What does legacy income really look like in network marketing? If you have a killer first year, should you expect that to continue? In this episode of My Extra Mile, David T.S. Wood chats with Anna and Morgan Richards about network marketing. More specifically, they talk about why it’s not treated like a legitimate profession and what can be done, and misconceptions about how network marketers make income. If you’ve been on the fence about network marketing, this is the episode that could change your mind.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

 

• Anna and Morgan’s podcast: The Anything Goes Podcast
• Why many feel the need to legitimize network marketing
• Why network marketers don’t have the courage to own their profession
• How networking marketing impacts your spouse
• The journey of leadership in network marketing
• The raw truth about building a legacy income
• Why network marketing made sense as a career move for Anna
• Why the network marketing industry is dominated by women
• How different ranks come into play and impact you
• Why YOU should go into network marketing

Why network marketing is frowned upon by so many

 

Why are so many people turned off by network marketing? Because they think of the inexperienced or the worst examples of network marketers as the standard for the entire industry. People come into this wanting a change or transformation in their life, but they lack the experience. They don’t have the training and understanding. People form an opinion on network marketers who are in their infancy. What do Morgan and Anna do differently with their teams? How does it make an impact? Listen to find out.

Success is about showing up—no matter what

 

When Anna left a six-figure job and threw herself into network marketing, she was arguably not ready. But she got to work. She was training women in a profession she didn’t know and learning alongside them. She learned that she needed to take the pressure off of her “title” and simply be present. It was about being in the trenches with everyone else and failing forward. It was about showing up no matter what.

Building a legacy income isn’t linear

 

Every business has natural peaks, valleys, and plateaus—network marketing is no different. Anna’s first year—working harder than she ever has—she made $400,000. Every year since then, they’ve done approximately $200,000 or so a year. Anna’s highest income was her first year. Why? Partially because of when she started in the year and how different events and promotions can amplify the income. But they’ve earned multiple six-figure incomes in network marketing for seven years. Dropping from $400,000 to $200,000 is a normal business cycle. It’s a process of learning and a challenge to overcome.

 

That’s why it’s important to understand the natural cycle of building a legacy income. It’s about building a foundation and developing a team. Morgan and Anna note that while you’re building stability and a solid foundation, you should keep your life simple. Ride out the peaks and valleys as you build your legacy income, so you NEVER find yourself in a place of desperation. Anna and Morgan continue to discuss how different ranks impact you, why you shouldn’t make drastic lifestyle changes, and why comparison will take you out of the game. Don’t miss it. 

Why should YOU go into network marketing?

 

Why should you say “Yes!” to network marketing? Anna and Morgan have spent six years figuring this out and they’re grounded in it. Anna points out that it’s not a matter of if you’ll do network marketing—but when. Everything is becoming referral based. You’re already doing it.

 

Morgan points out that approximately every 10 years or so, the economy lets us know that jobs and security can be volatile. It is a necessity to have something like this to give you breathing space to fall back on in times of desperation.

 

The more good people that can find their way into the profession will raise the tide for all ships. It will continue to legitimize network marketing. Financial wellbeing and longevity will become more important. Ai and robots can’t do what network marketers do. It’s about taking freedom to another level.

 

Why is the network marketing industry dominated by women? Why does Anna believe she was destined for network marketing? Listen to the whole episode for her story!

 

Connect with Guest Name

• Anna + Morgan’s podcast: https://officialanythinggoes.podbean.com/
• Anna + Morgan’s Website: https://annaandmorgan.com/
• Anna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarose_richards

Connect with David T. S. Wood

• Follow David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidtswood
• Follow David on Instagram: @DavidTSWood
• Follow David on Twitter: @DavidTSWood1

Everyone has a number that they subconsciously accept. Do you know what yours is? In this episode, David walks through a thought exercise that can radically change the way you think about money—and life. If your income isn't exceeding your expectations, listen to this episode.

  In this episode, you will learn:

 

• Walking through a game-changing thought exercise
• How to change your mindset + up level your attitude

  What is your subconscious number?

 

What is the number you've been trading your time for? When you think about becoming a teacher, it's rare that you sit down and discuss what that choice will bring you financially. A teacher in Canada likely makes between $40,000–$60,000 a year.   

