FIVE STAR Speakers & Trainers would like to personally congratulate & give a big SHOUT TO: CHARLOTTE RAYBOURN   For winning the 2010 Art Directors Guild Award for her role as Art Director in the movie, Inception, with Leonardo DiCaprio. _______________________________ Charlotte Raybourn started with FIVE STAR in September 2010 as our Public Relations Director & Account Executive. Charlotte has a strong background in PR [hence the ADG Award she just won on February 5, 2011!] and has been an amazing asset to FIVE STAR since her arrival! She has an incredible background that fits perfectly within our industry, as well as bringing an expertise of public relations with her - which is our newest department at FIVE STAR. For Charlotte's full career bio & background, visit her About Us Webpage. If you'd like more information on how Charlotte can assist you with your personal PR needs, go here to the FIVE STAR PR webpage. [You may also contact Charlotte directly - her contact info is below]. We are SO PROUD of Charlotte and wanted to recognize this amazing accomplishment and give her a BIG FIVE STAR CONGRATULATIONS!! WAY TO GO CHARLOTTE!! Best Regards - The FIVE STAR Team www.fivestarspeakers.com fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com 913.648.6480 For Charlotte's direct contact information -  Charlotte Raybourn Public Relations Director | Account Executivecraybourn@fivestarspeakers.com 913.754.3440 Charlotte Raybourn at the 2010 ADG Awards

Evolution of Dance - Judson Laipply Interview on Tosh.0: [02.09.11]

Evolution of Dance - Judson Laipply Interview on Tosh.0: [02.09.11]

Tosh.0

Judson's Evolution of Dance Video:

Seth Godin's blog: An acre of attitudes

I thought this was DEFINITELY worth sharing... the blog post from Seth Godin today -

An acre of attitudes - Seth Godin's blog:

Anne Lamott relates an image from a friend in her great book on writing, Bird by Bird.

My [Seth Godin] version:
Everyone is given an acre of attitudes at birth. It's yours to tend and garden and weed and live with. You can plant bitterness or good humor. Feel free to fertilize and tend the feelings and approaches that you want to spend time with. Unless you hurt someone, this acre is all yours.

Probably worth putting up a decent fence, so that only the attitudes that you choose will have a chance to put down seeds, but it's certainly a bad idea to put up a wall, because a walled garden is no good to anyone passing by. You get to decide what comes through your fence gate, right?

Watching out for invasive species—spending sufficient time on weeding and pruning and staking seem to be incredibly powerful tools for accomplishing the life you want. I refuse to accept that an attitude is an accident of birth or an unchangeable constant. That would be truly horrible to contemplate.

Happy Valentine's Day. Good luck with your garden.

Daniel Burrus' book, Flash Foresight is a Best-Seller!

Daniel Burrus' book, Flash Foresight has achieved the following amazing results:

#5 New York Times Best-Seller (published Feb 6th)
#3 Wall Street Journal Best-Seller
#2 USAToday Money Best-Seller
#1 Hot New Books Amazon Business Life (Current)

(The week of launch I was #1 in "all book categories" on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble for the first few days)

Obviously this book is worth checking out!!

Great job Daniel!

Valorie Burton Blog Post: Week 7: Are You Easy to Love? Seven Keys to Love and Be Loved

Valorie Burton Blog Post: Week 7: Are You Easy to Love? Seven Keys to Love and Be Loved

Dear Friend,

Since February is the month we talk most about love, I'd like to share a column that I wrote previously, and think you may enjoy it this week.

I bought a cute card for my goddaughter. Her birthday falls on Valentine's Day and the card jokingly said, "People born on Valentine's Day are easier to love." It occurred to me, "Some people really are easier to love, aren't they?" Why is that? I think it is because some people are better at loving others. Because they express love in healthy ways on a consistent basis, they also attract love into their lives. It is a simple principle most of us have been taught repeatedly: What you sow, you will also reap.

