Are You Lacking Motivation?

You may be new to the home-business world, or you may have been working from home from years.  Either way, in order to build and maintain a successful home business, you must stay motivated.   Virtually every business – both brick and mortar and home businesses – have “down” times where growth slows down or income takes a dip.   If you aren’t completely committed to your business and motivated to succeed, it will be very difficult to ride out the tough times.

There are a few ways to remain motivated – and even excited – about your work at home business.

Daily Agenda.  A daily, weekly and even monthly “to-do” list of tasks can be a powerful tool that can help you accomplish what needs to be done in a timely manner.  These lists are different from goals.  They should contain individual job functions, prioritized so you will complete the most important first.  I one or two of your tasks are ones you particularly dislike doing, if possible, list them first.  Once you have completed those that you dread, you won’t have to think about them the rest of the day enabling you to focus more on those tasks that you don’t mind doing or actually enjoy. 

Your list can consist of phone calls to prospects or team members, placing online or offline ads, participating in forums, even writing your daily or weekly blog.  You may place organizing your desk on your weekly list or following up with old prospects on your monthly list. 

When you are able to check off or cross off completed items on your list, it can provide you with a sense of accomplishment, motivating you to move on to the next item.

Expand Your Marketing Methods.  Don’t settle.  Because you are generating leads from the various methods of marketing you have been using, don’t think that is all you can or should do.   There are hundreds – even thousands - of top marketers who write books, offer webinars or simply share their knowledge and experience with others in the industry.   It is a good idea to learn what you can from those who are very successful in Internet marketing.  I have seen people who are constantly studying from “the experts,” and I personally believe you can overdo it.  Be sure you are not studying more than you area actually applying what you have learned.

Be sure to track the results of your various marketing techniques.  You do not want to continue using those that bring no return.

Networking.  Another way to maintain motivation and excitement about your business, during good times and bad, is by networking with others in your industry or related fields.   You can exchange advice and encouragement about how to promote and operate your business.

Because working at home isolates you from the public, at-home workers can become lonely at times.  By connecting with people who also work from home both on and offline, you will find an outlet for those lonely times.  There are myriad ways online to find like-minded business and personal connections.  However, some people forget about face-to-face networking.  Nearly every city has business networking groups, Chambers of Commerce, Women-in-Business groups, etc.  Search online to find them in your neighborhood, and attend their functions to meet others and share local business ideas.

Any time you feel you are losing the excitement you had for your business, doubting your abilities or feeling less motivated, review these ideas to see whether one or more of them can give you the boost you need to get back on track.

To learn more about Julie Klein and her home-based business, visit http://ibourl.net/JoinXpressHealthcare

Got a Toothache?

In a recent blog post, Dr. Allan Melnick stated that the state of dental care and maintenance in the United States is alarming!  These are a few of the chilling statistics he quoted:

1.      16 million low-income kids did not see a dentist last year

2.      25 percent of seniors (65 and up) have lost all their teeth

3.      130 million Americans lack dental insurance

4.      55% of Americans (2 and up) didn’t see a dentist in the last year

5.      830,000 hospital ER visits in 2009 were linked to preventable dental conditions – a 16% increase in three years

6.      27% fewer people enrolled in dental school in 2003 than in 1980.

7.      Insurance is expected to cover only about 48 percent of all dental expenditures by 2013, predicts the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Eight percent ($10 billion) of all dental expenditures will be covered by government aid. The other 44 percent will be out-of-pocket expenses.

The poor economy and unemployment have dragged on now for nearly a decade.  We closely watch how we spend what little money we have. Sadly, too many Americans consider dental care a luxury rather than a necessity. 

I had an uncle who died from infections that began in his teeth, because he was afraid of dentists.  So, in addition to the financial burden of dental visits, many of us are fearful and avoid dentists altogether.

Dental work is expensive.  A standard teeth cleaning costs, on average, $127, although depending upon where you live, it can be $75 to $200.  Teeth cleaning often includes dental X-rays and a dental exam.  The cost of that routine dental visit, therefore, may cost up to $300.  If we happen to need a full-mouth deep cleaning, the cost will increase to $500 or more.  This is only for cleaning, exam and x-rays for just one family member.

If you actually need dental work done, a root canal for instance, it likely will cost $800 - $1500.  Or, if you need a crown, you’ll spend $700 and $1500.  In today’s economy, many people simply cannot afford the expense even if we know it is unwise to avoid it.

Some people purchase dental insurance, paying $12 to $50 per month (or more) premium per person.   Even if you have dental insurance, there are many limitations.  Most policies limit the policy holders to $1000 coverage per year.  So even if you have insurance, you may end up paying a great deal out of pocket.

In addition to the monetary limitations, dental insurance doesn’t necessarily cover all services.  Orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry very often are not covered by insurance.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to going without dental care and dental insurance.  Discount Dental Plans, like Xpress Healthcare, save their members 15% to 50% on their dental costs.  Xpress Healthcare uses the Aetna Dental Access network of providers, with over 90,000 dentists nationwide. There are no limitations on the amount you can save, the number of visits, age or pre-existing conditions. Everyone is accepted!