 

That subconscious number will chase you from profession to profession. The New York Times ran two similar ads for the same job—except for one detail. One ad listed the salary at $100,000, and the other was $40,000. The majority of people applied for the $40,000 listing. Why? Because you are preprogrammed with a number, you're willing to trade time for. 

  Walkthrough this thought exercise...

 

Draw a stick person with a thought bubble over its head. Write the number that you've averaged over the last ten years. What's the number you've chosen? With the current number, how would you describe your lifestyle? How is your life? Is it suffocating? Limiting? Do you have freedom? Add another zero to your number. What will life be like?

 

David emphasizes that it takes the same energy to make $300,000 as $30,000. Wealthy people don't have more time in their day. Even worse, people who make $30,000 often work longer hours at worse jobs. If you don't want to become an entrepreneur, write the very best number in the arena you're in. 

 

Then think about how you can add an extra $10,000 or $20,000? Without having to work 24 hours a day, how do you achieve those numbers? You have to overcome the limiting belief that your time is only worth $30,000. 

 

 

Take it one step further: change your mindset.

 

David has made over $1 million in a year, and he's created financial freedom. But he had to start by asking himself: Who do I have to become to add a zero? What do I have to think? What do I have to believe? You have to realize that you can have an impact on your number and take responsibility for it. 

 

David had no goal to be a billionaire. It wasn't about getting rich or famous. He wanted to make a lot of money and have a great life as he went. He was clear he didn't want to work in an office 18 hours a day. He didn't want to trade himself for this number.

 

How would somebody who makes $600,000 a year act? What would they think? Successful people have a different mindset. Some of the richest men in the world didn't even complete school. It wasn't their education that gave them an edge. They had a philosophy of contribution, of taking risks, and of passion. How are you thinking, talking about, and showing up in the world? How do you grow yourself? Your wealth can only grow to the extent you grow yourself. 

  Up-level your attitude

 

David goes into every single day with a positive attitude. Having more comes down to how you treat yourself internally and how you treat the world around you. The magic is in what you can control. David became somebody that wasn't a victim of his circumstances or how he felt. He was willing to be positive, vibrant, kind, aware, and generous. As he started to grow more, he had ideas he'd never had before. It was allowing him to open his mind to things he'd never thought about. 

 

If you added that extra zero, start thinking about how you will walk and talk. What would you be interested in? What will you read? What people will you hang out with? How would you sound? How will you embrace that? Give off that energy and notice what happens. It's a better way to live. You don't have to be rich to grow yourself, but you have to develop yourself to be rich. 

Connect with David T. S. Wood

• Follow David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidtswood
• Follow David on Instagram: @DavidTSWood
• Follow David on Twitter: @DavidTSWood1

When it comes to getting advice from a leadership expert, each story is different. But having a mentor can help you navigate the tough times in your life. In this episode of My Extra Mile, David T. S. Wood talks with Shannon Fisher about her inspirational journey through the different phases of her life. It can be hard to change directions and take your career success into your hands, but with the right skills and the right mindset, you can achieve success too!

 

Are you interested in learning how your journey can help other people overcome their obstacles? Do you want to develop a growth-based mindset to help you push through your struggles and find success? Are you ready to find inspiration in your daily routine to keep you powered up towards your goals? If you've answered "yes" to any of these questions, this episode is a must-hear!

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

 

• Pivoting your career towards something you'll love
• Taking your business into your own hands
• Learning skills to help you build the life you want
• Overcoming obstacles
• Becoming a bridge worker to help others
• A growth-based mindset
• Inspirational stories about getting out of your own way and surrendering to ask for help
• Identifying your pivot moments
• A routine to help you start your day right

Learning and working towards your goals

 

Any time you learn a new skill, there is a learning curve that you have to overcome to become competent. But have you taken the time to pause and reflect on your journey so far? What skills have you already learned that can propel you forward? Your path is unique to you, and when you utilize your specific skill set you can start to set yourself apart from others in your field.