This week, I would like to serve as your loving reminder of what it means to love someone. These are seven straightforward, at times difficult, but always effective strategies for loving others - and experiencing more love in your life. Saint Paul wrote them in the 13th chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians. We often hear the scripture recited at weddings. This week, meditate on these seven principles. Find news ways to express love on a daily basis and strengthen your daily interaction with others -- whether loved ones or strangers, co-workers or neighbors. The greatest use of your life is to love. When you apply this kind of love to a situation, it never fails:

1. LOVE IS PATIENT.
People won't always do what you want when you want them to. Practice being patient - whether with your children, your significant other or the grocery cashier who takes too long to ring up your order. Everything happens for a reason - and that includes the timing of when things happen. Be patient and learn the lesson that comes in the process of enduring the wait. Sometimes the lesson is simple: Slow down and enjoy life.

2. LOVE IS KIND.
Every single day, choose to be kind. Ask yourself each morning, "How could I be a blessing to someone today?" Whether it is a kind word, a loving gesture or helping someone in need, seek ways to be kind daily. Not only will it be a blessing to those you encounter, but it feels good to your soul.

3. LOVE DOES NOT ENVY.
There will always be someone who appears to have "more" or to be doing better. Make a decision not to be envious of others, but in every circumstance of life to find a reason to be thankful. Jealousy poisons your attitude, builds resentment and can ruin relationships. Rather than envying others, learn from them. Even be inspired by them. And simultaneously, choose to be content with what you have while you journey towards something better.

4. LOVE DOES NOT BOAST AND IS NOT PROUD.
Resist the temptation to boast about yourself, your accomplishments or your loved ones. It often only makes others feel "less than," which of course, is not an expression of love. Practice humility. Allow your accomplishments to speak for themselves. Others often notice your good work and deeds, even without you having to make a big deal of them. In fact, it is far more attractive to simply "be" great than to try to convince others of your greatness.

5. LOVE IS NOT RUDE OR EASILY ANGERED.
We've all had our moments when our behavior has been less than considerate. Next time you feel the urge to be rude, inconsiderate or to jump to conclusions, stop yourself. Take a deep breath and ask, "What would be a more loving response to this situation?" That doesn't mean that you allow others to walk all over you. You can speak the truth to people in a very matter of fact way, without being rude. Be considerate of others' feelings and be willing to give people the benefit of the doubt.

6. LOVE KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS.
Have you ever known someone who remembered every mistake you ever made or everything you ever did wrong? As you have grown and become a better person, all they can remember is the person you used to be. It is very frustrating and you may even find yourself ready to distance yourself from that person. Learn from the past behavior of others - and protect yourself accordingly, when necessary - but resist the temptation to continually bring up everything someone has done wrong. Love others by encouraging them towards a better future, not defining them by their past.

7. LOVE REJOICES IN THE TRUTH.
So often, it seems we are afraid of the truth. When something is wrong, we pretend everything is OK. Often both parties will pretend even when both parties know there is a problem. One of the most important love skills you can learn is to be honest. Refuse to live lies or to accept lies as truth. Have truthful conversations with yourself and others. It allows you to get to the core of issues faster. It empowers others to trust you. It relieves the stress of tiptoeing around the real issues. Learn to speak the truth in a spirit of love and kindness, and your life will be richer and more fulfilling.

My challenge to you this week:
In a situation that is challenging or frustrating to you, find a way to express love. Perhaps it's time to call a truce, forgive someone who has done you wrong, tell the truth or be more patient. What could you do to be more loving?

Journaling assignment:
What makes the person most important to you feel loved? What are three ways that you could incorporate more of it into your interaction with this person? What makes you feel loved? How could you communicate this in a loving way?

Until next time...

Warm wishes,
 

Introducing Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success

Introducing Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success

In April 2011, the VitalSmarts team of best-selling authors and world-class speakers will release their fourth book, Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success, a follow-up to their blockbuster hits Crucial Conversations and Influencer. To see what Change Anything is all about, watch author Joseph Grenny's introduction to the book and topic by going here.

Are you intrigued and want more? Pre-order your book by clicking the image of the book!

