Debbie Ruston - Success Educator & Home Business Mentor

2011-04-20T13:07:00.001-04:00

Women's Income STILL Less Than Mens, Despite Their Strong Qualifications

2011-04-20T12:02:00.008-04:00

I just read an article that addressed the issue of womens income being less than their male co-workers for doing the same work. The article also stated that in order for women to succeed in the corporate world, they require a group of "promoters" to push for their rights to a position. Basically, a group of people in their corporate structure that will go to bat for them and speak on their behalf for promotions, wage increases, etc.

If a women has the skills required to do the same job a man can do, why would they not speak up and take a stand for what they want and deserve? We are not referring to male dominated work that requires physical strength....this article was referring to corporate leadership positions.

Here is a direct quote from the article "Women who are qualified to lead simply don't have the powerful backing necessary to inspire, propel and protect them from the perilous straights of upper management." Sounds like "the old boys club" to me! This is 2011!!!! "Qualified to lead" however, what they require is "protection from the perilous straights of upper management". We ARE talking about educated women with leadership qualities right?

I find it hard to believe in this day and age, that women are not taking a stand for what they are capable of and what they deserve, and still playing the "game" of the corporate world. It is time to educate women that they do not have to wait for the corporate world to promote them or pay what they are worth...and you do not have to sacrifice your personal life to have a career.

LEADERSHIP starts with leading yourself first. When you take a strong stand in your own life and career and clearly demonstrate leadership by your own actions, you do not fall victim to this type of ridiculous corporate outdated way of doing business.

Our prior generations of women took a stand for women to have the right to vote. That took courage and leadership. Any woman that calls herself a leader, must take this same type of stand for what they deserve in the work world. If the male dominated upper corporate world does not recognize the value women with these qualifications bring to the table, the qualified women must learn to either fight for it, or take her skills elsewhere and build her own dream. Do we want to see this pattern repeat into our children's generation? Then we must take a stand as leaders to create positive change.

I have been self employed for 25 yrs, spent every day with our children as they grew up and built two very successful businesses. Women can take the skills/passions/knowledge they have and put them to work building their own business, giving them complete flexibility around raising a family.....which although it is not stated, is most likely the reason that men are still outdoing women particularly in the child bearing years - a form of discrimination! I for one take a stand for women and what we are capable of and fortunately in my industry, women are the ones that are excelling over the men in our business.....we are the ones that are providing the mentorship, the training and the inspiration to teach men how to create success...what a refreshing change!

In Your Service

Debbie Ruston
http://www.TheSuccessEducator.com

Prepare To Be INSPIRED!

2011-04-13T16:37:00.002-04:00

WOW....want to be inspired? SUCCESS comes in many forms! This is an AMAZING clip from Roger Ebert...

Roger is a beautiful example of continuing to live life in joy, happiness, positivity, hope, and uses his humor to connect with people. He has pushed through adversity and found a way to be heard, despite his obstacle. He finds opportunity ...in the challenge, and does so with that beautiful smile in his eyes! Just look at the radiant joy on his face, what a gift he is giving the world! THANK YOU Roger Ebert, for inspiring us and continuing to push yourself to find your new potential! You are a wonderful demonstration of continued success, despite challenge and adversity!

Roger Ebert: Remaking my voice | Video on TED.com

www.ted.com

2011-04-07T11:05:00.001-04:00

Do the people in your life/work etc. reach out to this extent to help you be more successful? Surrounding yourself with people that will extend their hand to teach you and mentor you to live into your potential is a basic success strategy. If you want better results, be sure that you are surrounding yourself with the right mentorship.... http://amplify.com/u/by7lg

2011-04-04T14:55:00.001-04:00

Anyone can create more success, by observing successful people and implementing what works for them.

Richard Branson is a great example of massive success. He has developed more BILLION dollar companies than anyone else.

Recently I had my first experience with the Virgin brand. I bought a new BB and had always bought through the established carriers over the years and there has never been any difference. But there definitely is a totally different customer experience with Virgin mobile. They call it the "virgin experience" and I am totally impressed! Authenticity, honesty, FUN, sense of humor, being different, not following the "herd" mentality, making their own rules, being different, giving more value. This is not the typical corporate mindset. However, they know what they stand for, and they make the customer experience something positive that feels great!

What experience are your customers having? Follow the clues.....DARE to be different! http://amplify.com/u/bxmsh

Success Comes From Continued Learning

2011-03-02T20:30:00.003-05:00

I had a conversation recently with a young man that is excelling in his field at a very young age. Why is he excelling when other young men his age are still searching for their direction in life? It became very apparent that it is not a result of college or university degrees, which one might expect is the only way to create success. He dropped out of college because it just didn't interest him. It is absolutely a result of this young man's desire and commitment to continued self improvement.

He continues to study successful people. He reads books, listens to audio's, attends ongoing teleseminars and conferences. He asks questions from people having more success in his industry and learns from their experience. He constantly quotes messages from the top of his head from authors, and speakers he has heard. The accuracy he has in remembering the exact quote and who he heard it from is remarkable. He puts into practice the concepts he has learned.

In a world where many are complaining about young people "not being able to get jobs", I witnessed a young, 22 yr old man, taking full control of his future. Not because he has a degree. 100% of his success is a result of him taking responsibility for his own life, and studying successful people, then taking the action, doing what it takes, and applying the success principles to his own life. A wonderful example of possibility, desire, and taking responsibility for his own continued education.

In Your Service

Debbie Ruston

The Success Educator

For Free Success E Course + Social Media Training:

http://www.TheSuccessEducator.com

SUCCESS REQUIRES COMMITMENT

2011-01-17T13:08:00.006-05:00

Like this drop of water creating a ripple effect, learning a success principle in one area of our lives, will ripple the success effect into every area of our lives.

I just got back from the gym...interesting..... mid Jan, -17 degrees celcius, and there are 1/3 the people in my yoga class as there were the first week of Jan.....is it too cold...is it too hard...success comes in every area of life by committing to what we "say" we want - NO excuses.......

We see this every Jan. The first week, the gym is packed. The second week it is still packed but starting to thin out. By this point, the 3rd week, we are pretty much back to the committed individuals that are there every day of the year. This doesn't just happen at the gym. It is a common occurance in society in regard to setting goals.

How does one overcome this failure rate and achieve the goal? It starts with being passionate about the goal you set, and committing to it, no matter what. NO EXCUSES! It doesn't matter if it is achieving a fitness, or weight loss goal, or, if it is more business/career related. It works the same way. There will be challenges along the way. You may not feel like taking the action. It would be easier to do something else instead. There is an endless list of excuses. Commitment to yourself and your goal is the basis to achievement of the goal. When you are committed, nothing gets in the way. You become self motivated, empowered, and solution oriented.

Often people think that success is difficult, or competitive. It is actually the opposite. There is so much less competition at the top because so many people never see their commitment through. Like the gym - it is crowded the first week of Jan. but as people lose their commitment to themselves, there is lots of room for those of us that are committed.

In Your Service

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

Is PASSION Important To Success In Business?

2010-11-24T15:01:00.006-05:00

Observe the most successful business people you know.....a common characteristic you will find is that successful people are passionate about what they do.

Without passion for what you are doing, you might as well stay in a job you don't like. Business ownership gives us a new freedom. Freedom to choose what we want to do, where we want to do it, and work with the people we want to work with. It gives us an opportunity to raise the bar in our income level and build our own dream, rather than an employers. This is all fantastic, but, if you are not passionate about what you are choosing to do, it will be a struggle.

