Achieving optimum performance doesn’t just happen. It takes hard work, determination and perseverance. As business owners, we have developed cultures that embrace certain areas of focus that have led to success. We started with what we feel is the most critical pillar of any successful business; the customer experience. We covered that in episode 44. In this episode, we are tackling Pillar two and that is time management and organization. We’ve heard it said time and time again, I wish I just had more TIME! Well, we can help give you back some time with these “simple” steps. There are 6 keys to time management that we break down for you. 1) Prioritization 2) Effective Scheduling 3) Delegate Tasks 4) Effective Use of Tech and Tools 5) Eliminate Distractions 6) Practice Self Discipline and Develop Good Habits. If that’s not enough, we’ve got some quick hit tips as well. Learn to say no. Don’t procrastinate. Commit to the task. Want more?? Just listen in because we’ve got all kinds of goodness packed into this one.

Strong schools are the foundation of any community.  As REALTORS and community leaders, we were interested to learn more about what goes on inside our schools.  We took a day and participated in the Principal for a Day program at Springfield Public Schools.  It was an amazing, eye opening experience.   Things are drastically different from when we were in elementary and middle school.  We left that day with lots of questions about leadership, building culture and what it takes to run the largest public school system in the state.  So, we invited the Superintendent of Schools Dr. Grenita Lathan and Board of Education president Danielle Kincaid to join us for a conversation.  In this episode you’ll hear how education is changing, the different opportunities available to students at SPS and the collaborations available between community and school.  Whether or not you have children in school, you’ll want to listen in to get the perspectives of these two thought leaders.  What does the future hold and what changes might be coming?  You’ll have to listen to find out.

 Statistics show that by the end of Feb only 8% of us are still on track with our goals.  So here we are in mid March and that number may be even less.  Why is that?  There are several contributing factors that we’re digging into today.   “Goals that don’t align with your values or genuine desires are nearly impossible to sustain over time.” Rachel Yeaman, Buffini Co.  This is likely the number one reason we fall off the wagon on the way to achieving our goals.  We need to take a hard look at the why behind our goals.  Is it societal pressure?  Is it outside influences like social media?  Or is our ego taking over when deciding our goals?  Our goals may be out of alignment with who we really are, they are inauthentic.  A Forbes Health article cited a recent survey of Americans regarding their goals.  The top 5 goals on the list were 1) Improved fitness 2) Improved finances 3) Improved mental health 4) Lose weight 5) Improve diet.  All great goals to have.  If they are yours, perhaps being more specific and setting a deadline to achieve them would be helpful.  If you are among the 8% still on track with your goals, congratulations!  If you’re among the 92%, today is a new day.  It doesn’t have to be New Year’s Day or Sunday or any other day of the week for you to get started.  Just re-commit and get back to it.  When we check in at the end of ‘24, we want to hear that those stats are reversed.  We know you can do it!  You just have to recalibrate, make sure those goals align with your values and believe that you can achieve!

Did you set fitness goals at the beginning of the year?  How’s that going?  If you’ve faltered, don’t get discouraged.  We’ve all been there.  Today is a new day so take a step to get back to those goals.  In this episode we have a great conversation with personal trainer Justin White.  We understand that going to a gym or starting anything new can be intimidating.  We try to break it down for you to get you started.  AYB strives to be open and welcoming to all but especially to those first timers.  They also approach fitness in a holistic way.  Nutrition and fitness go hand and hand when it comes to being your most healthy self.  You are going to be challenged to reach your goals if you only do one or the other.  So they try to set you up with a nutritionist and advise you on what workout routine would be best.  Trainer Justin says when starting any workout routine 1) Keep it Simple and 2) Do it Consistently. If the gym is just not for you, that’s ok.  Take a 10 minute walk.  Get some dumbbells and some resistance bands. Just like that you’ve got a home gym!  Want more tips?  We’ve got them for you.  Listen in and start your fitness journey today!

https://achievingyourbest.net/

Unpacking the topic of mental health is daunting.  However, it’s so important for us to continue to destigmatize and understand it better.  We’re only scratching the surface in this week’s episode with certified therapist and owner of Healthy Roots Counseling, Katie Gerwel.  Therapy is not just for the wealthy or someone with severe mental issues, really, therapy is for everyone.  Since 2020 there has been a rise in people suffering from anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide.  Just talking to a third party with an unbiased opinion could be all you need.  A counselor can help determine if weekly sessions will help or recommend other resources if they feel your situation warrants it.  Here are a few steps you can take on your own to improve your mood and overall well being.  

1. Get a good night’s sleep
2. Put down your screens at least 1 hour before bed
3. Be active.  Get some form of exercise every day
4. Get outside.  Be one with nature
5. Take a look at your habits.  What are you consuming in your diet, what you watch and listen to?
6. Human Connection

Finally, if you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, say something!