As part of the release and promotion of Change Anything, FIVE STAR is offering a discount on speaker fees for any speaking events booked between April and June 2011. Now’s your chance to bring one of the VitalSmarts authors to your next event to share their science behind personal and organizational change which is already being heralded as a "strategic, step-by-step guide to breaking longstanding bad habits" and a "smart, sensible work" for "adopting—and sticking to—better behaviors" (Publishers Weekly, January 10, 2011)

 

Choose from the following discount options:(events MUST take place in April 2011, May 2011 or June 2011).

Option 1: Receive a presentation by one of the VitalSmarts authors and 100 copies of the book (a $37K value) for a total price of $12,500 (plus first class air and travel expenses.)

Option 2: Receive a presentation by one of the VitalSmarts authors and 200 books (a $40K value) for a total price of $15,000 (plus first class air and travel expenses.)

 

Note: Lower fee options are also available. VitalSmarts has a team of New York Times bestselling authors, researchers, and business strategy experts. FIVE STAR can recommend the right speaker to make your next event extraordinary!

NBC’s Minute To Win It Live is now available for corporate and private parties.

NBC’s Minute To Win It Live is now available for corporate and private parties. With a corporate appropriate host, we bring the live show to corporate events and private parties. Please let me know if you would like more information.

Congrats Britt for Booking Cynthia Nixon!

CYNTHIA NIXON

Brittanny Kreutzer, Account Executive & the ultimate people connector at FIVE STAR just booked Cynthia Nixon for a client today! Most people know Cynthia from her role on Sex & The City as Miranda! It's always fun to book EVERYONE - and get the right person in front of our clients that provide them the most value - but, it's also pretty sweet to book a celeb you LOVE. (and - I'm loving me some Miranda & SATC!) So fun!

Jeff Havens - Willis Report Clip!

Jeff Havens - Willis Report on Fox Business! Jeff is an awesome speaker & is now being featured on
Fox Business weekly! Watch this video - less than one minute!



Want a good read? A business book that has a sense of humor!? Crazy concept - but check out Jeff's book: How to Get Fired!

Amazing Advice from Jeff Civillico, Stephen Covey & Seth Godin...

I got this email from my friend Jeff Civillico, who is a professional speaker, entertainer & juggler. He is referring to a Seth Godin blog post he forwarded to me. I thought his email was SPOT ON to my life - but also to probably other's ... I wanted to share this email I got this morning from Jeff:

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...Really liked this one.. are you familiar with Stephen Covey's "First Things First?"  GREAT book.. similar concepts.  He talks about how everything in life can be put into 1 of 4 categories:

Important and urgent
Important but not urgent
Not important but urgent
Not important and not urgent

Most people only do what's urgent, not important.. we are constantly on the defensive taking care of what's on our plate now, so we run out of time before we ever get to the important stuff that over time creates a successful and fulfilling life, long-term -- exercising, reading, writing, reflecting, building relationships, spending time with family, etc.  Covey makes the case that what we think is urgent is really not that urgent.. the "urgent" to do list will fill up all our time b/c we let it, so it's best to attack the important, but not urgent, stuff early in the day...


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THANK YOU JEFF!!!!

Jim Davidson will be on AnimalPlanet tonight!

Jim Davidson will be on AnimalPlanet tonight! "I Shouldn't Be Alive" at  9:00 pm EST.Set your DVR/TiVo! www.speakingofadventure.com

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I Shouldn’t Be Alive – A Tale Of Determination

Jim’s survival story is now a stunning episode of the popular television show “I Shouldn’t Be Alive. It portrays Jim Davidson and Mike Price on Mount Rainier when a snowbridge suddenly collapsed and dropped them into a hidden crevasse deep inside the glacier. Sadly, Mike did not survive the fall. Jim had to find a way up the dangerous ice wall… alone. It’s a tale of determination against all odds and a lesson in how to overcome adversity when it seems there’s no way out.

