Live Your Best Life

The Return to Live Your Best Life

Its been a very long time since the last time I posted here. By all rights, I could let sleeping dogs lay and begin anew but it feels somehow as if I'm returning home. After all, within the protocols and code making publishing to Live Your Best Life a reality I would find my voice--not just my physical voice but one of spirit and joy.

The time spent here publishing my thoughts, feelings and findings are something I treasure so it made perfect sense to come back at the breaking of the next leg of my journey.

Since October of last year (2007), I have been writing and building a blog of a different sort. A business blog, if you will. There I have spent time cataloging experience and expertise in the areas of network marketing and internet marketing.

Even at Network Marketing Journey I would take the time to express myself through articles coming from deep introspection but this was not the overall goal of that blog. I always felt as if something were missing--or more precisely, I missed expressing myself as I always did here.

This is why I have chosen to return to Live Your Best Life. Because it is natural and right for me to do so.

Not only that, I have many things to share and story to tell and I can't wait to share them as events unfold before me.

I would be honored if you should decide to follow along with me. This day has been a long time in coming and though I knew it would arrive, I did not know when.

My story begins at a Wal-Mart in Owatonna, Minnesota. To me it was the most unlikely of places to meet the next person who would begin to mentor me in this life. But since when are the predictable things in life the ones of greater value?

I apologize for being a bit of a tease but I look forward to speaking with you again soon. Until next time!

Live Well and Love Often.

Tim

Network Marketing Journey: Live Your Best Life has Moved

Please update your feed: I have been talking about it for awhile now and as of today Live Your Best Life has moved.

If you would rather subscribe to the blog feed itself, rather than the feedburner feed above, go to Network Marketing Journey Dot Com.

It is very important that you update your feed if you want to keep up with my updates.

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I have had it!

That is exactly what went through my mind two Saturdays ago. I was making the mile round trip home from a visit to the guy who was designing my new blog. WAS being the key word. I won't go into the messy details but suffice to say that I've been patiently waiting for 3 months.

Three weeks had passed and I hadn't heard from him and not for a lack of trying to reach him.

So, as I walked home, I made a decision I was trying to avoid. I fired him.

The launch of Live Your Best Life's new home is an important step and I was making an effort to help a friend create a portfolio by having him design it. However, I needed to make the difficult decision to move on. And I have.

I haven't found a new designer and I've decided I no longer wish to wait.

However, before I tell you where I will be moving to, how you can find me and whether or not you'll need to re-subscribe I would like to explain a little more about why I'm making this move.

When I started Live Your Best Life, I didn't have a clue. I didn't know anything about blogging, business, marketing and I really didn't have a clue who I am. As I began writing here I began to discover things about myself and the passion and confidences I once lacked began to surface.

This blog became a sort of telling of my journey as I shared transparent thought, insights and sometimes frustrations. I often spoke of subjects pertaining to personal growth and inspiration because those were the things I was digging into. In affect, I was burying myself in content which ironically would help bring ME out.

So, I talked about those books and materials here as well.

Almost immediately I began making friends through this medium and that has continued on to this day. I'm eternally thankful to them all for their hugs, words of kindness and support as I felt my way through my shell and became an entrepreneur.

Then about 3 months ago I came across a blogging course. I knew about the course for for a time before I actually joined in but once I had, my perspective changed. I realized I was ready to step it up a notch. Enough time was spent on this plateau learning and growing, its time to stretch myself a little further, find an uncomfortable spot and set up residence again.

This time I chose a place a little more fitting to my current journey.

Networking, Internet and Search Marketing have become a part of me. I think its in my blood. With each passing day I become someone bigger, brighter and more alive as I explore these things and ultimately--exploring my introspective nature. Learning about me. I've found my home so to speak.

All at once two years have come and gone, and I felt the need to change course a bit. I no longer feel the crippling weight of so many fears, doubts and frustrations. I've learned a lot about business, networking, internet marketing and search engine optimization. Hugh MacLeod has mentioned me, I've been featured in Mark Sanborne's eZine "The Fred Factor"... and many more blessings. Its my time to give back.

With a new focus on my passions (network marketing, empowering people, and personal growth) I welcome you to Network Marketing Journey.