24/7 Crisis line in SW MO - 1-800-494-7355

[email protected]

Healthy Roots Counseling

https://www.healthyrootscounseling.com

Achieving optimum performance doesn’t just happen.  It takes hard work, determination and perseverance.  As business owners, we have developed cultures that embrace certain areas of focus that have led to success.  We will be sharing these “pillars” with you over the course of 4 episodes.  This is the first installment of our Pillars of Peak Performance series.  The first pillar is providing an exceptional customer experience.  Sustaining a commission only, service based business starts with developing relationships.  In order to develop these lasting relationships, you must be client focused and provide a customer experience that is second to none.  But what does that mean?  A lot of companies say they are great at customer service but what is the measure of that?  In this episode we take a deep dive into perspectives of service.  What is the expectation?  What does it mean to go above the line of expectation?  We will provide you with our list of 8 keys to build client loyalty and ensure repeat and referral business. They’ve worked for us and they can work for you too.  

Happy Valentine’s Day!  We wanted to focus on love being that it is the day to celebrate love.  Is there really love at first sight?  What keeps love alive?   What are the keys to getting a marriage strong?  What about when life sends you a curveball that shakes your faith and foundation?  Meet Tim and Tracy Prater. They met while in college and married only 7 months later.  Nearly 30 years later they are still very much in love and a great example of love and resilience.  Staying connected, clear communication and faith have held them together through the worst of times.  In March of 2021, Tracy was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer.  Having had no symptoms, this diagnosis came as a total shock.  She was told because she was young and otherwise in good health, chemotherapy and surgery should take care of it.  But 45 days after surgery, they found 4 new tumors and was told she would have to endure chemo for the rest of her life.  In the face of adversity, their faith in God and each other has become even more solidified.  This is a story you don’t want to miss.  You will laugh a bit, cry a bit and be reminded about the power of love and faith.  

Meet Austin Elliot, partner and operations director, Locke and Stache.  As a student at MSU, Austin was not unlike any other college student.  His interests were varied so he changed majors several times but eventually ended up with an education in film production/videography.  He had always had a camera in his hand and was creative by nature.  He took that hobby and with the help of 2 other partners, they created a business that produces film, music videos, ad campaigns, etc right here in Springfield.  Sure, upon graduation these three could have taken their talents to LA or NYC, but they loved the Springfield area and saw opportunity here.  Austin talks about the thriving collective of creatives staying in the Springfield market where the overhead is lower, cost of living is lower and there is less hustle so you can actually enjoy life.  They are considered a premier film production company and have worked on lots of national campaigns.  They also have a heart for giving back and being a responsible community partner.  They are striving to build a bigger community of creatives in our area. Austin says students just need to be aware and have knowledge that the creative community already exists here.  What they want to do creatively might be achievable here, just as easily as moving to a larger market.  Austin’s story is one of forging your own path.  Taking your hobbies and passions and turning them into a profession. He talks about entrepreneurship, community building and going for a dream.  

https://www.lockeandstache.com\

Achieving Your Best co-owner and registered dietician Cassie Dimmick joins us for a discussion about nutrition and exercise. Trying to unravel the mystery of nutrition and labels can be daunting. That’s why we wanted to bring in an expert to help explain the latest, science based information. Do you ever wonder why some “diets” just don’t work for you? Or why even though you exercise daily you can’t shed those last few pounds? Are you doing just one or the other and expecting results? Genetics, body type/shape, exercise and nutrition must all be considered in your plan for better overall wellness. It’s important that you set goals that are attainable based on all the factors. We discuss how to grocery shop, what to look for and some specifics about reading labels. Overly processed foods should be avoided and that includes some of those protein powders we think are good for us. What are healthy snacks? Are those protein bars that are all the rage truly good for you? Hint, better watch the sugar and sodium content in those bars. What’s the healthiest diet to follow? Try a Mediterranean diet with lots of veggies, fish and olive oil. Whew! It’s all so much, right?!? Here’s the thing to remember. Just take one small step like taking a daily walk or filling your plate with half veggies and half protein. The most important thing is that you start taking steps today to lead you to a better, healthier YOU!

https://achievingyourbest.net

@aybspringfield

How did you feel when you woke up this morning? Were you excited for the day? Do you feel challenged on a regular basis? Are you working towards something bigger? If the answers to these questions are no, maybe it’s time to start asking some new questions.

In this episode we’re challenging you to start dreaming again. As children we had wild imaginations. We spent our days dreaming of what we wanted to do when we grew up. However, somewhere along the way we stopped all that dreaming because we had to make choices. We started making a living, going to school, starting a family, etc. Maybe someone told us our dream was too big so we stopped aspiring to achieve it. Let’s hit rewind and start channeling our inner child. No matter your age or where you are in life, it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. The answers to the questions we ask in the beginning should be yes, yes and yes! If they aren’t, what can you do today to make them a yes? Everyone deserves to find what lights them up, what challenges them and makes them feel whole. If you don’t have it now, go out and get it! Take small steps everyday to get you there and never let someone tell you your dream is not possible!