Tag Archive for: news release

8 Steps to Restore Corporate Culture

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With the COVID-19 pandemic having eroded corporate culture and upended the rhythm of coworkers’ connections, restoring corporate culture may be difficult.

Inspired by Peter Drucker’s quote, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” I’m convinced that restoring culture is key to bringing our companies back from the pandemic. Aligning personal values with your employer’s culture brings a peaceful sense of harmony and strengthens teams.

Corporate Culture: 8 Steps for Success

  1. Celebrate with Co-Workers: Transitioning to hybrid work is the perfect time to celebrate reuniting with the team that achieved success together during the pandemic. Deepening those relationships at company and personal events can reinforce the sense of team and harmony.
  2. Give Back to the Community: Every great company I know has a robust community outreach program. This service provides opportunities to forget about yourself and to help others. When you’re doing this with coworkers, you’ll see an inner source of accomplishment and gratitude for how you can make a difference and lift others.
  3. Focus on Strengths: Pay attention to the things you do well. Then build on that footing to reach higher and grow personally and as a company.
  4. Face Challenges Head On: When challenges arise, stand up, be strong, and meet your troubles head-on. You can conquer just about anything if you’ll just face it.
  5. Communicate Openly: Nothing beats speaking directly and respectfully. When we can feel safe about sharing and receiving direct communication, we grow exponentially.
  6. Give Praise: Generously acknowledge the talents and achievements of colleagues. A genuine thank-you energizes colleagues who work hard to bring success to projects.
  7. Seek Input From Others: It’s important to build consensus and to seek feedback to involve others when making important decisions. When we seek input in safe conversations, others will be more likely to support projects they have helped develop. More importantly, they’ll feel valued and recognized.
  8. Keep Learning and Growing: I have spent hours at home learning to play guitar and honing my skills. Although I love music and love to play, it has been hard work. However, the years of hard work have paid off.

I believe Implementing these steps will help restore corporate culture and build stronger teams going forward.

Ask Kevin: How Does USANA Maintain its Strong Corporate Culture?

Here’s an answer to a question I received on social media. If you’re unable to view the video below, please watch it on my YouTube channel.

I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on June 1, 2022.

5 Steps to Lead a More Balanced Life

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Leading a balanced life, I believe, is critical to overall health and well-being. In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, I shared five steps to increase harmony and balance in our lives.

Surveys show that pandemic-induced anxiety and depression levels increased by 25 percent globally in 2021. It’s vital that we support mental health.

Some mental health aspects are highly vulnerable to environmental influences. The pandemic has certainly levied an unprecedented effect on workers. I’ve adopted five practices that consistently bring a more balanced approach to function at higher levels.

???? Listen: Also in May, I visited with Kelly & Company to talk about “Five steps for improved outcomes during National Mental Health Month.”

5 Steps to a Balanced Life

1. Maintain social support

Even in today’s hybrid working environment, staying connected to a network of people, groups, and organizations that are supportive and fun is key to good mental health. This includes friends, neighbors, volunteer opportunities, church, book clubs, support groups, community events, and extended family members.

2. Find an enjoyable hobby

I’ve been fortunate to perform with country star Collin Raye’s band, playing at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and sharing the stage with Brooks and Dunn, Keith Urban, Diamond Rio, and many others. Not only is music my passion, but I’ve found it’s a necessary outlet for mental balance, and that people benefit by doing hobbies they love.

3. Eat nutritious foods

Experts agree eating plenty of vegetables and fruit, with lean protein and moderate carbohydrates is ideal for most people. Because health begins at the cellular level, good intake naturally results in a good output.

4. Manage demands of the day effectively

Leading a global company can bring high levels of nonstop stress. In my quest to live a life in harmony, a habit of setting clear priorities in the greater context is one secret to regulate personal energy, cope with stress and avoid a multitude of problems.

5. Exercise regularly—and know when to rest

Exercise, as we know, is important for good health. But relaxation and adequate sleep are as important for stress management and overall mental health. Each person must identify their personal sleep needs but getting seven to eight hours of sleep has greatly improved my ability to handle daily challenges.

I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on May 2, 2022.

What Two Beatles Taught Me About Love and Respect

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April 2 is national “Love Our Children Day” in the United States. And it’s a perfect reminder to show love and respect to everyone we encounter from adults to children.

Ringo Starr, one of my lifelong idols, is one of the most gracious celebrities I have ever met.

A few years ago, I was backstage before a Ringo Starr concert with a group of fans waiting to meet the world-famous Beatles drummer.

Other fans were nervous, and the lady next to me was hyperventilating because she was about to meet an idol—one of the Beatles. When Ringo arrived, I was first in line, and he smiled, gave me a big hug, and talked to me while looking directly at me. He focused on me and made me feel loved and respected, like I was important. That is a feeling I will never forget.

