Homework for those seeking an EDGE

Edge-seekers are typically a dedicated and no BS crew so I will keep it direct and simple.   Before I continue I want you to know that I have used this concept over and over and with great success! I used it to procure a 4.0 in graduate school studying Economics graduating with a Masters of Science from The University of Georgia; I used it to become a Certified Personal Trainer while working full time; I used it build my Personal Training Center that was voted “Best in Lawrenceville” and I have used it to build my nutrition consulting business, which is recognized as the top less than 2% of our company.  It’s not my concept, it’s one I learned from one of the more revered personal success resources on the planet - Stephen Covey.  It requires you learning 2 terms and then identifying your time as one or the other and comparing that to how you actually want your time allocated.  SIMPLE, and FAST, and most importantly for you - EFFECTIVE.

THE VERY BEST PART is that it is less work, more fun, and you are so much more productive you begin to see results right away and your mood lifts as the weight of the world begins to lift off your shoulders.

So lets begin.

Everything you do all day long is PRODUCTION, or “P.”  The things you do that make you a better producer are called PRODUCTION CAPABILITY, or “PC.”  So, in another example, say you have a cherry tree to chop down, and you have an ax and only 8 hours to do it.  If you swing that ax for 8 hours it will be dull, worn-out and very ineffective at chopping down that tree, and whats more, YOU WILL BE WORN OUT!  This is where most people are.  They are no strangers to hard work, but they are just worn-out and have no idea how they could do 1 more thing, so they figure their ability to produce any more has reached its limit.  If anything, they feel their issue is they are too lazy to work harder and that is NOT. THE. CASE.

In the example the ax’s sharpness is PC.  If we spent 7 hours meticulously sharpening that ax, we could chop that tree down in 1 hour flat.  We would still reach our goal but we would preserve the ax and our own energy.  So this is a step by step guide on how to sharpen your ax.  Or in other words, take care of the Goose that is laying the golden eggs, YOU.  Taking care of YOU is PC.  You want most of your time to be spent on PC, or, on sharpening your ax.  So the homework assignment that can help you RIGHT NOW is to look at tomorrows schedule, or even the rest of the week.  

Take a green highlighter or marker and mark all the things that fall into PC:

1. Read a book every day.
2. Eat nutrition foods and focus on nutrition that fills the gaps.
3. Have a deep conversation with someone you find interesting. Sharpen your axe through that interaction.
4. PLAN.  That planning is often the most valuable thing you do!
5. Turn your car into a rolling schoolhouse.  Use it to increase a skill or personally develop.
6. Overcome a specific fear you have or quit a bad habit.
7. Have a daily exercise routine or take part in some competition.
8. Engage in leisure activities that fill you up, like family or meditation, or a favorite hobby, not distraction activities that are tools of procrastination (the difference is how you feel when you are done!)
9. Ask for feedback and get a mentor.
10. Learn from people who inspire you.

The “P” activates are the sales, the emails, the calls, the tasks (you know, the never-ending stuff).

I am honored and excited that you asked for this.  So take your upcoming schedule and look for any activity that increases your PC, or shapes your ax making your better at what you are looking to do.  Mark them in green.  Green means GO!  Then take an orange marker and mark all the P activities that need to be done.  Compare the colors.  Are you all orange and no green?  

Make an effort to organize your life so that you are in the green 20-50% of your day.  Watch out for time stealers like ringing phones, text messages from others that aren’t serving your purpose in that moment, and social media or gaming or TV that isn’t planned leisure to refill your cup.  

Its time to INVEST IN YOU.  Please reach back and let me know how this exercise helped you and I will celebrate with you !!!

Anna Smith

annathetrainer@me.com

annasmithnutritionadvocate.com

Influence and Example, Leaders and Teachers

John Maxwell, who I think of as The Godfather of Leadership says leadership is influence and nothing more.  I agree because he is smarter than me but that got me thinking.   Its pretty commonly held that leadership and being a boss are different yet when people ask "How do I become a better leader?" there is something amiss in the question.

If we dig deeper, it's often because they want people to follow them, or more specifically, do to certain things.  So its more like "How can I better get person(s) A to do behavior B?" Whether this is a home environment (parenting) or a work environment (being a boss, manager, owner, etc) that is often the problem needing a solution.

So isn't the real question, how do I get people to do what I want them to do?