 

Take the time to grow your skill level in areas you aren't confident in, so you're ready for any challenges you may face. In any career, you have to keep working at your talent to keep your skills sharp. You can and should take time off to recharge, but make sure you regularly work towards your goals to reach them promptly. By putting in the time to build your business, you will create a professional mindset for your career and any additional side-hustles you desire.

 

Becoming a bridge worker to help others

 

Overcoming hurdles is never an easy task, but with the right mindset and mentors you CAN overcome anything. By navigating challenges successfully, you will pave the way for others! When you become a bridge, you will have the power to lead people to the other side of whatever is holding them back.

 

It doesn't matter what business you're in; when you have a community, it is easier to work through the hard times. By learning how to get out of your own way, knowing when to ask for help, and ACCEPTING help, you will be able to press onward.

A leadership expert's growth-based mindset

 

Starting something new is scary and you may not feel ready to leave your comfort zone. But when you push through the tough times and the discomfort, you CAN breakthrough. Learning how to identify your pivot moments is vital for creating a growth-based mindset. Allow yourself to feel frustrated and upset, but then let it go so you can move forward. Show your true self, be proud of the journey you've been on to get to where you are and continue towards the things that matter most to you.

 

Shannon recommends creating a morning routine that works for you so you can start your day right.

 

Her daily routine is:

 

• Getting up early
• Taking her health supplements
• Reading, personal development, spiritual practice, and journaling
• Coffee

 

Create a routine you can follow daily, and your body will learn to shift into your growth-based mindset quickly. Having a schedule in place will allow you to tackle your daily tasks with ease. Listen to your body's needs and stay focused on working towards your future by taking the steps you need to, every day.

Connect with Shannon Fisher

• Shannon's Website: https://www.befearlesswithshannon.com/
• Follow Shannon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/befearlesswithshannon/
• Follow Shannon on Instagram: @Shannon.A.Fisher
• Follow Shannon on Twitter: @ShannonAFisher

 

Connect with David T. S. Wood

• Follow David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidtswood
• Follow David on Instagram: @DavidTSWood
• Follow David on Twitter: @DavidTSWood1

How do you build an authentic social media following? Today’s guest on My Extra Mile, Krystal Morrison, shares her method for approaching social media. She shares the rituals that she implements each day, how she manages social media, and how she’s built a community. If you’re striving to cultivate a social media community—don’t miss this episode with David T.S. Wood.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

 

• What made Krystal the woman she is today
• Why Krystal chose to embrace social media
• Why some people gain traction and others don’t
• How to bring genuineness to your social media
• Developing congruence between real life and your social media
• Modeling after—but not copying—people or brands you admire
• The daily rituals that Krystal embraces for success
• Setting boundaries with social media
• How Krystal constructs her Instagram posts

How to grow your following organically and authentically

 

When you seem to be doing everything right, why isn’t your following growing? Krystal asks you to reflect: What were you feeling when you were posting? Were you having the worst day ever? When you aren’t in a good place, your posts won’t be well-received. There’s a larger energy at play.

 

A lot of people post something and don’t stick around to build community. Krystal posts to communicate and connect with people. The goal is to build relationships. To do that, her goal is to connect with 5–10 people a day. Another thing she recommends. Read your comments and respond to them authentically. More comments on your post helps the algorithm as well.

 

Krystal is genuine and truly desires to get to know people. She doesn’t see them as a target for her business. She always comes from a place of “they spoke to me” and “they’re human.” She’s hoping to bring some light into someone’s day. Listen to hear the method she uses to connect and build relationships.

How to develop congruence between real life and your social media

 

If Krystal can’t show up authentically, she doesn’t. If she’s having a hard day, she just doesn’t log on. She gives herself permission to come back to the platform when she’s in a better place. Then maybe she’ll share the story in an inspiring or funny way. Because life isn’t perfect. But she wants to share what led to the bad day or what she got out of it. If someone comes to her page, she wants them to feel they got value out of the interaction.

The rituals that Krystal embrace for success

 

Krystal has two children and when she wakes up to them, she’s engulfed in their world and their needs—just like any mother. So, she started getting up earlier to take 15 minutes to quiet her mind and meditate. She tries to take 5 minutes every day to write out what she appreciates and is grateful for—everything that feels good in her life today. What makes you feel light, fun, eager, and excited? She recommends doing that before you do anything else. It’s simple but it elevates her energy.

