We’re well into what I consider to be the most wonderful time of the year. The holiday season provides an opportunity to gather with loved ones, give back to our communities, and truly appreciate the blessings in our lives.
Yet, for so many, the holidays also present countless opportunities for added stress and discomfort. As I’ve written before, I strongly believe that it’s critical for each of us to implement a self-care routine that helps us stay balanced all year long.
For me, I’m focused on living in the moment and, whenever possible, exuding positive energy.
As I mentioned during USANA’s 30th Anniversary Global Convention in August, together we can bring a positive change in the world and those around us.
It’s all about putting ourselves in the right mindset. As we wrap up another year, let’s try to push out the bad and direct all our energy to that which is good, especially during the holidays.
If we open our minds to see what’s possible, rather than dwell on obstacles, we can expand our belief and confidence in who we are and what we can be.
Above all, 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 Guest2022-12-23 10:06:412022-12-23 10:06:41Mindset Shift: Bring a Positive Change to the World
I’m a big believer in the power of planning to succeed in personal and professional endeavors. December’s National Business Plan Month is the perfect time to develop a personal success plan for the upcoming year.
Having a personal success plan (or personal life plan) is key to achieving goals and dreams. Such a plan will help you stay focused and motivated so you can track progress and reward yourself at high points.
In my book, All the Right Reasons, I share how years ago a colossal failure motivated my business partner and me to write a plan that set the course for success for the rest of my career.
After presenting to executives at a major U.S. retailer, I was told — bluntly — that we had “completely wasted” their time. It spiraled me into an all-time low.
We were shot down in such an embarrassing manner and absolutely demoralized that we could have told ourselves we were failures, that we had no business being in video production. Instead, we decided to use our failure as a stepping stone to our success.
During a long layover in the Denver airport, the two of us wrote a business plan on the back of about 20 napkins.
That laid the groundwork for our highly successful video production company in the years ahead. We had been humiliated, but we didn’t let the experience break us.
We still laugh when we talk about that experience. Our belief in ourselves and our positive self-talk made all the difference.
The Importance of a Personal Success Plan
Personal success plans provide a roadmap to follow and help keep a person accountable. Tailoring the plan specifically toward one’s interest is key.
It takes five steps:
Define goals
Break goals into smaller, manageable steps
Take action
Accept and overcome obstacles
Measure progress
With the first two steps in place, it’s time to take action because the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll achieve your end goal. Starting early gives you the luxury of not being rushed, which brings the benefit of reflection and refinement.
Then, once you’ve taken action, it’s important not to let obstacles or setbacks deter you.
Being shamed out of the room by those executives motivated us to write a business plan in the airport with a firm determination to excel.
Last, but certainly not least, you have to track your progress and celebrate milestones. That keeps you motivated and on track. Measuring and applauding accomplishments boosted us forward to higher levels. Those celebrations kept us going.
Life’s a Journey
We spend our lives on a journey instead of at a final destination. This is why I define success by The Journey Principle: Success is about the experiences you have, the relationships you build, and the lessons you learn. A personal success plan will keep you on track for achieving greatness.
I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on Dec. 1, 2022, in honor of National Business Plan Month. All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony is available on Amazon. All proceeds feed hungry children, with each book purchase providing 40 meals.
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 Guest2022-12-12 07:00:512022-12-12 10:11:37How Do I Develop a Personal Success Plan?
Earlier this year, USANA celebrated its 30th anniversary (#USANA30) at an incredible global event. Thousands attended in person, and tens of thousands more watched online.
Since then, I’ve spent time reflecting on one notion — the idea that today is Day 1. Recent history presented an array of challenges for many. And as we emerge stronger and more resilient, I invite you to press a reset button and start something.
To do that, we must focus on our belief system. Belief in the industry, the company, the products and, most importantly, belief in yourself.
#USANA30: Quick Hits
For those following along with my social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), you’ve seen video snippets posted recently. I wanted to share a few of the clips here (and invite you to watch these and more on my YouTube channel).
Life Must Be Understood Backward, But Lived Forward
we’ve all gone through something unprecedented. And we’ve learned some things. How will we apply the things we’ve learned to live forward?
Bring a Positive Change
We need to put ourselves in the right mindset. Clear our minds, fill our hearts. It’s time to push out the bad and direct all our energy to that which is good.
