The BOWA Blog

Bert Oliva

WATCH OUT FOR THE POTHOLES

by Bert Oliva

My team often says jokingly that I have “ADD,” as in Attention Deficit Disorder, because I often have so many topics and ideas to talk to them about. I like to think that it’s because I’m so creative. However, in today’s world of email, text messaging, social media, and everything else, we all suffer from ADD, at least to some extent. How can we not when everything is changing in a blink of an eye?

Everyone one of us has at least one goal set for ourselves – even if it is as simple as getting up on time tomorrow. More than likely, most of us have numerous goals set for ourselves. However, in order for any of us to be successful, we must choose one goal and work toward that goal until we achieve it.

FOCUS stands for Follow One Course Until Successful. Think of your goal as your destination and your course to get to it as a straight line on a map. If you do not stay on your chosen course; for instance, if you decide to change your destination midway through, get discouraged by roadblocks, or get lost on the side streets, your arrival at your destination, at your goal, will be greatly delayed. In fact, you may never reach any of your goals by the end of your lifetime.

So, no matter what circumstances pop up, stay focused on your goal. Keep your eye on your destination and you will get there in no time. Then you can set your eyes on your next journey.

PowerTools™
1) List all of your goals, big or small.

2) Choose the goal that is most important to you from the list, and break it into smaller, easily achievable milestones. (For instance, my goal is to change the lives of over 100 million persons in a positive way in my lifetime. This goal can be almost infinitely broken down into smaller milestones, such as working on changing the life of one person.)

3) Take the first milestone, set a deadline for yourself, and go complete it. Then go back to your list of milestones and tackle the next one, and so forth, until your until goal is achieved.



Live Life,
Bert Oliva

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Bert Oliva

Romance Yourself

by Bert Oliva

When is the last time you romanced yourself?

Picture this: you get home from work, you’re home alone and you get into very comfortable clothes (e.g. robe with sexy lingerie underneath or your favorite boxers). You light some candles and play your favorite music. You pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine and cook your favorite meal. Set a romantic dinner table (all the best dishes). Don’t forget to turn off any cell phone or home phone; this time is all about you.

After your delicious meal, run a warm bath with aroma therapy. Don’t forget the tunes in the bathroom. After a long warm bath, make sure to have dessert waiting. Then slip into bed with your favorite movie. Of course all this takes some pre-planning but what are you waiting for?

Until next time.

QUOTE THIS:
 “Judge nothing, you will be happy. Forgive everything, you will be happier. Love everything, you will be happiest.” – Chinmoy

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Bert Oliva

People You Surround Yourself With

by Bert Oliva

Have you ever sat down to think about the people you surround yourself with? Your friends, associates, partners, or acquaintances? Just stop and think. In what ways do they influence your life? If society can shape your beliefs, decisions and actions, what about those people that are closest to you. People in general feel uncomfortable with change and this is especially true with social groups so it is important to have positive influences from those people around you.

I believe that life is always about learning. One of my favorite sources of information is people, so I am always looking for those that have something to teach. Remember, change is good, go out and find new friends, associates, acquaintances, and partners, and ask yourself what can this newfound friend or associate teach me on my journey through life. This doesn’t mean to drop existing relationships to make room, but if you have a relationship that is less than positive it may be worth considering. Remember any relationship, whether it is a significant other or just a new person you have befriended, is bound by mutual trust, respect, and encouragement so make sure it goes both ways.

For a constructive relationships, surround yourself with the type of person that will always point out your best qualities and congratulate you on your accomplishments. Not those that spend your time questioning your successes.

So here is your assignment for the week. Take a couple of minutes to find who your true friends are, then give them a call and let them know how much you really appreciate their friendship.

Until next time.

QUOTE THIS:
 “Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow; don’t walk behind me, I may not lead; walk beside me, and just be my friend.” – Albert Camus

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Bert Oliva

A New Year – A New You!

by Bert Oliva

Ok the New Year is off to a start and now we have all settled down. I hope your New Year’s resolutions are still in effect. These last few years have been very trying for everyone. I hope that those times pass you by quickly and you can move on to the better things in life.

