my role, I see professionals who are serious about their progress master four key practices. Whether returning to the workplace or working remotely, taking steps to improve your career can create a feeling of fulfillment.

4 Ways to Improve Your Career

1. Prioritize Networking

It’s no secret that the most successful professionals are the most connected. The fact is most people choose to work with people they like. The more people you know, the better your opportunities to succeed.

If you find it unpleasant to meet strangers, make a game of it. Make it fun and find ways to help others. Share ideas and see how strangers become colleagues who become friends and can enhance experiences on your career path.

Those who have heard me speak or who have read my book All the Right Reasons are familiar with the Dorothy Principle.

On a pop quiz, a college professor asked: ‘What is the name of the woman who cleans this building?’ The professor was emphasizing that in life, nothing is more important than relationships. That includes being respectful, even to the point of knowing someone’s name.

Class members were stumped by the question but learned the woman’s name was Dorothy. I created the Dorothy Principle to remind us to put relationships first. Treating others with the utmost respect and kindness is a key to success that makes life more harmonious for everyone.

2. Keep Your Skills Up to Date

As I lead talented professionals around the world, I see those who are successful are also intent on keeping their skills up to date.

More than ever, we have tools, technology, and access to keep skills current. No matter your situation, today’s fast-paced environment will leave behind workers who don’t hone their skills.

To those who feel disadvantaged because of their situation, I’m reminded of Immaculee Ilibagiza in what I call the Cardboard Keyboard Principle.

After Rwanda’s genocide in 1994, Hutu fighters hunted Ilibagiza, who fled for protection. Even with killers outside her window calling her name, she stayed positive, was rescued, traveled to Rwanda’s capital, and applied for a United Nations job for weeks with no luck.

Immaculee told herself she could master English, which would increase employment opportunities. So she drew a computer keyboard on cardboard and spent hours learning how to type. After weeks of determination to learn English, countless attempts to get that job, and positive self-talk, she was hired.

3. Increase Visibility in Your Industry

Become known as a results-oriented problem-solver. Sharing your talent with others in your industry increases your credibility and esteem. Look for opportunities to write articles, post insights on social sites, and speak up in meetings.

Everyone has something to share, and actively setting a schedule to share professional perspectives can position you as a leader.

4. Apply for Awards

Progressive companies have an awards strategy. It positively benefits the company, the teams, and their customers. The same strategy can work for you.

Apply for awards to enhance your career. Awards and recognition are third-party endorsements that speak to a person’s talent and value. But it’s not about the fancy trophy; it’s about others affirming that you are the best at what you do, which helps define you and strengthens your personal brand identity.

This fourth step has incredible ROI because it can open doors and expand your network of colleagues. Again, the point is to increase word-of-mouth endorsements and referrals. Winning awards in your field of expertise fast-tracks that process.

I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on Dec. 14, 2021.

Designed to help others find keys to successful careers and life, All the Right Reasons reveals 12 principles for living a life in harmony. All proceeds from sales of the bestseller are aimed at feeding two million meals to hungry children. Available on Amazon, each book sold provides 40 meals through The USANA Foundation.

Reflecting on 2021: Be Firm in Your Destination, Flexible in Your Path

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“Be firm in your destination, but flexible in your path.” — Erik Qualman

Throughout 2021, one topic that’s been top of mind has been resilience. How do we create a resilient culture? For me, it’s embracing these four steps:

  1. Develop the ability to bounce back after failure
  2. Act on problems effectively
  3. Emphasize relevance
  4. Have fun!

ResilieResiliencence is something the USANA Family’s shown time and again as we continue to navigate the pandemic together. As I think about resilience, I believe the above quote fits this notion perfectly.

Each of you sets an example for me about adapting to change. You routinely overcome challenges and obstacles in your path. Being teachable is so important, and in being teachable you’re also embracing the need to be flexible.

The past two years, to borrow from the Beatles, has been a long and winding road. But our destination has remained firm. We’re committed to helping create The Healthiest Family on Earth.

As I wrote last year at this time, the past 12 months have proven to be challenging and unkind for so many. Yet, I truly believe unique opportunities await us in 2022 as USANA embarks on its 30th anniversary (for more on that, I invite you to watch my full holiday message).

In the meantime, please accept my heartfelt thanks and gratitude for your dedication, determination, and resilience. I wish you peace and joy during this special time of year.

A version of this article originally went to e-newsletter subscribers on Dec. 21, 2021. I invite you to subscribe.

Yin Yang You: A Collaboration 5,000 Years in the Making

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Those who know me know that I’m always trying to better understand the world around me. It’s not uncommon for me to be flipping among three or four books at a time. Yin Yang You: Biohacking with Ancient Codes is one book that’s caught my attention recently.

Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Rob Sinnott on the set of The Dr. Oz Show to discuss Yin Yang You.

The breakthrough book, a collaboration between health experts in the U.S. and China, is a fascinating look at the centuries-old practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The art and science of TCM center on Qi (pronounced “chee”) — the life force that flows through your body.

“For much of the West, TCM remains a mystery,” says Dr. Mehmet Oz, the book’s co-author. “Thinking about health from a different approach feels more intimidating and unsettling than it does exciting and titillating.”

A primary mission for Yin Yang You is to “demystify the world of TCM. Not to replace Western thinking, treatments, and approaches, but to learn how East and West can work together,” Dr. Oz continues.

Dr. Oz collaborated with Dr. Anlong Xu, the president of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, on the book. Researchers and scientists across two continents — including USANA scientists — worked to better understand how TCM can optimize our health for today’s world.

“Our whole goal at USANA is to help people better their lives and teach the importance of health,” says Dr. Rob Sinnott, USANA’s chief scientific officer. “With our contribution to the book, our hope is to help practitioners in Eastern and Western methods work better together. Page after page, readers will discover ways holistic medicine can support health, strength, wellness, and longevity.”

East Meets West

Yin Yang You brings readers a unique and powerful literary and scientific collaboration. Nowhere before have such forces joined to build the bridge between Eastern and Western medicine in this way. Through humorous stories, down-to-earth examples, and unique recipes, this book guides you through traditional Chinese practices that open minds to true, global holistic medicine.

Yin Yang You: More Information

You’re able to purchase Yin Yang You: Biohacking with Ancient Codes online. And follow Yin Yang You on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) to learn more.

The Currant Bush Principle: Follow Your Inner Voice

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Divine impressions, intuition, and instincts guide us. They help us avoid unnecessary pain… if we’re paying attention. But because we’re often busy, unaware, or inattentive, we miss many of them. It’s important to slow down and listen to our inner voice. That’s the Currant Bush Principle, which is Principle No. 11 in my book All the Right Reasons.

I believe there are things greater than us that influence our lives and influence the world around us. As you’re listening to your inner voice, the first thing you hear is usually what’s right. We should follow the first impression rather than talk ourselves out of heading in a different direction.

The Currant Bush

All the Right Reasons Book Cover

I relay a story in All the Right Reasons about a currant bush.

Hugh B. Brown tells the story of a farmer who purchased an unkempt farm where he found a currant bush that was at least six feet high, all going to wood. The overgrown tree couldn’t produce any fruit, so the farmer got his pruning shears and went to work clipping and cutting until there was nothing left of the bush but a little clump of stumps.

When the farmer gazed at the whittled-down tree, there seemed to be tears coming from the sheared branches and he could almost hear the currant bush weep.

“How could you do this to me? I was making such wonderful growth. I was almost as large as the fruit tree and the shade tree, and now you have cut me down. All the other trees in the garden will look upon me with contempt and pity. How could you do it? I thought you were the gardener here. I thought you were my friend.”

The farmer looked on the little bush with compassion and replied, “Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here, and I know what I want you to be. If I let you go the way you want to go, you will not be happy. But someday, when you are laden with fruit, you are going to think back and say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for cutting me down, for loving me enough to hurt me.'”

Listen to Your Inner Voice

Years ago, listening to an inner voice and following through on it — no matter how hard it was — changed the course of my life.

After making the decision to stop pursuing a professional music career, I focused on my video production business, which grew to the point where USANA bought it. I’m now the Chairman & CEO of a billion-dollar enterprise.

As a teenager, I never would have suspected anything could have made me give up a professional music career. Life is full of unexpected turns and crossroads. If we pay attention, we’ll always choose the right road.

View additional videos on my YouTube channel

Even though I chose to focus on business instead of music, my musical dreams have come full circle. I’ve had more experiences with some of the biggest music celebrities than most musicians in the business.

The second time I played at the Grand Ole Opry with Collin Raye’s band, I had the distinct impression I was being rewarded for that choice I had made years earlier.

“I am the gardener here,” a divine or inner voice seemed to say. “I know what I wanted you to be even if you didn’t. If I had let you grow the way you wanted, you wouldn’t have borne any fruit. But because you followed the path I laid out for you and did your part, this is my gift to you.”

I invite you to subscribe here to receive monthly emails from me on a range of topics. Please consider contributing to the USANA Foundation. Its mission is to ensure that impoverished children and families reach their fullest potential by providing food and nutrition.