Chris Widener's Ezine
July 28, 2005
Issue 19

Welcome!

As a professional speaker, I have a haven that I enjoy twice a year - the regional and national events of the National Speakers Association. It is amazing to spend two to four days watching the world's best speakers demonstrate their craft.

One person I really enjoyed this year was my good friend, Mark Sanborn. Though we have been friends for years I had never seen him speak, and what I particularly enjoyed was seeing his style. You see, many of those speaking have something very unique about them -- they may be a juggler, a former athlete, born in a third world country, etc. But what I loved about Mark's presentation is that he relied simply on the power of the spoken word. He crafted ideas that, when heard, can change lives.

Hearing (and seeing) Mark, helped remind me that this is my goal as well. I believe the old proverb that says, "The tongue has the power of life and death." As I share principles in these ezines and in my speeches, I strive to communicate timeless truths that have the power to change a person's life.

All of the peripheral issues are fine, but ultimately, what a speaker says is the most important thing: Do the ideas they present have the power to change the listener's life?

That is why I'm truly excited, because there are many ideas I still want to share with you and will continue to do so, through both this ezine and in my public speeches. So this week, I want to say thanks for the opportunity to come to you on a regular basis with ideas I believe can improve your life!

You Are Made for Success!
Chris Widener

P.S. I have had some exceptional speaking engagements the past few months with so many great testimonials and exceptional feedback! It has left me wanting more--more opportunities to speak to companies and groups. August and September are traditionally slow on my calendar, so I have a very special opportunity for anyone who would like me to speak at their company, group, office, association, sales meeting, etc., or would like personal one-on-one coaching.

My current speaking fee is $7,500 (for a list of speaking topics scroll down to #4), but for August and September I am available to speak for your conference, group, office, etc for a special rate of only $2,500 plus any travel expense (I'm in Seattle, WA). Also, I do one-on-one coaching and will be making myself available for these two months at a special rate of $225 for a one-hour coaching call or $500 for 3 calls (for a list of coaching topics scroll down to #4).

Jim Rohn and I have a new book scheduled for release in September, "Twelve Pillars" (which will be a big hit), plus I have a 8 CD audio series due out in the next 60 days, The Winning With Influence. My fall speaking and coaching schedule is already getting crowded and I know these 2 new projects will quickly fill my calendar once they are released, BUT for now I do have some openings in August and September available for you!

More About Chris Widener:

Chris Widener just completed a book with Jim Rohn titled, "Twelve Pillars" -- it should be released in the next 30-60 days. He is also the co-author of our 52 Week Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan, which has maintained a 99% retention rate over the past 3 years. He was the host emcee and guest speaker for the 2004 Jim Rohn Weekend Leadership Event held in Anaheim, CA where he received rave reviews not only from Jim Rohn, Denis Waitley and Brian Tracy, but also all the attendees! Chris has also written over 350 articles, 5 books (including his best-seller "The Angel Inside" and has produced close to 30 audio programs on leadership and motivation. His articles appear monthly in close to 100 publications.

Chris brings his experience - he has been speaking professionally since 1988 and shared the stage with US Presidential candidates, nationally known television news anchors, best-selling authors and professional athletes, and he has spoken to some of America's finest organizations such as General Electric, Cisco Systems and the Harvard School of Business - to each event, crafting a unique, compelling presentation every time! Chris' motto is, "Turn your potential into performance, succeed in every area of life, and achieve your dreams." He very definitely gives you the tools you need to do that and delivers results-oriented programs designed specifically to help you achieve your goals!

To book Chris for coaching or to speak for your organization please send an email to speaker@chriswidener.com or call 877-929-0439.
 

In This Issue.......

1. Charting Your Course to Success Article
2. Made for Success Quote and Commentary
3. The Last Word...
4. Turn Your Potential Into Performance, Succeed in Every Area of Life, and Achieve Your Dreams!
5. Customer Feedback
6. More Information

1. Charting Your Course to Success Article

The Seven Deadly Roadblocks to Success by Chris Widener

When traveling down the road it is always good to beware of roadblocks! You don't want to crash and burn do you? The same is true in our journey toward success. We need to beware of those things that will keep us from our destination!