Called “Killer Crevasse”, the stunning episode premiered January 12, 2011 and it will air 6 more times between January 19th and January 27th on Animal Planet, as follows:

Date	Eastern Standard Time	Central Standard Time	Mountain Standard Time	Pacific Standard Time
Wednesday, Jan. 19	9:00 pm EST	8:00 pm CST	7:00 pm MST	9:00 pm PST
Wednesday, Jan. 19	11:00 pm EST	10:00 pm CST	9:00 pm MST	11:00 pm PST
Thursday, Jan. 20	4:00 am EST	3:00 am CST	2:00 am MST	4:00 am PST
Wednesday, Jan. 26	9:00 pm EST	8:00 pm CST	7:00 pm MST	9:00 pm PST
Wednesday, Jan. 26	11:00 pm EST	10:00 pm CST	9:00 pm MST	11:00 pm PST
Thursday, Jan. 27	4:00 am EST	3:00 am CST	2:00 am MST	4:00 am PST

Please check your local TV listings to confirm times and to find it on Animal Planet HD.

Note: Other episodes of the show also broadcast on the same evening, so make sure you watch the one called “Killer Crevasse”. After you see the show, please let me know what you think.

Animal Planet regularly re-runs the “I Shouldn’t Be Alive” episodes, so watch for Jim’s show to be broadcast again in your area.

Behind the Scenes

Jim Davidson being interviewed for the TV show “I Shouldn’t Be Alive”

In the summer of 2010, Jim got an unexpected phone call asking if his survival tale could be made into a one-hour episode of the extremely popular show “I Shouldn’t Be Alive”. A film crew came to Colorado and filmed an intense interview with Jim Davidson.

Then an extensive reenactment of the Mount Rainier climb and accident was filmed on a glacier in Chile. The show is filmed and produced by the renowned Darlow Smithson Productions, the same company that made the excellent climbing film “Touching the Void”. They produce compelling stories about human endurance and emotional journeys.

“I Shouldn’t Be Alive” broadcasts on Animal Planet in the USA, and it also airs in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Learning How To Overcome Adversity

Real-life stories of tragedy and triumph are fascinating. By understanding other people’s epic struggles, we are strengthened, we get inspired and we learn how to overcome adversity in our own lives. Hearing Jim’s incredible account makes the listener ponder: “Could I do that?”

So, please watch the show, and then ask yourself:

“What would I have done?”

 

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Keynotes & Workshops by Jim Davidson Inspire You to Overcome Adversity

Jim Davidson is a keynote speaker based out of Colorado who knows how to persevere when the going gets tough.

Every one of Jim’s presentations includes:

    * Compelling adventure stories
    * Practical lessons for life and business
    * Unique, vivid color photographs of remote alpine climbs
    * Thrilling HD videos that let you experience the mountain adventures

Jim has climbed high mountains around the world. He’s led expeditions and rescues in perilous conditions. And he’s rescued himself from deep within a deadly glacial crevasse. As a keynote motivational speaker, Jim distills the lessons he’s learned on the mountains and applies them to challenges in business and life.

Rally Your Resilience — Reaching Your Summits in Business and in Life!

(45-75 minute keynote)

Preview this keynote

Buried alive inside a glacier. Trapped alone 80 feet down inside a dark crevasse, with no rescuers coming. Jim Davidson barely survived after a snowbridge suddenly collapsed beneath his feet, dropping Jim and his partner deep inside a hidden glacial crevasse. Somehow, he had to climb up an overhanging ice wall of the crevasse before time ran out.

How does someone face tremendous challenge? How can you overcome adversity?

When you experience Jim’s compelling, inspirational presentation, you learn valuable lessons about:

• Persevering through overwhelming difficulties
• Rallying resilience to overcome adversity
• Confronting setbacks as you reach for your summits in business and life

From this epic experience, Jim shares an uplifting message that inspires organizations and audiences to be resilient and triumph over life’s crevasses. As Jim’s
signature keynote, this riveting story is now featured in a one-hour TV episode of I Shouldn’t Be Alive and in a new adventure memoir called The Ledge (2011).