I observe success. I observe what other business owners do to create success. This is a basic success principle...."learn what individuals do that are getting the results you want, and do what they do". This is where a lot of people steer wrong.

Attract passionate customers by doing something YOU are passionate about! Here are a couple of examples:

1) I recently had a conversation with two women that each had a makeup business. Neither had success with that business. They both shared with me that they didn't wear makeup, and could not get excited about their products. That makes perfect sense. Why would someone be excited about selling makeup if they didn't even wear it themselves? Now take the other side of the coin....another person selling makeup is so excited about a new revolutionary "lipstick" she offers....she has personally worn the lipstick and found it to stay on for the entire day during which time she has eaten, gone to the gym, and done all her regular tasks throughout the day. She looks in the mirror at the end of the day, and it looks as if she just applied it! She is so excited and can't wait to share this with her customers. This person will do extremely well...she is excited about her product, has a personal, positive experience with it and can authentically relate that passion to her clients.

2) Another person I observed was at my gym - the individual was in a sales position selling gym memberships. This person was very overweight. My first thought was, how are they going to sell memberships to the gym if they are overweight themselves? I decided to observe this person, knowing that if they took their role seriously, and started working out themselves and could share their own success story with people, that this could lead to incredible success that a naturally trim person may not be able to achieve. If they committed to this personally, this could actually give them the "edge". As I observed this person over a couple of months, I noticed that they never took a fitness class or used any of the workout machines (I am there everyday, so was able to notice this) There was zero change in weight, and from my observation, absolutely no effort to improve. This person no longer works there.

3) Another person I observed bought an existing business. This was a business that they were a loyal customer of prior to purchasing it. They loved the product, told other people, and when faced with a layoff at their job, decided to do something they already liked, saw a need for and could stand behind, because they were one of the top customers who experienced the value of the products. Six months later, business has increased dramatically, they are happier and more fulfilled than ever, and this has affected other parts of life as well....this individual has lost 20 lbs through having the time to walk every day. A great success story!

4) Musicians are a great example of passion. Make it a point to watch a live musician.....watch how their whole body gets into the grove of the song...they close their eyes, sing from the heart, sway to the music and just give it everything they've got. Musicians are such a great example of passion! They follow their dream and do what they love! We can learn from musician's passion, and implement this same principle into business ownership.

Many times people struggle in business because they are doing something they don't like, don't believe in, or, have no background or interest in. It seems logical, but many miss this point:

MAKE A LIST OF EVERYTHING YOU LOVE AND FIND A BUSINESS CONCEPT THAT MATCHES YOUR PASSION!

When you DO what you love, the money follows. Unfortunately, many people work a job or start a business just for the money. They have no passion or belief in what they are doing. This is exactly why the person at the gym and the people selling makeup did not get the result they wanted. The other person that bought the business that they were already a top customer of, naturally created success and is continuing to build that business to an even greater level. I know this individual personally and know that this was a huge step outside of the comfort zone to invest in a business, and they knew nothing about business ownership. This person has succeeded because of pure passion....and a willingness to step outside of what they had always done and were willing to learn and make decisions to reach their goal.

Success always leaves clues - if, you observe and follow them......

In your service,

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

Does Personal Responsibility Relate To Success?

2010-11-16T21:11:00.002-05:00

Are we responsible for everything in our lives? Does this lead to success? The answer is yes. People that live a life of high integrity that are at cause in their lives, take full responsibility for everything....

There was recently a court case in which employees of a fast food restaurant were suing the company because of gaining weight eating the food from the restaurant. I could hardly believe what I was hearing! To think anyone with a brain in our legal system would actually process a case like this seems absolutely laughable. Tax payers well earned dollars are tieing up a courtroom to process a case of people putting food in their mouth that is not healthy for them. Most restaurants offer their employees discounted or free meals during their shift as part of perk of working there. It is always the choice of the individual whether or not to eat that food, or bring a lunch. The individuals in the fast food case have not been force fed, they have chosen to eat this food, even though it is not rocket science to know that this food is not healthy for you. They are choosing to do it anyway and are now blaming the company for their own poor decisions. This is an extreme case of lack of personal responsibility.

What does this have to do with success? Everything. It is the mindset that is important to understand. If an individual is thinking from this type of mindset....believing that the restaurant's food caused them to gain weight and feel justified in creating a court case out of this issue, it is an indication this individual does not take responsibility for their actions. They believe they are victims, at the effect of everything around them. The "poor me" attitude. They believe that everything goes wrong in their lives and the only control they have is to blame others. It is in fact their own poor decisions and lack of responsibility that has caused their result.

When one has this type of mindset, it will not just affect one area of life. The way we think affects every area of life. Poor results in this area of health and weight, have most likely translated into financial, relationships, everything in this person's life.

When one learns to take control in their lives, accepting personal responsibility for their actions and their results and stops believing they are the victim in every aspect of their lives, a shift will start to happen, and the same person can start creating the type of results they really want to be experiencing. Accepting personal responsiblity is a choice, and when one makes this choice it will lead to higher levels of success in every area of life....

In Your Service

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

COMMITMENT Leads to SUCCESS

2010-11-03T12:05:00.007-04:00

Ask any successful person from any walk of life about the importance of commitment. You will find that anyone that has had or is having success in any area of life is totally committed to do what it takes. Does this mean that individual doesn't have life's challenges that get in the way? Not at all...they have learned to work around the challenges.

Let's break down what this looks like. Here are a couple of scenarios that could come up....

First example - I have decided to do specific things to get the result in my business I am looking for. It could be doing some marketing for my business, or it could be finishing a project for an existing client. Some sort of challenge arises. It could be a number of things. Maybe the phone lines are down so I can't make the calls or the internet is down and I can't do the computer work required until technology co-operates again. There are any number of possible challenges that can/do arise in life and in business. What to do?

-reschedule your day to fit in what you missed doing - if the phone lines/internet are down and you require this to get the job done...go on to something else on your "to do" list and come back to this later in the day. If someone else is affected by this change, be sure to let them know the change in plans. The secret is - do not let the task go undone....simply find a way to get it done either later in the day or reschedule to the following day. Be committed to getting the task done.

Let's say I commit to being somewhere for a business appointment at a specific time. It requires a 1 hr drive to reach the destination. I leave an extra 20 minutes early to be there on time, but despite best efforts, there is a traffic jam that leaves me stuck in traffic. What does the successful individual do? There are a couple of options that can be determined through a simple phone call. I would call the person I have the appointment with and go over the options. One option would be to change the time for later that day. The other option would be to reschedule a suitable time, or perhaps even a different location would be a solution to get around the traffic jam. By having the professionalism to contact the person, one is able to show the commitment level, and,find a suitable solution.

There is a very definite distinction in the area of commitment between successful individuals and unsuccessful. Unsuccessful people tend to buy their excuses - I got stuck in traffic, the phone lines/internet were down, I was going to, but...., I planned on it, but..... These people basically buy their own excuses and wonder why their life never changes or gets better. They are a victim of circumstance and can't see past their own challenges. And "co-incidentally" challenges keep coming up for this individual and they believe that the "odds" are against them. In many cases, these individuals believe the "timing" is just not right for them....

We can learn so much from other people that have success - this applies to everyday life situations as well as business. For example, I have a friend that invited some friends for dinner a couple of weeks ago. Another event came up that she wanted to be a part of on the same date. It would have been easy to cancel the dinner date with friends, but, she shared with me that if we don't keep commitments like this, sometimes they never happen and then we regret it. She is a beautiful example of keeping personal commitments and is a total inspiration to everyone that knows her. She has tons of people that love and admire her and treasure her friendship.....total success in terms of friendship.