But before, I give you the link I want to explain that I am adjusting my Feedburner feed, to be pointed to the new location. This means that if you have subscribed to my blog through the feedburner feed, you're already set. If you have subscribed through email, you also will be ready to rock 'n roll.

However, if you have subscribed using this typepad feed, you will have to re-subscribe, so I'm able to keep you updated on the updates and fun to come. I will be configuring my feedburner feed just as soon as I have published this notice. To ensure that everyone sees this post it will be the last post I make here and it will be featured so that is the first thing everyone sees when they happen on upon these pages.

Now, with the configuration of my feeds you will be able to subscribe to my feed here. You will also be able to subscribe using the feedburner feed and email links in the sidebar.

Once again, I am moving to Network Marketing Journey and I don't want anyone to miss a morsel.

Are You Consorting with the Lottery Mentality and Lady Luck?

Has anyone else noticed the growing trend of people adopting the "Lottery Mentality"? As an entrepreneur and network marketer I cannot help but notice a frightening shift in the way people think but its not just in business--it's everywhere.

The lottery mentality is the desire for unearned success or as Liz Strauss describes it "I Want Mine Gimme More". We have allowed it to become so ingrained in our way of thinking we are constantly in want for more, more, more! We are a people of instant gratification. I want mine. Gimme More.

You see the lottery mentality when...

• Someone says they are waiting for their breakthrough moment because they just know it will change their lives for the better and for all time. All I need is one great idea!
• You watch television. These "reality" shows and game shows are founded on the lottery principle. There is no talent or skill in being on the Price is Right OR better yet, in doing some of the phenomenally, disgusting and -stupid- tasks to be on a reality show like Fear Factor. I want mine, NOW!
• Watching network marketing company presentations. "I signed up 500 people in a matter of 2 months, I just received a 10K bonus and I have quit my J.O.B," He says with light in his eyes and a grin big enough to qualify him for the Joker look alike contest. "The best part is -anyone- can do it. Its easy!" [This one really hits close to home and makes me sick to my stomach considering my close proximity to network marketing companies and the industry]
• You look at diets. To be fair, there most certainly are some individuals who have lost sheer amounts of weight and kept it off but its mostly because they maintain the practices of good health and exercise. Not as a result of using the latest and greatest diet plan promising anyone can flush the pounds away in a matter of weeks.

The list could go on and on...

The Lottery Mentality and Lady Luck

Adopting this mindset places your hope in Lady Luck rather then good old fashioned planning and ingenuity. What happened to the days when we planned for our future?

Don't get me wrong. I'm all for life changing events, especially when they bring a positive to the person's life but I have yet to hear about a lottery winner who didn't lose all their winnings AND the shirt off their back because they didn't know how to handle the responsibility which comes with great wealth.

My point is, time is on our side. You might want untold riches, love or maybe you would be happy with a modest amount of fame but if you are not ready for these things to be present in your life, you will not know how to handle or maintain them. The danger in the lottery mentality is thinking that a small bit of luck is going to bring untold changes and happiness to your life.

Fame, Fortune and even Love can posses a jarring impact on one's life.

Are you ready for impact?

When we understand this we discover the time spent is a blessing. After all, if we got everything we wanted with little or no effort we would not respect or appreciate it. Think about it, doesn't it feel better to have earned the special something rather than having it suddenly thrust upon you?

To often the things we want are not in line with our passions, happiness and the lottery mentality mindset is a flashing red light indication.

Glowing Review

I recently met Deb from G's Cottage last week when she commented on one of my blog posts. She's a kind, warm-hearted and finding her way in life and I just think thats awesome.

She wrote a review about me and Live Your Best Life at G's Cottage.

Deb, if I could say just one thing. You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear you're recognizing patterns in your introversion. To many people consider it a bad thing and a hindrance.

Be proud of who you are. I am

Visualizing a Harmonic Wealth Weekend

MartySue Conklin and I had a great conversation this past Sunday. Time spent talking with her always leaves me feeling uplifted, in fact we were so well together because we continually work to motivate and lift each other up.

During the conversation she reminded me of our plans to attend James Ray's Harmonic Wealth Weekend in August. You may know the name  if you've seen the smash hit movie 'The Secret'.

I still remember the day Martysue spoke to me about the event. She was telling me about the product and the weekend, filling me in on all the details, knowing James Ray was one of the people I enjoyed most from 'The Secret'.