---

Resilient Leadership & Engaged Teamwork

(60-75 minute keynote, or 1-2 hour interactive workshop)

Preview this keynote

High-altitude expeditions and rescues face rapidly changing conditions, limited resources and uncertain team dynamics – just like today’s fast-paced business world. By examining some exhilarating mountain rescues that Jim and his teammates did in Colorado and Alaska, Jim facilitates a unique, interactive leadership presentation on:

• Developing resilient leadership skills
• Promoting engaged teamwork
• Adapting to change while reaching your goals

Jim shares stunning mountain photos and riveting stories to set the stage, then the participants work in groups to “be the rescue team”. They analyze the complex situation, identify key leadership and teamwork skills, and develop solutions to intricate resource problems. Jim facilitates energetic discussions and brief self-reflections that help attendees expand their capacities and apply the lessons to their careers and personal lives.

---

Surviving Storms

(45-60 minute keynote or 1-2 hour interactive workshop)

Preview this keynote

In life, business and mountaineering, there are storms. Mountain storms bring sudden wind and white-out blizzards. Life’s storms can be struggling with economic issues or facing a personal crisis. After 29 years of climbing high peaks around the world, Jim knows what it takes to endure such storms and he shares stories and insights to show you how to:

• Adjust your plans, attitudes and actions
• Engage problems through drive, direction, and discipline
• Endure stormy times and resume ascending once good conditions return

It is certain that all storms end. Remembering this is crucial for surviving tough times, maintaining momentum, and thriving in spite of unexpected setbacks. In this thrilling presentation, Jim will share tips and techniques to help your team survive storms, and thrive afterwards.

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Expedition Execution – Reaching BIG Goals

(45-60 minute keynote, or 1-2 hour interactive workshop)

Struggling and succeeding on BIG expeditions requires focused goal setting, self-discipline and commitment. Jim has reached dozens of soaring summits, including the sixth highest in the world (26,906-foot tall Cho Oyu in Tibet). From his many expeditions, Jim distills mountain-tested techniques for reaching BIG goals in life and in business. His adventure stories, vivid photographs, and exhilarating videos bring to life his practical methods for how to:

• Create plans for reaching BIG goals
• Implement successful execution strategies
• Reach your BIG goal, no matter how high

Through hard-won wisdom gained during expeditions from Alaska to Nepal, you’ll discover how to reach your BIG goals.

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Resilience Retreats

(2-4 hour workshop up to a 1-2 day retreat)

Every organization needs leaders and team members who are engaged, resilient and committed. Our Resilience Retreat uses a well-crafted Adventure Experience model for corporate team building that develops the crucial characteristics of resilient leaders and followers.

In this workshop, motivational keynote speaker Jim Davidson blends academic insight and hands-on experiential learning. It is built on field-tested knowledge gained during leadership and teamwork challenges on high peaks from the Andes to the Himalayas. By blending the keynotes and workshops listed above with reinforcing activities, this corporate team building program includes:

• Foundations of resilient leadership
• Leadership styles, methods and techniques
• Teamwork dynamics & the resilient leader
• Developing and leading engaged teams
• Energizing and enlightening teamwork challenges & much more

By dissecting real-world leadership and teamwork challenges from Jim’s expeditions and rescues, your team discovers how to implement a challenging plan while being resilient leaders and engaged team members. Attendees stay invigorated through a rotating pattern of presentations, small group interactions, and large group discussions. By alternating these learning methods we connect with all types of adult learners (visual, auditory and kinesthetic) and create a fun atmosphere. Multiple adventure-themed team-building activities make this workshop an experiential learning experience with meaningful networking opportunities.

Drawing parallels between dangerous mountains and risky markets, Jim shows that corporations often face the same problems as mountaineers and need the same determination and resilience to persevere.

As a workshop leader since 1990 and a trained facilitator, Jim skillfully guides your group. Jim will work with you to create a program that addresses your company’s exact needs. To have your team be strengthened by Jim’s powerful corporate team building program, contact Jim today.

Peter Roussel - Former White House Spokesman Interviewed on ABC13!