Successful people have all the same challenges, as unsuccessful people. The difference is we are solution oriented. We find a way where there seems to be no way. We look at challenges as a Y in the road, not a stop sign. We realize that there is a solution around the challenge, we just have to explore the options and find the way that will be best. It isn't difficult. It is being willing to look at possible solutions, instead of looking at every challenge as a stop sign.

There is huge benefit to the individual that understands and lives their life by keeping commitments. It also builds self esteem, confidence and leads to greater success in every area of life!

In Your Service

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

Does The Economy Determine Your Success?

2010-10-28T10:17:00.004-04:00

Attitude more than anything will determine success in business. Not the government, not statistics, not the economy. Individuals who buy into these factors will always struggle, believing they have no control in their results.

The innovative entrepreneur will always find a way to succeed, knowing that success does not depend on anyone but themselves and their willingness to think outside of the box and stop letting some outside force control their results. This is the type of individual that creates success, no matter what the "economy" is doing.....

I just read an article that states statistics, what the experts are saying, etc about the current state of economy. However, within 15 seconds of reading this article I started thinking about how valid this is in "my world". I thought immediately about 6 business people I personally know within a 1 hour radius of me. Let's take a look at these individual businesses:

1-I had a conversation just 2 wks ago with this person. The individual works for a busy professional. Her words in the conversation were "there is no bad economy in my world - the person I work for is so busy, we can't find a minute more in the day to squeeze in another appointment" Therefore, this employer and all their employees are experiencing abundance!

2-This person has a farm. They purchased some additional inventory to create an additional stream of income a couple of years ago that is seperate from what they are doing in their main business. This has been so successful they literally can't keep up, and this new source of inventory has become even more successful than their initial main stream.

3-This individual was downsized from a factory a few years ago. Instead of complaining about their raw deal, they re-educated on an entirely new skill which was totally unrelated to what they had done for 20 years. They started a new business in what appeared to be a very competitive local market. They provide a service within that business that non of the other businesses are offering. Result - they can't keep up and are doing double the business that most of the other related businesses are doing.

4-This individual was also downsized from a factory in the past year. Again, instead of complaining they took their payout from the layoff and bought a business.....the key to this person's success is that the business is something that they were already passionate about, and were a customer of prior. I have never seen this person happier, healthier or more vibrant! They are busier than they ever were working their job, are actually working physically harder, but absolutely loving it and have increased the business substantially over the last business owner. And, they now have time to walk their dog everyday!

5-These business owners are having tremendous success in their company, despite the fact that they are in an industry that has had tremendous adversity due to challenges with their product line. When many other business owners in other cities are experiencing downsizing due to the challenge with the product line, these business owners are growing, hiring and prospering with the exact same challenges! They are innovative, they provide excellent customer service and they treat their employees with massive respect and support.

6-This business owner has an existing business that has been around for a couple of generations. It would be easy to be complacent and just keep doing things the way they have always been done over the years, especially in this "economy". Instead they decided to knock down some walls, do some renovations, and expand their product line. They have created a new way for people to do business with them, and are not limiting themselves to what has worked in the past.

What do all of these success stories have in common?

-They don't get sidetracked by statistics of the so called "experts"
-They are passionate about what they are doing
-They think outside of the box - offering something that others are not
-Instead of playing it safe because of the fear that is being instilled by the media, they are stepping out and playing big, taking risks and creating opportunity for themselves
-They are willing to do something they haven't done before to get a result they haven't experienced before
-They are willing to let go of the past comfort zones to create new possibilities
-They don't let adversity stop them, they find ways around challenges

These are the qualities of success! We truly create our own realities. We will either buy into the government, the economy or the statistics, and believe these factors determine our success, OR, we will make a choice to go out and create our own success our own way. That is what successful entrepreneurs do.....we find a way when there is no way. THIS is the future of our economy.....entrepreneurs, small business owners that are willing to do what it takes to turn the economy around. When we as individuals are willing to do this for ourselves, we are creating opportunity for others as well. When enough people start doing this, a shift starts to happen, and it becomes evident that we do have control and we do not need to rely on the government, corporations, experts or statistics.

In your service,

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

Success Conversations

2010-10-12T20:09:00.004-04:00

Start having conversations with people that are getting the results you want, and reduce the conversations with the people that are not......success conversations breed success!

This success principle applies to every area of life. If you are raising children and want advice on a parenting issue - go to other parents you know that have raised great kids or that you have respect for because they have been through a similar situation and handled it well.

If you want to improve your relationship with your spouse, look to have conversations with people that you know that have great marriages....not to those that complain about their partners.

The same success principle applies to business - the people that are having the success you want. Often in life, we get caught up in conversations with people that are full of complaining, struggle and complacency. We have these with the people closest to us, without realizing that we actually have a choice. We choose the conversations we have by our participation in the conversation.

If the results in any area of life are not what you want, take a good look at who you are having conversations with, and what those conversations are about. It is a good eye opener. Start making the choice to have conversations with the people actually getting the type of results in that particular area that you want to have and you will dramatically change the type of result you have and create the success you are looking for.

In your Service

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

What's Holding YOU Back From Success?

2010-10-03T14:36:00.002-04:00

Setting goals is a critical part of achieving success in any area of life. Those that achieve success, will always refer back to the goals they set, the visualization, action steps and consistent perseverance it took to reach the goal.

However, there are those individuals that just can't seem to hit the target. They seem to set goals, but never seem to be able to see them through to fruition. What is the difference?

Much of what stops people from reaching their goals is the thought patterns and word tracks they have learned along the way that literally is like self sabotage. Let's look at some examples:

-Nice guys finish last
-Money doesn't grow on trees
-Be happy with what you've got
-If it sounds too good to be true it probably is

Many individuals don't even realize that these word tracks are directing every move they make and are exactly what is stopping them from achieving any level of success. What words or phrases are stopping you from creating the life you want to be living? How many more can you list that you have playing over in your mind?

This is what happens in the pursuit of the goal with negative self affirmations like this playing over in the mind:

-Let's say an individual sets a goal to start a business and take control of their life so they can stop relying on a corporation, putting in long hours and missing valuable time with family.

This individual is a nice family person that has been taught that the only way to make a living is to work hard, sacrifice and play it safe.

-They come across a business that will allow them to have more free time, be with their family more, work from home, set their own schedule and create more income than they could ever make with their current job.

The old "word tracks" they have been hearing their entire lives start to replay in their mind....
-it sounds too easy - I remember my parents warning me - be careful, if things sound too good to be true it probably is!
-I am not a "greedy" person, I should be happy I have a job
-I'm not sure I'm cut out to be a business owner, afterall, I am just a nice family man/woman, I just want to spend more time with my kids, and I am not aggressive -everyone I know hates their boss....I just want to be liked
-I know that money doesn't grow on trees, and it takes money to start a business, which I don't have

There are literally dozens and dozens of these type of word tracks that people buy into, that literally direct them to fail before they even start in many cases.

In the example above, we have an individual that says they want to be self employed for all the reasons they list, but before they even give themselves the chance to prove to themselves how capable they are of achieving this, they allow old word tracks to replay in their brain before they even get out of the gate. They fail before they even start! All because they have bought into limiting "word tracks/phrases", and unfortunately, don't even know this is why they are struggling.

