THE BEST YOU
ENJOY LIFE:
AN INTERVIEW WITH RENOWNED SPORTS AGENT AND TITAN IN THE SPORTS INDUSTRY
LEARNING TO BE YOUR VERY BEST SELF
BY MAS SAJADY
UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF STEM CELLS:
AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DR. TODD OVOKAITYS BY BERNARDO MOYA
MY LIFE IS MY MESSAGE BY ROBERT MACK
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR EVERYONE EVERYWHERE
MAGAZINE
APRIL - JUNE 2024
LEIGH STEINBERG’S STORY
BERNARDO MOYA Editor in Chief Founder of The Best You
A STEP FORWARD IN OUR MISSION
As we unveil the latest issue of The Best You Magazine, I am filled with immense gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. This edition marks not just another milestone in our journey but a reaffirmation of our commitment to bringing you voices that inspire, challenge, and transform. Special thanks to Leigh Steinberg, our distinguished front cover feature, and to all the incredible contributors who have shared their wisdom and insights within these pages. Your stories and expertise are the lifeblood of our magazine, enriching our readers’ lives with every word.
Our dedication to personal and professional development has never been stronger, and it’s with this passion that we look towards a bright and innovative future. The Best You Magazine is evolving, embracing new formats and opportunities to connect with our community more deeply. We are thrilled to announce the launch of special editions and forums, each dedicated to exploring specific themes at the cutting edge of development and growth.
These special editions are a direct response to the everchanging landscape of personal development, designed to delve into topics that matter most to our readers. From the transformative potential of AI to the dynamic world of crypto, publishing pathways, and the secrets of ageless living, these editions promise to be a treasure trove of knowledge and insight. Accompanying each special edition, our forums will offer a unique space for live interaction, discussion, and networking, bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts in a celebration of growth and learning.
The introduction of these special editions and forums marks a significant step forward in our mission. It represents our commitment to not just keeping pace with the world of personal development but leading the charge, offering our readers and community access to the forefront of innovation and expertise. We are setting the stage for discussions that inspire action, connections that foster collaboration, and content that drives transformation.
As we embark on this new phase, we extend an invitation to you, our valued readers and community members. Be a part of this exciting journey with us. Whether through contributing your expertise to our magazine, participating in our forums, or simply engaging with our content, your involvement is what shapes The Best You. Together, we can explore new horizons, challenge the status quo, and contribute to a world where everyone has the opportunity to become their best selves.
Thank you for your continued support, enthusiasm, and curiosity. The future of The Best You Magazine and our community looks brighter than ever, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Let’s continue to inspire and be inspired, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in personal and professional development.
EDITORIAL
The Best You Magazine 4 Enjoy Life: Learning to be Your Very Best Self Live Love Legacy: Seeking Meaning & Finding Purpose Inner You: Realizing Your Full Potential main feature INDEX Issue: April - June 2024 Editor/Publisher Bernardo Moya info@thebestyou.co Deputy Editor Ivana Biong tbymagazine@thebestyou.co Diana kelly dkproductions000@gmail.com The Best You Magazine is Published by: The Best You, 111 West Ocean Blvd Fl 4 Long Beach CA. 90802 Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect The Best You or The Best You Corporation Ltd. policy. The Best You Corporation Inc. accepts no responsibility by views expressed by its contributors. Advertisements and reader offers are not endorsed by The Best You or The Best You Corporation Inc. 7 Leigh Steinberg’s story By Bernardo Moya 22 The Power of the VIBE By Kelly Cardenas 25 Unleash Your Diva: Take the Bold, Fearless actions that will transform your life By Sarah Moxom 30 Enjoy Life: Learning to be Your Very Best Self By Mas Sajady 34 Good News 35 Embracing Life’s Symphony: A Journey Towards Authentic Joy By Bernardo Moya 38 Book Club 42 Embracing My Journey: Unleashing the Power of Personal Story for Lasting Impact By Michelle Jewsbury 45 Desire, Choice and Drive By Maris Segal & Ken Ashby 48 My Life is My Message By Robert Mack
April 2024 5 Feel & Look Good: Strength from Inside Out Wealth & Riches innovative horizons: tech, ai, biohacking and longevity 33 45 14 54 Feel & Look Good: Strength from the Inside Out By Moses Nalocca 56 Getting Out of Stuckness and The Benefits of Solitaire By Jennifer Hough 62 Mind Over Money: The Role of Mindset in Wealth Creation By Fiona Campbell 65 Finding Your Purpose By Simon Hedley 70 The Art of Growth: Scaling Your Business Through Strategic Acquisitions By Jeff Barnes 74 Unlocking the Secrets of Stem Cells: An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Todd Ovokaitys By Bernardo Moya 78 Innovative Horizons: Tech, AI, Biohacking & Longevity By Lawrence Loik 82 Gadget / App Recommendations
LEIGH STEINBERG’S STORY
Here at The Best You Magazine, we dive deep into the lives and insights of extraordinary individuals shaping our world. Bernardo Moya, editor-in-chief of The Best You, had the honor of sitting down with Leigh Steinberg, renowned sports agent and a titan in the sports industry.
With a career spanning decades, Leigh has not only negotiated record-breaking contracts, but has also pioneered athlete advocacy and philanthropy. Join Leigh as he uncovers the secrets to his success, the lessons learned from his journey, and the principles driving his vision for a better tomorrow.
MAIN FEATURE
Leigh Steinberg’s Story
Born and raised in Los Angeles to teacher and librarian parents, Leigh Steinberg pursued higher education at Cal and served as student body president while earning both undergraduate and law degrees. Throughout his career, he has represented numerous successful athletes and coaches across a spectrum of sports, securing over $4 billion in contracts for his clients and contributing more than $1 billion to charitable causes worldwide.
Steinberg’s dedication to philanthropy has earned him widespread recognition, with commendations from various governmental bodies and organizations, in-
cluding the Congress, State Senate, State Legislature, the Los Angeles City Council, President Reagan, President Bush and President Clinton. He has been named Man of the Year over a dozen times by a variety of groups, including the March of Dimes, Cedars-Sinai, the Southern California Boy, Scouts, the Orange County and Los Angeles Human Relations Commissions. He has also been awarded the “Keys to the City” in San Francisco, CA, Memphis, TN, Jacksonville, FL and Concord, CA. In 2017, Leigh was inducted into the California Sports Hall of Fame.
His efforts to save sports franchises and his commitment to making a positive impact on society further distinguish him within his profession. He made efforts to save the Giants led then San Francisco Mayor Frank Jordan to declare “Leigh Steinberg Day” in the city. In 1994, thenOakland Mayor Elihu Harris got Leigh as a consultant in his successful bid to pre-
vent the Oakland Athletics baseball club from relocating. Leigh also served as CoChairman of the “Save the Rams” committee to keep the franchise from leaving Southern California.
Steinberg’s influence extends beyond sports, as evidenced by his involvement in major motion pictures and appearances on national television programs and in prominent magazines. He’s credited as the inspiration for the Oscar-winning film Jerry Maguire and was consulted on features such as Any Given Sunday and For Love of the Game. He has been featured on national television programs and a host of magazines have covered him including Business Week, Sports Illustrated, ESPN the Magazine, People, Forbes, Playboy, GQ, and FHM.
He has also shared his expertise on the business of sports and athletes through various media outlets and publications. He wrote notable articles such as “The
The Best You Magazine 8 MAIN FEATURE
Future of Sports” for the Sports Business Journal, “Around the NFL in 80 Million Dollars” for Inside Sports Magazine and “The Future of Sport” for the Smithsonian Magazine.
As a bestselling author and influential figure in the sports industry, Steinberg’s legacy is marked by his relentless pursuit of excellence and his dedication to improving lives globally. His best-selling book, Winning with Integrity, provides insight on how to improve life through nonconfrontational negotiation. His most recent book, The Agent: My 40-Year Career of Making Deals and Changing the Game, discusses his decades of dominance in the sports industry and sheds light on overcoming his personal struggles to launch his comeback. He has been rated the #6 Most Powerful Person in the NFL according to “Football Digest”, and the #16 Most Powerful Person in Sports according to “Sporting News.”
In 1996, the movie “Jerry Maguire” propelled Leigh Steinberg to national fame as the most renowned sports agent in the United States. However, a decade later, Steinberg found himself on the brink of losing everything, including his license to operate as a talent representative. Tom Cruise’s famous catchphrase from the film — “Show me the money” — took on a cynical dimension after he was forced to file for bankruptcy in 2012. His downfall was accelerated by struggles with alcoholism, which spiraled out of control amidst personal and professional pressures. Arrests for DUI and public intoxication led him to seek help by moving into a sober living facility.
Despite these setbacks, Steinberg has since made a remarkable comeback in the agency business, representing prominent football stars such as Patrick Mahomes and Tua Tagovailoa. His expertise in negotiating contracts was highlighted
by Mahomes’ record-breaking $450 million-plus deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Steinberg’s recovery involved rebuilding his agency business, Steinberg Sports and Entertainment, with the support of investors who believed in his potential for redemption. Embracing a more boutique approach to representation, he aims to make a positive impact both professionally and philanthropically, driven by a renewed sense of purpose and care for others.
Currently residing in Newport Beach, he continues to inspire audiences internationally, focusing on modalities and treatments aimed at enhancing human performance.
References:
Meet Leigh – steinbergpeaks. (n.d.). https://steinbergspeaks.com/meet-leigh/ Littleton, C. (2021, February 4). How ‘Jerry Maguire’ Legend Leigh Steinberg Rebuilt His Sports Agency After Getting Sober. Variety. https://variety.com/2021/ sports/features/jerry-maguire-sports-agent-leighsteinberg-1234901071/
April 2024 9
Cuba Gooding Jr., Leigh Steinberg and Tom Cruise
Leigh Steinberg and Jerry Jones
Leigh Steinberg and Drew Bledsoe
The Best You Magazine 10 INNOVATIVE HORIZONS: - Tech, AI, Biohacking & Longevity
Bernardo Moya with Leigh at The Best You Awards
Championing the Game Changer:
Bernardo Moya in Conversation
with Leigh Steinberg
Bernardo: Leigh, thank you so much for being here. First of all, obviously, you’ve had a phenomenal career. And I want to get straight into kind of your expertise as a great agent. So, why have you stood out? What would you feel are your best attributes as an agent over the years?