What are the most common? Here they are:

1. Fear. Fear is one of the worst enemies of success. When fear wraps its tentacles around you and keeps you in bondage, you will never be able to reach for your dreams. We must confront our fears, see them for what they are, toss them to the side, and pursue our dreams with relentless passion. Conquering fear and stepping forward to reach new lands and new ideas is what makes success possible. What are you afraid of today? What fear must you conquer to be able to achieve your dream? When you realize what it is, take an action that is diametrically opposed to that which you fear. This will confront and conquer the fear by giving you the first step in the right direction.

2. Lethargy. Quite frankly, what keeps most people from success is that they simply don't have the energy, or make the energy, to do what it takes to move to the next level. They get to a point that is comfortable and then they settle in for a nice, life-long nap! Don't get lethargic; get going! Force yourself to wake up from the slumber and move!

3. Lack of perseverance. Often times the race is lost because the race is not finished. Success is often just around the sharpest corner or the steepest hill. Persevere. Keep going. One more hill. One more corner! In real estate they say the three most important things are "location, location, location." In success the three most important things are "perseverance, perseverance, perseverance."

4. Pessimism. The saying is that you can achieve what you believe. Ask yourself what kinds of beliefs you hold. Are you an optimist or a pessimist? If you don't believe that you can achieve than you won't. Your pessimism will prove you right every time. You will find that you subconsciously undermine yourself. Develop your optimism. Look for ways to believe that you can achieve success.

5. Not taking responsibility. I am the chaplain for the local police department, and the other day I went with an officer as he took two prisoners to court. Time after time the prisoners made excuses as to why they hadn't yet done what the judge had ordered (she didn't buy it, by the way). After dropping the prisoners off, I said to the officer that unsuccessful people and prisoners have the same bad habit - they won't accept responsibility for their lives. Bottom line is: You are responsible, whether or not you choose to admit it or accept it. But when you do accept that (and that is the moment when you become empowered), you are on the road to success!

6. Picking the wrong people to hang out with. We can easily become products of our environment. This is why it is essential to hang around people who will spur you on not hold you back! What about the people you have surrounded yourself with? Are they quality people who will encourage you and strengthen you in your quest for success? If not, move on!

7. No vision. Those who succeed always see their success months and years before they live it. They have the ability to look ahead, see the future, imagine the good that can and will come from their lives, families and work. To not have vision is a tremendous roadblock. Sit down and work on seeing the future - and make it good!

Chris Widener



2. Made for Success Quote and Commentary

"'Status Quo' is Latin for, 'The mess we are in.'" -- Ronald Reagan

Chris' Commentary:
On the surface, it would seem like status quo would be good. You know, the same old, same old, everything sailing smoothly along -- right? This tongue-in-cheek quote by Ronald Reagan reminds us though, that the status quo is something that actually creates a mess rather than excellence. If we live by the status quo we find ourselves becoming lax and not striving for anything. We slip into patterns that are destructive rather than actions and habits that build up. No, rather than the status quo, we need to become people of purpose, whose purpose is excellence!

Action Point: Have you slipped into the status quo in any area? Pick an area you have done so and take one action today to overcome the mess you are in with a bold move of excellence! The only way to overcome the status quo is massive, bold action!



3. The Last Word...

A healthy body is key to overall success! And I can honestly say that I have never felt better physically than I do right now. I turned 39 a couple of months ago, and I feel better than when I was 24! I owe most of that to a daily routine of exercise. And the best news is that it is a simple routine, one that anyone can do. Being in better shape helps me in all areas of my life because there is a definite body-mind-spirit connection in us humans! Because of this I wanted to take some time to give you a simple, easy to remember schedule and routine to follow -- I call it the ABC's of Working Out. This is something you can start immediately. You will notice the difference very soon! But first, a few things:

1) Always consult a doctor being beginning a diet or exercise program!

