5 Secrets to Getting Your Passion Back

Getting Your Passion Back

5 SECRETS TO GETTING YOUR PASSION BACK

Article by Deborah Shimer
Philosophy of People
Magazine: Issue #18

Quite honestly it breaks my heart. I don’t want to seem overly dramatic here, but the reality is quite shocking. I meet women every day who are complacent. Yes they are busy - actually very busy. But generally it is with things that “have to” get done - the kids, the job, the dinner, the dishes, the husband. Oh the exhaustion of it all!

We have become so systematic in our lives that many of us have lost the vibrancy of our early twenties and thirties. And even if we have passionate moments they are often few and far between.

What I know is that when we add passion as a key ingredient to everything we do, we change profoundly. We look younger, accomplish more and have more fun. Life becomes an entirely new ball game.

You might  think that “adding passion” sounds nice in theory but seems like to much trouble to make happen. But I would like to dispel that theory and reveal a few secrets that I believe will quickly have you experiencing life differently.

Secret 1        

Make sure that adding more passion into your life is something  you really want. Do you feel it  in your belly; an excited, expansive feeling? If you only think it is something you want (and    your body is totally not engaged), this secret is probably not calling to you right now…

Secret 2        

Realize that creating more passion is like training a new muscle. It takes consistency and practice. So be prepared.

Secret 3    

Stop. Spend 10 to 15 minutes and visualize what    a more    passionate life would look like. Write it down if you can and then really FEEL yourself having this experience. The “feeling” part makes all the difference… It gives your body an idea of the feeling you want so it becomes the “new normal.”

Secret 4    

Let others close to you know about the change you are planning to make and how they can support you. Give clear directions.

Secret 5    

Start with one thing that is easy to accomplish and then keep adding on.

Keep in mind that the world will be a better place if we added a little (or maybe a lot) more passion. Are you willing to do your part? If you need help getting started, please reach out to me and I’ll help you get the ball rolling…

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Philosophy of People is a compilation of self-improvement articles written by entrepreneurs seeking to bring holistic solutions to everyday problems. Read more articles from our 2nd Year Anniversary issue.

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Deborah Shimer is your flame’s "igniter" of your inner flame. Deborah’s goal for all women is to get that inner flame burning fiercely again, so they can bring the energy, drive and passion to all of their life's pursuits. Deborah's clients, one of whom gave the "Vibrant Living Alchemist" nickname, see her as a friend who brings the mysterious missing ingredients needed to re-energize their lives. 

3 Secrets to Brand Yourself and Stand Out From the Crowd

3 SECRETS TO BRAND YOURSELF AND STAND OUT
FROM THE CROWD

Brand Yourself and Stand Out From the Crowd

Article by Minling Chuang
Philosophy of People
Magazine: Issue #18

Ever wonder…

Why Apple still has people lining up in front of the store to buy one of their new products?

Why Lululemon was able to sell $98 yoga pants?

Why people spend thousands of dollars on a Chanel handbag?

Two words.

Great branding.

And by great branding, I’m not talking about the logos, graphics, advertisements, websites.  Although it’s part of it.

These companies understand branding and the 3 secrets I’m about to share with you nailed down.  Are you ready to find out their secret?

Drum Roll please…

One: They created an experience

Experience is everything.  People are irrational when it comes to purchasing products.  I mean, people are buying the iPhone 6 and 6+ less than a year after buying the iPhone 5.  People are buying $98 yoga pants when they don’t even practice yoga.  People are buying $4,000 bags from Chanel when they could buy a $10 bag from H&M.  What these brands created was an unique experience – one that their customers can’t get anywhere else.  They understood the irrational elements of purchasing a product.  They aren’t selling products.  They are selling their brand badge.  They are selling something their customers can be proud to show off to others.

Ask yourself, what experience am I creating for my customer?  What can my customers be proud of that they can’t get anywhere else?

Two: They crafted a story

Story sells.  People don’t care about the features or benefits of the product. Again, humans are irrational creatures. We buy based on our feelings and emotions.  Look all around you.  All the advertisements are carefully crafted stories.  Every commercial you watch started with a bunch of creative people brainstorming on the storyboard. Apple’s most famous commercial was their think different commercial from 1997.

