Your Winners Circle

Getting Back to the Basics from Gardening to Parenting and Everything in between

This is the tag line for an amazing website that tells the story of a family who is choosing to look for a healthier more natural way of taking care of themselves and raising their two boys.  "This is a story about change, responsibility, and above all, hope… just one family’s transformation fueled by a simple hope for a better future for themselves and their planet." says Michelle of Phoenix, Arizona.  And change it is.

Some time ago this family was featured as one of five family that competed for the most frugal family in the Valley of the Sun by the Phoenix Gazette newspaper. They did not win as their online vote count did not quite top the charts but that did not stop the Wanders family.  They began to create their own homestead and their progress, Natural Wanderings is well worth following as they venture into the world of micro farming.

Michelle, the mom of two boys left her career as a speech language pathologist to give her family the best of her in their growing years. Dave who works for an insurance company spends his off time preparing what once was a green and grassy back yard into their homestead.  The two work together and believe that God will bless this return to natural living and I believe this as well.  This is a huge undertaking but with the attention of health care nutritionists turning more to natural foods, this family is on the right track.

    

Michelle plans to share information on gardening and the raising of her new family edition...the chickens...as well as her two sons as the visions and dreams turn into reality.  She will also share the newest resources as she finds them and photos to allow you to watch the progress as well.  Success has already been had as you see her pictured beside the sunflowers they grew last season. 

 

What Does It Really Take To Become A Winner

Just recently I had the opportunity to congratulate a young lady who took a dream and made it a reality, Lisa Schrolucke.  She placed in the top ten in her first fitness competition.  I look forward to being a witness to the continued progress as she steps up the pace and moves to the next level.  But what really does it take to become a winner. 

As a professional make artist, Lisa first earned her certification in personal fitness training.  After countless weeks of training and diet, her determination to make it happen kept her on course.  When the going got rough she kept her eye on the finishline and the prize that was just beyond...realization of her dream.

 Lisa maintains Rock The Workout and in her post Success is Sweet she shares what it was like to taste the sweetness of accomplishment.  I believe that Lisa is the next up and coming expert in the field of personal fitness training especially for women. 

So what is the next level for you?  What do you have to do to get there?  An are you willing to do whatever it takes to succeed?  Those are the questions that a winner will ask continually ask as they travel down their road to success and the reality of their dream. 

After 50 Years They Are Still Performing

Just recently I had the opportunity to see a concert being performed by none other than The Four Tops and The Temptations.  And what a show it was.  The arena was full and everyone was enjoying the sounds of yesteryear and the dance moves as the two groups brought back the memories. 

 Both groups were founded in Detroit, Michigan, The Four Tops as The Four Aims with Lead singer, Levi Stubbs and groupmates Abdul "Duke" Fakir, Renaldo "Obie" Benson and Lawrence Payton. They remained together for over four decades, having gone from 1953 until 1997 without a single change in personnel. Lawrence Payton died on June 20, 1997 and the band continued with only three members using the name The Tops before Theo Peoples, who sang for The Temptations, was brought in as the new fourth member. Stubbs had a stroke in 2000 he was replaced by Ronnie McNeir and on July 1, 2005, "Obie" Benson died of lung cancer. That is when Lawrence Payton's son Roquel Payton joined the group. As of 2006, Fakir, McNeir, Payton, and Peoples are still performing together as the Four Tops. Levi Stubbs eventually died on October 17, 2008 leaving Fakir the only founding member of the original group.

The Temptations started out in 1960 as the Primes and the Elgins, then they changed their name to the Temptations around 1964. They have always featured at least five male vocalists/dancers. The group was known for their recognizable choreography, harmonies, and flashy onstage suits. They sold tens of millions of albums and are one of the most successful groups in music history.  As of 2010, the Temptations continue to perform and record for Universal Records with its only living original member, Otis Williams, still in their lineup.

At Motown's 25th Anniversary special in 1983, a singing competition was set up between the Temptations and the Four Tops and the groups poked fun at each other while alternating songs. They joined together for a medley of hits. This act proved so popular that the two groups began a "Tempts vs. Tops" tour that has gone on periodically for 20 years and has been seen by millions of their fans.

Now they did not perform together but had two separate shows the night I saw them but they both were phenominal none the less.  The Four Tops opened the evening doing many of the hits that made them famous. Even down to the dance moves. They called some of the audience to the stage and shook hands as they completed their show.  I was one of those that was up front and had the opportunity to shake the hand of each member. The story of the Four Tops is a story of group harmony, on and off the stage. And after 50 years, when fans still reach out, the Four Tops are still there.  During an interview  in January 2010, "Duke" confirmed plans for the "new" Four Tops to release a new album.    

The Temptations finished the evening doing again what they do best...sing and dance, bringing back the memories of their best known songs including "My Girl" (1965), "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" (1971) and "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" (1972),   The audience stood and dance right along with them, me included.  Again when the opportunity came to be at the stage...I was there to shake each hand of the legends that shared the stage. 