I would like to see my friends work on creating a new life, one that includes stepping out of their comfort zones and moving into places that offer new opportunities.

The statement if you want nothing in life, then do nothing, but if you want friends, go out and invite someone to a conversation is so true. If you want a better income, look for money engines. If you want to travel, start making plans and research the spots. Make a move, make a plan and see YOUR NEW LIFE transform before your eyes.

If you do not take risks in life, then NOTHING happens.

Live Life,
Bert

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Bert Oliva

There Are No Shortcuts In Life

by Bert Oliva

“Wax on, wax off.” That line was made famous in the movie, “The Karate Kid.” “Practice Is as Practice Does.” Practice does not guarantee skill, and repetition does not guarantee performance improvement. The greater the contact, the longer and easier the retention.

I believe that in life in order to get those things which you desire, you must repeat constant action until you have mastered the art of success at whatever you have your heart set on.

To learn to walk we must keep trying and repeating the steps until we walk with ease for the rest of or lives.

To swim we must keep swimming. Golf, tennis, martial arts and music are all examples of activities that require repeated movements and drills. Even to sell we must keep knocking on those doors and to love we must keep loving.

Some will say, “But I never have stopped doing these things and I do not accomplish what I set out to do.” To them I say one very, very important thing, it is not practice that makes perfect but perfect practice that makes perfect. Learn to do it correctly before you continue doing it at all. Ask for help, do your research, ask questions, do not just assume.

Einstein defined insanity as: “Doing the same things over and over again, and expecting different results.”

In our fast-paced world, it is common always to be looking for the newer, faster and/or better method. While there is much to be said about new techniques and new approaches to improving your new skills, you need practice. There are no shortcuts.

Until next time.

QUOTE THIS:

“When you are not practicing, remember, someone somewhere is practicing, and when you meet him he will win” – Ed Macauley

Live Life,
Bert Oliva

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Bert Oliva

Holiday Clues For The Blues

by Bert Oliva

The Holiday Season! What a great time of the year. Everywhere you look there are lights, ribbons, and ornaments. Everyone tends to be a little more social and a little more friendly this time of year. And that’s great. But there is also a tremendous climb in stress and depression in a lot of people. As a matter of fact, this is also a time in which many people begin to evaluate themselves, feel lonely, reflect on past failures, and begin to feel anxious about an uncertain future. This is what I call the “holiday blues.”

Many factors can contribute to the “holiday blues;” among them are stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial constraints, and the inability to be with one’s family and close friends. The demands of shopping, parties, family reunions, and house guests also contribute to feelings of tension and stress. People who do not become depressed may develop other stress responses, such as: headaches, excessive drinking, bad eating habits, and even insomnia. Even more, people experience what I call the “post-holiday blues” after January.

The “holiday blues” can result from disappointments during the preceding months compounded with the excess fatigue and stress. Also contrary to popular belief, suicide rates do not increase during the holiday season, they actually peak in April. This is due to the fact that most people feel they are not meeting up to their “New Year’s Goals & Expectations.” So, here I have provided you with some tips on helping to suppress some of that unwanted stress.

1) Keep expectations manageable. Many people expect themselves to come up with miracles in a short time, patience is a virtue. Try to set realistic goals for yourself. Pace yourself. Organize your time. Make a list and prioritize the important activities. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Do not put your entire focus on just one day (i.e., Thanksgiving Day). Remember it is a season of holiday sentiment and activities can be spread out to lessen stress and increase enjoyment.

2) Be cautious of people’s feelings. There is room for feelings to be present, even if some people choose not to express them. Emotions always pour out of people during this time of family and relationships. One tends to remember lost ones or just those days they used to sit at a large table with their whole family and cannot this particular year for one reason or another.

