Diet and Exercise for the Small Business Owner

Bet you didn't see that one coming, did you? It's true, even us small business types need to watch what we eat and exercise when we can, probably more so. There's nothing like sitting stagnant in front of the computer all day to find when you finally do take a break your joints ache and you have no semblance of nutrition in your belly, much less your cupboard.

Well, here's my cure for the common problem we face: practical meals and snacks and at least an hour of exercise each day.

I started a new diet and exercise plan yesterday and the reason I didn't jump in with both feet and blog about it yesterday was because I didn't want to let you, or myself, down. I'm one of those people who's notorious for starting something, not seeing results fast enough, then giving up before I've even given it a chance. Like all independent business owners I think that's the "fear" thing AGAIN. Diet and exercise is no different. But, this time feels different.

I promised as a consumer entrepreneur that I would experiment on myself before I share anything with you and here I am again trying it before you buy it. I purchased the Nutrilite (R) Better Balancer Plan through my iCommerce portal last week. It was delivered on Friday so I set the plan to start on Monday.

Once again, as with everything I have tried so far, I'm not at all disappointed. I have supplements to help boost my metabolism and balance my glucose and give me more fiber. There is a journal where I track my progress that contains weekly shopping lists, menus, and a place for me to keep track of how I feel. Then, there are meal and snack bars and meal replacement shakes. Combine that with huge plates of food and you meet with success.

So, I figured 1,500 calories a day would be perfect. These 1,500 calories have delivered (I'm not kidding) dinner plates full of food - soup, crackers, an apple, and two cups of fresh vegetables for lunch alone today. The meal and snack bars and shakes taste good. How rare is that? And though I know these first couple of days are tough because I'm used to 2,500 to 3,000 calories per day, I also feel like this will be much easier than any other plan I have tried.

Now, in addition to the dietary changes I am continuing to walk one mile and more each day and, for the moment, I'm adding to that a 5 minute warm-up and 10 minute workout. Ten minutes not enough for you? I end up sweating my rear off after one ten minute workout, but will add two from the 4-3-2-1 Workout DVD soon.

Ultimately the point is this: I feel like a success and it's only day two. As an IBO, maybe my positive attitude will lead to more sales and business growth.

I encourage you to get out from behind the computer to eat healthy foods and snacks, exercise, and feel like a success too.

Your Real Life Entrepreneur,
Lindy Chaffin Start

Shameless marketing for Tuesday, September 12, 2011: Become a Real Life Entrepreneur! Come to my first Business Preview this Thursday, September 15th to find out how. E-mail me. Visit my iCommerce site. Have a great day!

In Sneaks Fear...

Today is the day the invitation went out. OMGoodness! I've never been so nervous in my entire life. I've started this business, I am happy doing this business, and I know it will help make my dreams come true - BUT - in sneaks fear. Can you believe it? I can't! I'm mad! I didn't choose fear.

Sitting here at my desk I wanted to procrastinate but I knew in my soul if I did then the invitation wouldn't go out and my dream of hosting gatherings to bring my friends together to promote my new business and their businesses would go out the window. The very first one would end up cancelled and I would have let myself down - AGAIN.

So, I opened up my list of contacts. Mind you this list has everyone from agents, editors and fellow writers to Red's school friends, our family, and people I've known since I was little. Who will I invite? I’m going to be so embarrassed! No one will come to this. See, there's this thing known as negative self talk. Can you hear yourself asking these same questions about something you always wanted to do?

Earlier this year, God handed me this thought to bring my friends together to network, talk about our dreams, and share with one another our small businesses. At the time I was focused on my graphic design business and though I wanted to promote myself, I just wasn't confident enough. So, my idea of bringing my friends together to promote and support each other went out the window.

Then, God handed me another opportunity. This opportunity. And with it, my interest in bringing my friends together to promote and support one another was affirmed.

I didn't let negative self talk stop me from sending out invitations this morning. I sent them to 30; yes I said 30, of my closest friends. I wouldn't have known I had so many friends if it weren't for this invitation. I'm so excited and can't wait to bring everyone together to meet my new friends Don and Bobbie Boyken. To hear them tell their story you'd think every opportunity is that of Divine Intervention.

My first Business Preview is on September 15th at 7:00 PM here at my house. If you'd like to come, meetsome great folks, eat good food,and laugh - a lot, say the word and I'll get you on the list.

Shameless marketing for Tuesday, September 6, 2011: Become a Real Life Entrepreneur! Come to the Business Preview to find out how. E-mail me. Visit my iCommerce site. Have a great day!