How Krystal sets boundaries on social media

 

Krystal likes to implement a schedule, so she doesn’t hit a place of burnout. Krystal only works after she’s had an hour in the morning with her children. She also allocates 30 minutes to check her inbox. How many times do you login and get distracted? Don’t get stuck in the scroll-hole. She gets on, makes her post, and interacts with 10 other people.

 

It’s about being intentional with your time—not getting lost in the scroll. Krystal also turns her notifications completely off. The truth is, you have control over when you pick up your phone. Create control in your life and what you allow in your mind at that moment.

 

She notes that “How we’re taking care of ourselves is how we will show up in social media and our businesses.” If your social media feels flat, how can you connect more? How can you bring light and love into someone else’s day? Be a connector instead of just a poster. For the rest of her tips and tricks, listen to the whole episode!

Resources & People Mentioned

 

• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

 

Connect with Krystal Morrison

 

• Follow on Facebook
• Connect on Instagram

Connect with David T. S. Wood

 

• Follow David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidtswood
• Follow David on Instagram: @DavidTSWood
• Follow David on Twitter: @DavidTSWood1

David has always struggled to understand what people are talking about when they refer to their “haters.” He has an extreme dislike for the word “hate.” He even avoids using the word in everyday life. In the middle of a conversation with Zach Slobin, David had a realization. So, in this episode of My Extra Mile, David discusses his realization about the “haters” you may encounter—and what to do about it.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

 

• How to address angry people
• Miscommunication is often the root of hate
• Why “haters” don’t exist
• Why you should take a look in the mirror

“Haters” may just be hurting

 

David recently posted a photo of himself on social media with a mask on that wasn’t completely covering his nose. One woman took it upon herself to comment “Wear your F*ing mask.” His initial response was to delete the message. He could tell she hadn’t read the post because he had stated he was standing in his garden when the photo was taken.

 

Instead of deleting the comment, David responded and asked her not to swear on his posts. He also pointed out that she probably didn’t read the post and encouraged her to read posts in the future before leaving a crude or angry comment. That’s when David realized what a hater is: someone with a contrary view that they express in an angry manner.

 

David grew up in a home where beatings were a regular sport. When kids only get attention through anger, they interpret that as love. They grow up and their learned behavior is to get attention through anger. David chose to believe that this woman was simply incredibly lonely. Instead of seeing her as a hater, he chose to see someone that was hurting.

 

She could’ve seen the post where David wasn’t wearing his mask properly and instead say “Hey Dave—just to be safe—you should wear your mask properly.” It’s a completely different energy.

It all stems from miscommunication

 

David points out that it’s hard to communicate over text or via social media posts because you can’t read body language and tone. People easily read something the wrong way. Because of this, David realizes that “haters” may not understand him or what he was trying to say.

 

A guy posted an angry comment on one of David’s posts. So, he took the time to reply and express appreciation for this man’s opinion. He took a moment to explain his intentions to help him understand a comment. This person commented back almost immediately, apologized, and said he was having a bad day. When people are angry and vomiting words, they project their own hurt, anger, and frustrations onto other people.

Address your “haters” to turn things around

 

Do you have the option of deleting angry comments? Absolutely. Do you want to? No. Because they’ll just do the same thing to someone else. David emphasizes that you have the chance to address it and encourage better behavior. If they continue the rude or crude behavior after a conversation, you can certainly block or delete them. Give them an opportunity to change. You don’t need to block someone because they have an opinion that’s different from yours. If you’re posting something in a public domain, people will have contrasting opinions.

Look in the mirror: Either someone else is projecting—or you are

 

What are you projecting out to get negativity back? Are you taking responsibility for your actions? Are you making assumptions? What will someone feel when they read your posts? If you’re going to make your thoughts public, put up with the people that don’t agree with them. Accept that it comes with the territory.

 

David doesn’t believe there’s such a thing as haters. People don’t hate you. Reach out to them and ask questions. Ask why they’re commenting negatively. Don’t be afraid to have a conversation and address the issue. Do you have the capacity, strength, and courage to be bigger than the anger? Can you learn not to react, but to respond?