2) To make the most of your exercise, cut back on the bad foods! Don't let your diet undermine your exercise.

This plan assumes that you belong to a health club or have access to weights. If you don't - invest in it - you will be glad you did! Now, onto the plan.

First, to begin with, you should stretch out and do some sort of aerobic exercise like walking, running or stair climbing. This will get your heart going. Start slow and short and increase as you get into better shape. Most fitness experts say a person should work up to 30 minute sessions three or four time a week. Depending on your health, start with 7-10 minutes.

Day one - A is for Arms. There are a few simple exercises that you can do to get you arms in shape. Basically curls and pushdowns. Curls are for your biceps and pushdowns are for your triceps. Even 3 sets of 8 repetitions of each with a weight appropriate for your strength will be good for you and tone you up!

Day two - B is for Back and legs (I know, but I had to throw legs in there somewhere and this is how I do it myself!). There are a few basic exercises you can do for your back. One is the rowing motion. The other is for the overhead pull-down. Again, three sets of eight will be a good start. Your back is very important in the structure of the body and should be worked out regularly.

For legs you will want to do three basic exercises: The squat for your thighs, toe raises for your calves, and reverse leg extensions for your hamstrings. Yep, three sets of eight.

Day three - C is for Chest. The chest is simple. Just anything that works the bench motion (flat on your back pushing up). You can do this with either a barbell or dumbbells (no, a dumbbell is not your workout partner :)) Again three sets of eight to start.

Day four - S is for Shoulders. Shoulders are important because if you only do the chest, which some people are want to do, you will quickly overwhelm your shoulders and they will get hurt. Working out your shoulders also makes your waist look smaller!

Two exercises here: One is a deltoid exercise (picture your thumbs under your armpits with your elbows out - like a chicken). The weight machine presses downward on your elbows as you lift.

The other is an overhead press, which can be done with either dumbbells or barbell. You sit down and push the weight over head - three sets of eight.

Day five - rest. Everybody needs a rest!

Day six - Just aerobic exercise.

Day seven - Start with day one again - arms.

Let me say that you should probably have someone at your workout facility show you how to do these if you have never done them before. Ask at the front desk and someone should be able to help you.

Remember, the body you have is the only one you will ever get so take the time to keep it in tip top shape and it will make you feel better than ever!

If you do this simple routine you will slowly but surely get your body into great shape (assuming you are watching the food intake!). Here's to a healthier you and a healthier year! -- CW


P.S. The above is very basic information and great for a beginner. Obviously there are dozens if not hundreds of different approaches you can take. But this will help you get started!

 

4. Turn Your Potential Into Performance, Succeed in Every Area of Life, and Achieve Your Dreams!

I have had some exceptional speaking engagements the past few months with so many great testimonials and exceptional feedback! It has left me wanting more--more opportunities to speak to companies and groups. August and September are traditionally slow on my calendar, so I have a very special opportunity for anyone who would like me to speak at their company, group, office, association, sales meeting, etc., or would like personal one-on-one coaching.

My current speaking fee is $7,500, but for August and September I am available to speak for your conference, group, office, etc for a special rate of only $2,500 plus any travel expense (I'm in Seattle, WA). Also, I do one-on-one coaching and will be making myself available for these two months at a special rate of $225 for a one-hour coaching call or $500 for 3 calls.

Jim Rohn and I have a new book scheduled for release in September, "Twelve Pillars" (which will be a big hit), plus I have a 8 CD audio series due out in the next 60 days, The Winning With Influence. My fall speaking and coaching schedule is already getting crowded and I know these 2 new projects will quickly fill my calendar once they are released, BUT for now I do have some openings in August and September available for you!

To book Chris for coaching or to speak for your organization please send an email to speaker@chriswidener.com or call 877-929-0439.

Chris Widener Speaking and Coaching Topics:

Winning With Influence - Chris' Signature Keynote
Chris will give you the insight you need on how to help influence others, whether it is in leadership, sales or any other area of life.