The Great Accelerator
I like to refer to what happened over the past two years as The Great Accelerator. We were accelerated into technology in ways we never thought possible.
Living a Life in Harmony
Living a life in harmony, for me, is being true to my core values.
Make Two Connections a Day
Connecting with two people each day will help us reach our goals.
My Commitment: 2 Connections a Day
Reaching out to two people each day is powerful.
Be Firm in Your Destination, But Flexible in Your Path
We didn’t come this far to get this far.
Keep the Dream Alive
Each of you has a dream. Never let it die.
Start Something New
Let’s start something powerful.
Live in the Present & Future, Not in the Past
Take positive action in your life. Live life forward.
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 Guest2022-11-28 09:00:352022-11-30 17:00:41#USANA30: Messages That Resonate
Gratitude is so important. And this time of year, it’s top-of-mind for us in the United States as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. It’s no coincidence that November is also National Gratitude Month.
Earlier this year, I began writing daily in a gratitude journal to express thanks for the many blessings in my life. It’s my commitment as part of USANA’s #StartSomething! campaign. The global campaign encourages each of us to start something that can create change in ourselves and inspire others. Here’s more on my commitment:
National Gratitude Month
In celebration of National Gratitude Month, I’d like to share five rare ways to say thank you. Expressing thanks demonstrates how much you appreciate others. Plus, saying thank you could also help to lower your stress.
We all have so much to be thankful for, and in this month of gratitude, we can especially show appreciation to those around us in thoughtful ways.
Here are some ideas to show gratitude that might even go above and beyond a simple thank you:
Making a phone call
Writing a handwritten note
Offering an in-person expression of gratitude
Stating gratitude of another to them in front of others
Saying thank you by taking a friend out to lunch or dinner
One time, I traveled to a faraway country for business. It was close to Christmas, and I had already been traveling for three straight weeks. I didn’t want to go anywhere so close to Christmas. I didn’t want to fly halfway around the globe for what I expected to be a two-hour meeting.
Couldn’t I solve the problem from my office in a virtual meeting?
I’ve learned that sometimes you have to put technology away and do things in person. That was one of those times.
It would have been easy to talk myself out of that trip, but I paid attention to the distress signals and knew I must make the visit. My efforts to be there in person did not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
Benefits of Giving Thanks
I’ve written before about the impact an interaction with Beatles drummer Ringo Starr had on me. Ringo chooses to treat people with respect and warmth. He chooses to be the kind of person he wants to be.
As one’s level of thankfulness grows, I’ve seen three key benefits emerge: Levels of stress drop, energy levels increase, and people discover the life they truly want.
Research about gratitude indicates that those who have gratitude in their hearts are more likely to achieve their goals. As your gratefulness grows, your dream life is built. That’s the mark of living a life in harmony. It elevates you to allow your best self to come forward for you and for all those around you.
I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on Nov. 1, 2022, in honor of National Gratitude Month. All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony is available on Amazon. All proceeds feed hungry children, with each book purchase providing 40 meals.
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 Guest2022-11-14 07:00:432022-11-02 16:34:17Showing Gratitude: 5 Ways to Say Thank You
CEO Magazine North America interviewed Kevin Guest for a video on its LinkedIn page.
Previously, CEO Magazine North America featured Guest, USANA Chairman & CEO, in its June-July 2022 issue.
In the latest video, posted in October 2022, Guest explains how he “came to USANA through acquisition” when USANA purchased Guest’s video production company. It also touches on the company’s strategic focus.
“As I sit here today, we are not changing our direction,” Guest says in the video. “We’ve accelerated it and we are moving in a much more aggressive manner towards our strategy that we have in place.”
Over the last two years, Guest is thankful that USANA’s put strategies in place that allows them to persevere and succeed in a challenging environment.
“I’m so thankful that me with an extraordinary management team, we were ahead of the strategic planning process,” he said. “And all the last couple years have done have accelerated our digital transformation strategy, our manufacturing expansion strategy, the growth of our core competencies.”
CEO Magazine North America, distributed throughout the United States and Canada, serves as a core business publication for C-Suite executives.
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 Haran2022-10-25 09:00:062022-11-02 15:32:43CEO Magazine North America Video Interview
From time to time, I’ll gather questions from social media followers and answer them in short videos. Today, I wanted to gather a handful of questions I’ve answered via video and share them here. Many of these Ask Kevin videos (and additional clips) can be found on my YouTube channel (subscribe here).