Connect with David T. S. Wood

 

• Follow David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidtswood
• Follow David on Instagram: @DavidTSWood
• Follow David on Twitter: @DavidTSWood1

When it comes to millionaire success habits, it's helpful to dive deep into their daily mindset. What motivates them to earn more money? What is their vision and how clear is their end goal? What are their beliefs about money, and how are they different from yours? In this Bonus episode of My Extra Mile, David T. S. Wood talks with multi-millionaire couple, Jennifer Shultz and Jono Patch, about how they've found success and the mindset that got them there.

 

Do you want to confidently look back at your journey so far and learn from any mistakes you've made? Do you want to let go of your negative thoughts about money and the guilt of earning more than you need? If you're ready to change your money mindset and implement some millionaire success habits, this episode is a must-hear!

 

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

 

• Moving past negative thoughts about money
• Identifying your motivation for pursuing your career path
• Defining your idea of the perfect amount of money
• Learning what the big earners in your community know that you don't
• Clarifying your beliefs about money
• The value of time and learning how to get your ducks in a row
• The legal and ethical side effects of investing
• Creating the lifestyle of your dreams
• Life lessons surrounding your career
• Figuring out what you don't know and how to learn more

 

Connect with Jennifer Schultz and Jono Patch

• Follow Jennifer on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.schultz.7731
• Follow Jono on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jono.patch

 

Connect with David T. S. Wood

• Follow David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidtswood
• Follow David on Instagram: @DavidTSWood
• Follow David on Twitter: @DavidTSWood1

Do you know what your superpower is? Tracy O’Malley’s superpower is the ability to talk to anyone. It’s useful in network marketing, sales, and even just everyday life. The world changes color when you have the ability to talk to anyone. So how do you talk to anyone? What is the key to connecting with other people?

 

In this episode of My Extra Mile, Tracy O’Malley returns to delve deep into the power of self-awareness and how it’s the foundation for anything you wish to accomplish. She talks about learning your Enneagram type, learning to see each type in others, and how to adapt your approach to connect with people on an individual level. If you want to learn her superpower of being able to talk with anyone, this is where you need to start!

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

 

• Tracy O’Malley’s superpower: The ability to talk to anyone
• How she cultivated the ability to talk to anyone
• The nuts and bolts of learning to talk to someone
• How to determine your Enneagram type
• Adapting your energy to the person you’re with
• Adapting how you communicate with your children
• What it’s like to be able to talk to anyone

Use the Enneagram personality test as a starting point

 

Tracy could always read people, even as a little girl. She saw things that other people didn’t. Looking back, she sees it as an intuitive gift. For most of her life, she used that skill to protect herself and manipulate others. Now, her intuitive abilities come from a genuine and authentic place of love and compassion—not protection and guardedness. Those are the skills she uses today to help change the world and help others step into who they are.

 

But how do you get to that place? Tracy had to learn to realize the motive behind how she was communicating with others. The Enneagram helped her put together a framework to understand who she was. It helped her understand that “Everything that I do, everything that I say, every way that I communicate is coming from a place of ‘Tracy doesn’t want to be backed into a corner, be vulnerable, or rely on anybody.’” You have to understand that and have compassion for yourself.

 

Tracy was originally hesitant to take the Enneagram test. She didn’t want yet another label. Now, Tracy is vocal about how important the test is and believes it’s one of the greatest tools you could ever use in personal development. It can help you get out of the box the world has put you in. It can open your eyes to things that haven’t made sense to you.

Do you want your message to be received?

 

You don’t want people to adapt to you because they’re afraid of you. That doesn’t build a connection—it builds fear and divisiveness. If you’re choosing to be a leader in your home, business, or the world, you must be willing to adapt first. There IS a way to be effective. You can adjust your tone, the words you use, your posture, and body language.

 

Tracy realized that if her kids—or whomever she was interacting with—weren’t receiving the message she wanted to convey that it was on her to change. If they can’t receive your energy you must choose to adjust if you want your message of love to be received. Tracy shares some deep and insightful stories of how she learned to communicate and connect with her kids in a meaningful way. So, keep listening!

