When USANA launched its Active Nutrition line of products in 2021, we knew it would generate buzz. It’s a series of products that helps us in our mission to create The Healthiest Family on Earth. And, in striving toward that goal, we knew an accompanying podcast could drive home the importance of living an active lifestyle.
Thus, the Let’s Go! with USANA podcast began. So far, it’s a six-episode series hosted by Ben Raskin. Each episode features a special guest to discuss nutrition, self-care, fitness, and more. I invite you to download and listen to each casual conversation.
And after you do, please leave a comment or review on your platform of choice. That will help others find this valuable podcast series.
Below are a few notes about each episode currently available. You might have seen this information if you follow me on Instagram.
Episode 1: Be Your Own Bestie with Tessa Romero
Episode 2: Fiber and Starting a New Diet with Shelli Baxter
Episode 3: How Gut Health Helps an Active Life with Dr. Rachel Brewer
Episode 4: Mindfulness and the Importance of Self-Reflection with Amy Zirneklis
Episode 5: Eating for Success — Diet Tips to Support an Active Life with Shelli Baxter
Episode 6: Overcoming Setbacks: The Strength to Pursue Your Dreams with Priscilla Loomis
On ongoing theme for 2021: Resilience. It’s reflected in the way I live my life personally and professionally. I believe it’s a critical factor in helping each of us to continue moving forward.
Mental strength is key to being resilient. Bending in the face of a challenge—and then bouncing back—requires a strong, focused mindset.
Perhaps no one is better suited to discuss mental strength than is Jay Shetty, a keynote presenter at the recent USANA Americas & Europe Virtual Convention. Jay is a best-selling author, a purpose coach, and a former monk. He is “on a mission to make wisdom go viral.”
The foundation for building mental strength, Jay says, is “realizing the tools that got us here may not be the tools that will get us there.” In other words, just because a strategy or a tactical approach worked in the past, it doesn’t mean the same approach will work in the future.
Put simply, new challenges require new habits.
Fortunately, Jay provided us with a four-step roadmap to build our mental strength. It’s all about T.I.M.E., and I’d like to share it with you here.
Here are four habits Jay says we need to invite into our lives to build mental strength:
Thankfulness: When you’re present in gratitude, you can’t be anywhere else
Inspiration: Start each day with a dose of inspiring content—an uplifting song, a favorite quote, a well-read passage from a book. Whatever it is, ensure it boosts your spirit.
Meditation: Make time for yourself, eliminate distractions, and ask yourself “what do I need to do for myself today to make today a great day?”
Exercise: Add movement into your life
In the end, Jay asks: What are you going to let go of in order to make space in your life for these habits?
Resilience: A Theme
The USANA Foundation team meeting planting garden towers in Mexico.
The above message went out earlier this week to subscribers to my monthly e-newsletter. If you’re not on the list, I invite you to join. The keynote from Jay Shetty proved to be only one of many outstanding presentations at the 2021 USANA Americas & Europe Virtual Convention.
Also during the event, I set an ambitious goal. I challenged the USANA Family to raise enough money to fund 30,000 garden towers around the world. And let’s do it by USANA’s 3oth-anniversary convention in 2022!
Garden towers are a low-cost, self-sustaining method of planting multiple food crops in a single source, suited for all areas of the world.
I’ve always been proud of the difference USANA makes when it comes to fighting food insecurity. These garden towers are the next step in eradicating world hunger.
A donation of $20 covers the entire cost of the fabric for the tower, the soil, the seeds, and the training on how to use them. $20 is all it takes to provide three to five years of sustainably sourced, nutritious food and a source of income for people who need it most.
To donate toward the garden tower project, and to learn more about USANA’s charitable efforts, please visit: usanafoundation.org.
Behind-the-Scenes
And finally, here are some behind-the-scenes moments from #AEVC21. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the virtual event!
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 Guest2021-08-20 08:30:432021-08-20 08:41:06AEVC21: Resilience, Mental Strength, & More
If it’s up to me, I’m never far from my bass guitar. It’s a constant, comforting presence that helps me find peace and harmony in my life. Music is medicine for my soul!
Recently, I had the opportunity to pick up that guitar and play music with country music superstar and close friend Collin Raye. It was a thrill to perform for 30,000 people at one of the nation’s premier Independence Day concerts!
As I’ve said many times, music is medicine for my soul. And that night, music gave me a healthy dose of happiness.
What is it in your life that provides you that burst of feel-goodness or a jolt of enthusiasm to live life to its fullest? I’d love to hear in the comments.
Performing on stage with Collin Raye as part of the Stadium of Fire concert on July 3, 2021.