Leigh: I think the most important skill in many ways in life is the art of listening, and tuning in on this moment and trying to find out from another human being, what their greatest anxieties and fears are, and what their greatest hopes and dreams are. And if you can cut below the surface, especially with another man, and peel back the layers of the onion, and see how someone feels about values like short term economic gain, long term economic security, family, spiritual, geographical profile, making a difference in the world and understand what someone’s real inner aspirations are, then it’s much easier to craft a way to fulfill them in life. I believe that the fact that our practices emphasize the role that an athlete can play as a role model, triggering imitative behavior, asking each one of the clients to retrace their routes to the high school community, set up a scholarship fund at the high school or a work with a church or boys and girls Club, and at the collegiate level, put down roots and network with the alums and maybe set up a program and then at the pro level, put together a charitable foundation that has some leading business figures, political figures and community leaders on the board. So that work done just put the 200th single mother in their family into the first home they’ll ever own by making a down payment and outfitting the house. So, it’s philosophically profiling potential clients that are self-starters, want to make an impact in the world, and also an emphasis on developing second career skills from the beginning.
April 2024 11
B: Well, obviously, you’re a great listener. As you said, massive empathy, but also you’re a great negotiator, aren’t you? I mean, you’ve managed to do amazing deals worth billions of dollars over the years. So, what does it take to be a great negotiator?
L: Again, that listening skills, you need to get in the mind of the general manager or the other party, and figure out what their priority list is, and see if you can craft a win-win scenario where both parties walk away happy. And we do repetitive business in sports, in the NFL, or major league baseball or the NBA, so that you’re dealing with pretty much the same people over and over repetitively. And so the relationship being honest, and your word being your bond is critical in our field. It’s a very oral field we’re big deals are made over phone call or handshake without 200 different letters of intent or the passage of money taking place, you could actually announce a deal. It’s
just been orally agreed to, so it’s key to to foster relationships and among the people you negotiate with that will stand the rigors of the process.
B: And is that, to a degree, what your book Winning with Integrity is all about?
L: Yes, Winning with Integrity was the 12 essential rules of negotiating. And we all negotiate in our lives, fathers and mothers with their kids on what time curfew is, husband and wives on who will do domestic chores and where they go out to dinner. We buy cars, we buy houses, so having an understanding of being able to do an internal inventory and figure out what’s most critical to you, and rank and prioritize those different values and deal points is really important to understand what’s critical and irreplaceable in the deal and what’s not.
B: You’ve been very diverse with, obviously, you’ve worked with a lot of
NFL athletes, but you’ve also worked with Olympians boxers. I have so much to ask you. But I mean, and I get it’s a massive generalization here, but what are the common denominators of these winners that you’ve worked with over the years? And why the diversity? Because I’m very curious, someone like Dennis Lewis wanting to work with you as well. What I’m saying is, you come from a different background.
L: For me, it’s all athletes on the cutting edge and the ability to impact society. So, we can take an issue like the environment and put together a sporting green alliance that will take sustainable technology into stadiums, arenas and practice fields, to drop carbon emissions and energy costs and transform them into educational platforms. This means that fans can see a waterless urinal or solar panel, and think about how to use those in their own lives. He put sports in the forefront of climate change. The
The Best You Magazine 12 MAIN FEATURE
Leigh Steinberg (right) and Chris Cabott (left) representing Tua Tagovailoa (center)
Leigh Steinberg with Patrick Mahomes
I WAS BROUGHT UP BY A FATHER WITH TWO CORE VALUES - ONE IS TREASURE RELATIONSHIPS, ESPECIALLY FAMILY. AND THE SECOND WAS MAKE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD AND HELP PEOPLE WHO CAN’T HELP THEMSELVES.
commonality between gifted athletes and high performing athletes is the ability, in adversity, to be able to be resilient. So, the quarterbacks throwing a couple passes that are interceptions, the crowds starting to boo, the game’s getting out of hand. What does that player do now? Can he compartmentalize, adopt a quiet mind, and tune out all extraneous stimuli and elevate his level of play in critical situations? Because we find that more and more athletic contests are coming down to the fourth quarter. And in some cases, like the Superbowl, the last drive or the last play. So the point is, we know what athletes do when things are going
well, but what they do when inevitably they’re not? And are they able to channel the inner strength, fortitude, endurance, to sparkle in critical moments?
B: And is that what it takes? Is that what it takes to be a winner? I mean, you work with so many great athletes. And I’m sure it’s very difficult to kind of point one, to identify one...
L: I think it would be. I think another is work ethic, because what you see in athletic performance is only the tip of the iceberg. And then underneath that he is studying
a playbook over and over and over again, looking at film, so you can anticipate what the opponent will do. It’s physically being in shape all year round. And all of those qualities are things that you can’t see, but they’re reflected in the performance.
B: So within the sports industry and the future, what do you believe many people are overlooking or underestimating? And why do you think it’s important for stakeholders to take attention to it?
L: I think we just hit a period of extraordinary change. So you have NILs on college campuses, with the athletes not having to be amateurs anymore, but they can market themselves and brand themselves. Conference realignment, the introduction of gambling into sports, which previously was an impregnable wall to limit any access. But I was at my Super Bowl party in Las Vegas, and I sat there for a second and said, “wait a minute, there was never going to be professional sports in Las Vegas.” The leagues were adamantly against it, and yet, here we are. And you can go into the Washington Commanders Stadium and go up to the snack bar, and then move to the adjacent booth where you can place a bet. So this is a big change, we see the development of new athletic sports like eSports, where a younger generation is in love with video games, and they want to watch another person play the game. And so I think you have a younger generation that grows up on multitasking and, and sharp bursts of content coming over the screen. And you’re going to have to deal with their limited attention span and their restlessness to sustain sports.
B: Interesting. Now, with this rapid change with technology and all the consumption habits, how do you see the role of sports agents, if changing in any way?
L: Well, it’s understanding how to brand the new currency of marketability is how many followers someone has on TikTok or Instagram, or even LinkedIn. So it’s the ability to understand how to brand an athlete to make them more marketable, using tools of social media. And it’s understanding how information is
April 2024 13
(center)
conveyed today, which is back in my era, you know, this was called the newspaper and we read it and held on to it. And today, the next generation doesn’t read a paper, how they receive information is very different, so you have to be tuned into that. And with a shorter attention span, don’t assume that an athlete or their parents are going to sit there for hours and listen to you. You better get it out quick.
B: They get out quick. One of the things that’s appealing and interesting to me, I’m a big football fan and you know, soccer here in Europe, and looking at what’s happening, for example, in the Arab League now, and with what’s opening up, what are your thoughts regarding the vast potential growth of all these countries that weren’t necessarily exposed to sports?
L: Of course, in the Middle East, you have the unending supply of oil. So, they can attract a World Cup, they could put together a world class team, they could do whatever they would do. But the world is crazy about soccer. Here in America, we’re crazy about the NFL, among other sports, but the NFL dominates, but in the world, it’s soccer. It’s a universal connectivity between sports fans and all those different countries making the World Cup the world’s premier sports event and competition. And here in our country, we’re developing a whole new generation of youthful soccer players at an early age and training them to see the future of the sport. Because Americans are so dominant in every sport, it makes no sense that we don’t have competitiveness in men’s soccer. But you’re saying that the league here just attracted Lionel Messi and you’re going to see a soccer grown girl.
B: So over the years, you’ve done so much great work, philanthropic work, Leigh, which is very honorable. And I know that you’ve always also been very involved in the health of athletes, especially after they finish their careers or overcoming injury. And I know, there’s been a lot of amazing documentaries around that. Can you tell us a little bit
more of the work that you’re doing or what you’re involved in?
L: Well, first of all, on one key issue, which is concussion, and the specter of head injury. I had a crisis of conscience years ago, because I’m representing half the starting quarterbacks that keep getting hit in the head. And we go to the doctors and ask him questions 35 years ago, “how many is too many? What’s the magic number?” They couldn’t tell us. So, I started holding brain health seminars with leading neurologists, helmet manufacturers, field, turf manufacturers, and approached it from many different aspects. And we finally found out that three or more concussions, occasions and exponentially higher rates of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, premature senility, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and depression. So I’ve called it a ticking time bomb and an undiagnosed health epidemic. There now is a revolution in biomed, which will affect all our lives, but has real application for athletes. So I’ve looked at modalities like stem cells, hyperbaric oxygen, blue, red and white light, Nana V,
a variety of different healing modalities, which can prevent injuries from ever occurring in the first place. They also, for the rest of us, Bernardo, can do amazing things in terms of keeping cognitive function and memory alive and making people live longer. So I’ve taken some of those concepts, athletes and teams to try to integrate them because, can you stimulate productivity and energy in critical moments? Can you rehab an athlete quicker than what’s been done before? And then the rest of us get the benefits of these new preventive medicine treatments that also can be rehabilitative. But the point is, it’s a new way to approach health.
B: And do you believe that with everything that’s happened over the years, and obviously the effect has had, as you said, in mental health, depression, Alzheimer’s, do you think this is going to change now moving forward because of this?
L: Yes. So, there’s the concept of neuroplasticity. And the old thinking was, once a brain gets injured or age or something happens, it will only progress
The Best You Magazine 14 MAIN FEATURE
Warren Moon and Leigh Steinberg at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, 2006
and descend to get worse. But now, we have new treatments that through neuroplasticity, rewire the neurons in the brain, and in essence, refresh or youthen the brain. And one of them was called rTMS, which is magnets against the head. And there’s another one that Thomas Shavers called NESTRE. But there are a variety of working treatments that can actually restore concussed brain health.
