Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The Media WAR

The Media War – it’s real, it’s coming at you every minute of every day, and it’s winning. Don’t believe me? Consider these questions: Do you listen to the radio – in your car, at work, at home, in the yard, etc? Do you own a TV (perhaps multiples)? How many hours a day is it ON (Not how many hours do you watch it, but how many is just ON)?! Reports state that the average US citizen listens to 600 to 3000 commercial messages PER DAY! (See http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=56750) ON average that’s 6.4 HOURS per day spent hearing about what someone else is telling you to do, buy, finance, say, vote for, etc. !! I say hearing because even if we are not paying attention, our subconscious mind is still listening - THAT is disturbing America!! Do you read? Do you read every day? What are you reading? Are you reading media that contains advertisements?! Stop, Think! Now – in the time it took to read this - did you just hear one? I’ll bet if you live in the average US household, you did!
I believe that media can be detrimental and in some instances is very dangerous. What we let in, what we keep out influences our very thoughts; our thoughts lead to our actions, our actions then lead to our habits, and those are what ultimately determine our successes and/or failures in life. The daily barrage of media to which we are exposed effects our perception of self and others, our abilities, our responsibilities, our status.
Everything you do and feel is certainly influenced, and in some instances, dominated by your media habits.


Some would argue that it is government that has the biggest control of our lives, but I contend that the corporations have far more control. Get this, buy that, go here, do this, eat this, etc., etc., etc.! Do you think for even one moment that keeping up with the Jones’ is the way to live your life? The materialistic society we live in today is edging out what is really important – God, personal accountability and fiscal responsibility.

Debt and what I call “following the herd” are serious issues we face everyday with our children, families, and in the workplace. Our society is becoming so numb and dumbed-down it is disheartening to hear what people have to say about anything, let alone for people to actually listen to each other and have a meaningful conversation. It seems to me that to stand for something these days is to subject oneself to ridicule and harsh opposition, especially when it comes to faith or chasing a dream.

Over the past two years I have decidedly changed my outlook and my perception of what I thought was true and correct through the complete reversal of my media habits. I shut off the TV almost completely for almost 8 months! I dare you to try that one – No sitcoms, no Lifetime, no Spike, limited local print news, ie: no mainstream media. The silence is deafening at first, but becomes more & more desirable as time passes. You begin to take notice of things: children, people, God’s creation, and most importantly – self. Self-discovery can be a very tough thing and yet it can be inspiring as well!

I hope that you try this experiment & see what you can discover for yourself. Turn down the noise & listen to your life – what do you hear? Talk to your children, ask questions and listen to each other. Read a great book together as a family or with your spouse & talk about what you read. I assure you, it is far more beneficial than the next episode of The Office.
Live Well, Be Well!


Stephen

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

A Life of Purpose

My friend said to me the other day, “Don’t you get frustrated and tired of talking with people about what we [our Team community] can do and they just don’t see it?” I replied that actually I don’t. Who doesn’t want to stay healthy? Who doesn’t want or need to make more money? Who does not see the trouble the “instant gratification” mentality is causing in the very fabric of our society; and threatens our very freedom?
What we do and what we represent at the TEAM is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced outside of my faith relationship. I now know that proper exercise and a healthy diet including the Mona-Vie product line is the best thing you can do for the health of your body and mind. In addition, stress is a huge factor in health today. Does it not stand to reason that having great health, financial stability, and the ability to share the opportunity with others would be a great way to relieve stress? I have found that just knowing I can and will make a substantial contribution to the well-being of my community through the sharing of the TEAM / Mona-vie system and the positive influence that the TEAM has on the people who have joined us in our goal to be a community of a million people is very liberating.
John Maxwell and a number of other professionals all profess that having the proper attitude in life (a positive one) can make a huge impact on your own well being and also impacts those around you. Personally, beside the gratification of my faith and of teaching my children, I can’t think of a better thing in my life than associating and learning with people who have a similar view. Some people will invariably tell me that a positive attitude isn’t going to get me anything. I disagree.
A positive attitude, plus focus and hard work, lead to better results in life, in relationships, in the community, wherever! How can the “journey” of life be fun and fulfilling if one is/has a negative attitude or if one is “positive” that they will never succeed at anything great in their life? It is said that all men have a life, but not all men live – which one would you prefer?
I assure you, we all have greatness inside us, and I believe that there is a large unconnected community of people out there that believe this. Perhaps they (you) just haven’t found the right vehicle, or the right community, or simply just haven’t learned that they have the capacity because nobody has ever provided the right information and encouragement?
I read about it time & again in learning the stories of successful people that are written every-day. It all starts with a dream of something better, something real or imagined. Then someone like me introduces you to the concept that things don’t have to be “the way they’ve always been”; that there are other ways, better ways to get what you really want by applying new ways of learning and perspective, and then something magic happens. People light up! Their lives improve, their relationships improve, they start accumulating the “wealth” they have always wanted. It’s truly a thing of beauty, I've literally seen it happen to many!
So I ask you; Are you leading the type of life that you dreamed of when you were young? If yes – I applaud you for your life of purpose! If the answer is no, perhaps we should talk! You may yet just find a way to dream again and create that which you were made for. Visit my site at
www.the-team.biz/mv974607 or email me at stephen.hartka@the-team.biz