Awareness is the key to transformation

 

Making deep and meaningful changes is going to require some radical honesty with yourself. You can’t pick what looks good on paper. The enneagram is a roadmap that helps you decide where to go. If you have the wrong coordinates and wrong compass, you’ll be going the wrong direction the whole time. It’s only effective if you are honest with yourself.

 

Each Enneagram type has its own superpower. You can’t operate on the superpowers that you aren’t. Own who you are, look at the whole package and have compassion for yourself. You must remember that developing self-awareness is the key to all transformation. The Enneagram test is simply a tool that helps you become more self-aware—but it can be life changing.

 

Tracy used to thrive being in-control. As a child and even as an adult she never felt seen, heard, or understood. The ability to see that in others is giving them a gift, whether or not they see it. She can see past their shields. It is her greatest superpower, without question. Because it’s coming from a place of love and compassion for humankind. If you’re ready to find your superpower, listen to this episode of My Extra Mile!

Connect with Tracy O'Malley

• Tracy's Website: http://tracyomalley.com/
• Follow Tracy on Facebook: @Tracy.OMalley
• Follow Tracy on Instagram: @Tracy_OMalley
• Follow Tracy on Twitter: @TracyOMall

Connect with David T. S. Wood

• Follow David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidtswood
• Follow David on Instagram: @DavidTSWood
• Follow David on Twitter: @DavidTSWood1

Elon Musk has said “One thing I worry about with my kids is they don't face enough adversity.” Why would he say that? Why is overcoming adversity so important to someone’s personal and professional development? In this episode of My Extra Mile, David shares his thoughts on how powerful adversity can be.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

 

• Why kids need to experience adversity
• The value in overcoming adversity
• Why David values loyalty
• How to grow from adversity

Why your kids need adversity

 

David sees the value when his kids are going through hard times. When his son broke up with his first love at 15 years old, David was excited that his son got to experience heartbreak. Why? Because he’d have to learn how to navigate the heartbreak to understand what a “full heart” is.

 

When David’s son hitch-hiked across China and Japan, there would be times when no one would pick him up. Most parents would freak out—but David was excited. His son would have to learn how to navigate the challenge. But he’d come out on the other side with a great story to tell. He was alone, in a foreign country, stuck on the side of the road—but triumph followed.

Overcoming adversity is powerful

 

People look for compassionate and trustworthy leaders. How do you learn compassion if you’ve had an easy life? If you have a rich parent that was able to make your life easy? Elon Musk is concerned his kids won’t properly learn if they can’t walk through adversity.

                  

Are you truly dealing with adversity? You may not be—you just think you are. Are you embracing a victim mentality? Or are you doing your best to grow every day, despite what you’re working through?

 

You may be dealing with loss or navigating a divorce. You have to keep moving through it. David sees that those with a victim mentality are resigned to the problem. They give power to the obstacle. You don’t have to stay a victim. The first key to all transformation is awareness. How do you become acutely aware of what you're doing? Create the awareness that you’re in a place you don’t want to be.

Assigning meaning + interpretation

 

David is passionate about network marketing. He aligns with a world-class company and they’re currently dealing with large challenges. Leaders have left the company and people are assigning meaning that isn’t there. They’re worried that the company is struggling because of the turnover—but that’s not the case.

 

Why do they leave? David believes people leave because their ego takes over. They think they’re bigger than the company versus being in a partnership. Someone else may be paying big bucks to obtain them. Every person that has left David’s company hasn’t succeeded anywhere there. So how are they going to do it anywhere else?

 

David has seen many people he’s respected leave—and he’s lost respect for them because of how they left. They drift from one company to another. Humans assign things meaning, and that meaning can often be faulty.

 

The truth is, every great company goes through a point where they have to soldier forward. Can you imagine a world without Amazon? Jeff Bezos borrowed money from his parents. Now they’re billionaires. What about SpaceX? SpaceX has faced setbacks, adversity, and lack of funding. Now they’re the first privately funded company to send people to the space station.