B: And thank you, Leigh. I know you don’t want to brag, but I know you’ve been doing a lot of work with kids, and obviously, helping and supporting some charities. Can you share some of the great things that you’re involved in?
L: One of the things that concerned me was the rise of skinheads and hate groups. And so I put together a program called Steinberg Leadership, where they train young professionals in the 30 biggest cities across the country, how to intervene in a crisis situation, how to do intelligence work and help police departments, and how to go into schools and promote ethnic diversity. I’ve been very active. My daughter and I shared a luncheon on
the issue of domestic violence. And the thrust of it was that domestic violence is not a female issue. It’s a human rights issue. And we, as men, have daughters and wives and mothers, and the thought something would happen to them is horrifying. So that we can take an active part in trying to change that climate. And you mentioned Lennox, Lewis Lennox. Lewis did a public service announcement that said, “Real men don’t hit women.” And that will do more to trigger behavioral change in rebellious adolescents than 1000 authority figures ever could. They don’t want to listen to parents or police or teachers. But a macho athlete can deliver a better message. Oscar de la Hoya and Steve Young did a public service announcement that said, “Prejudice is foul play.”
B: Well, that is great. And that is something that obviously, you’ve got access to so many inspirational people, and I know you’re obviously using all your knowledge or your input, and who you are in order to bring and attract some great people to these amazing causes. So Leigh, what I wanted to ask you now
is, I’ve heard, a little bird just told me that you’re working on a new book. So, can you share a little bit about that?
L: So it’s tentatively titled Comeback: The Resilience and What Really Matters in Life
And so I wrote the book on negotiating, Winning with Integrity. And then I wrote an autobiography, which was The Agent, but The Agent ends in about 2013. And at that point, I was still struggling with alcohol, and had to sort of restart everything back in 2010. And so, Comeback will talk about how I dealt with addiction and how other people can do it. And then will trace the years back to representing athletes and, trying to make a difference in the world and hopefully talk about resilience and the ability to come back. Because all of us will experience reverses in life. And the question is not whether or not you’re going to get knocked down. We all will episodically. But the question is, now, what do you do? Can you be resilient?
Can you see the light at the end of the tunnel? Can you find your path back out of detritus destruction, depression?
Despondence? And so that is a subject in the next book.
April 2024 15
B: Well, thank you, it’s gonna be a great read. And I know you’ve been very open about that. And, you know, it’s we all fall, it’s as you said, and you come back now. I always believe and I always share, resilience is a strong word that I believe in. I always share the three R’s, which is resilience, revolution, which is change, and then reinvention, so that’s kind of my strategy, and has been for a long time, and especially when you look back. Now, I also know and believe that especially I don’t know, parents, if we go through moments of massive adversity, especially with our children, something that could be tremendously scary or challenging. We find this inner strength within us that we’re capable of doing the most amazing things. And it’s either that or a turning point, or some dark moment. I mean, for you and in your comeback. But what was it? What got you back on track?
L: So basically, I was in a state where all I could think about was where to find more vodka. And I had an epiphany, a moment of clarity, where all the darkness went away. And I said, you know, I was brought up by a father with two core
values. Aside from spiritual ones, one is treasure relationships, especially family. And the second was trying to make a meaningful difference in the world and help people who can’t help themselves, make things more positive. And I realized I was failing on both those accounts. And so what? And then I had a moment of proportionality and perspective. Who was I to sit and wallow in those circumstances, when I’m not a starving peasant in Darfur in the middle of a civil war. I’m not sitting under the bomb patterns in the Ukraine. My name is not Steinberg in Nazi Germany in the 30s. I don’t have cancer, I’m not sick in any way. What excuse do I really have not to try again, and to try to live up to those two admonitions from my dad? And so that got me started. And I used a 12step program with a unique fellowship, and said to myself, you know, if nothing else, I’ll be sober, and I’ll be a good father. And anything else that happens, was just cherry on top. And in a couple of weeks, everything is going well, all celebrate my 14th year of continuous sobriety.
B: Congratulations, and congratulations on all your great work. So, just to
ALL OF US WILL EXPERIENCE REVERSES IN LIFE. AND THE QUESTION IS NOT WHETHER OR NOT YOU’RE GOING TO GET KNOCKED DOWN. WE ALL WILL EPISODICALLY. BUT NOW, WHAT DO YOU DO? CAN YOU BE RESILIENT?
finish a couple of more questions. It’s difficult to, and I know you’re doing so much great work and you’re involved in a lot of causes that are there to potentially help change the world and change reality. But for me, it’s difficult to see so much anger, intention, which seems to be all over the world and, and there’s never been a moment in life or in history with more wealth, with more knowledge, with more information, with more opportunities, with so many tools for everyone to learn any skill. So what would be the Steinberg solution?
L: I think people need to study psychology, and what motivates other people to act the way they do. And I think that the world needs a lesson and proportionality. It’s one thing that you’re sitting in a culture filled with poverty or political repression. But it’s another thing to live in a free country with a high standard of living, like Americans somehow have the perception that things are terrible and all wrong, and we’re in the midst of depression. And the rest of it, I blame the pandemic for some of the mental state around the world at this point, because what it did is it isolated people from
The Best You Magazine 16 MAIN FEATURE
Leigh Steinberg with Barak Obama
each other. And we are social creatures, we need the interactivity of friends and family to be mentally and physically healthy. And so it’s got to be a return to optimism and a return to what my dad used to tell me, which is when you’re waiting for someone to make a change or fix a condition and you keep waiting for “they or them”. The famous they or them. Older people, political figures, he would say could be as minor as picking up pieces of trash up off the floors, major is fighting racism or climate change. But when you keep waiting for “they or them”, you could wait forever, and he would say that they is use on your them. So have a sense of individual responsibility and, and have a bit of proportionality so that we’re not letting things divide us.
B: Empathy, and so there is no “they” and a lot more empathy and understanding. But I do love the idea of people understanding or sending a little bit more psychology. So just to finish, Leigh, anything that you would want to share and I know, again, what would you like your legacy to be, what would you like to be known for? And what excites you right now?
L: Just the fact that I’ve tried to make a difference. And I think that’s a universal application. So we all have the capacity in our own way in our own time, to make it a better world. And we can do it through good parenting, we can do it through social activism. We can do it in a variety of ways, but let’s take a cheer. I think what’s critical is that this moment that we’re sharing together, at this particular point, the only moment that is in my consciousness, and so if you could just put yourself, put down your cell phone, put down all distractions and focus on this moment in front of you and maximizing the value of what comes out of this moment or this hour, as opposed to worrying about the past or the future or some other dimension, then we’ll all be much happier.
B: Stay focused definitely, especially with the phones and devices that we’re just losing attention instead of staying focused in the now. Well, Leigh, listen, thank you so much. You’re always so gracious. You’re such a gentleman. And I’m very grateful to know you, and I’m very grateful for this interview. Thank you so much.
L: My pleasure.
B: A special thank you to Greg Reid for introducing me to this great man!
BERNARDO MOYA
Bernardo is the founder of The Best You brand. An entrepreneur, author, writer, coach, mentor, seminar promoter, TV producer and is editor-in-chief of The Best You magazine
thebestyou.co
April 2024 17
INNER
THE POWER OF THE VIBE KELLY CARDENAS
UNLEASH YOUR DIVA: TAKE THE BOLD, FEARLESS ACTIONS THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE
SARAH MOXOMBRIAN MULDOON
YOU
THE POWER OF THE VIBE
BY KELLY CARDENAS
In “The Power of the VIBE,” traditional notions of leadership and brand culture are challenged. Kelly Cardenas, a dynamic force in personal development and entrepreneurship, proposes that beyond leadership styles, brand culture, and systems lies a crucial element—the VIBE, which isn’t just about momentary energy; it’s about the lasting impression we leave. Cardenas suggests that success hinges on how people feel about our leadership, culture, and systems—their VIBE. Join us as we explore this paradigm shift and its transformative potential in this eye-opening article.
What if I told you that your leadership style didn’t matter?
How about if I told you that the Culture of your brand was irrelevant?
Or that your systems, no matter how clever, would never work? All of three of these questions rocked my conventional thought process, although the paradigm shift happened when I became aware of the missing ingredient that changes everything... The VIBE.
There is probably an internal argument happening right now defending your leadership style. Mentally listing of all of the time and research that it took to settle on your chosen leadership approach. Not to mention the features and benefits that can be backed up by books, podcasts,
thought leaders and case studies that back your informed decision.
Your mind is racing to discredit that the culture of your brand is irrelevant. Especially when you have worked so hard, read so many books, taken surveys and have dedicated yourself to insuring that this buzzword of today is live and well in your organization. After all, how else are you going to keep your existing team members and attract a new pool of talent that is sold out to growing your brand?
If that wasn’t enough to ruffle your feathers, the last straw in your mind was to challenge the fact that your systems will never work. Now, your mind is not softly shouting “You obviously haven’t
seen my results, my ROI, or what we have built! Our systems are the top of the food chain, tried and true! You picked a fight with the wrong person!”
I, in no way intended to pick a fight, but now that your blood is pumping, let’s step back and examine my outlandish claims. Humor me and say these statements out loud “My leadership style doesn’t matter”, “The culture of my brand is irrelevant”, “My systems, no matter how clever, will never work”. How did that feel? I can only imagine, it probably felt like you turned your back on your hard work. I have one more request, repeat those statements again out loud, but this time, add “if the VIBE is off!” at the end of each one. This will change the paradigm.
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If this is true, what is the VIBE and how can we construct it? I am so glad that you asked. In order to construct something, we must first define it. The VIBE is not the energy that you bring in to an environment, it is the way that people feel when you leave. When this concept is realized, it opens up the opportunity for exponential growth. “You mean to tell me that I can choose any leadership style, have any type of culture and utilize any system that fits my brand as long as people feel good about it and believe in it?” This is where the paradigm shifts and I bet you are instantly evaluating areas that aren’t working by asking yourself,”what is the VIBE of my leadership, culture and systems?” How
do people feel about them. The holy grail when it comes to your brand is buy-in from your team and consumer, and this is a direct result of people’s belief and to believe in something it has to make you feel good….it’s the VIBE.