Ask yourself, what’s my story?  What story do I want to convey to my customer?

Three: They went against the norm

Uniqueness wins.  All of these companies are unique and once went against the grain.  Chanel liberated women from the constraints of the “corseted silhouette”. Cirque de Soleil created a different type of “circus”, one that was not focused on animals, but instead, on theatrics.  Being unique is important because it makes you stand out and be memorable.  Otherwise people can’t tell you apart from the rest of the competition.

Ask yourself, how am I unique?  What’s something new I can bring to my customers?

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Philosophy of People is a compilation of self-improvement articles written by entrepreneurs seeking to bring holistic solutions to everyday problems. Read more articles from our 2nd Year Anniversary issue.

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Minling is the founder of {the JOY depot} and is on a mission to help new entrepreneurs start their dream business. She spent many years working on branding strategies for top brands like Lean Cuisine & Nestle Toll House and launching multimillion dollar products. Now Minling's passion is to help people create profitable businesses they love! And if you want to start your own business, book a clarity session with Minling >> The Joy Depot.

How To Use Storytelling To Connect With Your Ideal Clients

HOW TO USE STORYTELLING TO CONNECT WITH YOUR IDEAL CLIENTS

Connect with Your Ideal Client

Article by Christian Marie Herron
Philosophy of People
Magazine: Issue #18

As a business owner, you need to be able to connect with your ideal clients, the ones who are more than happy to pay your fees and who are looking (right now!) for someone exactly like you to help them.

The fact is, people want to see the real you. They want to be able connect with you on some level and storytelling is the #1 way to create a powerful and lasting emotional connection with your audience. 

When people read or hear your story, they remember who you are and more importantly want to know more of you. This is why telling your story is so important!

Your story can actually be a powerful business tool if used strategically.

What you share in your story can bring to life how exactly you see the people who need you most. You understand their pain frustration and disappointment and how you say this will resonate deeply with your ideal clients.

Your story creates and emotional connection that can take your clients from where they are now to where they want to be.

Think strategically; use words that come from your heart and not your agenda. 

A good story should answer the following: 

• Who you are
• What and Why you do what you do
• Your Value
• Results you deliver

Who

Who are you? What do you stand for?
What do you believe in? 

What and Why 

What do you do? 

What is the big "why" behind what you do? What’s in your heart? What lights you up about your work? 

These questions are really about whom you want to be serving.

Value

Think about the value you offer (credentials mixed with your natural strengths).

Now think of what is special or unique about they way you do things? Take some time to really think about this. The truth is, no one can do what you do, the way you do it.

Results

What can people expect from working with you? What problems will you help solve and how will they feel as a result? How do you know this to be true?

Once you’ve completed the 4 steps, I want you to write down any themes or metaphors that emerged for you. This is the “golden thread” or “threads” that will help you knit together your story!

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Philosophy of People is a compilation of self-improvement articles written by entrepreneurs seeking to bring holistic solutions to everyday problems. Read more articles from our 2nd Year Anniversary issue.

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Christian Marie Herron is a Strategic Storyteller + Brand Strategist. She is the founder and owner of Herron Media, a boutique, bespoke storytelling and branding company serving entrepreneurs and small businesses in a variety of industries. Her joy is helping business owners weave together the symphony of their personal experiences, talent and desires into a powerful Brand Story that helps them attract more clients and make more money. You can find her at Christian Marie Herron.

Need A Website? 3 Powerful Tips To Get You Started

Need a Website?

NEED A WEBSITE? 3 POWERFUL TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED

Article by Marla Trevino
Philosophy of People
Magazine: Issue #18

If you want a website and don’t know where to start, the three tips below will give you the answers you need to get going. These will set the foundation for your web project. 

1. Decide if you want to do it yourself (DIY) or hire someone

You have many options when it comes to hiring someone to get your website up. Maybe you've looked into it and haven’t found the right designer. If you’re a little introverted and a little bit of a perfectionist, getting your first website up might be freaking you out. Or at least, that's the story you’re telling yourself.

It’s crucial that you get out there and show people who you are, what you love and how you can help them. Imagine expressing and sharing yourself fully. 