Grow through the adversity

 

David emphasizes that there is no easy way out. You have to go through the lesson. You have to look in the mirror and take responsibility. How did I create this? What can I do to solve the problem? Who do I have to become? What’s my next step?

 

If you know someone who is struggling, how do you link arms with them and let them know you’re there for them, even when it’s tough? Don’t turn your back on people that have been there for you. The reason you succeeded is because these people stuck by you when times were tough. Now it’s your turn.

 

Adversity will amplify your strengths and your weaknesses. When it amplifies your weaknesses, what are you going to do about it? Decide who you are, who you want to be, and what you want your legacy to be. If you blame others, justify, complain, and bow down to the obstacle in front of you—you see who you really are. Champions are made from adversity.

 

David’s challenge: The next time you face adversity, suck it up, look at it for what it is, and understand your thoughts. Then make a decision: What step will you take next?

Resources & People Mentioned

 

• Amazon
• Tesla
• SpaceX
• Elon Musk

Connect with David T. S. Wood

 

• Follow David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidtswood
• Follow David on Instagram: @DavidTSWood
• Follow David on Twitter: @DavidTSWood1

The world is struggling with a mental health crisis where very few people realize genuine happiness. Victoria Johnson—the Director of The Museum of Happiness—runs a nonprofit social enterprise where they share the science and art of sustainable happiness. Their mission is to provide people with tools as a preventative measure to alleviate suffering in the world. Listen to this episode of My Extra Mile with David T.S. Wood to learn more about Victoria’s mission—and the path she took to find genuine happiness.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

 

• The factors that lead to genuine happiness
• What Victoria’s experience in Cambodia taught her
• How the path to happiness begins with acceptance
• Reflect on three things you’re grateful for each day
• The one sentence that can help calm you
• Why the brain sabotages success and happiness

What Victoria’s experience in Cambodia taught her

 

Victoria volunteered at an orphanage in Cambodia where there were 52 children—the happiest children she’s ever met. They’d been through severe trauma. They’d all lost their parents. Yet they had a sense of togetherness and community. They got up every day and meditated, did yoga, and played outside. There was a lot of love. Victoria’s experience at the orphanage inspired her to work at a youth organization when she returned to the UK. She was struck by the mental health challenges the young people in the UK were facing.

 

In Southeast Asia, there was a rich sense of cultural values. Their culture was built around being grateful, meditating, and doing yoga. Buddhism was strong. People had to trust in their faith. They were connected to one another but also connected to something higher. Victoria found that unless they were connected to a religion, the youth she was working with dealt with a spiritual disconnect.

 

So Victoria started learning about positive psychology. She learned about gratitude practices and trained as a mindfulness teacher. She had an inner transformation. Then Victoria started implementing gratitude practices with the youth she worked with. She started doing meditation and yoga with them. She began to see the same transformation in them. Their lives were the same, but they were able to carry the heavy loads more easily.

The path to happiness begins with acceptance

 

A lot of people aren’t genuinely happy. Victoria believes it’s because people don’t know how to navigate their own thoughts and emotions. People think that those difficult thoughts and emotions are the “bad guys.” But they’re just trying to keep us safe. To combat this, you have to find ways to care for your mind and do things that make you happy. What are some ways you can do that?

 

Victoria says to write down three things that you’re grateful for. It releases happiness in your brain. She emphasizes that you must be very specific about three things that have happened in the last 24 hours. Why? Reliving the thing that you’re grateful for brings them back to life. It fires up different parts of your brain and hardwires it in a different way than verbalizing it.

 

Secondly, ask yourself: What do I need to take care of myself today? How can I be kind to myself? Victoria emphasizes that “You are an important project that needs time, attention, love, and kindness.” There are so many myths that it’s selfish or self-indulgent. But you’re a better colleague, friend, spouse, etc. when you take care of yourself.

Understand the brain to understand your feelings

 

The brain is wired for survival. It’s an overactive threat responsive system doing its best to keep us alive. Victoria notes that you must learn to make friends with your mind. When you do that, you can rewire your brain to be happy. Victoria believes that you can be the attacker and the attacked—or you can be the soother and the soothed.