Now that we understand the definition, it is time to build, but first we must understand the components before we start construction. Your VIBE is made up of 3 parts:
1. Heartset - your belief system
2. Mindset - Your intentions
3. Skillset – actions
Now that we have the components, we
1. HEARTSET: YOUR BELIEF SYSTEM
2. MINDSET: YOUR INTENTIONS
3. SKILLSET: ACTIONS
can now construct your VIBE triangle with the Heartset (belief system) on the base, your Mindset (intentions) on the 2 sides and your Skillset (actions) at the apex of the triangle. This creates a firm foundation based on our beliefs, intentions and actions. The components in this order is imperative as you can imagine what would happen if you inverted the VIBE triangle and tried to build on the apex of your actions.
Now that we have defined and constructed the VIBE, the application is as simple as aligning your Heartset, Mindset and Skillset in your leadership style, culture and systems. Unbeknownst to me, my parents gifted me with this priceless foundation. My Mama told
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me I was awesome, I was beautiful and that I could do anything that I put my mind to. My Pops summed this up by saying, “Boy, you are the greatest… so act accordingly! It wasn’t until years later that I understood the meaning of these repeated phrases that I would build my life on. You are awesome, separate yourself from your accomplishments. You are beautiful, never compare yourself to anyone or anything, including yourself. You can do anything that you put your mind to, although just because you can, it doesn’t make it right for you. You are the greatest…..so act accordingly, well that is self explanatory. This created my Heartset. Throughout my travels, I learned that when you are kind, make friends
and stay curious, things seem to fall in place and just like that my Mindset was formed. When I applied my Heartiest and my mindset, I seemed to have freedom to create and this created my Skillset, which is summed up in one word, Relentless. Pitbull mentality, as my Pops called it, lock on and don’t let go until you get your desired result. This is my personal VIBE triangle and although you can use it as an inspiration, it is imperative that you develop your own VIBE.
Once this alignment happens, you will foster buy-in, belief and ownership because you tapped into the missing ingredient that changes every thing… the VIBE.
KELLY CARDENAS
Kelly Cardenas is a dynamic force in personal development and entrepreneurship. Host of a top-ranked podcast, the Co-host of Secret Knock, and creator of the Vibe Room, he embodies the art of harnessing the right energy for extraordinary accomplishments. Kelly’s bestselling books have inspired and empowered readers to unleash their boundless potential. Being a featured Success a magazine top keynote speaker, he captivates audiences with his magnetic storytelling, impactful insights and unrelenting desire for greatness.
kellycardenas.com
The Best You Magazine 24 INNER YOU - Realizing Your Full Potential
UNLEASH YOUR DIVA TAKE THE BOLD, FEARLESS ACTIONS THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE
BY SARAH MOXOM
In Sarah Moxom’s article, “Unleash Your Diva,” inspired by Beyoncé’s anthem “Diva,” she explores how embracing our inner diva can transform our lives. Drawing parallels between Beyoncé’s journey and our own, Moxom reveals the power of shedding fears and embracing confidence. Through intimate insights into Beyoncé’s evolution, she shows how we can step into our own alter egos and take bold actions to achieve our goals. Moxom empowers readers to embrace their inner diva, unleashing their full potential with courage and conviction.
In 2008, the global superstar Beyoncé released an album called ‘Diva’, with the infamous song as the headline track.
Known for her beautiful voice, bold dance moves, show-stopping outfits, confidence and power, in ‘Diva’, Beyoncé sings the lyrics, “A diva is a female version of a hustler.”
When you hear the word ‘diva’, what do you think of? Do you connect with the idea of being a ‘hustler’, someone who makes things happen, takes actions others will not and works hard to achieve the goals you set out for yourself and others?
Do you desire to have more boldness, fearlessness and take more action in your life? Are you able to identify what you want, create a plan around it and take meaningful action towards it, or do you frequently find yourself in a battle, somewhat fearful, frozen and frustrated?
In multiple interviews, Beyoncé shares the motivation and intention behind the song and album ‘Diva’. She is vulnerable in sharing the impostor syndrome she faced in her personal journey and how she overcame her limiting beliefs and lack of confidence, in part, by creating an alter ego she called ‘Sasha Fierce’.
When Beyoncé was ready to get on stage, to perform her breathtaking shows, when she was preparing to enter the studio, when she was getting ready for the next interview and public appearance, the truth was that she did not feel and experience her situation in the way that we are all likely to have perceived her. She created the persona of ‘Sasha Fierce’; so that she could step boldly into these places and become the superstar that we all know her to be today. It was two years after releasing the album Diva in 2010, that Beyoncé announced that she no longer needed to have her created alter ego ‘Sasha
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Fierce’; she had become the very persona she had created and she was able to let Sasha go.
Somewhat reassuring, right?! If one of modern pop’s pin-ups of female power, exuberance and boldness faces the same fears we do, perhaps we can give ourselves some grace, relax a little and take a look at what she did to consider how we can step further into our alter ego and boldness.
WHAT IS AN ALTER EGO?
Let’s start with what the ‘ego’ is. The ‘ego’ is our sense of identification with our lives, our sense of self; it is the baseline of experiences that we have and remember. The ‘ego’ forms our personality, conscious decision making and action. It is the way that we are known and identified to ourselves and others.
Our ‘alter ego’ is our alternate self, an extension of this self-image, that we form as a distinction to our original personality, to express our creativity, individuality and another element of our personality. It can be formulated consciously or subconsciously to support the way that we want to show up, or something we set out to achieve.
Just as Clark Kent became Superman and was able to save people, cities and worlds, what could happen if we took time to cultivate and design our alter ego to support the big, audacious goals we desire to achieve? Take inspiration from the actions of other well-known characters who have been vocal in sharing about their alter egos. Look at the characters of Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, David Bowie, Eminem, Bono. All of these well-known superstars share on how they created alter egos to support their expression in the world today. We all face limiting beliefs, challenges, pain and setbacks. The power lies in what we do to overcome and shape the reality that we desire, rather than be consumed by the overwhelm and perceived negativity.
Take time out this week to design your alter ego. Here are some steps that may support this process:
1. Define your goals, know what you want and why you want an alter ego.
2. What would success look like? What would it look like to have this personality? Set out the vision of your alter ego’s personality clearly.
3. Create a distinct image of your personality.
4. List out all of the ideal characteristics of your alter ego.
safety, so the anchors we create enable us to remain rooted and focused on what is helpful for us to move forward with, letting go of all that does not serve us.
A few years ago, I recall sitting on the sofa with a dear friend and mentor. I had become a little over-whelmed about something and was having a ‘wobbly’ moment of self-doubt. He reached up to the shelf, placed a batman figurine in my hand and encouraged me to think like future me, think like the person I had shared with him, only moments before, that I wanted to become. I can distinctly remember the shape, the feel, the mould of the Batman figure in my hand, the imprint of the sofa on my back, his presence and belief in me. Whilst I do not have a personal attachment to batman, when I am having moments of self-doubt, my mind often comes back to this moment and am reminded of who I am and where I am choosing to go. This moment impacted me, it anchored me. I smile when I remember it, as simple as it may seem, it allows me to move forward in strength and confidence, feeling selfassured and ready to conquer.
Have you had moments of anchoring like this? How could you create positive anchors to move you forward and take you to into the positive action?
HAVING CLARITY ON THE PLACE WE WANT TO BE IS THE STARTING PLACE FOR ENABLING US TO TAKE THE BOLD ACTIONS THAT WILL GUIDE US FORWARD AND CHANGE OUR LIVES.
5. Give your alter ego a name and fill out all of the smaller details
6. Practice, practice practice! Put into action the alter ego you have designed.
ANCHORING
Similarly to creating an alter ego, anchoring is a technique that causes us to favour one piece of information more heavily than another. Often referenced in use in sales and product introduction, anchoring supports us physiologically to take us back to a certain place; a phrase, a belief, a moment that over-rides other data that came around that time.
As a boat that sets sail and is required to drop its anchor deep into the ocean bed to bring itself and all that it carries to
TAKING BOLD ACTIONS THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE
Having clarity on the place we want to be is the starting place for enabling us to take the bold actions that will guide us forward and change our lives. Our actions will always show us who we are, they will show us what we value and what is important to us. Being clear on what we desire to create is the first step to transformation.
I believe that life itself has a way of showing us who we are; the universe gives us experiences, circumstances and events that we will, in turn have to respond to. Some situations we can control and we plan for, whilst others can take us by surprise. We can create ideas and beliefs around how we believe we
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will respond in certain circumstances. Yet it is not until we are faced with these circumstances that we truly see who we are, what we value and what really matters to us.
I truly learned how important family was to me eighteen months ago, whilst living in Ibiza. One week, not long after moving to the island, my sister called me to share the good news that she was pregnant with her first child. Elated at the prospect of being an auntie, we celebrated together and her and her husband began enjoying the phenomenal news. It was two months after this that I received another call from her sharing the tragic news that the lump she had found in her breast was actually stage three breast cancer and her diagnosis was terminal. My sister began treatment swiftly and gave birth to her beautiful son River in the September of that year. I moved back to the UK within weeks of my nephew being born. I did not need to work out my values or ask myself any questions around what was the most important choice in this situation. Being beside my sister as she went through her cancer journey, supporting her in her last months on earth was all that I knew I needed to do. Life will present you with
situations, often challenging and painful situations, giving you room to respond to and make choices that will show you who you are.
So how can we take the actions to unleash our diva and step boldly into what we truly desire?
1. Be clear on what you want. Set out a vision and be bold enough to let go and let life do the rest.
2. Allow all situations and circumstances to become part of the artistic tapestry of your life. Rather than judging yourself and the choices you have made, be intentional to take the lessons from everything you experience and create with them.
3. Spend time cultivating your inner confidence, listen to your internal voice and be mindful about what you say to yourself.
