Oh, and the update on the weight loss... still at 115 pounds lost. Thanks again for your caring and prayers!

Sorry I don't have a better picture. I'm usually the one behind the camera.

My new thought process...

So, I've come up with a new business mission over the last month or so. I have finally gotten to test it, and find it is even better than I could have imagined! In direct sales, you have many ups and downs. The hardest part about staying in direct sales, is riding that emotional roller coaster. The highs can quickly turn into a low, when you get a cancellation. Then, you have a show that night, and get a recruiting lead, only to find that you didn't get the sales you'd hoped for. But tomorrow comes and you have a great show, lots of sales, and bookings! Woohoo! It is very stressful riding that coaster...and I despise drama!

The problem? All of my goals revolved around things that I have no control over. I can prepare, I can offer incentives, I can give a fantastic presentation...but when it comes down to the facts, I can't force someone to buy. I can't force someone to book. I can't force someone to join. This is where the ups and downs come. I spent two days in March, completely wallowing in my own self pity, because I had six shows cancel or reschedule in two days. Did I lose the bookings? Yes. Could I have changed the fact that someone's loved one died...or another's baby ended up in NICU...or another with the flu? No. I have no control over that.

Thanks to the movie "Facing the Giants," I was able to amend my goals. I no longer have show goals based around numbers. No sales numbers, number of bookings, or number of recruits. My goals do not revolve around things I cannot control.

My new business goal/mission? TO HONOR GOD.

When I leave a show, if I can say that I was honest, worked hard, and upheld my integrity, then I have accomplished my goal. The only thing that matters to me now, is that I made God proud by the example that I gave at that show. That is something I have control over.

So now, if I have a show with low sales, or a show with a bunch of booking leads, it doesn't matter. If I can promote to management this summer, or lose another six shows, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that God is happy when he looks at the job I've done.

I do the work I need to do. I make my calls. I send my packets out. I follow up with leads. I book my shows. But my business has felt so much more rewarding since I started down this path. Not to mention, it has really boomed too. For that I am so thankful. But I praise God for what I have accomplished...and then move on.

I just had to share this. If we could all evaluate our lives, and take an approach like this, maybe things could be very different.

Thanks for listening...or reading.

Shout out to Andrew...since I know you read this sometimes...you may be the only one :)