Here’s the best part… Xpress Healthcare’s Premium plan is $19.95 per month per FAMILY!  And, this plan also includes discounts on prescriptions, vision, hearing, medical supplies and vitamins. 

You could possibly save hundreds of dollars for your family’s dental care while paying less than $20 a month! 

So, what are you waiting for?  Sign up for your Xpress Dental Plan at http://ibourl.net/DiscountHealthAndDental, and then go schedule your dental appointment!

You Are the TOPS!

It has been over a decade, 12 years to be exact, since I was what some would call a zaftig woman.  “Somehow” the weight had crept up on me before I realized that I was definitely “chunky.”  I made the discovery after seeing myself in a photo on a cruise with the Captain.  I was all dressed up, hair fixed, makeup on, and I looked terrible!

What to do?  I started researching my area for weight loss groups. I knew I couldn’t do it alone.   I mean no disrespect to anyone who sells weight-loss products, but I believe the only really healthy way to lose weight is by eating less and exercising.  There are even exercises for people who cannot stand!  

I found a group called TOPS, Take off Pounds Sensibly.  It is the oldest weight loss group in the world, yep, older that Weight Watchers.  The cool part is it is a non-profit support group.  They don’t require you to follow any particular diet.  They have speakers each week that do presentations about health-related subjects, and everyone supports everyone else.  Members weigh in once a week.  It is amazing, but it costs only $70 a year (some chapters a little less, some a bit more).  I have seen several TOPS members lose 85 to 100 pounds by following a healthy diet and attending meetings for support.

After my very TOPS first meeting, I began losing weight.  Since TOPS members can choose whatever diet they like, I chose using the “exchange” system, weighing and measuring my food.  It wasn’t easy.  It took me several months, but I finally reached the goal weight established by my doctor.  Over the years, as I got older, my physician raised my goal weight just a bit, and I have maintained that weight for over 11 years.

Then, along came health issues.  I was referred to a Cardiologist and am under his care.  During my last visit, he told me he wants me to lose another 10 to 15 pounds to put less stress on my heart. 

I am now 12 years older than when I first joined TOPS.  For the past three months, I have been struggling with trying to lose that weight.  My metabolism is slower now; I am no longer able to do the vigorous exercises I did when I was younger.  The only exercise I am allowed to do is walking, and I can only manage ½ hour at a time with my health problems.

I can tell you all these reasons why I have not lost any weight, but I realize that they are excuses.  Although I eat reasonable amounts of food, mostly healthy food, I have not gotten back into the weighing and measuring all my food that worked so well for me years ago.  I haven’t been able to “psyche” myself into doing what I know I need to do.  Even knowing that it isn’t good for my heart hasn’t given me the “kick in the rear” that I need.

So, I am putting this in writing, hoping that seeing it and letting “the world” know that I need to lose some weight might, just might give me the incentive to start losing today!

http://julie.joinxpress.com

Another Sleepless Night

I am really tired today.  I have been trying to work, but I am unable to focus.  I cannot seem to concentrate on much of anything.

My mind has been way too busy lately.  Occasionally life "gets in the way."  So, I have had a few sleepless nights.  Last night was one of the worst I have had.

I went to bed pretty early, because I was nearly falling asleep watching TV.  As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was wide awake! 

It was hot in the room, so I got up and turned on the fan.  Still too warm, so I threw off the blanket.  Then, with the blanket off, the fan was blowing too hard, so I got up again and turned it down.  No luck.  I won’t even get into the number of times I visited the “loo” throughout the night.

I am an avid reader, so I thought I would read in bed until I fell asleep.  My bed-light bulb was burned out (now replaced), so I got a flashlight and read for a few minutes.  It was uncomfortable trying to hold the book and use a flashlight at the same time.  So, I took my book and went to the living room. 

On the couch, I read a few minutes when I realized I was both hungry and thirsty.  I dragged myself off the couch and got a glass of water and a couple crackers.  I felt a bit better, so I began reading again. 

Reading my book in a cool room, I began to relax.  Looking at the clock, I saw that it was past 3 AM.  Sometime after that, I dozed off for a few minutes.  When I woke up, it was nearly 4 AM. 

I left the couch and returned to my bed where I finally fell asleep.  I awoke at about 6:30 AM.  Normally a very early riser, this was really very late for me. 

So, here I sit knowing I should be working, but mostly staring at the computer monitor.  Hmm.  I’d better figure out a way to quiet my mind before bedtime tonight.  