4. Get into the habit of saying yes to the things that scare you. Our actions will show us who we are and will become the new normal once we keep stepping out of our comfort zone.
Unleash your diva! It is you who awaits you!
Sarah Moxom is an award winning serial entrepreneur, speaker, consultant, human rights activist and investor. She is a passionate about creating a world where everyone has opportunity, voice and a space to flourish and prosper. With over 15 years of experience in business, she began by providing temporary staff to the nightlife and hospitality industry. Her life’s work and business pursuits have always been focused on empowering female leaders and creating freedom for others.
sarahmoxom.co.uk
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SARAH MOXOM
ENJOY LIFE LEARNING TO BE YOUR VERY BEST SELF
GOOD NEWS AROUND THE WORLD
ENJOY LIFE: LEARNING TO BE YOUR VERY BEST SELF MAS SAJADY
EMBRACING LIFE’S SYMPHONY: A JOURNEY
TOWARDS AUTHENTIC JOY BERNARDO MOYA
BOOK CLUB
ENJOY LIFE: LEARNING TO BE YOUR VERY BEST SELF
BY MAS SAJADY
At times, we may find ourselves entangled in the complexities of existence, searching for clarity amidst the chaos. Yet, within this intricate tapestry of existence lies the key to unlocking our true potential and embracing the essence of our being. In his enlightening article, “Enjoy Life,” Mas Sajady offers invaluable insights into navigating life’s twists and turns with grace and purpose. By delving into the essence of our influences and perceptions, Sajady illuminates a path toward self-discovery and empowerment. Join us as we embark on a transformative journey toward embracing life’s beauty and becoming the architects of our own fulfillment.
As we navigate through life, we are influenced by myriad factors, shaping our perceptions and defining our reality. Following these steps helps us understand these influences which is crucial in our quest to unlock our true potential and become our best selves.
1. UNDERSTANDING WHAT MADE YOU, YOU
Xponential Intelligence (XI), a new science I developed after multiple near death experiences, teaches us how to unlock the code to our true potential.
This science emphasizes the profound impact of recognizing and transforming
our deep-seated programming. This programming, derived from various sources including our genetic heritage, shapes our thoughts, actions, and worldview. It influences our success, happiness, and sense of completeness. Acknowledging this programming is the essential first step toward selfawareness and growth, serving as a foundation for real transformation.
True transformation is a deep and comprehensive process. It goes beyond just changing behaviors or beliefs; it’s about fundamentally altering our relationship with reality. By shifting our perspective and rewiring our frequency, we delve into the depths of our consciousness, unlocking new possibilities and opportunities for growth.
This journey involves re-calibrating the frequencies we’ve inherited and rewiring our blueprint for living, typically through XI, enabling us to transcend limitations and achieve a state of joy and wholeness where we can genuinely flourish.
The initial step in this transformative process is recognition—being aware of our current state and the deep programming within us. This awareness allows us to notice what we notice, setting the stage for profound personal development and growth. This approach underscores the importance of consciousness and intention in personal transformation, highlighting how deep awareness and deliberate action can lead us from where we are to where we aspire to be.
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2. DISCOVERING THE FOUNTAIN OF TRUE FULFILLMENT
In our pursuit of success, we often equate fulfillment with external achievements such as wealth or status. However, true fulfillment transcends material possessions and lies in the dimension of consciousness in which we operate. Seeking validation from external sources only leads to a sense of emptiness, instability, and incompleteness. Whether it’s through wealth or spirituality, true fulfillment comes from within, not from external validation. However, knowing full well that our external world is a reflection of our internal world, if we want to change our environment, we’ve got to shift and transcend those frequencies to reflect a much-desired reality.
In the original teachings of the Buddha, one must first learn to resonate deeply with the universe’s limitless frequencies. It is through this profound synchronization that we unlock our inner reservoirs of abundance, paving the way for a life rich in fulfillment and harmony.
Only by awakening to this intrinsic wealth can we truly experience the physical realm’s blessings in their fullest, most satisfying form. This not only enlightens us to the splendors of the material world, but also, and more importantly, reveals the immeasurable treasures residing within our very essence.
3. EMBRACING LIFE’S EVERY MOMENT
While personal growth and self-discovery are crucial aspects of Xponential Intelligence (XI), embracing joy and fulfillment in every moment is equally important. XI teaches us to approach life with a sense of wonder and appreciation, recognizing that true happiness comes from within. This process can be achieved by recalibrating our frequency and rewiring our blueprint so we can step into who we truly are.
With XI, we learn to cultivate mindfulness and presence in our daily lives. By staying grounded in the present moment, anchored and stable, we can fully immerse ourselves in the richness of life’s experiences and be more aware
“NOTICE
of experiencing joy in all we engage in. Whether it’s savoring a delicious meal, taking a leisurely walk in nature, or connecting with loved ones, each moment becomes an opportunity to expand into our grander selves that we all know we are deep within.
Every moment is filled with joy, and fulfillment as we notice what we notice.
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MAS SAJADY
WHAT YOU NOTICE.”
“BRING BACK THAT NATURAL INTELLIGENCE THAT YOU ALL HAVE - XPONENTIAL INTELLIGENCE, WHICH CREATES WONDER, CREATES VIBRANCY, CREATES WHOLENESS, AND THAT FEELING OF FULFILLMENT AS YOU GO THROUGH LIFE, LEARNING TO BECOME YOUR BEST POSSIBLE SELF.”
MAS SAJADY
The Best You Magazine 32 ENJOY LIFE - Learning to be Your Very Best Self
4. MATERIALIZING YOUR NEW REALITY
The XICODE, sets you toward crafting your desired reality that transcends mere physical attainment. True elevation and success emanate from an expansive shift within our consciousness — a deep, resonant connection with the core of our being. This profound union with our inner essence ushers us into states of unparalleled fulfillment and boundless abundance.
At the heart of XI lies the potent act of frequency modulation, akin to navigating the vast channels of existence. Imagine you are immersed in a film that no longer resonates; the power lies within you to switch channels, to alter the narrative. This shift in frequency, in the essence of what you tune into, transforms your entire experience.
XI embodies this principle of awakening. If your life’s story does not align with your deepest aspirations, the XICODE empowers you to ‘change the channel’— to realign with a different dimension of existence, one more in harmony with your true self. This is the essence of materializing your new reality: a deliberate recalibration of your life’s frequency, guiding you toward the realization of your most authentic existence.
5. EMBRACING CHANGE BY LETTING GO OF THE PAST
This step fosters an evolutionary pathway to deep, authentic selfrealization and expansive personal evolution. It becomes a compass guiding you beyond the confines of inherited narratives and societal imprints, unlocking the essence of your true potential. XI invites you on a journey of liberation from the ancestral and cultural molds that have shaped your existence, granting you the power to redefine your trajectory with sovereign intent.
Learn how to discern and dissolve the obstructive patterns or frequencies that have shadowed your path—whether
they linger in the conscious or lurk in the unseen. This cleansing of your energetic blueprint smooths your passage towards your true aspirations.
XI advocates a profound letting go of the outdated scripts and limiting beliefs that have confined you. It encourages a metamorphosis into your most elevated self by relinquishing the echoes of past limitations and embracing the vibrational essence of who you are meant to be. This transformation requires a conscious release of counterproductive behaviors, circumstances, and impulses that do not align with your envisioned future.
Your commitment to this journey means actively maintaining and embodying higher vibrational states, which in turn, magnetize actions and opportunities conducive to your growth and enlightenment. This transcendent approach focuses not on the actions themselves but on the energetic resonance that propels you forward. By sustaining these higher frequencies, you naturally evolve, shedding the remnants of your former self to reveal a luminous, evolved being.
YOUR BEST SELF IS HERE, NOW. ARE YOU GOING TO TAKE IT?
You stand at the threshold of profound self-renewal. XI ushers you into an era of unparalleled self-empowerment, peeling away the dense veils of inherited limitations and societal impositions.
The XICODE offers you access to true success that transcends the mere accumulation of tangible achievements. It beckons you to forge your identity from the core of your being, ensuring that any manifestation of success in the external world is a direct mirror of your inner harmony and alignment.
XI adopts an integrative approach to evolution, far beyond the limitations of psychology and self improvement. It acknowledges the intricate web of connections between your professional aspirations, personal relationships,
and inner well-being. By nurturing every facet of your existence, The XICODE cultivates a realm of comprehensive abundance, where every element of your life flourishes in synchrony.
May you discover the limitless expanse of joy, prosperity, and fulfillment that lies before you. Here’s to embodying your highest self, living with purpose, and celebrating your existence in its most genuine and unreserved expression.
MAS SAJADY
After multiple near-death experiences, Mas Sajady came back alive to share wisdom and remarkable abilities that break through the limitations of psychology, willpower and current self-improvement methods to change countless lives in a matter of minutes by helping people shift at their core frequency level, resulting in drastic life transformation beyond physical logic. Mas has worked with business leaders, medical and healthcare providers, professional athletes, celebrities, the Royal Families in UAE and Monaco, Fortune 500 Executives and more. Mas also donates his time to assist schools, hospitals, special needs groups, local communities and people from all walks of life.
mas-sajady.com
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GOOD NEWS
Tired of fake and bad news? Discover these uplifting stories from various corners of the globe that showcase the resilience and creativity of communities working together to inspire positive change, for a brighter and more sustainable future.
FROM SKETCH TO SEA: DIVING INTO WALES’ UNDERWATER FARMING REVOLUTION
by Jack Thompson
A Welsh seafood farm, called Câr-y-Môr, embodies a sustainable approach to harvesting from local waters, resembling underwater gardens. The farm utilizes 3D ocean farming techniques, marked by buoys along the coast near St David’s. Beneath the surface, these buoys support thick clusters of seaweed, mussels, oysters, and scallops, forming a thriving ecosystem.