Talk about winning teams!  Can you imagine doing what you do with the same people for 50 years. And bringing joy to the hearts of millions in the process. I am sure that through the years they had their up and downs but they never quit and continue to this day. 

A Fairy Tale Wedding To Remember For Two Amazing People

Recently I wrote separately about two outstanding individuals that have found their way together to create a wedding and a life to remember.  But it did not start at the costume party they held in Colorado, although that was the magic that shone this month. The couple are winners in their own arenas as Greg Mooers is a trainer and author and Tamara Bowman is a speaker and recently released her childrens book Emerald Echo The Story. 

The wedding story began a couple months ago when   Greg and Tamara were traveling through Las Vegas and stopped of at Zappos. Yes, that's right...the shoe distributor. 

Upon my arrival to meet them I learned that I was actually there to be a part of their surprise wedding.  Elvis showed up and after a tour of the facitilies, the couple were married in the hallway under the very same bell that Greg proposed to Tamara under.  The small wedding party of myself, Robby and Denye Robbins enjoyed lunch at the Bellagio before the couple went on to Colorado.

But on July 4, 2010 Greg and Tamara tied the knot publicly in a ceramony where all the guests were to arrive dressed as their favorite Disney character.  And of course the happy couple were the King and Queen. I guess you can say this was truely a storeybook wedding.  Just before their amazing wedding ceremony, Greg and Tamara were exhibitors at Extreme Health, an event created by T Harv Eker and Peak Potentials Training in Irvine, California. The two are also  involved with Bridge2Bliss, which is an organization that hosts events, camps and known speakers and promotes living from your own heart located in Denver, Colorado. The combination of the Greg and his principles to create a rewarding career and fulfilling relationships and Tamara's experience in love, loss, ancient wisdom and humor that will no doubt will leave you with a new awareness of what is possible in your life certainly sets them apart from any one you will ever meet.   Congratulations!

When Others Come To You For Advice, Think Of It As A True Compliment

The hectic tasks during the workday tend to keep most trying to focus on their end result.  Workloads seem to be on the rise and there are less people to get the jobs done.  Then out of nowhere someone comes to ask for your advice or your expertise on something and you world and momentum comes to a screeching halt.  Your time and space have now been invaded upon.

 When others come to you for advice, think of it as a true compliment instead of an intrusion. After all, if they knew how to accomplish something and do it the right way they would not need your help or advice in the first place.  And they feel you are enough of an expert or have good enough advice to trust your input.  That in itself is a compliment.  The most successful people in the world share what they know to enhance the lives of others.  They believe in encouraging people to take their lives and businesses to the next level. You may not always see the seed grow that you plant but they will grow none the less.

There comes a point in time when enpugh is enough and you have to determine and prioritize your tasks and your day.  The value of what you have to offer and your ability to accomplish what is at hand must be a prime focus if you are to succeed at anything properly.  With the downsizing of companies and the surmounting fear of layoffs, people forget what is really important when it comes to the quality of the end result.  They try to cram so much in that quality takes a back seat to quantity.  So when someone comes to you and requests your advice and input, sit back take a minute and share what you know and what you have learned.  You will not only breathe long enough to refocus and appreciate the compliment but you could contribute to someone elses future with just a few minutes of your time.

Emerald Echo May Have Been A Dream Once But Will Soon Be A Reality

When I first met this person we were both at a personal development event and I could feel a comforting feeling when I was in her presence and saw her smile.  I knew nothing about her so I was quite surprised when I learned the she was a professor, psychotherapist, author and above all a visionary.  This woman carried in her heart the dream of someday there would be a place, Emerald Echo where people from all over the world and all walks of life would experience that they could experience "healing from the illusion of separateness and know that they are not alone"

Emerald Echo would also be a place to remember who you really are and rediscover your purpose for being here… and a home where nature and mankind collaborate in a forever friendship. T Bowman

Tamara has since just released her new children's book and it is a must for every child so they can learn their purpose and assist them in moving in a direction that will lead to success and happiness.  There is hope for our children to become well rounded and complete individuals in a world that is seemingly filled with crisis and tragedy.

A Modern Day "Will Rogers" Is What Some Call Andy Andrews

Who is Andy Andrews, some have asked me as I have reflected pieces of my success story.  Well, I just recently ran across him on Twitter but I knew of Andy Andrews almost fourteen years ago when I was faced with some life changing decisions.  He was an icon in the business I was about to embark in that started my journey as an entrepreuner.  Some turn away at the mention of the Amway business, but the principles I learned back then were and still are timeless.  They used to say continued education...tapes, books and functions.  I did not really understand what that really meant but I did it anyway.  That is where I learned about this man called Andy Andrews.

He was know as the comedien and voted "Comedien of the Year" for two consecutive years, 1985 and 1986 and funny he was. But the things I learned that took me through the tough times were not just the jokes but the success principles that he incorporated into his humor. As time went on Andy went from that business that he had built to an extremely successful level on to another business which is where I lost track of him since my life had taken me a different direction.  Did not stop traveling down my success road I just took a detour but I still listen to my tapes "Observations" and others that were recorded by very successful people in my business. 