Decide right now what you’re going to do. Either DIY, or find someone to do it for you. 

2. Commit to a deadline

Most people procrastinate because they don’t know where to start. But there are some people who make a decision and make it happen. 

If you are not an extrovert, or an oversharer, and hate being the center of attention. This tip is even more important. Imagine staying hidden. Not connecting to people. Your talents not being enjoyed by others. 

If this tip make you nervous, ask yourself this question. Where are you not committing in other areas of your life? Because how you do one thing is how you do everything. 

What’s your deadline? Do you want a website up before the new year?

3. Know thyself

Believe you are good enough as you are right now. (because you are) 

Sabotaging beliefs will start to surface and slow you down if let them. You’ll start to panic and tell yourself you’re not ready. Especially if this is your first website. 

What will you regret not doing at the end of your life? Is it a website? Of course not. It’s what happens when you do have a tool, like a website. You’ll be able to express yourself and connect with people who get you. It’s pushing past the fears of doing something that freaks you out. 

Enjoy yourself and the process of getting started. Make a decision. Pick a date. And show up as you are today. Remember not to let time, perfectionism, or lack of confidence be the reason you put it off for another year. 

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Philosophy of People is a compilation of self-improvement articles written by entrepreneurs seeking to bring holistic solutions to everyday problems. Read more articles from our 2nd Year Anniversary issue.

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MARLA TREVIÑO, Media and Technology Director, is an award-winning multimedia art director. She has shared her talents with clients ranging from design boutiques to Fortune 500 companies to start-ups. She supports women who want to make a positive impact in the world start AND amplify their business online. So that they can go from behind-the-scenes to being seen and get their mission out into the world. If you want an effective, flawless website up in as little as 7 days >> Marla Trevino.

3 Great Recipes for a Vegan Thanksgiving

Vegan Thanksgiving

3 GREAT RECIPES FOR A VEGAN THANKSGIVING

Article by Kathryn Farrugia
Philosophy of People
Magazine: Issue #18

As Thanksgiving approaches, I have been hard at work in my kitchen developing recipes that satisfy the tastebuds and nourish the body. Whether you are preparing a plant based meal or just looking to add more veggies to your meal, these recipes would be a welcome addition to any table.

Roasted Cauli-Potato Leek Soup

• 8 yellow baby potatoes
• ½ head cauliflower
• 1 leek
• 1 pkg vegetable broth
• 5 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 1 tbsp rosemary
• sea salt and pepper to taste

Cut to potatoes into cubes and cauliflower into florets, drizzle with olive oil and toss with seasonings. Bake at 375 for 30 min

Cut the green top off the leek and slice. In a pot, saute the leeks in a little bit of coconut oil until soft

Add the leeks along with the rest of the vegetables into the blender. Blend until smooth

Combine the broth and vegetable puree in a pot, whisk to combine. Season with salt and pepper

Kale Quinoa Salad with Rosemary White Beans

salad base:

• 2 cups kale
• 1 cup broccoli
• 1 cup quinoa

bean mixture:

• 1 cup white beans
• ½ cup tahini
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp dried rosemary
• juice of ½ lemon
• sea salt and pepper to taste

Bring 2 cups water to a boil, add quinoa cover and simmer for 20-25 min

Chop kale and cut broccoli into small florets; put into a bowl with the quinoa

Add together all the ingredients for the bean mixture and mix well. Pour over the salad base and stir until everything is well coated.

This healthy dessert is very easy to prepare ahead of time and pop in the oven when you are ready. It will smell your house with the most wonderful aroma!

Pumpkin Pie Baked Apples

• 4 apples
• 1 cup dates
• ¾ cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup almonds
• ½ cup oats
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar
• ½ tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 400

Cut apples in half and scoop out the core

Bake for 30 min

Add remaining ingredients into food processor and pulse until smooth

Take the apples out of the oven, fill the middles with the pumpkin filling and return to the oven for an additional 30 min.

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Philosophy of People is a compilation of self-improvement articles written by entrepreneurs seeking to bring holistic solutions to everyday problems. Read more articles from our 2nd Year Anniversary issue.