Examine the word phrases that play in your mind and ask yourself how those limiting beliefs are holding you back....put in the time and effort to identify what words are coming up for you and then replace the words with empowering words that will assist you to reach the goals you have. Success starts in the mind first, and then manifests in the physical reality. If you say you want success, and then allow these type of words tracks to play in your mind, you are self sabotaging and destroying any possibility of belief that you have.....and you must have belief to achieve your goals.

Simple stated, we get what we think about....and we cannot have success if we are affirming all the reasons why we can't be successful.

In your service,

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

Do Words Have an Effect on Our Success?

2010-08-09T16:34:00.007-04:00

Words are very powerful and bring either a positive or negative effect to ones mindset. But, many don't realize just how much of an impact simple daily activities have on our minds.....and how these words can either lead us to success or steer us away.

I thought I would check the weather online just a moment ago, since I have an outdoor party to attend tomorrow. All I wanted to know was "is it going to be sunny or rainy", so that I could plan accordingly. When I visited the weather website, these were the headlines:

Portgual BATTLES wildfire
DEADLY flooding STRIKES Europe
Rain FINALLY arrives in B.C.
Hail HAMMERS Saskatchewan
THICK smog BLANKETS Russia

An instant reminder of why I have chosen to have a permanent media fast in my life! No newspapers or daily news. A simple exercise of wanting to know if it is going to rain tomorrow or not, and all these negative messages were flashed in front of my eyes. And this wasn't even from reading the paper, or listening to the news, which bombards people daily with negative conditioning. It is sad that not even the weather is free from all this negativity and complaining! It is either too hot, or too cold, or too dry or too wet....everything is magnified to be worse than it is. This carries on to conversations that people have in society about the weather....people complaining about how hot it is - and these are often the same individuals that complain about the cold in the winter.

With so much depression and anxiety in people's lives nowadays, is it any wonder, when we are bombarded with negativity and complaining from every possible news feed! Society is so conditioned to buy into what the media feeds and most don't realize we can make a conscious choice to actually turn off these feeds.

If there is this much negativity being fed through the weather reports - maybe it is time to ask oneself how much of this daily negative garbage through the media am I prepared to accept into my life and how does it affect my mood, my thoughts, my actions and my results. I challenge anyone reading this post, pick up your newspaper or turn on your local news channel....count the times that ANYTHING positive is reported, and after you have finished really access, for yourself, how you "feel" inside. Do you feel happy, excited, inspired or like anything is possible? Or do you find yourself feeling grumpy, irritated, depressed, unhappy, uninspired, and low on hope.

We absolutely have a choice what we allow our brains to focus on......if your success/results are not where you want in your life....ask yourself how much time you put yourself in front of these type of negative feeds and how much you get in discussion with people around you about the information. It has been scientifically proven that our brains cannot think two thoughts at the same time....so, are your thoughts are leading you to the success you want or leading you away?

In your Service

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-1917 or
1-519-342-4050

Business Lesson From Einstein

2010-07-23T10:29:00.006-04:00

Albert Einstein is one of the most successful individuals in history. One of the easiest ways to duplicate success in our own lives, is to study successful people and determine the key ingredients to their success and then simply duplicate these strategies in our own lives.

Einstein is a great example of success and has many success principles we can learn from to duplicate success in life.

One of my favorite principles is "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results"

Here is a basic example - Years ago I worked with a company that started to experience transition in business. Bottom line was the company needed to change with the need in the marketplace. They did not do that. They continued to resist change. The first 13 years I was with the company, I experienced a lot of success....the last 5 (during this time) my income dropped to 1/3 of what I had been accustomed to. I thought that if I just worked more hours and worked harder that I could compensate for it. So for 5 years I doubled the effort and time that I was putting in. Nothing changed. The reason nothing changed is that we were all doing the same things over and over again, and expecting different results. It wasn't about putting more time in and working harder. This is a pre-conditioned belief that has been ingrained in us growing up. What needed to happen was the company needed to address what wasn't working and be willing to make the changes necessary to facilitate the new marketplace. Because they were not willing to change, and kept doing everything the same as they had for the previous 20 years, 2 years after I left, the company went bankrupt.

After I left, and was able to look at that company through a different perspective, without the emotion tied to it. I was able to identify that we had indeed been living in insanity, doing the same things over and over and expecting different results. Change is necessary for growth in every aspect of life, both business and personal. If you are experiencing this type of insanity, take a look at what you have been doing over and over, and ask yourself - what needs to change in order for me to move forward towards the goals I have. This is where you must get authentic with yourself and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and be willing to take on a new way of thinking and a new way of doing. Don't be afraid of change, in life and in business, this is indeed where growth happens and will lead to your success!

In your service

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

What Stops People From Becoming Entrepreneurs?

2010-06-25T09:13:00.007-04:00

As an entrepreneur, I am always observing people and thinking about how they could put their own talents to work for themselves. It puzzles me to see so many talented people giving their time to employers that could care less about them.

I have observed many people from all different fields, posting their resumes on job boards, attempting to sell themselves and their incredible talents to an employer.....

Look at some of the phrases I have observed:

-"Given my strengths in managing day-to-day operations...."

-"Highly-skilled Senior-Level Customer Service and Relationship Manager with a wealth of experience in...."

-"Seeking a suitable position that utilizes my years of industry experience and skills, to exceed company goals...."

-"Strong leader in discovering, developing, negotiating, and managing regions, teams, and enterprise accounts...."

-"If you are looking for a leader that is an ambitious self-starter, give me a call and let's discuss how we can grow your organization...."

-Sales people explaining how they have increased sales and profits for previous employers.

-Customer service people explaining the value they bring to the table and how effective they are in resolving customer service issues

-Offers to exceed company goals and grow your organization.

-Successful managers & people with incredible leadership skills.

WHY then, are these individuals not developing their own businesses? They clearly have the skills for success. I also take the opportunity to talk to these type of individuals and ask them if they have thought of putting their skills towards starting their own business. It is absolutely shocking how few have considered, or would consider this option. Society is so conditioned that the only way to earn a living is to work for an employer. This is what is taught by educators, family, friends, the media - "get a good job".

This thinking is based on fear, limiting beliefs and past conditioning. Society is so conditioned to buy into "security", and believe they can't survive financially without a steady paycheck. When I look at these statements that employee's are making to sell themselves to an employer, it reminds me how important it is to realize the value we all have. We are all capable of utilizing our skills to build our own businesses....clearly these individuals that posted the statements above are talented, creative and valuable. Unfortunately throughout their lives they have been brainwashed to believe that the only way they can put these skills to work is to sell their lives to an employer for an hourly wage, and sacrifice their freedom of time.

I challenge everyone reading this post to really search within....make a list of all the things you are good at, have knowledge or expertise in, the things you love and are passionate about. Take the time to make this list in detail. Now, look over that list, realize how talented YOU are and ask yourself, why I am I being told what time to go to work, when to take my holidays, what clothes I must wear to work, whether I can stay home with my children if they are sick...why am I settling for the pay level I am at, waiting for a promotion, or stuck at a dead-end job with no room for growth. I would bet it is because someone, somewhere, told you this is how it is supposed to be, and of course most people around you are stuck in the same thinking, and when you are surrounded by people that think that same way, then you believe it must be true.

