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.
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.
https://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svg00Tim Haranhttps://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svgTim Haran2022-02-09 11:27:012022-02-14 11:44:55Kevin Guest on Harmony and Productivity in HR.com Magazine
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.
By 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.
https://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svg00Kevin Guesthttps://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svgKevin Guest2022-01-24 08:00:522022-03-09 15:39:03Take the Stairs: 3 Surprising Benefits
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.
https://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svg00Kevin Guesthttps://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svgKevin Guest2022-01-04 08:00:282022-03-09 15:39:124 Ways to Enhance Your Career in 2022
“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:
Develop the ability to bounce back after failure
Act on problems effectively
Emphasize relevance
Have fun!
Resilience 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.
https://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svg00Kevin Guesthttps://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svgKevin Guest2021-12-27 09:00:102021-12-21 18:39:26Reflecting on 2021: Be Firm in Your Destination, Flexible in Your Path
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.
https://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svg00Kevin Guesthttps://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svgKevin Guest2021-12-14 10:15:322022-05-17 13:52:45Yin Yang You: A Collaboration 5,000 Years in the Making
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.
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.
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.
https://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svg00Kevin Guesthttps://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svgKevin Guest2021-11-29 10:15:182021-11-29 10:26:00The Currant Bush Principle: Follow Your Inner Voice
November is National Gratitude Month. As we prepare for Thanksgiving in the United States, here are five ways to express gratitude to turn negative situations into more fulfillment, greater success, and brighter results.
Implementing these five steps gets a person out of a rut and provides practical tools to use no matter what comes at them.
5 Ways to Express Gratitude
From the 12 key principles in my book, All the Right Reasons, one that continues to resonate is showing gratitude for everything around you,
1. Find the Positives
Don’t stop seeing the positive things even in trying times. Recent Harvard research shows gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude energizes people to feel more positive emotions, savor good experiences, improve health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships, according to Harvard Medical School.
2. Understand the Power of Change
Remind yourself that changes occur all the time in life, that you have the power to change, and that change leads to gratitude.
In my book, I talk about musician Eric Clapton’s struggle with addiction where, in a treatment facility Clapton said, “From that day until this, I have never failed to pray in the morning on my knees, asking for help and at night to express gratitude for my life, and most of all, for my sobriety. If you’re asking why I do all this, I will tell you. . . because it works, as simple as that.”
3. Treasure the Small Details
Some make lists of everything that needs their love, which is powerfully effective. Finding happiness in small things will welcome feelings of gratitude back into your life. Adding joy into your daily schedule is a fourth key step to increasing the benefits of gratitude.
4. Embrace Joy
Include regular doses of doing whatever brings you joy. For some, it’s watching a comedy. For others, it’s reading a book or sharing jokes, laughter, and conversation. Joy can help you better appreciate your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. Embrace joy.
5. Keep Negative Emotions in Check
When we put pain in perspective, we realize many others have even more hardships than we do. That helps us realize we can get through our challenges, and we’re not alone. That viewpoint helps us understand that everyone faces trials, that we can do hard things, and that feeling grateful will lift us to higher levels.
The Power of Gratitude
I’ve found that the power of gratitude embodies respect, kindness, and warmth. Those are qualities that can change everything for the better, even for global icon Ringo Starr.
One of my lifelong idols, Ringo Starr, is one of the most gracious global celebrities I have ever met.
I have met numerous famous people. Many were aloof to adoring fans. But when I met Ringo Starr before one of his concerts, he was remarkably different. Ringo has spent a lifetime making people happy with his music and has immense power to make people happy just by showing them kindness and regard.
I saw firsthand that Ringo chooses to treat people with respect and warmth. He laughed and joked as if he had plenty of time to spend with us. He seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself.
When I stepped up for a picture, he put his arm around me, chatted for a bit, and displayed the peace and love signs he’s famous for. He was gracious and genuine to each person in the room. Because of how Ringo treated us, everyone in his meet-and-greet that day went away feeling good about themselves and loving Ringo even more.