That goes back to an off shoot of what I was getting at in yesterday's post.  A big part of leading others is going to go back to leading yourself.  In other words...Are you taking care of the goose, and is the goose doing the things it wants others to do?  In that sense, I think my official stance is that leadership is influence AND EXAMPLE or maybe BY EXAMPLE.

So that brought me to think, leadership boils down to YOU.  What are you doing?  If there is something you seek from others.  Leadership is doing that thing.

In my profession, I am called a leader but what I am really more gifted at is teaching.  So I can lead by teaching sometimes and by serving the needs of others but the "by example" is needing some attention.

Helping others do something is teaching or serving.  Leading others is doing it first. Two (not totally) separate things that I feel get confused all the time.  I have actually known some great teachers who were not the greatest of leaders and sometimes they had more followers than the leaders.

And I've know great leaders who are not gifted teachers and their followers were different.  

But if you find someone who can lead (through influence by example) and ALSO teach?  Well, then you have the answer to that original question. 

That person is leading well because they are able to lead themselves first or they wouldn't be setting an example, they'd be teaching from the sidelines. 

That makes me think of out of shape football coaches who are NOT leading their players by example on the field but are STILL great leaders and teachers.  They teach football.  But they often lead in the areas of discipline, mentality, character and other areas that serve that team.

I would love to know how leading your self better (aka taking care of the goose that lays the golden eggs) would help you lead others better in your life.  I learn so much from your responses!

By the way, had 300 readers yesterday when I posted.  I appreciate that!

Best,
Anna

You are The Goose

Today was a landmark day for me and believe it or not it was for you too!  Its no mistake you are here reading this and it is no mistake what I am writing about will speak to you.  We are at a pivotal point in our country and NOW is the time for those who have an idea, or a 'next level' or something they know they should do, TO DO IT.   

There are world-changers out there with a fire to do great things and I believe if you are reading this you are one of them.  And to do your great thing, you have to be a GREAT YOU.

The only way for you to be as sharp as you need to be and give what you need to give is to get your personal house in order. There is no other way!  And the real kicker is NOBODY can do what you were put here to do.  And you know it.  

So in the parable about the goose who laid the golden egg, the moral of the story is usually greed.  I believe there is another moral and its that you are reading this because your have a golden egg to produce. Whether that is a business to start or grow, or a family to start or grow or an education to start or grow, you have something to produce and that is YOUR golden egg.

In the story, the farmer's wife kills the goose to get ALL the golden eggs at once.  Most high performers do a version of this with the schedule they keep, and the way they treat the goose, THEMSELVES.  If you had a goose that laid golden eggs, would you not feed it the best food in town and make sure it had ALL the nutrients?  Would you not monitor its sleep and make sure it wasn't over stressed and it had the right exercise to be its most healthy to live a long time?  OF COURSE YOU WOULD!

A tired malnourished stressed out goose is what we accept for ourselves, and my purpose today is to inspire you to take at least 1 step in the direction of taking better care of YOU, so that you can begin to feel like doing what you need to do.  EMAIL ME RIGHT NOW at annathetrainer@me.com for a step by step guide to what you can do today, starting with your calendar to determine where and how you can make a few small changes that make all the difference.  Is shared these tips today in my talk to a group of entrepreneurs on this same topic and they were putting into action this afternoon!  I can help you too!

EMAIL ME NOW!.  Just write Goose in the subject line and I will shoot you over your 4 PAGE GUIDE  totally for free if you promise to share with me how it worked for you!

High Protein Cheesecake

High Protein Cheesecake!

When I first started to understand the power of nutrition and its effects on my energy, focus and hello, BODY! the first thing I loved discovering was how to get more of those famous "lean complete proteins" in and how to make them taste great. 

I noticed cottage cheese on the list and have read of the BCAA (branch chain amino acid) profile but I just could not stomach the lumps.  

Learning what happens when you put cottage cheese into a blender might be my favorite thing I've ever learned!  Its creamy cheese, and cheese is one of my favorites!  The high fat version is not exactly the best option because in order to get that protein you are looking for, you have high fat content and that might blow your calories intake.   The fat free version is a little...um, chalky is the best way to describe it.  Its not as tasty but it blends ok.  If you are on a strict plan this is the option.  If your goal is to be lean AND HAPPY...choose 2% and you'll be AMAZED at how great this is!

The protein powder I choose is AdvoCare Muscle Gain.  It has the full profile of amino acids and 25 grams of protein with 4 carbs and ZERO FILLERS.  Developed to be pure enough for tube feeding.  Order from www.annasmith.store or email me at annathetrainer@me.com with any questions!  Definitely let me know how this recipe turned out for you.