Live Well – Be Well

Stephen

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Future Shock

Next year, 5 years, 10 years – How will your life be different from today? Will it be different? How do you feel about that? Are you truly living a life fulfilled; personally, spiritually, financially? Have you ever thought about such things or are you just “workin for a livin” and getting ready for the weekend? If this is you, and you are happy and content with that – great! (Really!) I am envious because you have found your calling and you are living your dream. Two things that I feel really are the heart of the matter when it comes to leading a life fulfilled.
On the other hand, for many, your purpose and vision for leading a life fulfilled is quite different. I find that spending time doing the things that I need to do vs. the time I spend doing the things I want to do are directly related to the amount of self-fulfillment I experience. I don’t mean this on a day to day basis, I mean this more in the “grand scheme” of things. By this I mean what happens today, happens today and only slightly affects the long-term goal (what I call my “slight edge” mentality – after the book The Slight Edge by Jeff Olsen). What that means is I have spent time to define how I would like my life to look, but still have not conquered the “need to” bits so my purpose and vision have not yet been fully realized but I know I am on the right path.
I speak with people about whom they are & what they see in themselves and most tell me that they do have goals and dreams, but they don't actively pursue them or feel they have reached a point where they are not going to acheive them due to any number of restrictions or beliefs they may have. Whether real or imagined, many (if not most) use words like happy, content, or doing OK to describe their life, yet as we talk, these very people will then tell me that they although they want to see new places, they “don’t like to travel”; or they wish they could help their children with school, but they “don’t have the time”; or would like to have a bigger house, but they “can’t afford it”, or whatever – you get the point. Whether it’s money, time off from work, or some sort of limiting belief in their own ability – I regularly meet good, honest, hard working people whom I know are the proverbial “ship without a rudder”. I know, because I was one of them, and I can spot you a mile away.
I’m here to tell you that if you want more out of your life, you can have whatever you choose to create. I believe that a person creates his own destiny through belief, desire, and knowledge. Do you have a clear picture of where you are headed – are you looking at it daily and measuring your progress? Can you commit to it? Your future does matter – YOU matter. My Dad always said, "Do something that matters". I have tried to do just that by participating in businesses that are of benefit to other people; but I never felt I was accomplishing anything. I now know that lack of success was because I really didn’t have a plan for me.
We all influence others. The internal satisfaction that what I was contributing actually did matter was just not there. It is very refreshing to have found something. Being a part of the TEAM matters! Your children learn by watching you; your coworkers assimilate with your behavior; your “significant other” will adopt learned behaviors based on what they see in you. If you have no plan, you become complacent and frustrated, these breed discontentment, and that breeds negative thoughts and actions. Would the world be a better place if we all understood that we have a purpose and we are earnest and positive in the pursuit of that which we feel will make us complete? I think yes it would – tremendously so.
I’m not saying that any of this is easy, it’s actually a bit difficult - but the results are priceless. I have seen it in others in my community that have acheived great success and am convinced that dream, struggle, and victory bring the best rewards in life. Life isn’t/shouldn't be just making money, it’s about the experience, caring and sharing, loving, and in my community, making a difference. I’ll cover that in another post. For now consider, just what does your future look like? Will you choose “more of the same” or will you choose to step up and create something extraordinary? I’d like to help you take action if you are ready. Information is free, what you choose to do with it is another thing.