Collecting Memories
You might have seen this video on my social media recently. In it, I walk through a few items of music memorabilia that mean a lot to me.
Achieving Harmony Through Music
For the most-recent World Music Day, which falls on June 21 each year, I shared a few thoughts on how music has the power to bring people together, transcend borders, and break barriers. In a workplace environment, I believe music can lift moods and unify teams.
There’s nothing like live music to lift spirits, and when you are part of making music, it can boost your positive temperament even more. When you’re doing that with team members, I’ve seen it help people find common ground and form instant bonds.
Email subscribers received early access to a version of this article. 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 Guest2021-08-09 09:00:192021-08-06 14:48:43Music is Medicine for My Soul
Kevin Guest, USANA Chairman & CEO, wrote an article for the August issue of Scotsman Guide — Commercial Edition.
In the piece titled “Learn First, Then Teach,” Guest explains how mentorship can pay dividends for mortgage companies. He advises that employees who seek out mentors often become the company’s next generation of leaders.
Seeking out at least one mentor, Guest says, should be the first step for mortgage brokers looking to advance their careers. “All industries — and especially the real estate finance business — are relationship-based,” he says.
About Scotsman Guide
Scotsman Guide has provided commercial mortgage originators with invaluable resources that help them grow their financing networks and stay informed about market news, trends and data for more than 25 years.
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 Haran2021-08-03 09:43:032021-08-03 09:43:03Learn First, Then Teach — Kevin Guest in the Scotsman Guide
As many of you know, I’m always trying to expand my mind and learn from others. Over the years, I’ve encountered several key thoughts that I try to live by. I’m not always successful in living by them, and it’s definitely not always easy. But I think the following 10 Powerful Ideas to Post in Your Mind are worth pursuing.
What do you think? Are there two or three that especially resonate with you? Do you have additional strategies to help you down your path toward success? I’d love to start a conversation in the comments about the notion of self-awareness.
What are our limitations, and how can we overcome them to reach our full potential?
10 Powerful Ideas
1. There is no perfect life, perfect day, perfect performance, perfect vacation — these are myths that exist only in the mind. I will savor perfect moments as they come and realize they coexist with the messy, complex, and painful. Life is full of wonder and I will enjoy all that I can!
2. When I have a concern, I will do what is in my power and then let go of the rest, allowing myself a peaceful heart.
3. When my thoughts return again and again to upsetting events, images, conversations, or fears I can put up a stop sign in my mind. I choose where my mind goes and will replace paralyzing obsessing with ideas that comfort, inspire, and empower.
4. On a subconscious level, I expect all traffic lights to be short, grocery lines to go fast, children to be obedient and respectful all the time, holidays to go perfectly, friends to know just what to say, and the rain to always wait till after sundown….and then I am disappointed 100 times a day! Ask–What was I expecting? It’s a paradox; expect less and I’ll enjoy more.
5. The absolute truth is that there is always good along with the bad. We get tunnel vision so often and only see the failures, the frustrating, the disappointing…but reality is always brighter than that. There are weeds, yes, but there are also flowers! Don’t be fooled—see the whole picture and tell the truth.
6. I am not responsible for everything and I have limited control over things besides myself, especially others’ choices. I will bless and lift and help all that I can and realize that any influence I’m privileged to have is a gift.
7. Am I going to care about this in a year? Most things we get upset about can be categorized as inconveniences, challenges, or difficult moments. They are, literally, not the end of the world, and they will pass. Change mindset from panic to problem-solving and underreact.
8. If I make a mistake and someone discovers I am human, great—they’ll probably like me better for it! We assume everyone is thinking the worst, when people mostly aren’t thinking of us at all, they are busy worrying about their own lives. I am doing the best I can with my unique life. I will give myself the compassion and approval I need and throw away the chains of trying to please everyone else.
9. Carrying around future problems only exhausts and overwhelms me. I can trust my future self to handle things as they come. I have survived 100% of my challenges so far and I will keep doing it, one problem at a time.
10. Anxiety is simply the other side of the coin of a mind with great gifts. What if I took my ability to overthink, worry, and imagine the worst and used it instead to dream, plan, and create great things? I choose to focus my mental energies outward instead of destroying my own peace. I will use my superpowers for good.
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 Guest2021-07-26 09:00:082021-07-27 07:53:2810 Powerful Ideas to Post in Your Mind
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk about a variety of topics that have been on my mind lately. This exercise of reflecting and looking ahead is something I like to do regularly.
If you subscribe to my YouTube channel or follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you likely saw the following video. However, if you haven’t yet seen it, I invite you to watch it.