#ADVOLIFE CHEESECAKE

1/2 Big container fat free cottage cheese
2 scoops AdvoCare Muscle Gain (choose flavor-van or choc)
1 package fat free sugar free jello pudding mix (choose flavor)
Dump all of that in a blender and had about a half cup of unsweet vanilla almond milk (less carbs) or milk (more carbs) or even cream (if you are looking for fats)
Blend until totally smooth….then taste it….if you need a little sweetener, add 1 or 2 packets of your favorite calorie free sweetener)
Chill in fridge until pudding.
The whole thing is a serving of protein and a few carbs…ITS AWESOME!

(I like cheesecake with vanilla MG and chocolate with chocolate MG and butterscotch with chocolateMG)

The "H" WORD...HORMONES

When it comes to health, hormones and gut bacteria have a much bigger impact than many people realize. If you doubt the very real power of hormones to affect everything from mood, to weight, to bowel health, ask the nearest pregnant woman OR PRETEENAGE GIRL if she’s noticed any difference in these areas since ... but better do it at a distance :)

What factor contributes to weight gain during pregnancy? Hormone balance.

What causes weight fluctuations, bloating and other health symptoms during 

that time of the month?  HORMONES? 

What causes men to naturally put on muscle more easily or lose weight 

more quickly? Hormones.

What is a huge contributing factor of growth in children? Hormones.

What controls ovulation, reproduction, pregnancy, etc? Hormones.

Yes, when it comes to losing weight or improving health, what do we focus on? Calories… or micronutrients… or diets. Those with symptoms like fatigue, skin issues, weight gain, weight around the middle, trouble sleeping, always sleeping, PMS, endometriosis, infertility, PCOS or other issues may find that addressing hormones is vital for recovery.

So whats a hormone?  Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. They travel in your bloodstream to tissues and organs. They work slowly, over time, and affect many different processes, including metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, mood and much more.

Endocrine glands, which are special groups of cells, make hormones. The major endocrine glands are the pituitary, pineal, thymus, thyroid, adrenal glands and pancreas. In addition, men produce hormones in their testes and women produce them in their ovaries. 

If you are among the THOUSANDS of people I know who have started exercising and eating well (or at least a heckuva lot better) and have not seen improvement in weight, energy or other health markers, then read on.  This may hit a nerve and you may discover you have an underlying problem with hormone balance.

The body has a complex system of hormones, and they ALL fluctuate throught the day contrnuting to the syptoms and results you are experiencing. To name a few:

•  estrogen, 
• progesterone, 
• cortisol, 
• oxytocin, 
• leptin, 
• ghrelin, 
• thyroid hormones, 
• melatonin, 
• serotonin 

Most people have heard of all or some of those. 

Below is just a list of basic behaviors that will impact your hormones in a positive way putting closer to the drivers seat of your heath if balancing your hormones is a priority of yours.

I've highlighted the really easy steps in red for those who don't want to read all the whys and hows, and just want to skim and find out what to do!

Nothing here is hard to do or expensive.  the actions below are also nothing ground breaking but some things I've found across many many highly reputable sources as I've read through the years and wanted to share as sort of a primer just to help those that may not want to spend all of that time reading.

Also, now that Im 43, I am also my very own lab rat and have found these things to be true 100% of the time in the real world.

So again, feel free to fact check anything although nothing here is controversial.  Just the basics so you can identify any next steps for your own journey.

1. Limit the Caffeine

Its hould be no secret that too much caffeine can wreak havoc on the endocrine system, especially if there are other hormone stressors involved, like pregnancy, presence of toxins, beneficial fat imbalance or stress.

But don't stop reading because ya girl is a self professed caffeine advocate!  Theres hope for all of us LOL.

Cut down the caffeine if you can, or replace with beneficial herbal teas or other warm drinks that mimic the feel of coffee if that is your jam.  If sodas are your jam, we may need to talk, but there are ways to get the sweet bubbles without the caffeine at least once a day.   Sometimes just a small effort leads to HUGE results, so replace 1 caffeinated beverage with a similar drink at least one a day -  especially if you add the other hints here and the cummulative effect is what matters.

2.  Eat Enough Healthy Fats

 The fat content of the human body is largely saturated fat, with only about 3% of the body’s fat coming from other types.

The 3% of the body made up of polyunsaturated fats contains both Omega-3 fats and Omega-6 fats in about a 50:50 balance. This ratio is extremely important for health, and it is often ignored. 