WORKSHOPS HELPING INDIGENOUS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SHAPE BUSINESSES WITH PURPOSE FOR THE FUTURE
by James Tugwell
Jordan Nye, a Walbunja man, faced obstacles when he sought to start his own business in Mogo, New South Wales. Lacking guidance from entrepreneurs in his community, he struggled to find support. He eventually founded Muladha Gamara, which focuses on cultural tourism. Despite the novelty of his venture, Nye persevered, employing local Indigenous people to lead cultural programs and consultancy services.
ABC.NET.AU
NEW FINDINGS SUGGEST AROMATHERAPY MAY BENEFIT COGNITIVE FUNCTION
by Hannah Frye
A new study from the University of California–Irvine suggests that aromatherapy, often regarded for its role in enhancing ambiance rather than well-being, may actually benefit brain health. The research involved 43 participants aged 60 to 85, who were provided with diffusers for a six-month period. Half of the participants were instructed to diffuse essential oils for two hours nightly, while the control group used unscented distilled water. The study, published in Frontiers of Neuroscience, revealed that those who used essential oils experienced improved cognitive performance compared to the control group.
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POSITIVE.NEWS ↗
↗ MINDBODYGREEN.COM ↗
EMBRACING LIFE’S SYMPHONY: A JOURNEY TOWARDS AUTHENTIC JOY
BY BERNARDO MOYA
As we go through our human experience, few endeavors are as profoundly rewarding as the art of living authentically and fully. This journey, both beautiful and complex at times, requires us to embrace gratitude, honor the sanctity of our health, and consciously reframe our narratives towards a more positive light. Along this transformative path, my thoughts often turn to the radiant spirit of Michelle Patterson, my sister in spirit, whose resilience and luminosity have left an indelible mark on my heart and on the world. Her life, a testament to unwavering positivity and a relentless dedication to healing, continues to inspire those who seek to make a meaningful impact, nurturing both personal growth and communal well-being.
THE QUINTESSENCE OF GRATITUDE
Gratitude stands as a transformative force, a simple yet profound practice that reshapes our experience of life.
It is the art of finding joy in the everyday, the ability to see the miraculous in the ordinary. By fostering a mindset of gratitude, we not only enhance our own well-being but also contribute to a more positive world, creating ripples of appreciation that extend far beyond our immediate surroundings. This practice enriches our lives, imbuing each moment with significance and turning routine into reverence, thereby cultivating a deep and sustained sense of happiness and fulfillment.
HEALTH: OUR MOST PRECIOUS JEWEL
The gift of health is often taken for granted, yet it is the very foundation upon which our lives unfold]. To truly cherish our health is to engage fully with life, to celebrate our body’s capabilities, and to nurture our well-being with mindful care. In this light, health transcends mere physicality, encompassing emotional and spiritual wellness, and becoming a source of profound gratitude and strength.
REFRAMING OUR NARRATIVE WITH NLP
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) offers us powerful tools for transformation, one of which is reframing — altering our perceptions to empower our realities. It’s about shifting our view from what’s lacking to what’s abundant, from complaint to gratitude. By changing our internal dialogue, we can transform our external experiences, finding richness in simplicity, strength in vulnerability, and joy in the unnoticed.
MICHELLE PATTERSON: A LEGACY OF LIGHT
Michelle Patterson’s journey reminds us of the extraordinary power of the human spirit to overcome adversity with grace and to transform personal suffering into a conduit for healing and empowerment. Her unwavering optimism and her commitment to exploring and advocating
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DISCOVERING THE PROFOUND TRUTH THAT ‘LESS IS MORE’ HAS BEEN A PIVOTAL REALIZATION IN MY JOURNEY, REVEALING THAT SIMPLIFICATION CAN AMPLIFY LIFE’S RICHNESS.
for alternative healing modalities have illuminated the paths of many seeking solace and solutions beyond the traditional. Her legacy, infused with hope and relentless positivity, serves as a guiding light, encouraging us to pursue our healing journeys with courage and to extend our newfound wisdom to aid others in their paths. For me, she was a “beacon of hope”.
THE SIMPLICITY OF BEING
Discovering the profound truth that ‘less is more’ has been a pivotal realization in my journey, revealing that simplification can amplify life’s richness. This principle encourages us to peel away the non-essential, to focus on what truly enriches us, fostering a lifestyle that values quality over quantity. In embracing simplicity, we find clarity, contentment, and a greater appreciation for the joys that fill our days, enabling us
to live with intention, mindfulness, and a deep-seated sense of peace.
PRACTICAL STEPS TOWARDS A GRATEFUL, SIMPLIFIED LIFE
Cultivating a life infused with gratitude and simplicity is an ongoing process, one that flourishes with intentional practice. It encompasses daily rituals such as maintaining a gratitude journal, which serves as a tangible reminder of our blessings, and adopting a minimalist approach, which allows us to prioritize our well-being and true contentment over material accumulation. These practices ground us, fostering a life that is rich in experiences, relationships, and self-awareness, ultimately guiding us towards a more mindful and fulfilling existence.
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Michelle Patterson with Bernardo Moya at The Best You Expo
IN CLOSING: THE INVITATION
As we draw this reflection to a close, it’s imperative to acknowledge a profound obligation we all share: the duty to leave this world better than we found it. This isn’t just a lofty aspiration but a call to action, urging us to evolve into the best versions of ourselves. It’s about seizing life with both hands, passionately embracing every moment, and crafting a legacy that resonates with positivity and purpose. Our journey here is finite, but the imprint we leave is eternal. Let’s commit to a life where our actions speak of kindness, our paths inspire change, and our legacies become beacons of hope and transformation for generations to come. By doing so, we not only honor our own existence but pay homage to the trailblazers like Michelle Patterson, who exemplified what it means to truly embrace life and leave a mark of enduring love and impactful legacy on the world.
BERNARDO MOYA
Bernardo is the founder of The Best You brand. An entrepreneur, author, writer, coach, mentor, seminar promoter, TV producer and is editor-in-chief of The Best You magazine thebestyou.co
April 2024 37
Accepting the Beacon of Hope Award
BOOK CLUB
Welcome to The Best You’s Book Club, a refined space where the pursuit of personal growth converges with a diverse array of disciplines, with each book containing compelling narratives and insightful guides to help you become the best version of yourself.
Delve into a carefully curated selection of reads that navigate the landscapes of self-discovery while spanning various fields of knowledge. Happy reading!
THE QUESTION BERNARDO MOYA
We’ve all come to roadblocks that are challenging, frustrating and overwhelming. How can you examine your life more closely and think about what you can do to realise your fullest potential and be helpful to others? Ask the right questions, and this book is a great guide to get you started. The Question, written by Bernardo Moya, renowned entrepreneur and the architect behind the global self-help brand The Best You, merges self-help wisdom with real-life experiences to emphasize the importance of asking the right questions for a fulfilling life. It contains meaningful, practical and emotional content that covers key topics like greatness, success, resilience, and reinvention, offering guidance to discover one’s purpose and pursue it with confidence.
WINNING WITH INTEGRITY LEIGH
“Winning with Integrity” by Leigh Steinberg delves into the ethical principles that have guided him as a premier sports agent, negotiating over $2 billion in contracts for top athletes like Troy Aikman and Steve Young. Steinberg emphasizes that successful negotiation isn’t solely about monetary gain, but also about maintaining personal integrity and balance. Drawing from his extensive experience, he breaks down negotiation into essential steps, providing practical advice applicable to any situation. The book offers a blend of inside sports stories and valuable insights, which serve as a thoughtful and inspiring guide to negotiation both in business and in life. His ethical approach to negotiation has not only shaped his success in the sports world, but also inspired the portrayal of ethical business practices in popular culture, notably in the film “Jerry Maguire”.
The Best You Magazine
Visit the website for more information! Visit his official website for more information!
STEINBERG
HAPPINESS FROM THE INSIDE OUT ROBERT MACK
In “Happiness from the Inside Out,” Robert Mack draws meaningful insights from scientific research and personal anecdotes and introduces a fresh perspective on the concept of happiness beyond success and getting what they want. Presenting in an entertaining and playful format, Mack offers practical guidance and a roadmap for cultivating lasting happiness, health, and wealth that starts from within, and discusses eight fundamental principles for unlocking unconditional happiness and achieving holistic success. By following his simple yet profound advice, readers can elevate their well-being and abundance, regardless of their current circumstances.
Visit the official website for more information!
MORE: BECOME MORE, GIVE MORE MOSES NALOCCA
Moses Nalocca, founder of the Upper Echelon Coaching Academy and renowned speaker, recounts transformative anecdotes from his life in his latest book ‘MORE’. Through his experiences, including aiding Olympians, business owners, and executives, Nalocca illustrates the power of continual self-improvement. This book encapsulates Nalocca’s philosophy, offering guidance to those yearning for more from life, but grappling with doubt. Through his personal experiences, growth and profound insights, Nalocca encourages readers to embrace self-discovery and overcome uncertainty, dissatisfaction, and feelings of inadequacy. This candid account aims to inspire readers to confront their realities with honesty, accept their paths gracefully, and pursue their aspirations with courage.
Visit the official website for more information!
CHAOS TO CLARITY SIMON HEDLEY
Some individuals unknowingly waste time while others efficiently accomplish tasks in the midst of chaos. Some are overwhelmed by minor setbacks, whereas others navigate life effortlessly. The contrast between those who resist the world’s challenges and those who embrace them prompts reflection. “Chaos To Clarity” is here to guide you. This book embarks readers on an experiential journey, unveiling principles and tools to confront chaos, regain clarity, and prioritize effectively. Author Simon Hedley, known as “The Strategic Alchemist”, shares his techniques that have empowered numerous leaders and offers transformative insights for achieving breakthrough results and finding clarity from chaos.
Available on Amazon and Audible!