I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on Nov. 22, 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.
https://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svg00Kevin Guesthttps://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svgKevin Guest2021-11-23 09:00:252022-11-18 09:37:43Use Power of Gratitude to Overcome Challenges
Kevin Guest, the author of All the Right Reasons, appeared on The Daily Flash show on Nov. 11, 2021. In the interview, he outlined principles from the book, including The Dorothy Principle and The Cardboard Keyboard Principle.
https://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svg00Tim Haranhttps://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svgTim Haran2021-11-12 10:34:332021-11-22 10:43:31Kevin Guest on The Daily Flash
The USANA Kids Eat Holiday Bag Project kicked off Nov. 1. Now in its 11th year, the program helps to provide food for students during the extended Winter Break.
Last year, volunteers filled more than 3,600 bags and delivered them to nearly 40 schools. The 2020 Holiday Bag Project benefited thousands of students in our community. And it grows every year. Families, corporate teams, church groups, and more take part in the annual volunteer opportunity.
For families who participate in the project to pack bags, they tend to return year after year, according to USANA Kids Eat Director Michelle Benedict. These families are making incredible memories together, while also making a big impact.
How to Get Involved
Starting now, you can participate in the Holiday Bag Project. Visit USANA Kids Eat on Instagram to watch a quick overview of the program. Then, head over to usanakidseat.org to learn more and to sign up. You can also watch this clip from The Daily Dish on ABC4-Utah.
Once you’ve signed up (and selected your school and the number of bags you’d like to fill), you’ll receive a set of instructions, a grocery list, and details on when/where to deliver the filled bags. The items required to fill each bag total about $25. You’ll then deliver your bags to your selected school the week of Dec. 6-10.
Generally, throughout the school year, USANA Kids Eat volunteers fill packs for students to take home on weekends. For the Holiday Bag Project, the bags are bigger and contain enough food to last two weeks.
https://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svg00Kevin Guesthttps://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svgKevin Guest2021-11-08 09:00:252021-11-06 15:20:01USANA Kids Eat Holiday Bag Project
Today we celebrate Job Action Day. Established in 2008, the day is intended to empower and inspire hard workers who dream of achieving more.
Out of sight does not have to mean out of mind, yet that’s exactly what can happen with employees working remotely during the pandemic. I regularly engage with leaders in 24 countries around the world, and those who have stayed top-of-mind implement five key practices to stay relevant and connected.
Job Action Day is a day of empowerment. It’s an opportunity to examine your career and discover your passion.
Job Action Day: 5 Ways to Stay Relevant at Work
Here are five key steps you can take to stay relevant and improve during the pandemic.
1. Take an Ownership Mindset
In reality, you are the owner of your career, which means you have to look out for your own advancements, growth, and opportunities. Because no one is more interested in your job than you, acting with an ownership mindset means you’ll be “all in” when facing projects.
2. Develop Strong Opinions & Know How to Share Them
Bosses are looking for would-be leaders who have solid opinions and who know how to share them.
As a boss, I surround myself with those who will bring perspective to the conversation — something the rest of us may not even consider. It’s imperative for today’s workers to make themselves informed, to weigh options, form opinions, and share them with bosses. That’s part of what helps us rise to higher levels.
3. Adapt Virtually & Master Technology
When COVID hit, the world shut down. But those who adapted virtually and mastered technology didn’t skip a beat.
You have to know your tech tools, implement the best ones and connect with the right people to get the job done. When you master the tools, you will be in conversations that matter and meetings that forward key issues.
4. Use Your Voice to Increase Visibility
Using one’s voice allows employees to increase their visibility and influence others with impressive perspectives.
Early on in my career, I learned to use my voice. Research shows that our tech-savvy generation has come at a cost: many people would rather communicate through devices than have human-to-human interaction. That will limit your influence, so you have to use your voice in-person and virtually at the right opportunities. Speak up. Share. Listen, and provide perspective to stay visible.
5. Expand Your Personal Development
Many employees now have more discretional time that was spent commuting or in non-productive meetings. Use that newfound time to improve skills and to learn new ones. Then train coworkers through mini-workshops. That instantly sets you apart as a leader, as one who is improving, and as an executive who is getting noticed by those around you, especially by your bosses.
These timely steps can help employees stay relevant to bosses and secure a solid standing for future growth.
I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on Nov. 1, 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.
https://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svg00Kevin Guesthttps://www.kevinguest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kevin-Guest-Logo-White.svgKevin Guest2021-11-01 13:59:232022-03-09 15:39:43Job Action Day: 5 Points to Help Improve Your Career
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.