In it, I share my thoughts on several topics, including…
???? World Service Week 2021
It’s always inspiring to me when I watch how people are willing to give of their time to serve others. World Service Week is always an inspiration to me. It’s gratifying to look at the pictures, see smiles on everyone’s faces, and realize how good they feel because they know they’re doing something that helps somebody else in need.
I don’t think there’s anything more important than we can do in our life than to help others in need.
???? Active Nutrition & Let’s Go Podcast
With the launch of Active Nutrition, there’s really a strategic reason why we did this. It’s because of our vision of being The Healthiest Family on Earth. Active Nutrition lends itself to the whole notion of lifestyle. That’s why we have the podcast. And truly being healthy is the body, mind, and spirit.
Those things are really what true health is all about. Active Nutrition is one step closer to us creating The Healthiest Family on Earth.
???? Adapting to a Post-Pandemic Life
As I return back to whatever normal is post-pandemic, I think the important part for me is what did I learn? I’m trying to not go back to everything I did before. But rather, to do things differently, to approach things differently from that perspective.
One thing I learned is the importance of face-to-face interaction. Over the last several months, we communicated primarily virtually. Sure, it would be easier for me just to do Zoom calls versus getting on an airplane and traveling around the world. But there’s nothing, I believe, that replaces face-to-face and in-person interaction.
???? Living Life to the Fullest
Recently, I witnessed my youngest grandson take his first steps. It’s an interesting thing to look at a little child like this who’s so full of life and so happy and joyful. He brings so much love into our family.
It’s remarkable to watch him take his first steps and to remember what life’s all about. Between birth and death, it’s the middle part that’s so important. I think it’s important to take stock. To take time to think about the past, while also looking ahead. For me personally, how can I better myself and what can I do to make this little child’s life better?
Thank you for following along here, and I appreciate all the kind words and the interaction on my social sites.
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 Guest2021-07-21 09:00:472021-07-22 09:16:18Catching Up with Kevin: Reflecting & Looking Ahead (July 2021)
The following is excerpted from a news release sent on July 15, which is also “Give Something Away Day.”
Winston Churchill is credited with saying, “You make a living out of what you get. You make a life out of what you give.” Many people enter relationships for what they think they can get instead of what they can give. If we were to focus more on giving than getting, the return would be enormous.
Coming out of the pandemic is an excellent time to simplify our lives and to share with others who might not be as fortunate. I see no downside to giving something away to make a difference in the lives of others.
Giving Feels Good
Polling a group of 30,000 American households showed that givers were happier than non-givers, according to a Social Capital Community benchmark survey.
There’s no question that when you buy a homeless person a meal, donate clothing or give away something, you feel uplifted, and that’s what this is about — lifting others up, including yourself.
When my four children were smaller, my wife and I would find someone to serve on Christmas Eve. Some years we served food at a homeless shelter; other years we selected a needy family and bought gifts for the children.
People matter more than things. We all work hard to achieve success, to arrive at some pinnacle of achievement — to have the perfect house, perfect family, perfect body. In the process, we fill our lives with stuff. Most people have more food, faster cars, fancier clothes, better health, higher incomes, bigger houses, and more conveniences than their ancestors had a hundred years ago.
Yet according to the World Database of Happiness, we are not any happier than previous generations. Studies show once we have enough income to comfortably meet basic needs, additional wealth has little impact on our happiness. We are really searching for inner peace, yet many of us don’t know how to find it.
Give Something Away Day
This year, I urge you to give something away and find harmony, happiness, and peace.
Because I believe relationships are the most important things we have, I urge others to even give a little more time to those relationships that matter most. For me, that’s with my family, friends, and colleagues. Without a doubt, time with them will be some of the most treasured experiences.
Proceeds from All the Right Reasons benefit The USANA Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides food and nutrition to help ensure impoverished children and families reach their fullest potential. The book is available here.
Living a life in harmony is critical to overall well-being. In honor of World Music Day, which took place on June 21, I shared three steps in which music can bring balance and harmony to teams reuniting at the workplace.
To run an effective workplace, companies need teams that work in harmony. With disharmony and discord, productivity stalls, and progress is hampered. That can cripple growth for the entire organization.
Lessons from music, however, can instantly remind workers about the value of harmonious efforts.
As I write in my book, All the Right Reasons, in music, harmony happens when notes blend in a way that is pleasing to the ear. When notes are out of harmony, their dissonant sounds are hard to listen to. Think of the last time you heard someone sing out of key or heard a jumble of incongruent notes. It’s horrible.
You’ve heard me say before that music is medicine for my soul. It’s such a powerful and important part of my life. It is for many others, as well. World Music Day, which got its start in Paris in 1982, celebrates music’s power to bring people together, transcend borders, and break barriers.