Live well – Be Well

Stephen



Thursday, October 1, 2009

Survive vs. Thrive

The other day I was talking with a friend about current events in politics, education, and religion (my favorite subjects). I really enjoy talking about ideas - Later, I got to thinking about the differences between those who are truly living their life vs. those who are merely existing at some level of perceived comfort. What I mean is that it is my percption that many, if not most, of the people I know as friends, aquaintences, coworkers, family; are in fact "leading lives of quiet despiration".
On the surface, many have the appearance of what is called "comfortable" living; nice house, decent car, the proverbial "good job", kids are doing ok, etc - you know, the "I'm doing OK" mentality. However, behind the scenes for many there's; credit debt, mortgage, bills, job, health issues, stress, Kids (?!), etc. Whatever it is, many people just can't seem to stay ahead of "things". Life can be very frustrating when you are in "survival" mode; Similarly, there are those that budget their time and money, have the bills paid, actually like and enjoy the challenges that come with kids, and also have the "good job". However, I feel that they too are also in this same boat - perhaps they just don't know it or choose not to recognise it. Because in both of these scenarios people trade their time for money - they are a slave to their money, most of their decisions are made for them, life is not easy, and decisions are risky because income is finite.
Consider these - even if you are self-employed -
Employment: Who sets your alarm clock every day? determines when you take your lunch & how much time you may have? determines when & how long you get to go on vacation? Do You, or does your boss/business?
Money: Why can't I afford to pay cash? When can I retire? Will I ever have enough money to do so? How many more years will I have to not do the things I'd really like to do, so I can "save" enough to be "comfortable"?
People: I can't stand my boss, my coworkers, or my neighbors. Perhaps you are divorced or don't speak to members of your family or children?
I ask people these questions every day and I hear in response - "I'm going to have to work forever; I'll never make enough money to retire; My job doesn't have a retirement package; Social Security will take care of me; I have enough investments to be comfortable; I'm happy to go to work everyday, sometimes on weekends and holidays too; Owning a business is too risky; I don't have time." and a slew of others, Really?!
The financial state of our nation is in critical stage - if the US were a patient, it would be in ICU and the phone call to the priest imminent. If you don't believe it - you simply are not paying attention or don't want to. How much longer will you believe that your job, or any job is secure and/or will provide you with the kind of money you're going to need in the coming decades? The stock market is over-inflated and the government just keeps printing money, messing with the interest rates, and telling us that we can spend our way out of this hole. Why has it become acceptable to "survive" the current economy? The time to step out & take charge of your life is now more than ever before!
I firmly believe that to truly live, you must find a way to thrive in finance, health, and relationships with others. Had I not been exposed to a huge community of people who live this way, I may have never even known that this is available to "regular" people who are willing to learn. There is an old business model that is coming back very strong in the 21st century called Direct Marketing. What would your life be like if you could systematically generate unlimited residual income through a home-based business? Income that is sustainable and long term, for you and your family. What if you could simply work from home on your terms. You set the hours, you determine when you work & when you play. How about being a stay at home mom/dad where you have the opportunity to educate and discipline your children instead of relying on someone else to do it? Would you consider this thriving?
My business partners and I have invested our futures in community building within the health and wellness market/industry because it is strong, growing, and promises to continue be the most lucrative business market now & for the forseeable future.
The thriving lifestyle is not easily obtained and getting there can be risky. It requires 100% comittment, lots of hard work, and persistence; but to those who choose to follow this path, the results are well worth the investment. Success in health, in finances, and in your relationships will allow you to thrive and live the life you want. What will your life look like in 5 years? Will you continue to survive, or will you choose to thrive and join us? What if?
This country was founded on education, personal responsibility, and free market ownership. I hope you join us in our cause to bring about positive change through the rebirth of these principles in every man, woman, and child in this country. If you are interested, I look forward to hearing from you at
www.the-team.biz/mv974607 or you can e-mail me directly at stephen.hartka@the-team.biz

Be Well - Live Well

Stephen

Friday, September 25, 2009

It all begins with YOU!

Roundabout 2005, I had this notion that my personal economy was not really headed in a positive direction for the long term. The company I worked for was probably not going to be able to help me retire before I hit 72 years of age (as a matter of fact I wasn't sure they would make it to that age either) and I was feeling like there just has to be more than this! You know - get up, go to work, come home, eat, watch the tube, go to bed, repeat!

I had always been told by my Dad that if you want to change your results, you have to change your information; better info leads to better results. His theory, and the theory of that generation was/is: go to school, get good grades, get a good job (need a better job? repeat!) Well, I like to learn, but I didn't have the time, money, nor motivation to go back to college. Seriously, go spend another $20K a year for 2-4 years so I could get a $10K raise? I started looking for other opportunities and information to bring about some change.

I knew that I needed some input from successful people, but everyone I knew was just like me, to one degree or another (haha). I figured I should go to the local bookstore and start digging in the "self-improvement" section. A wealth of information has been written by people who had achieved significance through activity (actually "doing" the work), learning from their mistakes, and sheer tenacity in their ability to stay focused and committed to their dream.
As I read more of these books, I came across a large community of people who were doing the same thing (I'll talk more about them in a later post). I read things from Maxwell, Covey, Kiyosaki, and others. I started to talk with this new group of friends about what I was reading and as we talked I understood more & more that, really, the key to my success was rooted in my belief that I have the ability to create whatever I wanted in my life! With that belief I could start doing and achieve darn near anything.

People who have succeeded in all types of industries, business, and personal struggles have written their tales in books for us to learn from. Why on earth they don't teach this stuff in schools I will never understand!
It really is true, if you want to change some things, you have to change some things! New information, positive thinking, and the belief in your own ability to dream big, take up the charge, and make some mistakes will ultimately lead to your success in life. In any business environment, those who learn the fastest and stay focused on a clear objective/goal/dream are the ones who will make it - but only if they get going!

So I challenge you to ask yourself: Are you satisfied with your life? Where are you going? What are you willing to do to get what you want? Are you reading and learning new things everyday? You can do it, you can have whatever you want if you're willing to learn, put in the work, and stay focused on where you want to go long enough. I know it, because I am doing it, my friends are doing it, and our whole community is doing it. Will you make the decision and come join us!


Dream big, Believe in yourself, and focus on action!

Be well - Live well,


Stephen