She goes through the whole spiel about the weekend, how there will be SO much information, group exercises and calls from James Ray going forward after the event to see how you are proceeding.

And then she says... so, do you want to go with me?

Um, um ... YES! (I barely got that much out ... seriously)

I should make a note that for some time before all of this happened I had been visualizing my ability to attend seminars such as this. In fact, the very morning of the call in which she sprung this on me I was going for a walk in the park, listening to my favorite tunes on my iPod and visualizing all the things I wanted to see in my life.

I was immediately excited beyond words and filled with an nervous anticipation--what could I expect from this weekend? I still am.. I can't wait because I know I'll learn more ways to create a better life for myself and those of the people around me.

Visualizing the things you want  is important, not because there is some magic involved that suddenly makes it happen. Visualizing those things creates a positive charge within you. Thinking about things that make you smile or excite you, does what?

Makes you happy.

Happiness creates light in your life and when you feel good, you are open to the possibilities which in turn will bring the things you desire into your life.

If you let it.

I wanted to spend time with James Ray.

I got it.

Not only that I know I will learn a lot over the course of that weekend.

Understanding Introversion

I have received allot of feedback in regards to my post giving advice to introverted entrepreneurs. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and questions.

Because there were so many questions, I'd like to share a brief explanation of things that stress introverts and what they do to recharge.

PS: Phil Gerbyshak tagged me recently, asking this question: What photograph shows you in a light we don’t often see through your blog?

I'll be answering that question and sharing some photos tomorrow, so stay tuned. Same time. Same channel. See you then!

SOBCon07: 6 Tips for the Introverted Entrepreneur Plus One

Its already been a week since the conference began and I'm just now finding time to write the words that have finally come to me.

In fact, it up until a few days ago I didn't have the words to express what happened there.

I was emailing Terry Starbucker. Oddly, I started that email much the same as I have started this article--by affirming the fact that I just didn't know what to say.

I didn't know what to say about the conference because there were so many good things to be said. As I started into that email I shared a story with Terry and some realizations (epiphanies, if you will).

Introvertion Inside

I relayed my view of Friday night, everyone gathered together chatting and meeting each other for the first time. More to the point, my story focused on the game we participated in at the end of the night. Taking the comments out of the comment box, a play on the Tuesday night fun at Liz's blog.

When he handed me the mic I was at ease although I started out shaky
but the more I talked the better I felt, and I realized something about myself. I wasn't hiding. I put myself out there, speaking live in front of the 100+ people there and told them my story.

I have changed in ways that I hadn't even measured or counted on.

I've always had allot of introversion in me. So with that and life being piled on top of it, I equated to a very nervous and quiet person. So much so that I would run away from uncomfortable situations or confrontations. I always ran.

6 Tips for the Introverted Entrepreneur Plus One

I don't run anymore. I face things head on and for an Introvert thats a difficult task. Especially social settings. Extroverts are energized by social interaction, lively banter and excitement thrills them but for an Introvert its the opposite. Introverts are internal creatures. Thoughts, emotions and quality are their domain and social situations drain their batteries.

The more I seek my own personal growth, the more I discover that my severe introversion and isolation from the world fades. However, there is still a process of growth involved in coming out of the shell that we often times create.

What I'd like to do next is share some of the 'techniques' I've employed to make the transition easier for me.