In 2007 I began learning and building an internet business.  I did not believe that I could wirte, as a matter of fact it was very difficult for me, but I did it anyway. As Andy says "You don't have to like everything you do, but you do have to desire the result enough to make you do something. People who can discipline themselves to do what they don't like to do live a wholly different life." I believed that I could share winning ideas, encouragement, stories, principles because I not only lived these things but I continue to live them.  This is where I became reacquaited with Andy Andrews, a now accomplished author as well as international speaker. His newest book "The Butterfly Effect" was just released September 2009. He is also the best selling author of the "The Travelers Gift" as well as several others.  If there is one person that I can say impacted my life it was Andy Andrews.  From Amway to Author he has been an inspiration to me on my journey and I recommend that you check him out as well.

Being Offended By Others Helping You Is A Sign Of Insecurity

Maybe you have notice that you are around or work with people who are always asking you if you are supposed to be assisting them or are THEY not supposed to be heading up a particular project.  They are always questioning why you are doing something and implying that you are stepping on their toes or over stepping their authority.  Sometimes you may just be lending a hand till the appropriate person shows up to take over to complete the task.

Maybe you were sent to help another person and that particular person asks why you of all people were sent or asked to assist.  This is a form of insecurity and can cripple you in relationships either personal or in the workplace.  Sometimes it comes from someone who is your equal in position and sometimes it can even come from a supervisor. Their indication is that you are trying to take their job or are stepping on their toes and implying that they can not do their job effectively or efficiently. Most of the time this is not the case and is a matter of honest and sincerely assistance.  Are you one of these people?

Confidence in yourself and the courage to receive assistance is the sign of a great leader. This person can not only deligate task but can accept assistance when others are willing with grace and ease.  There is no need to be threatened  when you empower those around you to be a part of the overall project.  If someone rises above the task given to them, that is an indication that you are also an outstanding teacher as well as a leader.  It is an honor to have other model after you and your princilples.  Be a role model is one of the greatest compliments that your peers can bless you with.

So when you get the inclination to be offended when others attempt to assist or take the initiative to take on a task without being told, pause and empower those individuals to continue to rise to the occasion and the next level. And when they do they are a reflection of the one who taught them along their journey.  Appreciate their efforts and determination to succeed and all of you will be winners at days end.

Sometimes You Have To Clean Up Your Own House First

This weekend I had the opportunity of not only meeting but working hand in hand with an amazing woman who has an enonormous heart and is a winner in her own right.  She is a wife, a mother, a speaker, and an author.  Her name is Loren Slocum and I met her at the Author 101 Seminar held in Las Vegas, Nevada as she shared with the attendees her story and the principles she trains on.

She expresses that many of us make it so hard for us to win by focusing on the not so great things that are in our lives instead of that which is great.  Loren does not believe that a person needs a whole life make over, all a person needs is "just a little tweeking here and there". This is the name of her newest book "Life Tuneups".  She remind people that the most important thing a person can do is to take care of themselves first.  You cannot give what you do not have.

Another thing that is covered in her book is how important it is to create a compelling vision for yourself.  This is not new andis taught by may leaders in the personal development industry.  She tells you to ask yourself, "Who do I have to become to be the person who is healthy and alive".  Use your vision board to constantly remind yourself of what is working great in your life. And always stay true to who you are. 

Her story is outstanding and she believes that sometimes you just have to redicover who you are and what you really stand for.  It was a gentle reminder that I too need to stay tuned and tuned up to give back to the world all that I have to offer.

You Create More Success By Making Others Feel Great About Themselves

The economy continues to spiral downward and with it goes the esteem of the general public.  Many are loosing their jobs and their homes and having to start over in a world full of uncertainty.  So the question presnted to me was how do you become or remain successful in a falling and broken economy?  The answer is actually very simple.

Everyone wants to feel good about themselves.  Especially when the rest of the world around them is falling apart.  Success is created when you go out of your way to assist or encourage someone else.  Even if it is not immediate, those that you reach out to will not forget you and will trust you in the future with their purchases.  When it stops being just about the money, the Universe will bend over backwards to bring back to you in like fashion all that you give.  Call it the Law of Attraction or whatever you choose, the fact of the matter is that it is true.  Abundance comes to those whose give the same, no matter what it is.  It may be time, it may be training and it may just be money as well...but it is something. 

Making people feel great about themselves creates a fundation for the future whether it is yours or that of another.  Also as a two fold blessing, you feel great about yourself and will project that to those around you.  And again...like attracts like whether you like it or acknowledge it or not.  That confidence shows up in your success as well.  Those who might not normally purchase from you will either do so or refer others who have a need and a desire for what you are promoting in your business. 

Think about it.....When was that last time you met someone and were so comfortable with them and felt a sense of trust then purchased from them or someone they recommended.  The achievemnet level rises when a person feels not only good but great about themselves.  If you do not feel that way about yourself..it looks like there may be some work to do on your part.  Once you establish that presence you will see the difference in the world around you.  So if you want to be more success in this faultering economy get in the business of making people feel great about themselves and the rest of your success is a matter of time.