Tag Archive for: news release

Gratitude Creates a Profound Impact on Health & Happiness

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This November, I encourage everyone everywhere to celebrate National Gratitude Month and experience gratitude’s profound impact on health and happiness. From enhancing psychological well-being to boosting physical health, gratitude has a transformative effect that can change lives in meaningful ways.

National Gratitude Month is a time to recognize gratitude’s lasting influence on our lives.

Studies show that grateful individuals sleep better, experience reduced stress, maintain healthier diets, and engage in increased physical activity. Moreover, a July 2024 Harvard study showed a connection between gratitude and longevity among older adults.

The core values that make up my foundation are faith, family, service, gratitude, and honesty. Those things matter most to me; I try to live by these values. They are manifest in how I treat others and the choices I make. I am committed to living in harmony with these values, particularly when times are tough and I feel pressure to do otherwise.

3 Things to Enhance Feelings of Gratitude

  1. Gratitude Jar. Every day this month, write something you’re grateful for on a small piece of paper and add it to a jar. At the end of the month, review your collection of positive moments to reflect on.
  2. Thank-You Notes: Send thank-you notes to people who have made a difference in your life. Even a heartfelt text or email expressing gratitude to others can strengthen relationships and foster a deeper sense of connection.
  3. Pay it Forward. Perform random acts of kindness and see how the ripple effect of gratitude can spread joy far and wide.

Feeling Grateful

My gratitude begins with my parents, wife, and children.

Mom shaped my life, and I am forever grateful. She glowed from the inside out and made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the world. I am also so grateful for the life my dad lived, for the lessons he taught, and for the values he instilled in me. His faith runs through me and buoys me up.

My wife, Lori, continues to bless my life with her goodness. I’ll be forever grateful for my wonderful family.

When I think of my precious relationships with my wife, children, and grandchildren, and I consider my career at USANA, I thank God.

Tap to Read More on Gratitude

5 Ways to Express Gratitude

I shared these thoughts in a news release published on Nov. 1, 2024. More inspiring examples of gratitude are found throughout All the Right Reasons, where all proceeds go to feeding hungry children. Each book purchase provides 40 meals.

Country Music Month: Achieving Mental Wellness Through Music

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As vibrant melodies of Country Music Month fill the air this October, there is no better time to explore the symphony between our love for music and the pursuit of mental wellness.

Country music, with its rich storytelling and emotional resonance, offers more than just a soundtrack to our lives. It serves as a guiding force in achieving mental well-being.

Our commitment to health is underscored by the power of music to transform lives. Country music, in particular, provides a unique blend of emotional expression and narrative. It offers listeners a deep connection that can be both healing and uplifting.

In a world where maintaining mental health is paramount, balancing life through music and wellness practices is essential. Here are five key benefits of incorporating music into daily life for mental balance.

5 Mental Wellness Benefits of Music

  1. Emotional Release: Music allows individuals to express feelings that might otherwise remain bottled up, offering a safe outlet for emotional release.
  2. Stress Reduction: Engaging with music can lower stress levels, helping listeners find peace amid the chaos of daily life.
  3. Connection and Community: Country music often tells stories that resonate on a personal level, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
  4. Mindful Presence: Listening to or playing music encourages mindfulness, grounding individuals in the present moment and away from future anxieties or past regrets.
  5. Inspiration and Motivation: The motivational narratives in country music can inspire listeners to pursue their goals and dreams with renewed energy.

When the music comes from the heart, the connection between the musician and the audience is exhilarating and stunningly honest. Music speaks to the soul like nothing else can. This love for music, this awe I have for the process, has been with me for as long as I can remember. Music has transformed my life.

As we tune into the heartfelt melodies and stories this month, let’s also tune into ourselves. Let’s recognize the vital role mental health plays in our overall well-being. At USANA, we believe in the strength of a balanced life, where music and health come together in harmony.

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

Successful Entrepreneurs Possess These 3 Key Traits

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Entrepreneurs are critical for driving innovation, economic growth, and stability. Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of today’s economy. Their courage to take risks, ability to innovate, and unwavering determination drive progress and create opportunities across industries.

Achieving success is not always an easy road. Years ago, my business partner and I gambled our future on a business pitch in Texas to a major U.S. retailer. We faced a crushing rejection by their top executives, but that very setback became the springboard for our thriving video production company going forward.

At that moment, I discovered that persistent determination is the hallmark of leaders.

The winning entrepreneur turns setbacks into stepping stones, using every failure as fuel for success. They hone their skills and adapt to new challenges. They cultivate resilience and maintain an unwavering focus in the face of rejection.