I’m a big believer in a never-stop-learning mindset. I appreciate you following along on my social media, and I hope you’ll find value in some of the thoughts below.
If you’d like to ask a question for me to potentially answer in a future video, please leave a comment below or tag me on Twitter.
Ask Kevin: USANA’s Strong Culture
Q: How does USANA maintain its strong culture even amid global challenges?
A:
Advice for Entrepreneurs
Q: What advice do you have for would-be entrepreneurs?
A:
Q: What is one skill you recommend entrepreneurs focus on fine-tuning?
For World Smile Day, I am urging everyone to smile and reap health benefits.
Smiling is a choice I make every morning. I smile, not because life is perfect, but because I choose to see the positive in every situation. I make it my duty to find something to be cheerful about every day. Instead of pushing people away with negativism, I work to draw them in with my smile.
In my book, All the Right Reasons, I write, in your careers, your paths will cross with many people. They all matter and deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile, say hello, and learn their names. You’ve heard me speak several times about “The Dorothy Principle,” which concludes the most important thing is relationships.
As humans, we need each other. We need encouragement, empathy, and connections. We need smiles, kind words, good advice, and trusted friends.
The first Friday of October is World Smile Day, started by artist Harvey Ball, who created the smiley face in 1963. Today, Harvey’s yellow smiley symbol is universally popular and an instant reminder to see the bright side of things.
7 Benefits Associated with Smiling
Today, I’d like to share seven benefits I’ve found from genuinely smiling each day.
First, it relieves stress and tension.
Next, smiling releases neuropeptides and hormones that have a positive effect on the immune system.
Smiling also helps activate T cells, which fight infections.
Smiling helps improve one’s mood and makes one feel happier.
It lowers blood pressure and is a natural pain reliever.
Among other benefits, smiling more often helps people look younger and more attractive.
Smiling also makes you more approachable, which helps you collaborate more easily with others and accomplish your goals.
Find a Hobby That Makes You Smile
Some people turn to a hobby to boost their mood and smile more.
Playing music is so fun for me that I can’t help but smile when I sing. I’ve made it a point to always love what I do and do what I love, which is a formula for me to smile and bring out the best.
Even more, for those needing a boost to smile, find time to dance. My wife and I even have a picture in my book of us dancing in the desert. It’s hard not to smile when you do. Maybe we should all dance a little more.
I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on Oct. 6, 2022, ahead of National Smile Day. All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony is available on Amazon. All proceeds feed hungry children, with each book purchase providing 40 meals.
More than a month later, I’m still feeling the energy from USANA’s 30th Anniversary Global Convention. Thousands of people joined us in person, and tens of thousands more across the globe watched the event unfold virtually.
Inspirational speakers shared motivational messages. Health-focused entrepreneurs connected with others enthusiastically and purposefully. It showcased the best in USANA as we strive to become The Healthiest Family on Earth.
Yet, as I mentioned toward the end of the three-day event, if something hadn’t changed for the attendees, and if they weren’t planning to do something differently when they returned home, the entire event would have been a waste of time.
I pleaded with the audience: Please don’t let this be a waste of time.
After two-plus years filled with heartache and pain for so many, the USANA Family took charge with a Day 1 mindset and accepted the challenge to Start Something.
“Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.” — Søren Kierkegaard
That quote resonates strongly with me, especially as we look toward the future. We learn from the past and live with an eye on the future.
It all starts now.
Once you start something, you commit to creating change in yourself while inspiring others to do the same. I believe doing so helps you to live a life in harmony.
For me, as you can see by watching the video below, I’m committed to Start Something Again. That means revisiting my gratitude journal. I’ll take time each day to write down what I’m thankful for. Plus, I’m planning to start sharing notes from that journal on my social media to further express my gratitude.
Today is a brand new day. It’s time to start something, commit to daily actions that will move you closer to your goal each day, and share your progress with family, friends, and followers on social media.
I look forward to seeing each of you #StartSomething, and I hope you’ll take this opportunity to live life forward.
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 Guest2022-09-26 11:00:252022-09-26 11:06:53It’s Time to #StartSomething!
It seems most of our lives are spent on a journey instead of at some final destination. This is why, in my book All the Right Reasons, I define success by The Journey Principle: Success is about the experiences you have, the relationships you build, and the lessons you learn.