• Understand the difference between "hunting" and "fishing"
• Get the easy to understand Secrets of Magnetic Influence
• Learn how to use "soft power" rather than "hard power" by using the Attraction Factor of Personal Transformation
• Discover the two primary factors others use to determine rather than Persuasion Techniques whether they will follow you or not.

Your audience will walk away with an understanding of how to immediately apply the Winning With Influence and begin changing people's thoughts, beliefs and actions - today! This highly interactive and extremely practical Keynote has been given to people at such notable organizations as Harvard Business School, General Electric and Cisco Systems. The Winning With Influence works at any level of any organization! Watch your leadership, sales and influence grow!

Dare to Dream!
Do you have a dream inside that you want to let out and live? Then let Chris help you! Dare to Dream will help your group see the possibilities that lie within them. They will experience the understanding that they can change themselves, their communities, and their world.

• Three keys to living out your dream • How to deal with people who say it is "impossible"
• The four reasons most people don't ever achieve their dreams • The five step plan for making your dream a reality

Secrets of Successful Teams
Do you wish you could get your team on the right track and working as a successful unit? Secrets of Successful Teams will put you on the fast track! Find out how to turn your team into a winner with:

• The seven secrets every successful team functions with
• The best way to motivate "players" at every level
• The top three ways to foster communication and teamwork

Essentials of Time and Personal Management
Find yourself or your organization out of time and not getting the job done like you should? Chris Widener's Essentials of Time and Personal Management will help you do the following:

• Understand the 6 most important foundational reasons for
• How to establish and keep priorities managing your time
• Learn the secret to self-management

Bringing Balance to a Chaotic Life
Feel like life is out of control? Wish you could balance work and family, health and fun? You need to bring your life into balance. Bringing Balance to a Chaotic Life gives you… Two evaluation processes and Practical steps and ideas you can apply today to take control and get your life in balance. Learn how to:

• Redefine success
• Set goals for every area of your life
• Establish priorities
• Say the most powerful word in the human language

You will understand the three parts that make up a human and how they are fully integrated with one another - so you can bring them into balance! You will also see the six foundational reasons for you to get your life in balance.

Extraordinary Leaders

• Becoming a leader people can count on
• Learn the real definition of leadership that will unleash your
• Practical leadership skills and character traits that will take potential you, and your organization, to the next level
• Key "Leadership Mistakes" people make that you must avoid
• Leading courageously in tough and challenging circumstances
• The truth about leadership myths that most people believe

Additional One-on-one Coaching Topics include Sales and Marketing, Time Management, Life-Balance, Executive/CEO, Personal Growth and Product Development (Chris has one day fees where he can in one to two days help you create your own products to market).

More About Chris Widener:

Chris Widener just completed a book with Jim Rohn titled, "Twelve Pillars" -- it should be released in the next 30-60 days. He is also the co-author of our 52 Week Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan, which has maintained a 99% retention rate over the past 3 years. He was the host emcee and guest speaker for the 2004 Jim Rohn Weekend Leadership Event held in Anaheim, CA where he received rave reviews not only from Jim Rohn, Denis Waitley and Brian Tracy, but also all the attendees! Chris has also written over 350 articles, 5 books (including his best-seller "The Angel Inside" and has produced close to 30 audio programs on leadership and motivation. His articles appear monthly in close to 100 publications.

Chris brings his experience - he has been speaking professionally since 1988 and shared the stage with US Presidential candidates, nationally known television news anchors, best-selling authors and professional athletes, and he has spoken to some of America's finest organizations such as General Electric, Cisco Systems and the Harvard School of Business - to each event, crafting a unique, compelling presentation every time! Chris' motto is, "Turn your potential into performance, succeed in every area of life, and achieve your dreams." He very definitely gives you the tools you need to do that and delivers results-oriented programs designed specifically to help you achieve your goals!

To book Chris for coaching or to speak for your organization please send an email to speaker@chriswidener.com or call 877-929-0439.