If you are willing to step out of your conditioned thinking, your comfort zone, and entertain a new way of thinking, you will learn that there are other options available to you, if you have an open mind. There is something that you can do for yourself with the interests/skills/training/knowledge you have acquired. Stop selling yourself short....realize there is an entrepreneurial idea within you that you are fully capable of being successful with! If you don't know where to start....if you have the desire, but just need a solid business model you can follow, contact me directly...I assist individuals in setting up their own "business in a box". Either way, I wish you the best in unleashing the entrepreneur that is within you, just waiting to come out!

In your service,

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050
http://www.BeHome2.ca

Tremendous VALUE Baby Boomers Bring To The Business World

2010-06-13T12:02:00.008-04:00

I just read an excellent article in Forbes Magazine about middle age and the brain. It is being discovered and proven scientifically, that as baby boomers, we are definitely getting smarter. This generation is more experienced than ever and there is actually something to be said about "older and wiser".

Why is this important? There are more individuals in this age range than any time in history. People are living longer and there is a huge amount of people in this particular age group due to the baby boomer generation. This also represents a bigger population of individuals that are still in the work world and have often been written off as "too old for the job".

Most people have been conditioned to believe that mid life means we have "mid-life crisis" and "empty nest syndrome", "lose our memory", "can't see close up without reading glasses", etc, and other derogatory terms that cast a negative attitude towards aging. Although our close up vision is more challenging, it isn't something that stops us-we just pick up a pair of reading glasses!!!! During this age, we are more knowledgeable, more experienced, more committed, more responsible, have more credibility, contacts and resources than we ever had in our younger years.

This month I am celebrating my 51st birthday. The photo above is on my 50th birthday...... when I was growing up, 50 was thought to be old! That is still believed by many, and some of the people that believe it, are people in this age category. Unfortunately many "buy into" the conditioning they have been fed....they are their own worst enemy - they are often the people that wonder why no one will hire them "at their age" after being downsized. I feel the best I have ever felt in my life. I have more energy, I am more experienced, I am stronger, fitter, healthier and happier than I have ever been. My mind is clearer, sharper and more focused than it has ever been. I have a wealth of ideas swirling through my brain, non stop. I see so much potential, and possibility, when other's see doom and gloom. Of course there are individuals that will tell you the opposite. They have "accepted" the negative brainwashing that has been cast throughout the years, and "bought into" what other's have "taught them" about what it is supposed to be like at this stage of life, and they "live into" that conditioned belief.

At any age of life, we have a choice. We have a choice to buy into what the masses are programmed to believe by society, the media, the educational system, the corporate world, etc. , and, there are many individuals that "buy into" this conditioned thinking that limit's our potential.

At any age, we can believe we are limited, or we can look to people that are achieving what we want to achieve and simply follow their actions to duplicate the results in our own lives. Want to be a fit baby boomer - find a fit baby boomer - learn what they do (eating habits, fitness routine, etc) and start doing what they do. Want to be successful financially - find a financially successful baby boomer and learn what they do - (are they self employed, what kind of work do they do, what kind of investments do they make, what kind of people do they associate with) - start doing what they do. Have you been downsized - STOP playing the victim! Use your past experience and go out and create your own business - use the incredible experience you have gained....tap into your passions and find something you can do for yourself!

I have a close friend that loves photography. She has some brilliant ideas and takes beautiful pictures. All her life she has been working a job. Now, in her 50's, she is taking more pictures, following her passion and just loving her hobby, and is starting to gain exposure and recognition for her work. This is how successful businesses often get off the ground. People just doing more of what they really love, and combining their passion and experience. This is exactly how many successful entrepreneurs are born....they end up running a thriving business and are able to leave the restraints of being an employee.

One thing I can recommend that has made a massive difference in my own life is to work on yourself - through personal development. Read books, attend seminars, listen to CD's, learn from other successful people. Stimulate your brain! The more you work on your "thinking" the more you increase your results in absolutely every area of your life. We have SO much to offer society at this age - whether it is the knowledge we offer an employer, or branching out to start your own business, or devoting time to a charity - this knowledge we have gathered throughout years of real, hands on experience is what it takes for an individual to go out and create their own business. Don't limit yourself to working for employers who have bought into the conditioning of hiring younger people. Why be at the effect of this negative programming? Go out and do something for yourself! Take control of your life, realize how much value you have, follow your passions, live into your potential! Take a stand for changing the negative "label" that has been placed on baby boomers by being the EXAMPLE that people can follow. Be a clear demonstration of the VALUE that we have and the wealth of experience and knowledge we offer.

In Your Service

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

Integrity In Business

2010-06-03T10:20:00.008-04:00

Is integrity important in business? Seems like a silly question, however, a subject that many really don't grasp the importance of. What does integrity mean? The Wiki answer is this: Keeping your integrity would be keeping your good name or maintaining your respectable character.

I recently observed two very well know individuals, that I had previously had a lot of respect for, have an online battle of words against each other. They were both in the same industry and had a falling out of some sort. As I observed their conduct and how they were handling their personal situation, (which should have been private) - I went from having respect for both, to being disgusted by both. They both cut each other up, throwing accusations and attempted to make themselves look like the expert and the guru. They both sent personal emails to their entire email list, and published websites cutting each other up. They looked like a pair of 2 year olds that didn't get their own way. Why is it that people think they can or should use the internet to voice their battles? It actually did the opposite for me....I lost all respect for both and now do not believe a word either of them have to say. I can't believe in someone that is teaching a topic of ethics and good business practice, (which is their claimed expertise) that is blatently destroying a former colleagues reputation. Because of their public quarrel, they have just destroyed their own reputation. Isn't that interesting.....they were attempting to make each other look discredited, but by doing so in such an unprofessional way, they actually discredited themselves!

Integrity is something I believe every individual should develop and understand. People have a right to their own opinion and their own choices. However, it is no ones right to publicly destroy another human beings reputation because of their difference in opinion or direction. Someone of true integrity can respect differences in opinion and walk their own path without feeling a need to destroy someone else's path.

There is a rule of abundance in the universe. We live in a very abundant world...there is not a limit to success or opportunity. There is enough for everyone. We do not have to do business in a way that destructive to other people's path. It is a big world and with technology today, we truly have the opportunity to do business worldwide. Technology is a great thing, if you use it properly and not to destroy another human being.

I challenge every single business owner to really understand the importance of this concept - it doesn't matter what type of business you are in...from running an ice cream stand to an international business....find your own niche, be of service, be of integrity, open your arms wide and give everything you can to your client base - this is how you build a successful business - NOT by getting out your sword and slaying the competition, in an attempt to build your own interests! Stand on your own two feet and promote what YOU bring to the table. If you can't do that, and can only build a business by throwing rocks at the competition, it is time to take a serious look at what value you provide.

Yes, integrity in business is important....but it is a concept that we have all learned as children, if we just stop and think - treat other people like you would want to be treated!

In your service,

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

Does Personal Development Lead To Success Outside of Business?

2010-04-27T18:12:00.005-04:00

I have learned from my study of personal development, that you can't make an improvement in one area of life, without it spilling over and giving you better results in another area.

I want to share an experience I had over the last couple of days, that on the surface seems to have nothing to do with business success. I have been going to a gym for over a year now, attending a 1 hour yoga class, 5-6 days/week. Every few months, the routine is changed and a whole new set of moves and music is released. This is wonderful because it allows you to work different muscle groups and get a better overall workout. I am always excited to see what we are going to tackle next! This is new release week at the gym. When I experienced the new release yesterday, that one hour class felt like ten...I watched every minute of the clock, hating all the new moves we were following along with. Since I attend the class at least 5 days/week, the thought of doing this routine for a minimum of 25 more classes was enough to make me want to quit going for the next 2 months, if I wasn't so committed to my personal fitness. I just couldn't imagine doing this particular routine every day for the next 5 weeks!

