Becoming Self-Aware

One of the most important accomplishments in our lives is also the one that is least achieved. Becoming self-aware allows us to change for the better and eliminate habits that are preventing us from being successful in various aspects of our lives.

So, what is it to become self-aware?
 Like love and other strong emotions, it is difficult to fully grasp their intensity and meaning without having experienced them yourself first. Therefore, instead of attempting to answer that question, I challenge you to try it yourself.

There are several activities including yoga and meditation that allow you to become self-aware. The first thing you must become aware of is your breath and how it fills your body. Our breath is something we take for granted, and yet without it, we would be dead. Take a minute and concentrate on your breath, how even or uneven it is, where it goes in your body and how it makes you feel. Interesting, isn't it? Something we take for granted all of a sudden is so complex and multi-layered.

Learning about your breath is the first (and quite possibly the most important) step to becoming self-aware.

Preserving the Earth by Putting Our Health First

Did you realize that what is healthy for us is also healthy for the Earth?
If you just said, "Of course!", you are one of the few Americans who is conscious of it. The biggest problem is that we are not made of aware of the bad (or good) that we do to the Earth. Here are some tips on how you can help mother Earth and yourself at the same time:

1. Walk or Ride the Bike - You do not need to drive to the store that is within 15 minutes walking distance from your house. Walk or if you are short on time, ride the bike. Not only will you be saving yourself gas money and burning up some calories, you will reduce your carbon footprint.

2. Use Natural Products - Whether it is hairspray or cleaning products, using natural products is just as effective and helps keep the Earth healthier as well.

3. Eat Organic - Pesticides don't only hurt your body, but they also negatively affect the atmosphere (the air we breathe included). The more organic foods you buy, the more energetic you are likely to feel and the cleaner the air and earth will be.

Be healthy and help the Earth do the same!

Responding To The Recent Tragedies of Boston and Texas

In the recent days, several tragedies in the United States have impacted every American in some manner. The most important question is, however, how has it impacted you? That is not to say that the events have impacted you more than the families directly affected by the tragedies, however your response should be most important to you.

While the Boston tragedy has been reported as an act of terrorism, the Texas tragedy occurred due to an unfortunate, natural accident. Ask yourself, which event if any, made you upset more? Are you closer to Texas or to Boston geographically? Did you have family or close friends close to the area? How did you find out about the event and did that affect the emotions you had about it?

Analyzing your emotions about events which have not directly affected you can help you learn to analyze your emotions about events in your life, which is of course very important. Having control over your emotions is extremely important in every aspect of your life, whether personal or professional.

To anyone who has been directly affected by either tragedy, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

So You Think You Know Network Marketing?

I have recently released my newest book, "We Create Millionaires: 20 Steps to Network Marketing" to guide those in the network marketing industry to success. However, I think it's important to let those considering joining a network marketing company, or MLM as they are commonly known, as well as the skeptics understand the real value of network marketing.

I will begin by honestly saying that this is an industry that is open to anyone who is capable of communicating with another human being. While many people complicate network marketing, it really is that simple: you just have to communicate with people. The secret in being successful in any company starts with choosing the right one.

My first mistake as a new network marketer was primarily choosing the wrong company. Now, I am not saying I chose a "bad" company - I simply chose the wrong one for me. It may be perfect for you. In order to avoid influencing you, I will not name the names of the company, however I will mention their products / services.

The first company I was presented with had to do with selling coffee. (No matter what anyone tells you, EVERY network marketing company has to do with selling - that's the point!) I will be honest - I was sold on it. When people around me told me it was not the right company for me, I got a bit angry, trying to defend my choice. However, I soon had to face the facts - I just spent $1,300 on coffee and was begging people to buy it from me - wrong company for me!

The next company I was introduced to, I was more weary of due to my recent experience. However, I was definitely intrigued. I did my research on the people behind the company, signed up and have seen positive results quite quickly. Before I go any further, let me define "research". Google-ing something without paying attention to the source of information is NOT research. Reading stories of people who have invested into the company, did nothing and are now bitter is NOT research. Hearing from people that are in the company and are telling you they are successful isn't research anyway, don't get me wrong. Dig deeper, find out the foundation of the company such as the founders, their revenue, growth, compensation plan, relationships with vendors, etc. THAT is research.

Another important factor to notice is your preference of product-based companies vs. service-based. My preference is service-based simply because I see residual income from it, whereas product-based companies depend on whether your customer will purchase your product every month. However, it is up to you.

If you are a fitness-guru and have been introduced to a company that sells nutritional products that you like and have worked for you - that is probably a great company for you. (Just don't forget the research). Today, there are many companies with various products and services. You can definitely find the right one for you.