April 2024
LIVE LOVE LEGACY
SEEKING MEANING & FINDING PURPOSE
EMBRACING MY JOURNEY: UNLEASHING THE POWER OF PERSONAL STORY FOR LASTING IMPACT MICHELLE JEWSBURY
DESIRE, CHOICE AND DRIVE MARIS SEGAL & KEN ASHBY
MY LIFE IS MY MESSAGE ROBERT MACK
EMBRACING MY JOURNEY: UNLEASHING THE POWER OF PERSONAL STORY FOR LASTING IMPACT
BY MICHELLE JEWSBURY
In a world often shrouded in darkness, Michelle Jewsbury rose up and became a symbol of resilience and hope. Through her profound reflections on her life’s tumultuous journey, she unveils the transformative power of embracing one’s personal narrative for societal change. As the founder of Unsilenced Voices, Michelle channels her own experiences as a survivor of domestic violence into a force for empowerment and advocacy. Her story is not merely one of survival, but of triumph over adversity, demonstrating the indomitable spirit that resides within us all. Join Michelle on her quest to empower survivors, amplify voices, and catalyze enduring social change.
The Best You Magazine
As I reflect on my journey through life, I am reminded of the profound significance of embracing one’s story and using it for social impact. My name is Michelle Jewsbury, and I stand as a living testament to the remarkable resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through my organization, Unsilenced Voices, I have made it my life’s mission to empower survivors of trauma, to amplify their voices, and to catalyze social change.
My journey has been marked by moments of profound darkness and unimaginable pain. I am a survivor of domestic violence and have used my story to make a difference. It is through my experiences that I have discovered the strength to rise, the courage to speak out, and the determination to effect positive change in the world. I strive to leave behind a legacy defined not by the scars of my past,
but by the impact of my actions and my purpose is to encourage others to do the same. It is not what happens to us that matters, it is about how we react to those situations that can make an impact.
I have recognized that our stories hold the power to shape our destinies, to forge connections with others, and to leave an undeniable mark on the world. Through my own journey of self-discovery and healing, I have come to understand that our stories are not static narratives confined to the pages of our past, but living, breathing testaments to the resilience of the human spirit.
For me, the journey towards purpose and fulfillment has been intertwined with the importance of authentic connection with others and relationship building. As I share my story with vulnerability and authenticity, I help to create spaces for
empathy and healing. I have witnessed speakers say one thing behind the curtain and something completely different in front of it. I believe in transparency and being authentically you, changing the facade that many show first. In our shared journeys of healing and growth, I have discovered the transformative power of community, the beauty of humanity, and the importance of standing together.
As an entrepreneur and advocate, I know the profound impact that storytelling can have in driving social change and fostering meaningful connections. Through Unsilenced Voices, I have worked tirelessly to empower survivors of trauma to reclaim their narratives, to amplify their voices, and to effect positive change in their communities. In doing so, I have seen how the power of storytelling can transcend boundaries, bridge divides, and inspire others to action.
April 2024
“NO ONE IS USELESS IN THIS WORLD WHO LIGHTENS THE BURDENS OF ANOTHER”
CHARLES DICKENS
Unsilenced Voices is dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking through advocacy, education, and support services. Our goal is to break the cycle of abuse, provide survivors with a platform to share their stories, reclaim their power, and live a life free of violence. Although the organization is non-secular, we remain firm in our commitment to Christian values and beliefs.
I implore you to look at your challenges and consider them an opportunity for growth and to live and leave a lasting legacy - not in terms of material wealth or professional accolades, but in the lives we touch, the hearts we inspire, and the values we uphold. Let’s embrace our stories in all their complexity, and honor the resilience that resides within us, and to sow the seeds of compassion and empathy wherever we go.
As I continue on this journey of purposeful living, I am reminded of the words of Maya Angelou: “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” In the tapestry of life, it is our stories that weave the threads of connection, resilience, and hope, shaping a legacy that endures long after we are gone.
As we navigate the complexities of our individual journeys, it becomes imperative to recognize the interconnectedness of our stories on a global scale. Each of us is unique, contributing different perspectives and ideologies to this journey called life. When we embrace our stories, we not only honor our own resilience and strength but also affirm the resilience and strength of those who have walked similar paths.
Our stories serve as bridges, connecting us to others in ways that move beyond boundaries of time, space, and circumstance. In sharing our experiences with vulnerability and authenticity, we create spaces for empathy to flourish. It is through these shared narratives that we find common ground, forge meaningful connections, and cultivate a sense of belonging in a world that often feels fragmented and divided.
Through platforms like Unsilenced Voices, individuals are given the opportunity to reclaim their voices and to effect positive change in their communities. By sharing their stories with courage, survivors not only find healing and empowerment but also inspire others to break their silence and speak their truth.
Storytelling takes on added significance as an entrepreneur by using it as a powerful tool for brand building, community engagement, and social impact. As consumers, we are drawn to brands that authentically connect with us on a deeper
level, resonating with our values, beliefs, and aspirations. By infusing our brands with authentic storytelling, we create opportunities to forge meaningful connections with our audience, foster brand loyalty, and drive positive change in the world. Our group coaching program, Legacy Camp, encourages entrepreneurs to use their voices to launch, grow or build businesses, nonprofits, start movements or ministries.
Together, let us embrace our stories, unleash their transformative power, and embark on this journey of Life, Love and Legacy, forging a future defined by purpose, meaning, and lasting impact. Watch our free pop-up podcast series; Legacy, Prosperity, Impact: Unveiling Your Story’s Potential at https://www.unsilencemyvoice.com/popuppodcast
MICHELLE JEWSBURY
Michelle Jewsbury, a dynamic force in transforming personal stories into powerful business narratives, is the founder and CEO of Unsilenced Voices. With a mission to empower survivors of pain and trauma, Michelle has emerged as an internationally recognized speaker, coach, and advocate. From sharing her journey to breaking the cycle of abuse, Michelle inspires entrepreneurs to transform their own stories into impactful narratives. As the driving force behind Unsilenced Voices, Michelle Jewsbury is dedicated to engaging business owners, and helping them harness the transformative power of their stories for business growth and social impact.
michellejewsbury.com
The Best You Magazine 44 LIVE LOVE LEGACY - Seeking Meaning & Finding Purpose
DESIRE, CHOICE AND DRIVE
BY MARIS SEGAL & KEN ASHBY
In their article “Desire, Choice, and Drive,” Maris Segal and Ken Ashby delve into the fundamental role desire plays in shaping our lives and how it fuels our relationships, drives our decisions, and shapes our futures. Through their holistic approach, Segal and Ashby introduce the concept of “DRIVE”—a strategic framework comprising Declaration, Relationships, Intention, Vision, and Empowerment. From personal relationships to professional endeavors, Segal and Ashby illustrate how understanding and leveraging our desires can lead to fulfillment and success. Their insights provide a roadmap for navigating life’s complexities with clarity and purpose.
Every human on the planet arrives to the present from a place of desire. From the time our alarm goes off in the morning until our heads hit the pillow to sleep, and from crib to crypt, we are in relationship with someone or something and “desire” is an innate human driver. Through our youth into our teens and adulthood, everything we have done and continue to do in our personal and professional lives stems from desire, a “wanting.” What do you desire in your life? What do you really want? Is it a new job, clients, life partner, a trip, children?
Our initial thoughts about desire gravitate to our life as husband and wife and our business partnership, which has
gratefully connected us in an omnipresent way for about twenty years. Now, you may be thinking initially that we mean physical desire, that’s what often comes up first for many when hearing the word “desire”, a romantic relationship, but it goes so much deeper. We see desire as a holistic 360-degree approach to our lives. The desire we feel for each other comes from the depths of our being and creates the rhythm of our connected relationship. We share the desire to love and be loved, to collaborate, to learn and explore. This embodiment of desire is natural, passionate, raw, emotional, and drives us to make choices every day, which impact our future. Your desire to read this article is a choice!
Desire alone is not enough. In our business strategy and relational leadership work, we focus on elevating interpersonal skills beyond desire to achieve maximum individual and team results. We coach our clients that accomplishments at any age and stage of life, whether it be at home or at work, can be realized when desire and sound choices connect with D.R.I.V.E. —Declaration, Relationships, Intention, Vision, Empowerment.
Here’s how “DRIVE” works: When we recognize our desires, we Declare our desire to ourselves and enroll those we have Relationships with (colleagues, staff, family, friends) who may support bringing our desire to fruition. We then set our
April 2024 45
Intention and create our Vision. From this place we step into Empowerment of ourselves and others to build and consistently follow a plan. Great examples of using DRIVE to generate accomplishments include families planning a trip, corporate leadership, Olympic athletes, and Heads of State.
Ken: I am the son of a Southern Baptist preacher and grew up in rural Kentucky. Being preacher’s kids, my younger sister and I were living into my father’s desire to be a minister and we were in a church pew whenever the doors were open. My father and mother instilled in us the desire to be close to family and be in service to others—powerful life lessons which have continued to guide me throughout my journey of life.
As a teenager, I worked as a field hand for the tobacco harvest, played basket-
ball, and was in nine different schools before I graduated. With each new environment, I felt a desire to connect and belong. I am certain my parents wanted me to “answer the call” like my dad, but that was their desire, not mine.
I recall that my first real desire came in the form of music. I was invited to participate in a local talent contest, and I wanted to compete as a singer, and that sparked the fire of desire and drive to be a musician. While I was attending college, an unexpected opportunity landed on my doorstep. It was as though the universe was enrolled in my desire. I chose to leave home, school, and family to travel as a student with the global youth leadership organization, Up with People. The opportunity to perform music all over the world that was inclusive of all cultures and ethnicities perfectly
matched my vision of using my musical and vocal talents for the greater good.
I took a leap of faith, jumped headfirst, and little did I know that this was the first major step in fulfilling my desire, and it changed my life in so many magnificent ways. As our cast traveled, music became my expression, and I began writing songs about almost everything I encountered, a host family, a fellow cast member, or a town in which we were performing. This desire resulted in hundreds of original song collaborations, which were, in time, performed live around the world for millions of people from heads of households to Heads of State. That fire of desire from my youth continues to carry into our global work today and music is a part of our team building programs.
Maris: I am the youngest of three girls and grew up in New Jersey and Florida.