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Kathryn is the founder of ZENutrition, a concierge plant based cooking company. By offering meal services, cooking lessons and in home dinner parties, she aims to make vegan food approachable and appealing to everyone. Visit her site to learn more and book services ZENutrition.

7 Secrets for Finding Lasting Weight Loss + The Body You Want

7 SECRETS FOR FINDING LASTING
WEIGHT LOSS + THE BODY YOU WANT

Lasting Weight Loss + The Body You Want

Article by Amanda Gyuran
Philosophy of People
Magazine: Issue #18

Most people believe that eating the right proportions of macronutrients and depriving yourself from indulgences or “bad foods” will result in the “perfect body.” We have been led to believe that food is the sole key to losing weight and that making sacrifices with our diets is just something we have to suck up and deal with in order to have the body we want. Yes, eating the right food (real, unprocessed food) is crucial for weight loss and health... but if you want to truly change your body for good, it's time to change your approach. It's not just what we eat that matters, but also how we eat. 

How do you approach food? 

Do you sit down and make meal time an activity, or do you just grab a protein bar and eat on the go or while working?

Do you actually taste and savor your food, or do you inhale it so quickly that you never really feel satisfied? 

Do you enjoy every bite of every meal, or are you worrying about the calories and fat grams going to your hips? 

If you resonate with the latter of each question, you're not alone. Far too many people are living and eating under a chronic low level stressed state. When it comes to food, my definition of stress is any of the following: feeling actual stress or worry, anxiety about what to eat, having rigid rules around food, negative self-talk, eating fast, eating while multi-tasking, etc. Even though very different, these self-chosen stressors do the same thing to the body as obvious stressors such as a traumatic event or illness.

When we eat in a stressed state, the body excretes nutrients and releases insulin and the stress hormone cortisol, which decreases muscle building, calorie burning and digestive assimilation, all of which signals the body to store fat.

Therefore, eating healthy food is only half the story of good health. Being in the ideal state of relaxation to digest, assimilate and burn the food is the other half.

Here are 5 secrets for creating a relaxed state of mind while eating...

Breathe. Before you eat, take 5 slow, deep breaths. This calms down the nervous system and helps you become present. 

Stop all multi-tasking and eat when eating. Set aside time for eating without any other distractions. 

Put your utensil down in between bites. Breathe in some more oxygen and re-evaluate your hunger.

Savor + truly taste your food. No matter what you're eating, whether it's a big kale salad or a chocolate brownie, enjoy every single bite without guilt.

Play the slowest eater game. Secretly challenge yourself to be the last one at the table to finish your meal! 

Remember, not every meal will be slow and relaxed and that's okay. Just hitting the breaks a little and finding pleasure in your food will greatly reduce any tendencies to overeat and will help to improve your metabolism. There's so much more to life than restricting and obsessing over food, it's time you enjoy it and reap the benefits of a healthy, happy and hot body.

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Philosophy of People is a compilation of self-improvement articles written by entrepreneurs seeking to bring holistic solutions to everyday problems. Read more articles from our 2nd Year Anniversary issue.

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Amanda Gyuran is a certified Eating Psychology + Holistic Health coach who helps women transform their relationships with food. Through her coaching programs she helps women ditch the diets, restriction and self-sabotage and find peace with their plates. Sign up for a free consultation and find more information about Amanda's programs at Amanda Gyuran Wellness.

6 Steps to Follow for Healthy Weight Management

6 STEPS TO FOLLOW FOR HEALTHY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Healthy Weight Management

Article by Matsepo Manyokole
Philosophy of People
Magazine: Issue #18

Have you ever wondered what is holding you back from losing all those unwanted pounds? The secret is out. It's your habits. Your current habits, habits you have acquired throughout your life, are keeping you stuck and holding you back from ever getting your body into a healthy mode.

It is now time to learn new strategies that work, and they may seem counterproductive because they go against all you learned.

1. Make a lifestyle change based on the food you love and enjoy. As they say, when it comes to food, always listen to your body. We have always been made to believe that foods that aid in weight loss should be tasteless, unattractive, not well prepared, not well presented, and just bland.
 
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against shakes and those blended stuff, but most of them look so unappetizing. That is why people do not stick with diets. They drive people off food. To maintain a healthy weight, you have eat food, healthy food, the body does not need to be deprived!