So with a strong personal opinion of this particular class and how much I was not enjoying it, I pondered how I could get through it. Now before I developed the thinking skills I have through our Polaris product line, I would have just given up....waited a couple of months and then went back when they changed the routine again - if, I could have gotten re-motivated. Who would that have served? I would have gotten out of shape, put on weight, not felt as healthy...etc., etc.

I am SO grateful I have learned to observe my own thoughts and make powerful decisions that lead me towards my goals. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I was not giving up on my fitness commitment. I simply had to find a way around it! I made a conscious decision to go back today and put some of the other moves into the routine that I did like. I followed along, and when it came to each specific routine that I didn't want to do, I just improvised and put my own move in, instead. I had a totally different experience than I did yesterday, doing the same class! I looked up at one point and the class was almost over....I hadn't even noticed the time, it had flown by!

This was such a great reminder to me of how powerful our thoughts are, and how we can CHOOSE to react, or take action in the direction of where we are going. One of the things I am most grateful for, is how I have learned to observe my own thoughts from a different perspective. I have become solution oriented. I have learned that there is always a way, even if you can't see it in the moment. I have learned to focus on the end result, and not give in to obstacles. I have learned to ask myself better questions that do lead to a solution. I have learned to take control of my life and I realize that I am in the driver's seat and taking my life in the direction I want to go.

These are all things I have learned as a result of immersing myself in personal development. It isn't just about having more business success. What we learn serves us in every area of our lives, and allows us to become more successful in absolutely everything we do! The more we choose to work on ourselves, our mindset, the more we create possibilities to live into our full human potential!

In Your Service,

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

Is There A Connection Between Positive Thought & Infinite Possibilities?

2010-04-26T21:32:00.006-04:00

We live in a very abundant world - a world FULL of Infinite Possibilities! I find very often though, people are so busy just "surviving" they can't see the possibilities around them.

Why is this? When it is so evident to many of us that there are so many possibilities, why do so many people struggle and barely survive? I believe it is a result of the past conditioning, and limitations that so many of us have grown up with. Do any of these sound familiar to you?

-don't get your hopes up
-if it sounds too good to be true it probably is
-there's got to be something fishy about that
-save for a rainy day
-it won't last forever
-money doesn't grow on trees

I could go on and on, but that is far too depressing! These are the types of things that many of us heard growing up. Depending on your network of co-workers, family and friends - people you spend most of your time with - some of you may still be hearing these type of phrases (and hundreds of others) and actually believe them - because, you don't know any different.

That type of thinking is what is stopping you from living an extraordinary life - a life FULL of infinite possibilities. Limited beliefs of what you are capable of, past conditioning, thinking in terms of survival, rather than how abundant this world is, and how capable YOU are of achieving anything you desire - these thoughts are holding you back from living into your greatness, your full potential of infinite possibility!

But, you can CHANGE your thoughts. You CAN reprogram your thinking and eliminate the doubts, fears, anxiety or limitations you have had in the past. However, you must WANT to change your thinking and you must work at it. Our brains will believe anything we say to ourselves - good or bad. And it is 100% your CHOICE what you put into your brain.

What Steps Can You Take:

-Turn off your TV
-Stop reading the negativity in the news
-Surround yourself with positive people
-Study personal development, learn, grow, read, attend seminars, journal, expand your mind, challenge your current thinking.

Look at the limiting beliefs that you personally have right now, and ask yourself - "what benefit does it provide me to believe this statement"? When you really look at this, you will find these statements are not serving you, they are holding you back. It is then your choice to continue on this path of self limitation, or to create a new path.

When you change your thoughts - you change your life. Positive thoughts give off positive energy, that will allow you to see the infinite possibilities that are all around you, and be able to take advantage of them! It is almost like a rebirth - a new opportunity, a second chance. The thoughts that you plant in your mind are the "seeds". The more you water these "seeds" of positive thought, the more they will take root and bear the fruit (or results) that you desire. When you understand this principle, it is so simple to stand above the crowd and reach for the stars...those infinite possibilities!

In your service,

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

Successful Entrepreneurs INSPIRE Others!

2010-03-31T07:34:00.008-04:00

I am inspired when I witness other people's greatness! Many times in life, we do not realize how much inspiration we can be to other people, some that we do not even know, simply by living into our own potential.

There is a business in my area that is extremely successful. For the purpose of this article, I am simply going to name the business owner "Joe" (which is not his real name) Joe has recently expanded and added a new line of product. Seems like a normal business activity, right? Here is the amazing part. The product line that Joe has recently added, is something that is experiencing very bad press currently. Joe, not only added the product line, he built a new facility to store the product, hired new staff and is moving forward with his goal, despite the naysayers and bad press. He is one of the most successful business owners in the area, and is focused on achieving a huge increase in his business, despite outside circumstances.

This comes at a time, when other business owners that are carrying the same product, are cutting back and playing it safe. They are unsure of the outcome, so they are doing what many in life are conditioned to do - buy into fear.

Joe is a big thinker. Joe has a goal. He is moving forward 100% full steam ahead with his goal, despite what may be perceived to be happening around him. He has blinders on, and is only focused on where he is "going". He has customers lining up, he has a full staff of employees that are moving forward with him. He is successful. Joe is an example that inspires others!

Joe doesn't know me. He is not attempting to inspire me. I have never even spoken to him, and don't know what he looks like. Yesterday, I was at Joe's business facility, and because of his incredible vision, tenacity, and focus, I witnessed a busy, thriving business. You would never know there was any challenge to overcome, because Joe is only focused on the outcome, focused on where he is going.

This was a great reminder to me that successful entrepreneurs do not get sidetracked. They decide what they want, and then play full out. They are not sitting on the "sidelines", waiting for this or that to happen so that they can be successful. They do not let challenges get in the way of their dreams. They decide what needs to be done, and then simply do it. They don't buy into excuses. They move forward and find, create or invent new ways of creating the end result they want, despite any challenge that may come up.

In Your Service

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

Does Tenacity Play a Role In Being A Successful Entrepreneur?

2010-03-26T09:51:00.007-04:00

One of the most important qualities anyone can master in life is tenacity! It does not just apply to being a successful entrepreneur. This quality is something that serves us in every aspect of life.

Time and time again, I have pulled this quality from my "entrepreneurs toolbox" to assist me in getting the type of result I am looking for. This does not just apply to business.

This is one of the basic principles of success that a lot of people miss. Society is conditioned to "give it a try" and buy into the excuse "at least you tried your best", when something does not work out. Giving "per mission" that it is ok to give up, as long as you "tried". This is one reason so many people live a life of mediocrity, never living into the potential they have, and just going through life, "accepting" whatever life/bosses/friends/family/government/media/circumstance throws at them. This is why people "settle".

It amazes me how often I see people "give up" on something they say they wanted. This applies to every aspect of life - fitness goals, personal goals, business goals, etc. Someone joins the gym in Jan., saying they are determined to get in shape. By Feb., they are not going to the gym any more - it's too hard, they are too busy, the classes don't work out for them. Excuses!

Then there are the excuses people make for not reaching their business or personal goals. They all boil down to the same thing - society is so conditioned to give up at the first sign of challenge. And because this has been part of the social conditioning for most of our lives, it seems to be accepted because "everyone" else they know believes this to be true as well. This should be a red flag - if everyone you know believes it is ok to give up on something you say you wanted - you are not networking or associating with the right people if you want to take your life to a different level.