Seed based vegetable oils (like canola oil, soybean oil, etc.) are very high in Omega-6 fats and low in Omega-3 fats. 

Omega-6 fats are widely regarded as INFLAMMATORY.  EEEEEEK.  Omega-3 fats are ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, so it matters and its easy to change. 

And check this out.  OMEGA-3 fats are vital for proper cell function and especially for hormone function, as these are literally the building blocks for hormone production. Emerging evidence suggests that that this inflammation can occur in arterial cells (potentially increasing the chance of clogged arteries), skin cells (leading to skin mutations) and reproductive cells (which may be connected to PCOS and other hormone problems).

In addition, Omega-3's through a complex system including stess relief and balancing hormones aid the body in weight loss.

Quality sources of fats include avocados, animal fats, olive oil, grass fed meats, pastured eggs, and raw dairy (for those who tolerate it). Quality seafood is also very important, as it is nature’s best source of naturally occurring Omega-3s.

Bottom line: Don’t eat fats like vegetable oil, peanut oil, canola oil, soybean oil, margarine, shortening, or other chemically altered fats. Choose fats like coconut oil, real butter, olive oil, and eat lots of high Omega-3 fish.  Or supplement from a reputable brand - I am a huge fan and have seen awesome results with a brand used my Olympians and professional athletes.  Its clean,pure and not expensive and the best I have found and I see now the huge impact its making on my hormones with the onset of some huge hormone changes that came on in the last 2 years.  

3. Avoid Harmful Chemicals

Harmful chemicals found in pesticides, plastics, household cleaners, and even mattresses can contain hormone disrupting chemicals that mimic hormones in the body and keep the body from producing real hormones. Things like hormonal birth control can (obviously) do the same thing.

For those with a hormone imbalance or who are struggling to get pregnant, avoiding these unnecessary chemicals is worth your attention I feel. Cook in glass or non-coated metal pans (no non-stick or teflon) and avoid heating or storing foods in plastic. Find organic produce and meat whenever possible and don’t use chemical pesticides or cleaners. 

4. Prioritize Sleep

Before you start talking about why this is hard for you just know know this is either really hard or really easy for most.  So if you're a sleepy head, skip this one. Without adequate sleep, hormones will not be in balance. Period. 

While you’re sleeping, your body is extremely active recharging the mind, and creating hormones. Skimping on sleep, even for one night, can have a tremendous impact on hormones and even one night of missed or shortened sleep can create negative hormone levels.

Try some of these tips to help improve sleep:

• Improve your sleep environment by removing artificial light, optimizing temperature and sound, and other stimuli. (everyone reads it but who does it!!? LOL)
• Create a daily routine to help support your natural circadian rhythms. Wake up and go to bed at the same time, even on weekends to keep your hormone cycle regular.
• Eat a high protein/high fat snack a few hours before bed (7pm or earlier) or consume a lot at dinner. If you have trouble falling asleep, try a non addictive supplement or see a professional.  I use one that I love because while Melatonin knocks me out, I wake up hung over most of the day and need caffeine to feel good (see above!) so this one is gentle, effective, and I wake up ready to KILL IT!
• Drink enough water during the day and stop drinking about 2 hours before bed so you don’t have to wake up to use the bathroom.  I think this is brilliant!
• Take a soothing salt bath about an hour before bed with some relaxing music or a great book.  Fat chance for some but again, imagine this just here and there plus taking your Omega-3's and replacing 1 drink with decaf.  THe effects would be RADICAL but the changes small!
• Pray, meditate or find a way to reduce stress.  I would love comments here if you would like me to convince you that if you don't have a stress relief plan you are not living in reality.  

5. Supplement Wisely

Unfortunately, we live in a world where stress is guaranteed, the food supply is often depleted of nutrients due to over-farming, the water is often contaminated with chemicals, and even the air can contain compounds that cause havoc in the body.

Ideally, we could get all of our nutrients from food, properly hydrate from water, and get enough Vitamin D from the sun on a daily basis. We’d get magnesium from the ocean and not get deficient in the first place since we’d be consuming adequate minerals from eating fresh seafood. Since this is rarely the case, supplements can sometimes be needed! I’ve shared the basic supplements that I take before, but certain supplements are especially helpful for hormone balance.

NOTE: Make sure to check with your doctor or health care professional before taking any new supplements, especially if you are on medications or contraceptives.