3) Leave “the good old days” in the past and look toward the future. Life brings changes. Each season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. Don’t set yourself up by comparing today with the “good old days.” Try to think of what you will have, rather than what you had back then.

4) Do something for someone else. Whether it is giving someone a smile or a compliment (it is surprising how much this helps) or even donating some of your precious time volunteering in a homeless shelter, hospital, or something else along those lines. Help someone brighten their day.

5) Be aware that excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression. Alcohol is a depressant, and drinking it will only make things more difficult or depressing. It may seem “okay” for that moment, but you’re just digging a deeper hole for yourself.

6) Try something new. Start a new tradition with your family. Spend it with different people or even take a trip to another state and celebrate it with their traditions and customs. Just make it fun.

7) Spend time with supportive and caring people. Reach out and make new friends or contact someone you have not heard from for awhile. I strongly believe in vibes. If you spend enough time with someone or something negative their negativity will rub off on you. So why not spend it with someone positive and let the positivity rub off on you.

8) Save time for yourself! Indulge yourself! Recharge your batteries! Let others share responsibility of activities and delegate duties. If you don’t take time out to relax you’ll just be causing yourself extreme fatigue; which is not very pleasant during the season of joy.

This is the time to feel jolly, so spread that joyous emotion. Try greeting everyone with a “Happy Holidays!” Remember: a simple greeting can relieve unwanted tension and a smile never hurt anyone. So go now and enjoy your holiday season, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

Until next time.

Live Life,
Bert Oliva

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Bert Oliva

What Can I Say?

by Bert Oliva

Numerous people have asked me recently about our Power Forum events. It’s hard to sum up such a unique and comprehensive workshop in just a few words. However, because the Power Forum is one of the BOWAteam’s favorite events, I thought I’d let them describe it to you in their words.

“Official” Description:
Power Forum is a unique comprehensive workshop. Kept small in size (usually around 10 people), it allows all participants to really get to know one another and bond in a group of like-minded individuals. Each participant is asked to submit a question they ask themself in the personal, financial, and spiritual aspects of their life. These questions are discussed with the group. By covering so many areas in your life, you are able to find better balance, which is the core of what we teach at BOWAworld. The format of the program enables the BOWAteam to participate as well. By the end of the one-day session, everyone has tools to move forward with their goals. They have bonded at a one-on-one level and built relationships that tend to last.


Alexa’s Take:
The Power Forum is an intensive workshop where people come to open their minds, connect with people who are also on the hunt for changing their lives, or who need confirmation for the direction that they’re taking in their careers. Every Power Forum has a different energy about it because it always has different people, different questions, and different themes. It’s an experience that allows you to realign yourself with your life and has a very intellectual, emotional and spiritual connection about it when you attend.


Eric’s Take:
Power Forum is an event that sort of kicks your life into gear. It gets you focused and motivated to tackle things that you’ve had in back of your mind that didn’t think you can tackle. You also create bonds with other people there. You get to share your insight with others and help them and by helping them you help yourself.


Val’s Take:
Power Forum is a great experience. Not to sound corny, but it truly is life-changing. Seeing a group of people bond at such levels so quickly is awesome. I love that we, the BOWAteam, get to participate as well. So, maybe I’m a little selfish because it’s so much fun, but it’s so worth everyone’s time. The Power Forum is a unique way to push yourself into the next level of your life, and bring a new group of like-minded friends along with you.


LJ’s Take:
Power Forum’s kind of like your own little personal “genie.” You can wish the questions that you want to have answered in the three different areas. Whenyou put your problems out their in front of people, it can be scary, but then you see that a lot of people have problems and usually similar ones. It’s cool to learn from other people. And it’s really awesome to have really good, like-minded friends at the end of the day.


So, there you have it. My team’s view on Power Forum. My favorite part of Power Forum is getting to connect with each of the participants individually. I love connecting with people. And Power Forum is one of my favorite ways to do it. To find out more about Power Forum, Click Here.

Live Life,

Bert Olvia

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