Peter Roussel - Former White House Spokesman,  Strategic Communications Consultant/Media Trainer,  Speaker,  Television & Radio Commentator, and Author, Columnist and Editor had an appearance on ABC13 on Sunday, January 9,2011! Check out Peter Roussel interview!

Win a Free Trip to Vegas, Baby.. Vegas!! (offer from Jeff Civillico!)

Win a Free Trip to Vegas, Baby.. Vegas!!

Sign up for Jeff Civillico's newsletter today and automatically be entered into a drawing for a FREE trip to Las Vegas. On April 1st, Jeff will be drawing another lucky winner from his subscriber list for a free trip to Vegas.  One fan will win:

    * 2 FREE roundtrip tickets to Las Vegas ($500 total limit)
    * 2 FREE nights stay at the South Point Casino
    * 2 FREE tickets to see Jeff perform in a major show on the strip

Offer is valid for one calendar year (until April 1, 2012) at a mutually agreeable date. A video of the drawing will be posted on the blog.

SIGN UP HERE!!

Official Rules
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Subject to all federal, state, and local laws. To participate in Jeff Civillico’s “Free Trip To Vegas” Drawing you must be 18 years of age, a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia, and signed up for Jeff’s online newsletter by 11:59:59 PM (EST) March 31, 2011. Signing up for Jeff Civillico’s newsletter (http://www.jeffonstage.com) automatically enrolls you for your chance to win. One entry per person. Winner will receive 2 roundtrip airline tickets to Las Vegas up to $500 in value, 2 free nights stay at South Point Casino, and 2 free tickets to the show Jeff Civillico is performing in on the date chosen by the Winner.  In the event that Jeff is not performing in Las Vegas on the date chosen by the Winner, the Winner will receive 2 free tickets to an alternate headliner comedy show of Jeff’s choosing.  Offer is valid for all of 2011. Winner’s name will be drawn on camera on April 1, 2011. Winner will be contacted and video of drawing will be posted online. Employees of Jeff Civillico, advertising and promotion agencies, web site providers or other parties involved in any aspect with the creation, production, operation, execution and fulfillment of the Drawing and the immediate family members (parents, siblings) and/or those living in the same household (whether or not related) of each are not eligible to win. Winner’s name, as well as a version of these Official Rules, suitable for printing, will be posted on Jeff Civillico's website and his social media platforms including twitter, facebook, youtube, and wordpress at Jeff's discretion. By entering this Drawing, each Entrant agrees to be bound by these Official Rules and by the decisions of Jeff Civillico, which are final and binding in all matters relating to the Drawing.

Keeping It Simple - Jeff Davidson, The Work-Life Balance Speaker and Expert

UConn alum Jeff Davidson ‘73 (BUS), ‘74 MBA, is known as The Work-Life Balance Expert and is the author of 56 books, including The 60-Second Organizer, The 60-Second Self-Starter, and The 60-Second Innovator.

The following is an excerpt from his new book, Simpler Living (Skyhorse Publishing, 2010).

The responsibilities of job, home, and family all too often transform the daily routine into one big blur. Carving out quality leisure time becomes difficult.

True leisure means engaging in a pleasurable and rewarding activity without being preoccupied by other aspects of your life. You can’t force leisure into an otherwise frenzied schedule and expect it to feel good. Sometimes, the strains you experience during the week make you place great emphasis on weekends and other days off. You hope to relax, but the pressure is enormous. You can’t rest even when you have the time to do so. Your mind may not be free to enjoy it.

Make no mistake: Leisure is a fundamental component of your life. If you don’t have frequent and rewarding leisure time, you’re missing out.

When time is at a premium, leisure activities are usually the first items to disappear from the daily schedule. One of the advantages of simplifying your life is that you’ll have more windows of opportunity to do stuff just for fun. Think of leisure as your reward for all those little extraneous things that eat up precious minutes of your day.
Overly Optimistic

If you routinely forfeit your leisure time because you have “more important things to do,” you may be underestimating how much time those other things actually take. Most people routinely shortchange themselves on the amount of time required to complete a given task, according to research at an American Psychological Association conference. The problem is a failure to evaluate performance honestly. Folks generalize from those rare occasions when everything went perfectly.