Maca– A hormone boosting tuber in the radish family with a long history of use in Peru. Women who use this often see improvements in fertility, reduction in PMS and better skin/hair. It can help men with sperm production, testosterone levels and muscle composition. Maca is a good source of minerals and essential fatty acids, which is one of the ways it supports hormone balance. It is available in powder form (least expensive option) or in capsules. Maca should be discontinued during pregnancy.

Magnesium– Magnesium is vital for hundreds of functions within the human body and many of us are deficient in this master mineral (here’s how to tell if you are). There are several different ways to get Magnesium: In powder form with a product like Natural Calm so that you can vary your dose and work up slowly, ionic liquid form can be added to food and drinks and dose can be worked up slowly,or transdermal form by using Magnesium oil applied to the skin (this is my favorite method). Topical application is often the most effective option for those with a damaged digestive tract or severe deficiency.

Vitamin D & Omega-3s– A pre-hormone is supportive of hormone function. 

Gelatin or Collagen- a great source of minerals and necessary amino acids. Gelatin and collagen powders support hormone production and digestive health in various ways. Gelatin powder can actually “gel” and is useful in recipes like homemade jello and probiotic marshmallows, while collagen protein does not gel but is easily added to soups, smoothies, coffee, tea or any other food. 

6. Exercise The Right Way

For those with hormone imbalance, intense extended exercise can actually make the problem worse in the short term. Sleep is much more important, at least during the balancing phase, so focusing on relaxing exercises like walking or swimming and avoiding the extended running, cardio, and exercise videos, can help the body in the short term.

While extended cardio can be bad, short bursts of heavy lifting (kettlebells, deadlifts, squats, lunges) can be beneficial since they trigger a cascade of beneficial hormone reactions. Im here for anyone who needs help!

7. Consider Adding Herbs

Certain herbs and plants can also help the body bring hormones into balance. Of course, it is important to talk to a doctor before taking these, especially if a person is on hormonal contraceptives or other medications. 

Adaptogens are my favorite and I recommend starting one asap just because I've used them with such great success- Herbs that help the body handle stress and support the adrenals. They are a great and natural way to work toward hormone balance for many people. 

8. Support Digestive Health

The digestive system has much more of an impact on hormones than many of us realize. Not only is the digestive tract the source of many vital neurotransmitters in the body, but an imbalance in the gut can translate to an imbalance in neurotransmitter and hormones. Serotonin, a necessary neurotransmitter for sleep/stress balance is more concentrated in the gut than even in the brain! 70% of the immune system is found in the gut and it is quite literally the motherboard of many functions in the body. Even thyroid health has been linked to gut health.

What Hippocrates knew thousands of years ago seems just as true today… that “all disease begins in the gut.” Those who struggle with gut problems may have trouble ever achieving hormone balance without first addressing gut health. A probiotic and prebiotics and fiber are the areas needing attention.  I have a simple 10 day program I do every 3 months that changed my sleep and energy as well as my bathroom habits and a daily probiotic that I trust.  No more fiber cereal and bloating for me.

9. Fix Your Leptin

Leptin is a master hormone, and if it is out of balance or if you are resistant to it, no other hormones will balance well. Fixing leptin will also help boost fertility, make weight loss easier, improve sleep, and lower inflammation.  Taking at least one small step in each of the suggestions above are the most widely recognized way to fix your leptin that I've seen.  Focusing on an anti inflamatory and higher protein and fat diet are also recommended!  

Good luck hormone warriors!  

Looking forward to your questions!

Q2 Personal Development Plan Recap

I tried to want to be interested in that chick who writes the "Badass at this or that" books but I just can't.

So Tony [I've read and listened to so much Tony Robbins I just call him Tony now] recommends a "personal development plan"... now I love me some personal development and I love me some planning, so Im kind of mentally sketching one out today.  Sidebar: I think Personal Development AKA PD and planning for that matter is more of a hobby for me that it should be, a SPORT if you will.  Like a professional student who loves to go learn vs the person who goes to school to learn and then thats a means to an end... But hey there are worse things to do for fun.

There is a problem with this - I firmly believe that we go through times where PD is pivotal and of infinite value and times where we are investing in all the wrong things.  Like, its a law that you don't usually read the stuff that you need, rather the stuff that supports what you already think.  And are usually thinking about "that person who so needs to read this" instead of seeking opposing views to things that challenge our current thinking.