To learn more about Julie Klein, visit http://julie.joinxpress.com

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"A goal properly set is halfway reached." Abraham Lincoln

Research tells us that when we write down a goal we are more likely to achieve it. Since written goals can be reviewed regularly, they have more long-range power. Goals are not a dream that you hope to achieve.  Goals are like a contract with yourself that you WILL achieve.  When you write your goals, they should be:

1. Present Tense. State goals as though they are being realized right now, or have already been attained. Our subconscious minds only operate in the present. If you create goals in the future tense, your subconscious will never get there.
2. Positive. State goals in positive rather than negative terms. ("I am a neat and organized person," rather than, "I am no longer disorganized.")
3. Personal. Goals must be about you, and under your control, not about someone else.
4. Precise. Write goals in a manner that clearly describe what you intend to accomplish.  Do NOT say “I want to earn enough to quit my job.” Instead, say exactly how much monthly income it will take you to enable you to quit your job. $500 per week?  $3000 per month?  For example, your goal may be: “I am working my business so I’ll be earning $3000 per month by March 31, 2013.”  You can decide on a date, or break it down into mini goals by weeks, months or within 24 months.
5. Possible. Goals should be realistic. Achieving them must be within the realm of possibility.  If you’ve never written any business with your company, don’t write down a goal that you’ll make 100 sales by the end of the month.  While it is not totally impossible, in most businesses, it is not likely.  Instead, use a realistic number, breaking it down by weeks, months or by the end of the year.  For instance:

“I am growing my team by two members by the end of August.”  Then:  “I’m building my team by an additional six members by the end of October.”  Next:  “I’m working my business so I’ll have 12 team members by the end of the year.”  If you surpass that goal, great, but meanwhile, you can actually achieve those goals, and you’ll feel good that you’ve accomplished them.

Repeated victories will result in higher self-esteem and more confidence in setting higher goals, which result in greater productivity.  You also don’t want to set your goals too low.  Your goals should be challenging, but attainable.

6. Deadline.  Give yourself a deadline by which you intend to reach your goal.  As I mentioned, you can break them down by mini goals you’ll reach in days, weeks, months, etc. 
7. No Deadline… Some goals can be about your work habits or schedule, without a deadline.  For instance, if you have not been participating on forums as much as you think you should, one of your goals may be “I am participating in forums one hour three times a week.”
8. You must REALLY want your goal and work every day towards accomplishing your goal. If you are wishy-washy about whether or not you achieve your goal, you likely will not do so.
   
   Even if you have no time during the day to take action towards your goal, you can take a few minutes to visualize it. Constantly visualizing yourself accomplishing your goal is a powerful way to help achieve it.

Place written goals where you will see them at least twice a day. If possible, read them aloud and visualize each one.

To learn more about Julie and her business, visit http://julie.joinxpress.com/business.html/blogger

I believe that each of us wants to be a winner in our own minds.  But, what is a winner?  If you’re playing golf, if you win the game, you are a winner.  Does that also mean that if you lose the game, you are a loser?  Is a winner the guy who gets the job for which he applied, or is it the guy who gets the job and proves himself brilliantly?

Are Bill Gates, Gandhi or Mother Theresa winners?  Vincent van Gogh has gone down in history as a brilliant artist; however, he sold very few paintings during his life. So, was he truly a winner since he died a loser? 

Who decides whether you, I or anyone else is a loser or a winner?  Who makes the declaration, “And the winner is…”  If you believe in God, perhaps you think that he makes that determination.  Or, perhaps all those famous “success” speakers who give seminars on how to succeed create a list of those who are winners and another for those who are losers. 

Can your friends decide whether or not you are a winner?  Since they are your friends, how important is their opinion about whether they think you are a winner. 

Has it come to you yet?  In reality, who can decide whether or not you are a winner?  In the entire world, there is only one person who has the power to determine your fate.  Only one person can decide whether you are a loser or a winner.  Out of all the human beings on earth, only a single one of them has the right to judge you and change your path in life to become a winner or a loser.

By now, I am certain you realize that it is you, and only you, who directs your life.  Only you have the power to change the direction your life is going and steer it into a different direction.  No one else can even help you make that decision.  They may help you to learn certain tasks or behaviors that will enable you to walk a different path, but they cannot decide for you whether or not you are a winner.

Here is another question to ask yourself.  Do you FEEL like a winner?  That one is a bit more difficult to answer, because most of us don’t feel great about ourselves ALL the time, but we do some of the time.  There are days, weeks, even months when I definitely feel like a winner.  Then, something comes along in my life, and I feel helpless, weak and perhaps even stupid.  It doesn’t usually last long, but it does happen.

What can we do to make ourselves feel like a winner nearly all the time?  Because I do not believe in perfection, I won’t even suggest that we can feel like a winner ALL the time.

Let’s try this…

On a piece of paper, or on a blank page in your computer, begin listing the successes you have had in your life.  Look all the way back to when you were a little kid.  Did you learn to ride a bike or learn to swim?  Success!  Did you work hard and achieve good enough grades to graduate high school?  Success!  Were you successful in college or on your first job?  Did you get a promotion for which you worked hard to earn?  Did you marry the person of your dreams and create a lifelong successful marriage?  Success, success, success!

Now, you have the beginning of your list.  From here on out, each time you achieve a goal, every time you experience a new success, read through your Success List, and then add the new accomplishment to the list. 

Creating and maintaining a list such as this can help us think differently about our own successes.  They are not each isolated events, interlinking all the great things you have done, they become an accumulation of your life’s achievements.  When you look at your list as a whole, there is a great possibility that you will then be able to say, “I am a winner!”

To learn more about Julie and her Xpress Healthcare business, visit:  http://julie.joinxpress.com/xhc1.html?=blogger