 

The things that you say to yourself and the tone of voice that you say it in can activate your threat system. But when you soothe yourself, it relaxes your whole nervous system. What would a wise and kind friend say in this situation? You must learn to speak that way to yourself. Listen to the whole episode for more about Victoria’s path to happiness—and how the rest of the world can do the same.

Resources & People Mentioned

 

• The Museum of Happiness
• Kristin Neff

 

  Connect with Victoria Johnson

 

• Connect on LinkedIn

Connect with David T. S. Wood

 

• Follow David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidtswood
• Follow David on Instagram: @DavidTSWood
• Follow David on Twitter: @DavidTSWood1

When it comes to your money mindset, what motivates you to save or spend? If you don't know the reasons behind your action, it can be hard to rewrite your story to achieve the life you want! Luckily, in this episode of My Extra Mile, David T. S. Wood discusses this topic with a panel of money experts as they share simple steps you can take today to change your money mindset.

 

Changing from a spender to a saver starts with knowing where your money goes as you earn it and only spending on what you can afford as often as possible. If you want to find your money mindset, this episode is a must-hear!

 

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

 

• Paying yourself and learning how to save
• Setting aside money for your future
• Finding balance in your life
• Understanding where your money goes every month
• Planning and spending consciously
• Learning how to live within your means
• What "fear of missing out" is and how to avoid it
• Creating a realistic budget

 

How to change your money mindset

 

Do you pay yourself first? Each time you earn money in your job or side hustle, you need to start setting aside some money to pay yourself! An excellent place to start is 10% of each paycheck going into your pocket and 20% for your savings or retirement. By immediately taking these funds out, you will begin to build a future for yourself.

 

You won't notice the savings right away, but as you consistently take an increment off your paycheck and pop it into your savings, or "set it and forget it" you will start to see a real change. It's essential to find a balance, though.

 

Find ways to consciously spend on things that matter and save for your big goals. Read and study money masters to learn how to manage your money effectively. Learn what compound interest is, where to put your money so it works for you, and spending and saving with purpose.

 

Saving, spending, and everything in between

 

Did you know that the average person in the US has less than $400 in savings? When you live outside of your means, you won't be able to navigate trying times by having money in savings to help you come out ahead. These are the cases when people in need stack on additional debt by borrowing, compounding, and exacerbating an already problematic financial situation.

 

Additionally, before you purchase things with credit and build more debt, save instead so you can try to purchase it outright. Live within your means, and don't buy things emotionally. Don't buy a car you can't afford, don't buy a house and get wrapped up in a mortgage for more house than you need. Wait to buy until you can afford it or until you're ready to commit to the long-term purchase.

 

What's the priority for what you're buying in your life? Are you buying it because you want it or because marketing tells you you need it to live a good life? Do you feel like you buy things based on a "fear of missing out" (also known as FOMO)? It's crucial to understand your payments and earnings and how they play together in your financial future.

 

Building a budget that works

 

Do you know how to start a realistic budget that will bring results? You have to create a budget that works for everyone's financial goals in your household by taking everyone's expenses and goals into consideration. Find an amount that includes paying yourself first and paying into your savings and paying off any debts or investments. If you don't have any debt, consider saving ahead of time so you can pay it off more quickly, like your own line of credit.

 

If you feel like you have too much month left at the end of your money, you need to change your money mindset. By rewriting your mindset, you can go from a full-time spender to an efficient saver. If you need more support, read books written by financial experts, find a money mentor, and learn how to be more comfortable talking to people about money!

 

Connect with Andrew Logan

• Follow Andrew on Instagram @AndrewJamesLogan
• Andrew Logan's Book: The Way Out

 

Connect with Lloyd Ross

• Follow Lloyd on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lloyd.ross.7
• Follow Lloyd on Instagram @LloydJamesRoss

 

Connect with Shawn Owen

• Follow Shawn on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawn.owen.35
• Follow Shawn on Instagram @ShawnOwen15
• Shawn's Website: Chipsy and Lulu

 

Connect with Courtney Bouchard

• Follow Courtney on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneycave

 

Connect with David T. S. Wood

• Follow David on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidtswood
• Follow David on Instagram: @DavidTSWood
• Follow David on Twitter: @DavidTSWood1