Years earlier, I saw Paul McCartney on stage for a pre-concert soundcheck and noticed that Paul approached every band and crew member. He hugged them and asked how they were.

I could tell Paul knew them personally and cared about them. Those acts of love and kindness by two of the world’s most famous musicians give a remarkable lesson for us all. In this day when so much is in turmoil, we need to show love and respect for others around us.

Love, Relationships

In All the Right Reasons, I write about what I call The Dorothy Principle. In essence, it puts relationships at the top of the priority list.

People have told me the Dorothy Principle has made an instant impact on their lives. I learned long ago that treating others with the utmost respect and kindness is a key to success and makes life more harmonious for everyone.

To illustrate the Dorothy Principle:

On a pop quiz, a college professor asked: ‘What is the name of the woman who cleans this building?’ and emphasized that nothing is more important than relationships.

The class was blank but soon learned the cleaning lady’s name was Dorothy. So I have dubbed that value the Dorothy Principle and have tried to put relationships first in everything I do.

I apply the same principle as Chairman and CEO at USANA Health Sciences.

I urge all of our Associates domestically and internationally to treat others politely with kindness. Learn their names, acknowledge them as you pass by, and step outside of your own issues to be genuinely respectful to everyone.

I believe those simple patterns of behavior can make us all more civil and lift each other to higher levels of harmony in life.

I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on March 31, 2022.

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

4 Steps to Get Motivated & Achieve More

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

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

Get Motivated to Achieve More | Kevin Guest

1. Get Motivated: Find an Activity That Energizes You

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

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

2. Get Started Early in the Day

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

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

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

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

3. Break Goals Into Attainable Steps

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

4. Nothing Changes Until Your Behavior Changes

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

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

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

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

Greater Harmony Leads to Increased Productivity, Happiness

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Life in Harmony

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take the Stairs: 3 Surprising Benefits

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

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

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

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

3 Surprising Benefits of Taking the Stairs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Day to Take the Stairs

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

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

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

4 Ways to Enhance Your Career in 2022

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

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

4 Ways to Improve Your Career

1. Prioritize Networking

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

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

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

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

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

2. Keep Your Skills Up to Date

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

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

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

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

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

3. Increase Visibility in Your Industry

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

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

4. Apply for Awards

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

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

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

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

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

Use Power of Gratitude to Overcome Challenges

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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,

5 Ways to Express Gratitude1. 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.

Job Action Day: 5 Points to Help Improve Your Career

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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

Job Action Day 1080x1920 (Instagram Story)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.

World Mental Health Day: 6 Actions to Maintain Balance During Pandemic

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Recently, on Oct. 10, we observed World Mental Health Day. As you know, self-care became top-of-mind for me over the last several months. As the world focused on mental health, I shared six key actions I believe can help bring balance during the ongoing pandemic.

Some thought the pandemic wouldn’t last this long. Others are predicting it will last until 2025. Regardless, we need even more self-care to make it through, to ascend higher, and to help others.

Six Actions to Benefit Mental Health

  1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
  2. Nourish Your Body
  3. Exercise Regularly
  4. Limit Screen Time
  5. Engage with Others (and the World Around You)
  6. Explore Nature

Getting 7-9 hours of sleep each day, listening to your body on timing to eat nutritious food, and dedicating yourself to regular exercise are the first areas of focus for self-care. These actions, I believe, will bring a noticeable sense of balance and harmony.

The next three action items place the focus squarely on ourselves. Studies show we spend an average of 4.2 hours per day in apps. The screen time works counter to finding personal balance and calmness.

Nearly everyone is suffering from fatigue with endless virtual meetings that fill our days and devices that pull us into our screens for hours on end. It’s important to unplug, minimize screen time, be more mindful of how long we’re on devices, and look up to engage with other people, nature, and things around us.

If a person feels anxiety over device separation, it’s important to talk to someone. Whether it’s a professional therapist or trusted friends, they can help us see a new perspective and rekindle healthy hobbies, such as a walk outdoors.

I learned firsthand growing up in Montana that spending time in nature is therapeutic. It’s obvious we are natural beings and while in such surroundings, we can almost feel ourselves uniting with nature. Look at this step as an escape, even for an hour, to fields and mountains, which can enrich our soul and quickly bring back balance and harmony.

Simple acts like these get us away from the crowds and allow us to spend solitude time to think and take personal inventory. That level of solitude time will likely become your favorite time of the week.

Learn More

Designed to help others find balance, my book, All the Right Reasons, reveals 12 principles for living a life in harmony. All proceeds benefit The USANA Foundation.

World Mental Health Day, first recognized in 1992, is an international day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma. It’s led by the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members in more than 150 countries.

I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on Oct. 10, 2021.