Celebrate Entrepreneurs | Kevin Guest3 Key Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

Over the years, I’ve identified many attributes common in successful entrepreneurs. Below are three key traits:

  1. Innovative Thinking: Entrepreneurs must think outside the box and constantly seek new ways to solve problems. This creative approach is essential in developing unique products or services that stand out in a competitive market.
  2. Resilience: The path of entrepreneurship is fraught with challenges. Successful entrepreneurs demonstrate resilience by bouncing back from setbacks and learning from failures. Staying determined is an important trait that moves you forward to success despite obstacles.
  3. Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for entrepreneurs. It helps them build relationships and gain customer trust. When you master communications, you can convey your vision to investors and stakeholders. You inspire others. I’ve learned that clear communication is a trademark of successful business leadership.

I shared these thoughts in a news release published on Sept. 3, 2024. All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, available on Amazon, uncovers 12 principles for living a life in harmony. It draws on the power of values to help find life’s success secrets. All proceeds feed hungry children, with each book purchase providing 40 meals.

7 Steps to Soar Like Olympians

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Inspired by Olympians, I’m urging each of us to dig deep into our inner strength to excel in our personal and professional lives. Today’s elite athlete shows tremendous discipline, resilience, determination, and grit, all traits that develop winners in life.

So much of life comes down to understanding your passion and having the willingness and grit to turn it into something great. It’s easy to dream. The hard part is doing the work. The hard part is developing the grit.

As the sponsor of thousands of elite athletes, USANA Health Sciences values excellence and well-being. Our top-tier nutritional products undergo rigorous testing and nurture body, mind, and spirit.

Thinking about the Olympics, I’m inspired by the remarkable dedication and persistence of these athletes. Their relentless pursuit of excellence teaches us valuable lessons that we can apply in our own lives.

7 Steps to Achieve Success Like Olympians

Drawing inspiration from these elite competitors, here are seven practical steps to achieve success.

1. Set Clear Goals

Define career and personal objectives with specific, measurable goals. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks to maintain focus and direction.

2. Commit to Continuous Improvement

Constantly refine your skills; similarly, invest in lifelong learning. Attend workshops, seek mentorship, and stay updated with industry trends to stay ahead of the curve.

3. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity

View setbacks as opportunities for growth. Reflect on failures, identify lessons learned, and apply them to improve future performance.

4. Cultivate a Winning Mindset

A positive mental attitude is crucial for success. Stay optimistic, focus on your strengths, and visualize achievements. This mindset will propel one forward, even in challenging times.

5. Build a Supportive Network

Rely on coaches, teammates, and supporters. Be surrounded by individuals who encourage and motivate. Networking can provide valuable advice, opportunities, and emotional support.

6. Maintain Physical and Mental Well-being

Prioritize health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mindfulness practices contribute to sustained energy and focus.

7. Celebrate Progress

Celebrate every milestone, big or small. Recognize and reward achievements along the way to stay motivated and appreciate the upward journey.

The Road to Success

By implementing these steps, you can channel the determination into your own pursuits and achieve higher levels in both your career and personal life. In my global travels, I’ve seen that the road to success is paved with continual effort, resilience, and an unwavering belief in your own potential.

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

Social Wellness: 5 Tips to Form Meaningful Relationships

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Social wellness: Forming meaningful relationships and interacting positively with others. Not only does it enhance our emotional well-being, but it also significantly impacts our overall health.

At my first Grand Ole Opry performance with Collin Raye.

Strong social connections reduce stress, improve mental health, and even extend life expectancy. In a world where digital interactions often replace face-to-face communication, fostering real-world relationships is more important than ever.

July is Social Wellness Month. For the next 31 days, I challenge each of us to step out of our comfort zones and cultivate new social connections that can lead to a happier, healthier life.

When I step out of my comfort zone, I experience great results.

For instance, as I write about in my book, when I played with Collin Raye’s band at the Grand Ole Opry, I was so nervous before stepping on stage that my hands started shaking and my mouth went dry. But facing those fears opened doors to play the Opry again and fulfilled lifelong dreams in several areas.

Kevin Guest - Gene Simmons - Turn Up the Volume

From my book, All the Right Reasons. Meeting Gene Simmons for our Turn Up the Volume concept.

Early on, as my video production company was starting, I had a sudden opportunity to interview KISS frontman Gene Simmons for our “Turn Up the Volume” video series.

Trembling but oddly confident, I filmed the interview with Gene Simmons, which was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life. I went on to interview Jon Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, and many other rock stars. That one experience with Gene Simmons opened many doors and had an astonishing impact on my career.

Social Wellness: Create New Experiences

Here are five ways we can create strong connections and improve our social wellness.

1. Try New Activities

Sign up for a class, learn a musical instrument, or take up a hobby you’ve never considered. Novel experiences stimulate your brain and help you break free from monotony.

2. Connect with Different People

Join a social group to engage with diverse individuals and expose yourself to new perspectives and ideas.

3. Volunteer

Offer your time for a cause you’re passionate about to build connections with other volunteers and create a shared sense of purpose.

4. Embrace Spontaneity

Say yes to unexpected invitations, try a new restaurant, or take a different route home. Embracing spontaneity injects excitement into your routine.

5. Reconnect with Old Friends

Sometimes, enhancing social wellness means rekindling past relationships. Reach out to an old friend and plan a catch-up session.