The other unavoidable issue is that "at the end of the day" (overused phrase intended)...ITS ALL THE SAME.  Blahblahblahblahblah *Dracula voice

Well, mostly.  So like most of us, I am jaded and I am somewhere between giving up all PD and  looking for something different, something REAL.  Yet, I am not sure why because if I did what I already knew, I'd go where I wanted to go.  That is why I think Im just addicted/interested/drawn the the learning part of it.

So for those who might not love PD as a sport but would like to have some guidance for your own plan or are just curious about what others are doing sometimes here you go:

I *AM* actually interested in Mel Robbins and her 5 second rule, as well as Michelle Myers and She works His Way stuff.  I plan to order both the 5 second books, etc and the planner as well as the SwHw stuff today.  I am a planner junkie as well.  Again there is a law of diminishing returns for all this PD and planning and Im pretty sure Im well on the pot of gold side of that rainbow but I digress.

If you look up law of diminishing returns you will see what I am saying and why that is NOT impressive at all....but for what its worth here are my summary thoughts on those of those resource at this point and my plan going forward.

Mel Robbins thoughts - a lot of the same stuff as everything else but her particular approach to solving the issues of procrastination, feeling stuck, and those things are so in fact so real and not usually talked about is refreshing.... and her "talking to a bartender not a self help talking head" sale is super effective I think.  And I agree that there is a gut feeling and an attached action that will change everything for a person but I also want to read more into her take on the discernment of what is the wisdom of your gut and what is acting on every impulse you have...because there is a life-changing difference for someone who is ready to put the 5 second rule into practice.

The other thing interesting me is Michelle Myers and she works His way.  Mostly because Im slowly crossing my personal bridge between thinking seeking success and money and things and experiences  is somehow wrong to the other side where those are the rewards for a life well lived and a "right life" if that makes any sense.  And her work is squarely centered in that arena.

So for the rest of this quarter I my "plan" is to read the products of these 2 women and apply their systems and use what is useful and discard the rest.

If you let me know your thoughts and live of interest promise to keep everyone posted!

How to use your stubbornness to get anything you want...

Something in my heart told me to write this today. 

This will be worth the read for the population of people who are in the midst of building something in their lives. How many of you are in the midst of building SOMETHING in your life?

An identity? A career? A desk for your kid? A community club? A body? A home or household? A financial portfolio? Relationships? A travel schedule? A brand? A set of beliefs on life, the world and your Fatih? That is right - we all are!

The same stubbornness that protects our fragile, sometimes whiny, sometimes deafening EGO can be channeled for incredibly positive, productive and rewarding things we can't get out of our minds but haven't done yet. It can be used to give you the no-quit grit you need to chase a dream, a goal, or even solve a problem you just can't let go.

I am sitting here in the sun, but under an umbrella, and the cross-wind is divine. Not a beach anywhere near here is as relaxing as my back deck right now with dogs laying directly on my feet, after a blissful yoga session in the sun, my very favorite music blasting from my keyboard, and an easy and fun list of things to do to capture growing opportunities in front of me to have fun work that matters for me to feel proud and accomplished tonight - including an amazing dinner and evening playing electronics free with my family and a long walk with the dogs with my hubby this afternoon.

Sound like Im bragging?

I am. But not on myself. I am bragging on the concept and seed and harvest. Not the trite one you think you know. Or that I thought I knew. This day was created by an obsessive like zeal aimed at one thing. And this was part of it but I thought it would get in by a totally different vehicle, so I poured myself wholly into my goal. For 15 years I invested in learning about fitness, exercise, nutrition, physiology, and then marketing, sales, leadership and financial stewardship. It started with reading all the pop culture, magazines and websites, investing $1,000s outside my expensive and thorough certification to read every angle, every opinion and learn from all who came before me in all kinds of fields from bodybuilding, to yoga to crossfit to everything in between. With ZERO guarantee it would pay off or lead to any kind of life I would want to lead. 

I don't mean read it an then stopped (as I have now) ...I mean total full time fitness researching, testing on self-and-others-obsessed-nerd. Always with a stack of stuff to read, to study, and continuously investing my time, heart, money and energy into this foray. I was just hungry for it. Hungry to feel like this former fat girl could really know her stuff and bring massive value to those depending on me (See greatest fear: letting others down).