Here are a couple of personal examples:

A year ago my daughter graduated as a web designed/graphic designer. She applied for some jobs in her field. There was one job that she particularly wanted - working for a very large, reputable, successful company. She went for the interview - was told they would get back to her. After about a week or so, she hadn't heard anything - she called me and asked what I thought and I advised her to call them to see if they had made a decision. They were very surprised that she called and that she was indeed still interested! She got the job and 1 year later is absolutely loving her work. It was her tenacity that got her the job. Her willingness to step outside of her comfort zone and make a call, and not wait for it to fall into her lap.

Our son has recently started working in the auto industry as a salesman. He is working for one of the most professional and successful dealerships in our area. One of the things in his personal life he is committed to is physical fitness - he goes to the gym 6 days/wk and is totally committed to his physical health/development. He typically goes to the gym after work. There have been some days that his schedule was changed at the last minute. He did not miss a beat. He simply re-arranged his plan, went to the gym on his break, and went back to work to finish his shift. He is tenacious in his commitment to himself. He will not let anything sidetrack him from his business goals or his personal goals outside of his work.

The other day I had one of those little business challenges that stop many individuals. I required some assistance with some technical issues, that was stopping me from conducting my business, and was dealing with a customer service rep. This rep would not assist me in getting the result I required to conduct my business. "It was out of her control" I asked to speak to her supervisor for assistance - I was informed her supervisor could not assist me either. Now to some people, this would be a stopping point. They would throw up their hands in frustration and give up. Their business would either be put on hold or they would simply give up and pack it in. I simply ended the conversation with this rep, called back into customer service, got a different rep who totally and happily solved my technical issue. I could have been frustrated, I could have given up, I could have used this as an excuse on why I couldn't run my business or have success that day. That is the way most of society handles these type of things. But like any successful entrepreneur I have tenacity - I do not let roadblocks get in my way! There is always a way around things. You must be solution oriented. You must not buy into excuses. You must be committed to yourself and your goals and be willing to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.

Successful Entrepreneurs understand this success principle very well. However, this principle does not just apply to entrepreneurship - Tenacity is a success principle that every single individual can implement into their lives to start living the life they truly deserve and want to be living!

In Your Service,

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

Why Would Anyone Want To Step Outside of Their Comfort Zone?

2010-03-14T01:12:00.005-05:00

Successful Entrepreneurs understand the importance of continually stepping outside their comfort zone.

Why is this important? Let's first take a look at what occurs within the comfort zone.

Within The Comfort Zone:
-There is No Challenge
-It is Easy
-It is Comfortable
-There is no personal growth
-Everything stays the same - nothing changes
-Live a Life of Mediocrity
-Boredom
-Depression
-Low Self Worth/Self Esteem/Confidence

If this is what an individual wants from their life, then the comfort zone is the place to be. If however, one wants to have a different/better experience at anything, it is important to take that step outside of the comfort zone.

What Occurs Outside of The Comfort Zone:
-New Experiences
-Personal Growth
-Adrenaline Rush
-New Opportunity
-Better Results
-Improved Self Worth/Self Confidence/Self Esteem
-Excitement/Fun
-Happiness
-Develop Leadership
-Diminish Fears

I have been on both sides of the fence. I have had times I stayed within the comfort of my own comfort zone. I have had more times though outside of my comfort zone, and that has given me so much more fulfillment. This realization is only something you know when you experience it and it applies to every area of our lives.

I have had times when I did not prioritize my own physical fitness. I did not go to the gym, I ate what I wanted and did not exercise. How did that play out? I could feel myself actually aging....aches, pains, gaining weight, not feeling good in my clothes, lack of energy - and this was all in my younger years! Just before my birthday of the start of the 2nd half of my life (50) I decided to join the gym. Having spent the first 49 years not prioritizing my own fitness, this was a big step out of my fitness comfort zone. It takes effort to go to the gym 6 times/week. It takes a change in thinking, a change in priorities, a change in focus and in personal fitness goals. What are the benefits...why would someone actually choose after 49 years of doing something the same way, to take a dramatic turn like this? Looking back 1 year later, I have lost 20 lbs, have zero aches or pains, have built strength I never realized I was capable of, I have built my confidence in an area that I didn't even realize was lacking, and have more energy and feel better and healthier than I ever have in my entire life. I honestly wonder why I waited so long to take control in this area of my life. I look back and know that I simply made a conscious choice to take that step outside of my fitness comfort zone.

This same concept of stepping outside of our comfort zone applies, of course, to our career or our business life as well. I think back 25 years ago when I first became an entrepreneur. I was extremely shy and part of my role in the business I started was to do presentations in front of small groups of 5-10 people. The first one was dreadful, I looked at the floor the whole presentation. I didn't have the confidence to look up and make eye contact with anyone. But I kept at it, and eventually I got very good at it. Then about a year later I was asked to speak to a group of about 500 people to train on what I had learned in my business. I will never forget how scared I was. I literally thought I was going to throw up and just felt like crying. But I took a deep breath and did it anyway. What really amazed me was the fact that I felt the fear tremendously before the event (for months). I felt the fear tremendously when I got on stage - but after about only 2 minutes on stage I started to relax and it wasn't nearly as bad as I had built up in my mind. That is when I learned for the first time that fear is simply False Expectation Appearing Real.

After this experience, I learned that I could face fear and get through it, and was determined to learn how to get better at pushing through fears. So in this particular area - speaking - I started reading books, going to seminars, learning techniques and teaching myself how to get more comfortable at speaking. Here I am almost 25 years later and I spend a lot of time speaking and doing trainings. There are still times when those little butterfly's go through my stomach, but I know that they disappear very quickly, and that it is just my imagination that is causing them, and I know that I feel SO much better when I push myself. Who wants to stay a shy wallflower and be uncomfortable their whole life? I could have done that, very easily because that was my personality 25 yrs ago. But looking back I am so grateful that I took that first step outside of my comfort zone. It was the starting point to allowing me to spend the last 25 years in a state of adventure, personal growth, success, fun, happiness, self fulfillment, and confidence. I have learned that these steps I have taken, are not just for me - when we learn something new, or get better at anything, then we get the benefit of that, but so do other people in our lives. Our children, our partners, our family/friends, and people that we come into contact with through our life in business and socially. It is a ripple effect and sometimes we are not even aware how something we do, that we strive for, opens the door for so many other people.

Here's a little exercise I learned many years ago about the comfort zone. Draw a circle. That is your current comfort zone. Now, put an X outside of the circle. Draw a new circle around the 1st circle making sure the X is within that new circle. The X represents the step you take outside of your comfort zone. The beautiful thing is, that when you take that step, you have just made your circle bigger, ie - your comfort zone has expanded. You can't go back, you can only go forward. Think of it like this - if you speak English only and you learn a new language - you can't go back to only knowing English - you now know two languages. You have learned. You have grown. You have expanded. You know how to speak a new language and can also teach someone else how to say words in that language. It is not just for you. You may have done it initially for your own benefit, but once you get there, you can now share that with other people.

When you understand the concept of the comfort zone, you also understand that it applies to every area of our lives. This is where the excitement in life is - outside of our comfort zone! We can't learn a concept, and not have it affect every area of our lives. That is what personal growth is all about.