• First of all, let go!! Recognize that it's OK. You're not doing anything wrong and there is most certainly NOTHING wrong with you.
• Give it time. Life is a process and finding your way in a world that seems to be created for Extroverts by Extroverts is hard. Take the time that you need to find your own way and you will get there. Just remember not to force it because you can't go forcing something if its just not right.
• Take a break. Your batteries get drained easily and pretty soon that voice inside is going to be telling you, sometimes even screaming at you. A good indication of this is when you feel like running or going home. Instead of running away, retreat to a quiet spot and give yourself a few minutes. Close your eyes and find your center again. Take some deep breaths and when you feel better go back to the evenings festivities.
• Be creative. Think outside the box. This one is one of my favorites because it resembles my internet marketing methods. As an Introvert you have a difficult time approaching people and striking up conversations with them. So come up with ways to bring them to you. Last weekend at the conference my camera, an impressive looking FujiFilm FinePix S9000 went everywhere with me. At first it was because I was snapping pictures left and right but I also realized that the camera was drawing attention to me. People would approach me and ask me about the camera, taking the pressure off of me. Networking is important to everyone's career, including your own. Don't run from it. We love you.
• Get out of your comfort zone. Wendy Piersall spoke about this at the conference and I couldn't agree more. The past year has proven to me that if you aren't pushing against your self imposed limits--you'll never grow.
• Avert your eyes--for a second. Extroverts maintain eye contact. When they are speaking you know they are speaking to you because they are focusing their eyes and their rhythm on you. As an introvert, maintaining eye contact can be an intense proposition. When you're in a conversation with someone don't be afraid to glance at other things, look around the room. and then bring your focus back to them. This lessons the tense feeling and as long as you are maintaining eye contact with them most of the time, they aren't offended by your wandering eye. Unless its your girlfriend, in which case ... I can't help you.

Plus One: I have to confess. This one is actually for Extroverts. Introverts are of a different breed and often your high levels of energy can cause them to pull back and slip in to a reserved mode. Step down a notch and embrace them.

If you've met someone who is especially quiet and awkward, give them your time and understanding. Discover their passions and engage them. Once they feel welcome AND talk about the things they are passionate about you won't be able to keep them from talking.

Again, my main point is to reach out and let you all know that its ok. You are who you are, and I am who I am. We are all different and sometimes someone has to bridge the gap and I hope to have started that process.

Vital Honesty

While reading I came across a question that I found to be a very strong question. One that we could all be asking ourselves: How can you judge others accurately if you cannot judge yourself accurately?

Seems like a fair question to me.

This lends itself to the attitude management issues I've talked about from time to time. The ability to evaluate yourself and your performance accurately is an important skill to have on the path of self improvement.

Not only does it impact your professional life and its success but its absolutely critical to your success in relationships as well. 

Without being honest with yourself you cannot hope to have lively and fulfilling relationships because you have no clear idea of where you stand. You are creating an illusion and illusions can fade at the blink of an eye.

Developing the skill of evaluation isn't hard. All you need to do is ask yourself questions. The hard part is being honest with yourself, brutally if needed, and then following up by coming to turns with how far off you really are from where you want to be.

Begin by putting yourself in the position of someone who could be objective about you. Your current boss, for example (Unless you are your own boss). From this vantage point, have a conversation with yourself and ask questions that will lead you to understanding who and what you are.

Again, its vital that you are honest with your answers because if you aren't the exercise is wasted.

PS: Relationships are really important and in May I'm very excited about the fact that I'll be attending the SOBCon (click on the button in the sidebar to learn more) on May 11th and 12th. Will I be seeing you there?

Hugh, Mission Statements and Sticky Notes

Personal mission statements are exactly that. Personal.

I remember writing a mission statement, mostly because hugh linked to it after reading some comments I made on his blog--the memory sticks because of the flood of visitors I received as a result.

That was at least a year ago now, but I remember it clearly because I was so new to blogging, the idea of mission statements and to positive thinking.

Since the nature of a mission statement is personal, there is no exact science to writing them but keeping a few things in mind can often help.

• Keep it simple and brief. The general consensus seems to be that 3 to 5 sentences is the best.
• Focus on who are what you want to become at this stage of your life and include specific actions and/or behaviors that will have a significant impact during this stage of your life.
• Make it positive. Describe what you want to become and avoid talking about what you don't want to become.
• Be open to change. Keep in mind that as you change, your mission statement and your goals will change as well.

My original mission statement is very different from the one I am now writing. Mission statements are a tool I use to remind myself of the goals I have set into motion.

I have my mission statement displayed where I know I will see it each day (on sticky notes), reminding myself of the plan I have for the coming days.

What Your Teacher Never Told You

"We cannot hold a torch to light another's path
without brightening our own."
- Ben Sweetland

It's a two way street.

Thats right. All those teachers and mentors that you respect and listen to are learning just as much if not more from you, as you are from them.

This is one of the things that I've come to love about sharing my thoughts and ideas here on Live Your Best Life and throughout the blogesphere. I might have something to say that can help others but I learn just as much from each and everyone of you as well.

Thank you for that.