If you want to get tasks done on time so that you can enjoy leisure activities, realistically calculate during a project’s planning stages the hours that will be required. Then increase the time commitment by 25 percent to safely allow for unexpected delays.
Relearning to Relax

If you’re unaccustomed to having free time, you may need a brief refresher course in choosing and planning leisure activities. Here are the basics.

Indulge Your Desires

Devote one afternoon or evening per week entirely to yourself. Use those hours to do something, anything, that you enjoy. Listen to your favorite music. Assemble a jigsaw puzzle. Dig in your garden. Do whatever you always wish you could but never seem to find time for. And do it where there’s nothing to remind you of other obligations.

Get Lost

If you find yourself constantly watching the clock while participating in a leisure activity, you’re not truly relaxing. Let yourself go, to the point where you lose track of the hour. In this state of timelessness, you can derive optimum benefits from relaxation.

Opt for Low-Tech

The popular fascination with technological advances in all areas of life has diverted attention from the simple pleasures of many traditional pastimes. People think they must have the best, most up-to-date equipment available to enjoy themselves. When keeping up with trends becomes the focus, the sheer pleasure of leisure is lost. Let yourself have fun without trying to outdo your friends and neighbors.

Where do you weigh in on the leisure scale? This brief quiz can help you find out. Simply answer yes or no to each question.

1. I fully understand the value of leisure in my life.
2. I have at least one rewarding weekend a month.
3. I take care of errands during the week so I don’t use up my weekends.
4. I plan and take an annual or semiannual vacation.
5. I engage in rewarding, relaxing hobbies or other interests.
6. I regularly exercise at a tennis club, pool club, spa, or another facility.
7. I can be comfortable doing nothing at all at selected times.
8. I can relax without the use of chemical substances.
9. I engage in regularly scheduled leisure time activities.
10. I have achieved a reasonable balance between work and play.

Tally up your yes responses. If you have five or fewer, you definitely need more leisure in your life.

Reprinted with permission from Simpler Living by Jeff Davidson, Skyhorse Publishing Inc. © 2010

Want to know more about Jeff? Email me and I'll answer your questions and get you in touch with him! swhitten@fivestarspeakers.com

