Who Is On Your Team?

I've been reminded this week of the great benefits of teamwork. It's been an amazing week entertaining our Gold Directors at the New Gold Director Seminar. As I watched my corporate team work together, I felt a glow of pride to be surrounded by so many special people. It is truly a privilege to work with people who are all share the same vision.

We all have the opportunity to surround ourselves with special people who enrich our lives, have fun and share the success as we move towards a common goal.

Who are you surrounded by? Who is on your team?

How do you face a challenge?

The sustainability of the high performance business has never been so important. The current financial crisis will test our stamina to perform but there are opportunities in every crisis. While attending a business breakfast this week, I had an insight I wanted to share with you. But first the question – how do you face a challenge? Do you view it as your glass half full or half empty?

My marathon training started on Tuesday this week. Faced with injuries, a rising temperature and rain; I could have bailed. But I chose to look at my glass half full and be grateful that I could go to training, still run, get wet and enjoy it!

What opportunities are you facing in this financial crisis? Are you offering to make a difference to peoples’ financial state? I want to let you in on a secret – USANA are hiring not firing. We offer a stable business opportunity based on growth. We offer an opportunity to focus on maintaining optimal health at a time when this becomes even more critical. I don’t know about you but in such times of economic crisis, I’m excited to be here with USANA - in the right place at the right time.

Inspired by the Spirit of Others

I watched a great movie last night and felt inspired by the passion in people who set out to do something extraordinary, such as running a marathon. What gives me even greater inspiration is seeing the effect we have on each other daily, as we go about our normal life.

Touching peoples lives is often about leading the way and walking (or running) the talk with passion.

The Reset Challenge has been embraced by many here at USANA corporate. I am thrilled to see the passion of individuals and the effect on team morale. Teams across departments are focused on exercising together and supporting each other in their achievements.

During this time, I loaned a book (about running, of course) to a Reset Challenge team member. She was so inspired by what she read; she has joined a local charitable organisation to do a 2.7km ocean swim in January 2009. On hearing this, another team member tried to join her, but the ocean swim was fully booked. Not letting it go at that, she was placed on a wait list and this week received a call. She too will do a similar ocean swim in February 2009. Both women are excited to be participating and raising money for a worthwhile cause.

Two more staff are now running at lunch time. They started walking the two and half kilometres around the suburb and are now up to running over half of it.

There is something very special at seeing others take up a cause, a challenge, a passion, and an interest. It has given me reason to look within and ask myself, "How am I leading by example? Am I sharing my passion and igniting others? Does it help or hinder peoples lives?"

Something to think about...

Realising Dreams

Just recently, I was privileged to spend a day on Bill Duncan’s (USANA Executive Vice President of Australasia) boat, Mentor, cruising the beautiful Sydney Harbour. It was a day to reflect and recuperate after 10 busy days of travelling with USANA Health Seminar.

Once again, I was reminded of the need for balance in our lives. Glamorous as it sounds, travelling can be hard on the body and increases our need for high quality supplementation.

I spent time in many different cities with a variety of climate changes. My days went from wet to very cold, to very hot on the Gold Coast.

Many plane rides later and lots of Proflavanol 90, I was left in need of some Vitamin D from the spring sunshine and fresh open air.

Tim Wood (USANA Executive Vice President of Research & Development) and I were treated to a glorious day on Bill's boat, Mentor. Bill has been planning for this boat ever since I joined USANA. It was a treat to see his hard work rewarded. Bill not only worked hard to achieve his goal, he now gets satisfaction from sharing it with others.

Working hard for a goal and then realising your dream gives you the inner glow of peace, a job well done and fulfillment. As you plan your goals think about how you can "pay them forward" as well.