2. Stop counting calories. As long as you eat proper food, you don't need to count calories. Packaged, processed food have labels showing the amount of calories. A bunch of spinach or a carrot does not come with labels. I believe, also it is always wiser to cook your own food. You know the ingredients you use. You should know what is going into your body.
 
3. Eat healthy fats. Fats do not make you fat, sugar makes you fat. Fats will make you fat if you eat the wrong type of fats, and on top of that pair them with simple sugars. Fats should be the primary source of energy because they take longet to be depleted from the body. This is a good idea especially when trying to lose weight, you can gradually add comples sugars during the maintenance phase.

4. Watch your sugar intake. Sugar is the regarded as the mother of all evils, but is it? Sugar is a source of energy for the body, but our bodies are consuming the wrong sugars. Find out about good sources of complex sugars.

5. Stop your intake of artificial sweeteners. Added sugar is bad enough on anything, but adding aspartame and others is lethal! 
 
6. Exercise to burn fat and build muscle. That can be achieved with high intensity exercises.

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Philosophy of People is a compilation of self-improvement articles written by entrepreneurs seeking to bring holistic solutions to everyday problems. Read more articles from our 2nd Year Anniversary issue.

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Matsepo Manyokole is a registered nurse and founder of Inourhands Health Coaching, an online health and wellness resource for women who want to live healthy and happy lives. While still on the path to her optimum wellness level, she researches and reviews resources available to help others make informed choices. With all the demands of modern day life, Matsepo is a wife and mother of three children and these still remain her priority in life. 

4 Ideas to Increase Online Sales this Holiday Season

Increase Online Sales this Holiday Season

4 IDEAS TO INCREASE ONLINE SALES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Article by Melissa Ward
Philosophy of People
Magazine: Issue #18

Are you ready to gear up your online sales this holiday season? 

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are right around the corner. National Retail Federation (NRF) sees sales in November and December jumping 4.1% to $616.9, up 1% from the 2013 increase. In 2013, $150 million was generated just between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday. Total online sales from November 1 to December 31 was a whopping $46.5 Billion. You still have time to gear up your online marketing efforts to garner a piece of that revenue. 

1. Social Media

People are already talking about holiday shopping. Get your products & services in conversation for people to talk about them. Referrals from Social Media accounted for the highest percentage of purchases. Here are some Ideas you can implement right now: 

• Create a Pinterest board of holiday gift ideas and include some of your products in the mix. 
• Use Instagram to post up photos of your goods 
• Use #gifts, #giftidea and #shopping hashtags, as they are already starting to trend high. 

Change your Facebook cover photo to one of your best selling items. Be sure to link the photo to your sales page 

2. Paid Advertising

Google AdWords lets you buy the targeted keywords that best suits your products. Social Media ad buys give the you the opportunity to target behaviors and demographics that match your target customer. 

3. Email Marketing

Strategic email marketing can create greater awareness about your goods and services. Email marketing also generates a high level of spontaneous purchases. 

• Use a special “email list only” coupon 
• Bundle goods for special prices 
• Create landing pages on your web site for those special packages 

4. Mobile Friendly

Nearly half of last years holiday sales were made from a mobile device. Those numbers are expected to increase this year. Make sure your website and email campaigns translate well on mobile. 

What if you are NOT in retail? 

For those of you who are service based, offer gift certificates to your customers and “soon to be” customers. Massage therapists, coaches, consultants, etc can participate in the holiday buying frenzy. Plus, gift certificates offer a way for people to buy meaningful gifts without increasing clutter.

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Philosophy of People is a compilation of self-improvement articles written by entrepreneurs seeking to bring holistic solutions to everyday problems. Read more articles from our 2nd Year Anniversary issue.

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Melissa Ward is an Inbound Marketing Expert and Business Consultant. She has been working online since 1999 and has built her business though various internet marketing techniques, particularly leveraging Social Media. Melissa shares her marketing concepts on her blog, in live trainings, online programs and is a sought after international speaker. The holidays are a perfect time for you to grow your business and rock your sales. Check out her site for more details >> Melissa Ward.