In your Service

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

Women Entrepreneurs Setting the Pace

2010-01-31T10:39:00.004-05:00

Women today, have a much more entrepreneurial, gutsy spirit, than they did 40-50 years ago. I have been a successful entrepreneur since 1986, and I have seen for myself the number of women that take bold step into the world of entrepreneurship, often driven by the desire to spend more time with their families, and these women are setting the pace for what is possible, for women and men alike.

When we were having our children, many years ago, that is precisely what led me to this wonderful world of being an entrepreneur! I wanted to be home with our children, but needed to make some extra income to do so. So, like many young mom's, I looked for a way to do that and entered the wonderful world of being an entrepreneur. Looking back over my 23+ years I wouldn't have it any other way!

There are so many benefits to being an entrepreneur, especially when you work from a home office.

-set your own schedule
-work around your family commitments
-volunteer at your children's schools and extra events
-take the time off during your children's school holidays and really be present with them
-be home with your children if they have a sick day
-no day care fees
-life balance
-less stress

As we progress in age from having small children to becoming empty nesters, the benefits are even greater! Many of the same benefits apply but there are some extras:

-time to travel for extended periods of time
-spend more time with your partner
-being available for your grandchildren
-volunteer work
-total freedom - time & financial

In today's world, there are so many opportunities to be able to create a business from home and with the support of technology today, you can literally do business all around the world, while being at home with the people you love most. As I write this blog article, I am amazed still at how incredible it is to be able to sit here in front of my fireplace, with a cup of coffee - my little dog resting on my knee, while typing on my 8" laptop, listening to some beautiful background music.

There is no need to run around like a mad women, through rush hour, jumping to every order that the corporate world dishes out, just to make a living. I have learned that we work to make our family life better so that we can do the things we want to do, with the people we love most. Many people in society have this backwards - many people are working so long and so hard, that they have lost touch with their family - they are working to survive. Many people have literally lost touch with why they are even working - they are in survival mode. Put your family first - find a way to make your family life better and a business that supports that - there are SO many options available today!

I encourage every women reading this post that has the desire within them to take that next step - Do not let fear, past conditioning or limiting beliefs hold you back. Do not be swayed by family or friends that might give you "their best advice" to stay in your "secure" job. Follow your heart, that is your guiding light! When you are following your own guiding light, you can never go wrong. Becoming an entrepreneur has been and continues to be one of the most rewarding things I have ever done - I am grateful to my children - for if it wasn't for them coming into our lives, and being inspired to be home with them, I may not have discovered that there are other options than working a job your entire life.

In Your Service,

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or 1-519-342-4050

Leadership Is The Most Powerful Commodity On The Planet!

2010-01-18T21:36:00.003-05:00

Leadership Is The Most Powerful Commodity On The Planet, but unfortunately, most people have been conditioned in our society to follow the herd - do what is safe. It can be compared to cows in a pasture….cows spend every day of their lives doing the same thing, eating grass, and doing what all the other cows do. Cows don’t think for themselves, they do what they are led to do – they would never consider going outside the pasture, it is safe there – within the pasture - and has everything they believe they need. Unfortunately, many people go through most of their lives like the “cow in the pasture”, living a “conditioned” life. This conditioning contributes to a lot of negativity in life and affects every area of our lives:

- Settling – working a job you hate, but stay there because you have been conditioned to believe you should stay where you are because - it is a “good job” and it is “secure”, and some people don’t even have a job so you should hold onto it. Leaders do not settle. Leaders go out and find what they want and if they can’t find it, they create it. Leaders do not stay stuck doing something they do not want to do.

- Not reaching your full potential – this goes hand in hand with settling – when you are in a job you hate, chances are that you would like to accomplish more, but there is a ceiling on your income and advancement potential. We are not meant to stay the same – if you are not learning and growing, you are regressing. Leaders are always striving to reach their full potential, knowing that when you have made an achievement, it is time to stretch for something new, something bigger. Leaders compete against themselves to continually take their lives to the next level.

- Unhappiness – if you are unfulfilled in your work or in your personal life, you cannot possibly be happy – and, you cannot make anyone else happy. Leaders understand that their happiness is up to them to create. It is not dependant on a good boss, good job, good relationship, good family, good government, etc to make you happy. Leaders find and create their own happiness.

- Fear – the media feeds us all kinds of fear, one of the latest being the H1N1 and the “need” to get the shot. Because the government marketed this shot, and instilled fear through the media, people lined up for hours to get their shot because they were so fearful, and they were “told” to do so by the media, the medical community, friends, family, and co-workers who all bought into the fear. I just got back from a weekend conference, and there was even a booth set up in the airport for people to get their “shot”. As a leader in my own life I made a decision that I was not buying into this fear – I will not have that shot no matter who around me does – I take responsibility for my own health, I can make my own informed decisions. I am not at all swayed by seeing people standing in the “herd” line on the sidewalk, at community centers, and airports – that does not at all make me think that I too must “line up” and buy into this fear. A leader trusts their own decisions.

- Stress, even illness – it has been proven that stress leads to illness, and much of the stress people experience is within their control – but most don’t realize that they have choices in their lives. So, they keep following the herd, and many do not know that they can make different choices and by doing so will eliminate much of the stress they experience. Leaders understand that they do have choices. If life isn’t going in the direction they want – leaders understand that they must make different choices to course correct and get better results – this eliminates stress when you are in positive action.

So, how do you leave the herd, and become a leader in your own life? How do you stop buying into the “norm” which is really complacency and mediocrity.

It starts with learning to think for yourself. This is not something that most people are accustomed to doing. People follow leadership. But, most people are the followers and don’t have the knowledge or courage to be a leader in their own life. Most people get up in the morning, go to a job they don’t really like, come home, watch TV and go to bed – and do this over and over, every day. If you ask someone in this pattern, why they are doing this every day, most wouldn’t have an answer because they haven’t really thought about why they keep doing it. When asked, most would say, “they have to pay the bills”, or “what else would I do”, or “that’s what everyone does”. Go for a walk at night, and just observe how many people are sitting, staring at their TV – for hours – being brainwashed into believing what they hear and see. It is time to get out of the trance that most of society is in - to be a leader in your own life and start directing the way you want it to go. You can do something as simple as turning off the TV or stop reading the news. Will that seem odd to everyone around you? Most likely! What would you do with your life? – read something educational, learn something new, start a business of your own, go to the gym, go for a walk, visit friends or family, live your life, rather than watching other people on TV living theirs! This is a really basic way to make dramatic change in your life. When you are not being fed all the nonsense and fear from these negative media sources, you learn to create your own results and start thinking for yourself. New and interesting things start to happen. You learn more, you grow more, you have new experiences, you feel better, have less stress and start seeing things in a different light. The walls of the “cow pasture” start coming down, and you start to realize that you can actually go into another field and there are new things to experience there. You learn that you can be more like a “rhino” and not wait for all the cows to follow you – you can venture out, do new things, learn and grow and live into your potential, into your own leadership.

People are hungry for excitement, adventure, fulfillment, and change. Leaders take a stand for what they want in their lives and then make powerful decisions that lead them towards their goals and take bold actions to get there. Leaders do not settle. Leaders do not limit their potential, they create it. Leaders still experience fear but in a much different way – when fear shows up, they push through it, make powerful and bold decisions. Leaders show people what is truly possible. Leaders inspire others. Leaders create new opportunities. Leaders are needed. Everyone is looking for leaders. It is the most powerful commodity on the planet – YOU have the choice – are you going to be the leader or the follower?

In Your Service,

Debbie Ruston

1-800-576-2917 or 1-519-342-4050