I know success can be defined in many ways. But for me, success comes through the relationships we develop. It’s buoyed by the lessons we learn. And success is connected to our experiences in life that move us forward.
In the book, I reference extraordinary individuals to illustrate The Journey Principle. I talk about Sister Teresa de Lisieux. In 1946, Sister Teresa — or Saint Teresa of Calcutta or Mother Teresa — received the call to help the poor while living among them.
She set out to establish a community dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor. Daily she visited families in the slums, nursing the sick, the hungry, and the dying. She started an outdoor school for destitute children and focused on giving dignity to those who suffered many indignities.
Her remarkable work touched many lives and helped countless individuals.
Mother Teresa passed away in Calcutta in 1997 without a penny to her name. She never got a college degree, never starred in a movie, never made her fortune in the stock market, and never worked her way up the corporate ladder. Mother Teresa herself admitted she hadn’t done any “great” thing, only small things with great love.
Yet, no one would consider Mother Teresa a failure. We consider her successful in her compassion.
She helped to make the world a better place and, in the process, Mother Teresa discovered the secret to living a life in harmony.
I hope in your journey you’ll find success as you develop strong relationships. Even more, I hope you’ll learn and grow from those relationships and your experiences throughout life.
12 Timeless Principles
Since its publication in 2018, I’ve shared key points from All the Right Reasons. In written form and through short videos, I’ve gathered elements from each principle and have linked them here.
The Journey Principle: Success is about the experiences you have, the relationships you build, and the lessons you learn.
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 Guest2022-09-19 09:00:042022-09-10 08:28:00The Journey Principle: How Do You Define Success?
As we commemorate National Day of Encouragement, I encourage you to lift another higher by giving a word of encouragement and letting them know you believe in them. Sometimes all a person needs is to know life matters and they can make a difference. Having people who believe in you and your ability to live a successful life is key to that.
As human beings, we need each other. As I write in All the Right Reasons, we need encouragement, empathy, and connections. We need smiles, kind words, good advice, and trusted friends. We need mentors, teachers, and people who make us feel uncomfortable in our comfort zones. Sometimes we even need a kick in the seat of the pants.
Author John Maxwell writes that people quit people, not companies. Therefore, as leaders, giving genuine encouragement can help employees feel better about themselves, their bosses, and their coworkers. And that can result in satisfied employment.
1. Show Up and Listen
Having interacted with thousands of people during my career, I realize the most authentic relationship-building experiences happen when I’m sitting kneecap to kneecap with someone, looking them in the eye and sincerely wanting to understand. Face-to-face meetings lead to solid business partnerships and long-term relationships that help grow a business.
They foster trust, build bridges, and help us manage conflict from a position of mutual understanding. Simply put, technology can’t replace the power of face-to-face communication, so we need to show up.
2. Praise Others Genuinely
Tell colleagues you believe in them, and you know they can accomplish their goals. Share something they’ve accomplished, and urge them onward with encouragement such as, “you’re talented” and “keep up the good work!”
To emphasize the power of praise, my mother told me over and over that I was smart and could do anything I put my mind to. Right or wrong, I believed her, and those simple words have carried me through my life to lead a successful company internationally.
Imagine the influence you can have by sharing genuine words of encouragement with others.
3. Start Something New
This is a challenge we gave tens of thousands of USANA Associates in August.
Today is the day to start something positive with others. Commit to focus outside of yourself on National Day of Encouragement and boost another up. Imagine the positive effect you will have.
Take Care of Yourself
Those three steps make up just half the equation, however. Helping others succeed means taking care of your own reservoir of strength.
Four things to stay strong yourself:
Be kind to yourself
Challenge negative thinking about yourself
Remind yourself of your accomplishments
Graciously accept compliments
I’ve learned that to implement those four points, I surround myself with positive people, I celebrate small successes, I’m highly aware of my thought patterns and fill my mind with positive thoughts, and I accept compliments with a verbal thank you.
The Gift of Giving
When you help others achieve career success, you give them a priceless gift.
Most of the successful people I’ve met got there because they were told they had value and others encouraged them. Sometimes all a person needs is to know that her life matters and that she can make a difference. Having people who believe in you and your ability to succeed is very important.
I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on Sept. 12, 2022, National Day of Encouragement.
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 Guest2022-09-12 11:00:142022-09-12 15:21:39National Day of Encouragement: 3 Ways to Lift Others Higher