So why does this apply to anyone reading? Because something significant FOR YOU has dawned on me. Those years were seeds. Because compare this to the person who does their weekend cert (kudos to them, awesome start) and then get a job, not enjoy every aspect, find there is little more work and a little less looking in the mirror and posting body selfies to begin to make a career. Maybe they struggle getting someone results, or getting clients. And they (in my opinion) QUICKLY determine this is not for them. Or fall in the trap of mediocrity. Well to that - and anyone reading - there is a solution. This is where that stubbornness comes in handy, combined with my revelation of how this can apply to so many out there on the fence about chasing something they want to build.

If you don't like the harvest, change the seed.

I mean, remember I asked how many of you are in the midst of building SOMETHING in your life?

So when we don't like the harvest early, often its, in my opinion, a matter of a lack of investment in the amount and quality seeds you are planting. This works for anything you are building.

Don't feel encouraged?
--Increase the quality and amount of encouragement you give others
Don't feel motivated?
--Increase the quality and amount of encouragement you give others.

Don't feel respected?
--Increase the quality and amount of respect you give others.
Don't like your paycheck?
--Increase the quality and amount of time and the value you are bringing to serve those paying you. Do you really connect with people and know what they need and meet that need? Or are you meeting YOUR needs with your "service?" (Doing whats easy/ the bare minimum/ feeling like a victim, etc)
Don't like your body?
--Increase the amount and quality of planning and investment of great choices you make towards caring for it. Stop putting that off. A seed never planted can't sprout.
Don't like the responses you're getting from people?
--Increase your responsiveness in quality and amount to others. Stop running and hiding.
Don't like feeling judged by others?
--Stop judging and criticizing others.

Can I help you figure out the seeds you are planting? Let me know what you're building or if this helped you in any way!

Its all in your head.
Thats all I got!
Anna :)

2017: From Defunct to De-Funked

Turns out this dog I bought, wait, no adopted since he was FREE as air, is a high energy brand of mutt.  Much like a child just when you think something will wear them out, it really doesn't faze.  I was in no way ready for anything high energy at the end of 2017, as I was defunct in many ways for sure.  

What is "defunct"?

-Did not want to be around high energy people, or have a high energy schedule or be physically high energy or mentally high energy.  

-Did not want to be in anything too high emotion either.
-Nothing affected me, music, movies, people.  I was not the same walking well of love/ fire/ conviction I used to love to be. I observed, more than experienced life. 

For someone whose main "function" is experiencing life at its highest, at its edges, in its heart...this was quite a change.

Ever been this kind of "defunct"?

I like to say the year of 2017 was the year of the cave.  I didn't leave the house much and I was kind of trying it on for size.  After years and years of striving (nod to you, Chris Stallings) I found myself wanting to see what it was like not to strive so hard.  

Maybe you've been there.  After a season of increase and where things were going great and greater, something in you just decides to retreat.

Turns out there is no such thing as winning all the time.  Turns out that even when things are AWESOME on so many levels, there is not a way to never experience the valley.  No matter who you are, how hard you work to be right, efficient, work for the right reasons and people and with them.  There will always be peaks and valleys.

Maybe you relate?

I know for me I came into life as a mom, wife, friend and business owner with a set of values and beliefs and a heart so full of love I literally was inside-out with love and a desire to serve.  It was an overflowing. My desire to help and serve and inspire POURED out of me.

But when it pours out of you onto the floor.

Or maybe you pour it to someone who didn't ask for it.

Or asked and decided it wasn't for them.

You begin to measure your pour.

Overtime  you run out of things to pour and can't seem to give anything, even when you want to.  something feels off.  

The well is dry.

And ya girl was lost.

And that was a tough pill to swallow and a tough place to be standing. 

Thankfully, it didn't last forever, and I learned the the valley was not a signal that something was wrong.  The valley is where the water is.  You just have to be patient and stay long enough to refill.

So what am I doing now?

Well I can feel the old fearlessness coming back.  I am feeling (and filling) the well again and now, with the lessons of knowing more about who I am and who people are, I can begin to pour again.

This time with my daughter in the front of the line, not the back.  This time with more wisdom.  This time, knowing more about why I love people and who I want to help and what I can do, should do, and want to do.

What does this have to do with Zeke?  Well Zeke initially charmed, and distracted me from my funk. I went from Defunct to DE-FUNKED if you know what I mean and in this season I am talking to that person who relates.  

Im aware that most people go through these seasons and don't feel the need to write about such mundane-osity on their blog that is all about, ahem, themselves.  But its about that person who resonates.  Well now its about me, that person who resonates...... and Zeke;)

But really this blog is about you.  And the encouragement I find in the story of life and wanting to share that with others so that they see what they need to see in their own life.  