Valorie Burton Blog Post: 4 Mistakes to Avoid in the New Year

From Valorie Burton's BLOG

Week 52: 4 Mistakes to Avoid in the New Year _________________________________________________            Welcome and Announcements Welcome to our  new subscribers since last week! _______________________________________________ In the News Tune in to CNN next Sunday, January 9th at 5:20 pm Eastern for my interview about "How to bounce back from setbacks in the New Year." Want a head start in the New Year? For the New Year, Valorie is taking on new coaching clients.  Visit http://www.valorieburton.com/coaching/personal-coaching.html and schedule an introductory session or CONTACT FIVE STAR: fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com. __________________________________________________ This Week's Topic: 4 Mistakes to Avoid in the New Year     Dear Friend,   "Without a vision, the people perish." - Proverbs 29:18 Last week, I encouraged you to intentionally create more positive emotion in your life as a strategy for success and resilience.  This week, I encourage you to get clear about your vision for this year.  Clarity is power.  How much clarity do you have about where you are headed in your work, finances, health and relationships? New Year's resolutions have gotten a bad rap.  Most folks set them out of wishful thinking, but don't have a clear vision or realistic plan to reach them.  By the end of the month, they're long forgotten and the following year it is proclaimed that "resolutions don't work."  But resolutions - or goals, as I prefer to call them - do work.  There are some rules you must not break, though, if you are to succeed.  Breaking these rules means your vision is fuzzy: 1.      Aiming at too much. Sure, you may have a long list of bad habits you'd like to break, but if you resolve to break them all at once, you're likely to overwhelm yourself and give up.  Instead, build your confidence by setting small goals that you can reach in the near term.  Make your goals small, specific and attainable.  For example, if your goal is to lose 40 pounds and you've identified 10 bad habits that have led to your weight gain, start by changing just one or two habits.  Replace your afternoon visits to the vending machine with a healthy snack you keep in your desk, or replace 30 minutes of television viewing with a brisk walk with someone in your household.  Break your goals into bite-sized pieces.  2.      Not aiming at all. Worse than aiming too high is having no vision for where you are headed.  Goals contribute to happiness and well being.  They don't have to be daunting or terribly serious.  Create "fun goals," centered around activities that bring you joy and lots of positive emotion.  Perhaps it's a hobby you commit to engaging in at least once a week or something you add to your schedule that you can look forward to daily. 3.      Aiming at the past. People often feel pressured to "catch up" on all the things they think they should have done last year or the year before, so they pile on resolutions out of anxiety over missed opportunities and procrastination.  Can you relate?  Forgive yourself for what you didn't do in the past and focus on the present.  It's the only moment you can do anything about. 4.      Keeping your goals to yourself. Research shows that when you publicly declare a goal, you are more likely to achieve it.  It is an act of commitment that makes it more real.  And the accountability of telling someone else your intentions is a motivator.  When you keep your goals a secret, it's too easy to let yourself off the hook!  So share your goals with those who will encourage you along the way and whose opinion you value. My challenge to you this week: Get clarity!  Be specific about what you want.  Declare it.  Then take a step towards the vision. Journaling assignment: What is one thing you really want, but have not yet committed to pursuing? When will you make a decision to go for it? Until next time ... Warm wishes, P.S. Encourage your friends and family by sharing this newsletter and invite others to subscribe! Just send them to www.valorieburton.com, where they can enter their email address on the home page. Valorie Burton, a life coach and speaker, is the author of Listen to Your Life, Rich Minds, Rich Rewards, What's Really Holding You Back?, Why Not You? and her latest, How Did I Get So Busy? The 28-Day Plan to Free Your Time, Reclaim Your Schedule and Reconnect with What Matters Most. Subscribe to her FREE, inspirational e-newsletter at www.valorieburton.com. For more information on Valorie Burton - to have her talk at your next event or be your life coach, contact Sarah Whitten at FIVE STAR at swhitten@fivestarspeakers.com.   (c) Copyright 2010 Valorie Burton and Inspire Inc.

We hope you
have a wonderful holiday & best wishes for the new year!

CHEERS!

The FIVE STAR Team

www.fivestarspeakers.com . 913.648.6480 . fivestar@fivestarspeakers.com

Steve Gardner | CEO of FIVE STAR Speakers & Trainers - JUST GOT ELF'D!

 

I just elf'd my boss: Steve Gardner, CEO of FIVE STAR Speakers & Trainers
[wearing a pig-nose from 12.10.10's Genimation™ session with Bob Smith!]

Congrats to Jeff Civillico: Featured in Campus Activities Magazine: 2010 Rock ‘n Road Show

Our amazing & very talented friend, corporate comedian, juggler, entertainer & all around great guy, Jeff Civilico, was featured in this month’s edition of “Campus Activities Magazine,” the #1 publication for campus entertainment. The article reviewed this year’s Rock n’ Road Show at Akron U Jeff participated in. Although we LOVE him in the corporate world - Jeff gets a large portion of his calender filled up by doing college orientation & family weekend shows.

BIG SHOUT OUT to Jeff Civilico! We can't wait to start hogging more of his time doing corporate shows and getting the same RAVE reviews he's received from the college-industry as we will from the corporate audience! For more information on Jeff Civilico - full bio, demo videos, booking fees or general interest - feel free to contact FIVE STAR Speakers & Trainers at: 913.648.6480, email us at: marketing@fivestarspeakers.com, or use the FIVE STAR contact form to receive more info on Jeff.

Looking for a great book to expand your brain over the holidays? Check these page-turners out!

Looking for the Perfect Holdiay gift for the Sports Lover? Order the books By Don Yaeger - it will be the PERFECT Gift!