What Others Are Saying About Chris Widener:

"I have spoken to more than 3,000 audiences and I can tell you that Chris Widener is one of the best speakers in America today. He does wonderful introductions, wonderful development, extremely motivational, he is funny, he is sharp, he is quick and to the point. If you are thinking about using him for any reason, you can not go wrong with Chris."  -- Brian Tracy

"Chris Widener is a powerful presenter, a quick wit, and a home run every time. He definitely challenges you to the next level in life and work."  -- Kevin Mather, CFO, Seattle Mariners Baseball Team

"One of the great young speakers that recently blew me away is Chris Widener. This young man has the talent, the articulation, the message, the presence, the ability not only as a master of ceremonies but also as a dynamic presenter. He is one of the brand new top stars on the International platform speaking circuit." --  Denis Waitley

"Our people loved Chris and loved his material. He was extremely helpful and challenging. My sales team and I highly recommend him!"  -- Phil Castillo, Director, Northern Channels, Cisco Systems

"Chris Widener is the leader of a new generation of personal development and leadership experts. He lives and breathes the strategies and ideas he shares with millions around the globe. Chris' content is rich and practical, and his style is dynamic and engaging! If you want to see real change in your life, or the life of your organization, connect with Chris Widener." -- Jim Rohn

5. Customer Feedback

Here are some of the testimonials and comments we received over the past week from our Ezine subscribers. We love receiving comments and feedback from our readers - so keep it coming!


Chris: Thanks for your help. FYI: We love your book Angel Inside… I pastor a church here in the Arlington/Fort Worth area and I bought 200 books and we give to 1st time visitors…about to order more… It was my favorite book in 2004 and I give them to people I meet... It made a major impact during a difficult season in my life and ministry and still helps to pick and read a chapter here and there… Thanks!
-- Tim

Wow Chris - THIS is an incredible email.
-- Joseph Rooney

Good Morning Chris: I would like to begin by saying I Believe in "First Impressions"...when I first was introduced to your Weekly Ezines' (Issue # 1) by Jim Rohn's Newsletters. Upon reading your first issue...I was absolutely impressed by your down to earth, get me going at the present time and every moment thereafter. I have always been a very Motivational person...but You... WOW...I become Overwhelmed by your Enthusiasm and Inspirations. I look forward to the next weeks' issue. I have from day one forwarded to all of my Team each Issue and reminded them to subscribe as they will want Your Awesome Training and Knowledge. NOW..... about "First Impressions"... I knew I was not wrong about You...as I was on a training call last evening with my Mentor, Donna Johnson, as well as a very great gal, Lorraine Grover, and when they began to talk about this Chris Widener... I took a Deep Breath and said to myself... Thank you God for guiding me right..... by following through with using your Phenomenal Training. They too, I Knew, felt the same... Then when Lorraine continued with her excellent presentation of your latest book "The Angel Inside" and her interpretation of the meaning of what is important within a sculptor and what steps are taken...this too...is how we must follow through with Positive Growth in our Arbonne Business. I have had about 2 years of medical set backs....but I am not a quitter...I am now beginning to fulfill my Goal and Dreams and continue my Journey to Building my Arbonne Business and reaching to the Stars. Your Inspiration will very much be a role in my Endeavors. Thank You.
-- Joyce

Hi Chris, deep regards. Thank you very much for your great service for the entirety of humanity. I read it full of interest. It really leads me and keep me positive and healthy. I have referred your ezines to many of my friends and relatives.
-- Baqir Ali

Saturday was one of the most wonderful days of my life - truly a turning point for me. Chris Widener was awesome! And I bought 35 copies of his book, "The Angel Inside". I read it yesterday and am going to read it over and over again and give to lots of friends. I really needed the encouragement I got. Anyway I feel like I am just understanding about the "journey" - the personal growth - and I am very excited about this.
-- Jeanne Skeels

Thank you Chris, for being an inspiration to me and to my Arbonne friends. God really used you and I got to watch. How cool. God was speaking through you this weekend. Yea Chris, yea God!!
-- Loraine Grover


Thank you Ezine readers, for the sincere and kind words of encouragement and appreciation you've sent us! -- CW
 

6. More Information