Make Meaningful Social Connections

For Social Wellness Month, take the pledge to make meaningful social connections with your network and encourage others to join you in this journey toward enhanced social and mental wellness. Together, we can create a more connected and supportive community.

Social Wellness Month | Kevin Guest

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

Rebuild Your Life: 6 Steps for Increased Fulfillment

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As we enter Rebuild Your Life month, I invite everyone to use it as an opportunity to take proactive steps toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.

In my book, All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, I introduce a tapestry of remarkable stories that underscore the power of positive change.

  • One example is that of Easy Eddie’s son, Butch, who, despite his father’s notorious past, became a decorated war hero and had Chicago O’Hare Airport named in his honor.
  • Another stirring narrative follows Immaculee Ilibagiza, who fled soldiers during Rwanda’s uprising and emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless others.

At USANA, we believe that true well-being starts with a commitment to healthy habits. Rebuild Your Life month can empower people to take control of their health and embark on a transformative journey.

Our actions, no matter how small, can create breakthrough moments, inspiring others to contribute to a better world. Below are six steps I believe can help each of us live a healthier and more fulfilling life.

6 Steps to ‘Rebuild Your Life’

  1. Start with Small Changes. Every great transformation begins with a single small step; start today and watch how each tiny change leads to a healthier, happier you.
  2. Declutter Your Mind and Space. Schedule a “brain dump” session, and write all your worries, anxieties, and to-dos. Then, categorize them and prioritize what needs your attention. Even taking time to declutter a physical space creates a sense of order and frees up mental space.
  3. Reignite Your Passions. Rediscover old loves and dust off a favorite hobby you once enjoyed. You can also take a class, sign up for a weekend workshop, or volunteer for a cause you like.
  4. Reconnect with Loved Ones. Reach out to old friends or family you haven’t connected with in a while. Schedule a call, plan a visit, or simply send a heartfelt message. One thing we learned from the pandemic is the importance of community. Join a local group based on your interests and see a whole new world open.
  5. Practice Gratitude. Whether you write three things you’re grateful for daily or shift your focus to positivity and appreciation, gratitude is a superpower for rebuilding good days and a great life. Even doing random acts of kindness can quickly get you outside of yourself in a meaningful way.
  6. Practice Peaceful Thinking. For instant results, incorporate practices such as meditation or yoga, which can greatly reduce stress and bring a world of mental clarity.

Empowered to Make Positive Changes

Simply put, Rebuild Your Life month is about empowering people to make positive changes that can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

From Steve Jobs to Walt Disney to Martha Stewart to Butch O’Hare, we have plenty of real-life examples of people who have rebuilt their lives and found fulfillment. When you believe in your dreams and follow what makes you happy, you can rebuild your life.

Family Bond: 3 Key Elements to Strengthen Relationships

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My family has been my greatest source of strength and inspiration. From my parents, who instilled the values of integrity and resilience in me, to my loving spouse, children, and grandchildren, who continually remind me of the importance of balance and connection, every member of my growing family has played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today.

In May, we recognize Family Wellness Month, an initiative that highlights the importance of family health and unity.

Families form the bedrock of our society, and their health is paramount to our collective future. It’s through the lens of my own experiences, from the invaluable lessons learned at the side of my parents, the shared growth with my spouse, and the joys and challenges of raising children, that I’ve come to appreciate the profound impact of family on a person’s well-being.

Strengthen Family Bonds

I recommend three things to strengthen these important bonds:

  1. Connect
  2. Set a family health goal
  3. Communicate regularly

Connect

As we put down our devices and connect with family members, we improve relations with those who have supported us all along.

Set a Health Goal

When we share a health goal, such as exercise or better eating, we unite with a sense of teamwork.

Communicate

And when we work to communicate regularly, we strengthen each other along life’s journey.

My reflections on family wellness are not confined to my personal sphere. They extend into my professional realm at USANA, which embraces a mission to create The Healthiest Family on Earth.

At USANA, we see ourselves as one big family, united in our mission to promote health around the globe. Our work is more than just business; it’s a passion fueled by the belief in making positive changes.

Sharing our stories and core values can inspire others to recognize the value of these important bonds.

As we come together to celebrate Family Wellness Month, let’s remember that our efforts today will pave the way for a healthier, more vibrant future. Together, as families and as a community, we have the power to create a healthier, happier future for ourselves and our loved ones.

I originally shared these thoughts in a news release published on May 3, 2024. All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, available on Amazon, uncovers 12 principles for living a life in harmony. It draws on the power of values to help find life’s success secrets. All proceeds feed hungry children, with each book purchase providing 40 meals.

5 Ways to Cultivate a Growth Mindset

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

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

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

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

Develop a Growth Mindset

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Start Something!

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

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

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

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

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

Friendship Focus: 3 Benefits of In-Person Contact

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

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

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

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

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

Building on Friendship: In-Person Contact

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

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

Bringing people together builds relationships more effectively than anything else.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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