3 Steps to Harmony
With three simple steps, music can lift moods and unify teams.
First, if you’re feeling down, play a song that brings happy memories, which may be something from high school or college.
Next, sing your favorite songs out loud no matter who’s listening.
Finally, get with your team to sing a song together.
There’s nothing like live music to lift spirits, and when you are part of making music, it can boost your positive temperament even more. When you’re doing that with team members, I’ve seen it help people find common ground and form instant bonds.
Achieving Harmony Takes Work
Harmony in music doesn’t happen without hours of practice and each individual musician’s commitment to getting the music right. The same commitment is required in the workplace.
Whether someone plays in a band, sings in a choir, or performs in an orchestra, nothing is quite as exhilarating as achieving perfect harmony with fellow musicians.
A life in harmony means a consistent and honest arrangement of your values and a solid commitment to living those values day in and day out.
Throughout the pandemic, most workers have been operating remotely. So coming back into an office setting might be a bit clumsy at first. Working toward harmony, which means understanding others, sharing your positivity, and making a difference for the better, will be one of the quickest paths to restoring productivity levels teams achieved before the pandemic.
A version of the above article was distributed as a news release on World Music Day 2021 with the headline World Music Day Calls for Harmony. All proceeds from All the Right Reasons are directed to feed two million meals to hungry children. Available on Amazon, the book provides 40 meals for every single purchase.
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 Guest2021-07-12 09:00:182022-03-09 15:41:10Lessons From Music to Achieve Harmony at Work
In a previous article, I encouraged readers to make a commitment to serve in their own communities during World Service Week.
The fifth-annual USANA World Service Week wrapped up on Monday. I took the opportunity to help a few neighbors who are going through some tough times. It’s not always easy to ask for help, so my family and I sought ways that we could potentially ease a burden or two.
Also, in last month’s e-newsletter (are you subscribed?), I asked for you to let me know your plans for the week. One email I received touched my heart, and I thank the author for allowing me to share it with all of you.
“I’ve thought about how I can possibly make a worthwhile contribution,” writes George Steciuk, a longtime USANA Associate, who lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
At age 76, George decided to run his first 10K. The next year, he completed a half-marathon. He’s run a half-dozen more since then, and this week, at age 84, George planned to run a 5K each day during World Service Week.
World Service Week: A Greater Purpose
As he does regularly, he enjoys getting out in the fresh air to run. But this week’s 5Ks will serve a greater purpose.
Leading up to World Service Week, George shared his plan and asked his friends, family, and colleagues to show their support for him by supporting The USANA Foundation.
He’s incorporated his fundraising efforts into the USANA Canada 5K Walkathon, which, by the end of Sunday, had raised more than $10,000 from 216 donors.
For the last 25 years, George has been a valued member of the USANA Family. And last week, he did something truly special to benefit The USANA Foundation.
Here’s a great video of George during his first World Service Week 5K on June 14. And check out George’s Facebook for videos from each of the 5Ks he completed during the week.
Thank you, George, for your support, and for allowing me to share your story. We all cheered you on as you completed your daily 5K runs for the Foundation!
And thank you to everyone else who participated in World Service Week. You each made a positive impact on the lives of others.
World Service Week in Action
Here are a few other notes you might enjoy from the week:
Take a look at a few photos from The USANA Foundation highlighting various projects during the week
See how a group from USANA set up six garden towers to grow fresh vegetables to donate to our community partners
Here’s a roundup of various projects completed by USANA employees
Watch an online concert to benefit The USANA Foundation!
And check out the photos under the #WorldServiceWeek21 hashtag (Instagram / Facebook).
A version of this article originally went to e-newsletter subscribers on June 16, 2021.
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 Guest2021-06-22 08:45:212021-06-23 10:13:12World Service Week 21: Thank You for Giving Back
In June 2021, USANA Chairman and CEO Kevin Guest was elected to serve as Chairman of the Board of the Direct Selling Association (DSA). The DSA is a national trade organization for direct sales companies. Guest was elected by members of the Association and will serve a one-year term.
“I am honored for the privilege of serving this great organization, which plays such a crucial role in promoting innovation and integrity within the direct selling industry.
“I have worked in direct sales for more than 25 years, in which time I have seen tremendous growth in the industry; much of that growth is due to the leadership and guidance DSA provides its member companies.
“I would like to sincerely thank DSA members for giving me this opportunity to help further strengthen our industry’s foothold in the marketplace.” — Kevin Guest
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 Haran2021-06-17 14:00:402021-06-25 13:21:05USANA CEO Elected as Chairman of the Board of Direct Selling Association