I learned in that season of defunct, that I lived.  I learned that it was necessary and it was good.  It was truly good.  And I had some dear friends who saw me in this state and chose to love me through it and some that needed the invincible Anna and were more scarce.  

In my line of work, helping others be their best, its a tough spot when you are not at yours.  Its just part of the art of what I love to do.  And for over 15 years I felt in a place to truly change lives and love every second.  In that time, some of the scars received slowed me to a stop and made me look back and question doing what I did, given the cost.

So the break was perfect.  It was time to think of those things, decide what I am going to do and how I will do it smarter and with more longevity (15 years is a long time but retirement to me looks like a coffin so I needed a better plan).

It was time for me to experience a valley after such a long time feeling on top of the mountain.  I am better in all my roles, wife, Mom, daughter, family member, friend, leader, and now - Dog Mom.  

With love,

Anna (whose energy is getting higher daily) and Zeke (the high energy poster child).

How to be a "Closer"

Entrepreneurs are so different and yet so similar.  We all share one objective.  To help as many people as possible and build a reputation that draws referrals and gives us not only the satisfaction that causes but hey - passive income.  We are ALL interested in that.  But also - without fail - I've learned we are interested in building something great.  Kind of in an artist-y way.  Just because its in us to built/create, etc.

So we can be an artsy fartsy bunch.

However being a numbers type is where the rubber meets the road.  Add to that enthusiasm, a servants heart, a killer work ethic and you've got some magic.  But ----We must know our numbers and the number-focused people excel for this reason.  So - to increase results, FOR ALL OF US, our equation looks like this:

Results = (# of people reached) X (how effectively we can "Close").

                 Close = Solve their problem, not "convince" or "be a good convincer".

As an entrepreneur that is step one in solving this equation and increasing the results to the left - learned that if you don't take time to learn the problem then you can't close people and that number is ZERO.  Zero times anything (meaning it doesn't matter how many people you talk to) is ZERO.

So, you can do 2 things.
1) Increase the number of people you talk to
2) Increase your closing skills AKA Problem solving skills

I can't really help you with increasing number you talk to.  Truth is, if you want to talk to more people you will.  If you want to find warm market prompts, or ideas for getting leads you will google it and discern the best course and take action.  Nobody can make you.  Lets be honest, you can just take action with that list of people you've yet to talk to or those ideas you've yet to act on.

But lets talk about increasing the chances that those you are talking to will come along with you.  For one, stop selling benefits and features of your product.  Be real.  In my world we are in referral marketing.  Meaning we find a product we love and refer people to it because we love it and then the company compensates us for the referral and for being an advocate and helping them as much as possible.

So for us, its about telling the raw, unedited TRUTH about what we love the products and why we are using them.  And people tend to want to stay shiny.  But in reality, people are attracted more to your grit than your shine.  So if you are reading this and its the New Year and like us you are running a new year promotion... remember, don't promise the moon, or over inflate the 2018 they'll get...just be real.  First are YOU doing what you are promoting?  If so, then all you do is share why.  What would happen if you don't?  What are you looking to get?  Why do you want to bring others with you?

People can read and feel conviction and real talk.  They can trust that.  So be sure your heart is in it.  And then share your heart.  Be fearless in sharing your reality.

Especially if you are using social media.  Flyers are great but honestly its all just noise anymore.

Share whats going on with you.  Share why you are looking to make a change in 2018 and what not making that change will cost you.  Share why now.  And share the REAL reason why you want people with you.  If its the double prong purpose of you have a deep desire to lead people to be in a community and create something together and you also want to .... maybe pay off student loans?  Finance a trip, wedding, car, etc??  Share it ALL.  Your transparency, again your GRIT, is way more attractive than your shine.

And my last tip is to make no excuses to get reading.  Read what speaks to you in the areas of business, time management, purpose, spiritual and personal growth.  Never let a week go by without it.  If you are not, yet are frustrated with your business and looking for answers here or from family, friends, other mentors, colleagues, etc..  You are looking to be fed and misled.

Im here to share the truth with you.  The saying I love is "Chew whats in your cheek".  So before you get back on social media, or go distract yourself from the actionable items in this -  i challenge you to chew whats in your cheek.

-Refine and add to your list and organize it all in one place
-Call and connect and share as I suggested
-Pick your personal development book and read at least 1 chapter today.

Now is the time.  Do this TODAY.  The truth is you have the time.  Now you have the tools.

Go get em,
Anna :)