The Best You Magazine 46 LIVE LOVE LEGACY - Seeking Meaning & Finding Purpose
My youth was spent in a fairly traditional Jewish upbringing. My paternal grandmother lived nearby, so our holidays were joyfully spent at her home at the Jersey Shore with aunts, uncles, and cousins. My parents’ desire to instill the beauty, roots, and traditions of our faith led my sisters and me to a truly rich experience during our thirteen years in Hebrew school. Sharing our culture and learning from others was a constant desire that kept me curious and exploring.
While money issues always seemed to be a topic, my parents’ professional lives still afforded us great opportunities to meet people from all walks of life. My dad, an avid athlete, had been a fighter pilot early in their marriage, and then, he lived his life as an entrepreneur whose desires took him across the globe and back home to share stories with our family. My mom’s desire to heal people began with her job as a parole officer. Then, after earning her master’s in clinical social work, her career as a therapist and mental health activist took flight.
Immersed from my youth in civic engagement, arts, and sports, my desires, choices, and drive have always centered around connecting, healing, and uniting diverse populations.
How did Ken and I find our way to each other from such diverse backgrounds? The answer is: desire, choices, and DRIVE! We believe that we are where we are when we are meant to be. Like Ken, I also saw Up with People as a teen and met the student members of the cast who were being hosted by family friends. After seeing over one hundred students from twenty plus countries on stage motivating an audience of strangers to link arms and connect with the music, I knew where my desire and future would take me next. I traveled as a student and then worked for the organization across the United States, Mexico, and abroad. I was hosted by generous families in hundreds of communities large and small from three room homes with dirt floors to mansions and constantly struck by the shared desires of strangers who, like us as students, were hungry to experience cultures, share perspectives, and create meaningful connections. In each community these shared desires created
GREAT EXAMPLES OF USING DRIVE TO GENERATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
INCLUDE FAMILIES PLANNING A TRIP, CORPORATE LEADERSHIP, OLYMPIC ATHLETES, AND HEADS OF STATE.
lasting friendships, and after just a few days, we were no longer strangers. Ken and I only met briefly during this time, and many years later, we reconnected. This experience of collaborating with shared desires remains the foundation of my life and our life together.
Our desire to impact lives and evolve relationships has taken us from classrooms to boardrooms, from the Olympics to Super Bowl halftimes. We have worked with top brands, celebrated artists, Popes, and Presidents. In each case, as global event producers and strategists, we have served as “connectors,” known for matching desires with mindset and purpose.
The balance and prioritization of our desires in our personal and professional lives is paramount. This is not a JOB; this is the work we love that we choose. Now, having experienced the pandemic pause, we have refocused our desire to support global consciousness and the recognition that as human beings, we are all connected. We are committed to creating cultures of connection, contribution, collaboration, and confidence.
Our world has seen times when injustices have prevailed, when a pandemic took precious lives, when social impact and service has illuminated both divisions and greater connections. As we continue our work, we can see in the hearts and heads of our clients and our family a new possibility of leadership that will shape tomorrow. Imagine a world that prioritizes the desire for a connected and shared humanity.
In the end, fulfilling our desires is fueled by the choices we make and…. our DRIVE!
KEN ASHBY & MARIS SEGAL
Ken Ashby and Maris Segal coach, consult and collaborate with executives, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and rising leaders to identify and bring their professional, personal, and philanthropic vision to life. Their focus on evolving human relation skills leverages their relationship marketing and mindset expertise with the power of “head and heart leadership” to build a peak performing culture of connected, confident individuals and teams for maximum impact. Often referred to as “America’s Master Connectors,” Ken and Maris live by the philosophy that “We are all connected as human’s first and that’s where the bottom line begins.” As authors their book, The RFactor, a story of evolving relationships sits at the core of their work. In addition, Ken and Maris have been TEDx speakers and featured authors in 15 leadership centered books.
segalleadershipglobal.com
April 2024 47
MY LIFE IS MY MESSAGE
BY ROBERT MACK
For too long, I was unhappy. I grew up painfully shy. In fact, I was voted “Most Shy” of my high school class. It may be hard to believe considering how much time I’ve spent on television screens and in front of audiences as a speaker, fashion model, actor, and corporate consultant, but it’s true.
My mother, a homemaker, and my father, a computer analyst, raised my brother, my sister, and me in a humble home in western Pennsylvania. Like many married couples, my mother and father experienced their fair share of challenges. But they always weathered them. My father was the breadwinner and disciplinarian, and my mother was the caregiver.
Raising three children and supporting two adults on one salary was financially
stressful for both of them. Somehow, however, my siblings and I grew up to be stand-out students, above-average athletes, and well-meaning adults (most of the time, anyway). We were lovingly guided and cared for in ways some children never know.
In fact, one of the things that I remember most fondly is how my parents never seemed to miss a single game, athletic contest, concert, or school play of ours all the way through high school. Wow. I can barely take care of myself, so I sure don’t know how they did all of that. On one occasion, I remember, all three of us children had a baseball or softball game on the same day. And my mother and father somehow found a way to catch several innings of each of our games.
And this was before the days of digital communication, so they weren’t able to be there virtually. Despite my loving family, I found myself consistently unhappy in intangible and indescribable ways. Even at a young age, life seemed like a lot of hard work for little or no reward and hardly any lasting satisfaction at all. In the classroom, on the football field, baseball diamond, basketball court, or track, I worked myself to the bone. I studied and rewrote class notes, lifted weights for hours, shoveled snow, practiced jump shots over and over again in the freezing cold, ran wind sprints we called “suicides,” and fielded ground balls until my back hurt. And despite all of my hard work and all the money my parents spent, I never felt as if I got goodenough grades, scored enough points,
The Best You Magazine 48 LIVE LOVE LEGACY - Seeking Meaning & Finding Purpose
threw enough touchdown passes, ran fast enough, or hit enough home runs. My social life, too, was dismal. I had maybe two close friends and no girlfriend at all until I was about twenty years old.
THERE’S NOTHING FASHIONABLE ABOUT BEING MISERABLE
My depression took on a more philosophical nature in college. I thought my melancholy made me look intelligent, believe it or not. I embraced it — at first. I read all of the classic philosophers. I even wore this really dorky pair of glasses. Boy, I cringe now just thinking about them.
Eventually, I tired of philosophy and the facade. I genuinely wanted to feel better. I stopped reading so much philosophy.
I wanted proven answers based in science, not more questions. Psychology seemed more promising in this respect. (Sorry, Professor Raff!)
Interestingly enough, after months of study, I convinced myself that I was clinically depressed. I observed all of the associated symptoms: persistently sad mood, hopelessness and pessimism, feelings of worthlessness and helplessness, loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyable, oversleeping, overeating, fatigue, regular thoughts of death and suicide, irritability, extreme difficulty concentrating and making even the most trivial of decisions, and persistent physical symptoms that would not respond to treatment, including back pain and digestive disorders.
In an attempt to accurately self-diagnose my depression (a fool’s game!), I completed all of the self-assessments I could find. I never saw a psychiatrist, psychologist, or doctor about it. I thought they could do little to help. Later, when I watched the Woody Allen movie Anything Else, I was rather amused by Christina Ricci’s reason for not seeing a therapist: “Jerry, I told you that psychiatrists don’t work for me. I know how to trick them!” That was how I saw my depression. It was something that was logically sound and experientially proven. Everything either was bad now or would be bad soon, would forever be bad on all occasions and in all places, and there was little, if anything, I could do about any of it. That is precisely what I thought. That is precisely how I lived.
April 2024 49
“DISCONTENT IS THE FIRST STEP IN PROGRESS. NO ONE KNOWS WHAT IS IN HIM TILL HE TRIES, AND MANY WOULD NEVER TRY IF THEY WERE NOT FORCED TO.”
BASIL W. MATURIN
Even years later, while things on the outside changed— I had a beautiful, intelligent girlfriend, a well-paying job as a management consultant, a luxury apartment, a new BMW, a loving and supportive family, great friends, and an otherwise promising future—things on the inside seemed to only be getting worse. I knew that, inevitably, I would lose my job, ex-
perience financial ruin, break up with my girlfriend, argue with family members, disappoint friends, and lose much of everything I cared about. And it turned out that I was right. It all happened just as I had predicted, just not in that particular order. It’s interesting how thoughts shape circumstance. Perhaps life really can only be understood backward and lived forward.
A THOUGHT SAVED MY LIFE
I contemplated suicide often. To be honest, those thoughts of suicide brought me some solace. In fact, it was the realization of the solace of those thoughts that turned out to be the defining moment in my life.
One day, soon after this realization, I came to the very resolute conclusion that I would either kill myself or “fix” myself. I could not afford to risk a great job by seeking out psychiatric help. I was afraid of the stigma and the repercussions of doing so. Moreover, I figured that once the shrink realized that talking would do little good, he or she would prescribe antidepressant drugs. And I simply did not want to live that way. I had made that decision a long time before then.
Of course, my religious and spiritual beliefs—or rather, the religious and spiritual beliefs I had inherited from others — complicated issues even further. I found myself caught between the Christian belief that I would be sent to hell for taking my own life and a newly developed karmic/Buddhist philosophy that suggested I would be reincarnated right back into the same metaphysical challenge I was currently experiencing, perhaps even in a less able body and mind.
Furthermore — and this was the real catalyst for my decision — I contemplated the solace that the thought of killing myself brought. “Wow,” I thought, “how interesting it is that a simple thought, notion, or idea could change my mood so quickly. If only I could master that power. Maybe it would not be ‘reality’ that I would be living, but who really cares if it actually works?”
And so, left with the only real, actionable alternative I could find, I proceeded to throw myself passionately into self-help books, studies on cognitive therapy, psychocybernetics, and so on. Continuing in the same vein, I matriculated and graduated years later from the Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Best You Magazine 50 LIVE LOVE LEGACY - Seeking Meaning & Finding Purpose
Ever since I made that decision many years ago — to make happiness my career, the principal pursuit of my life — my life has not been the same. I’ve been happier on a more consistent basis. When my happiness does dip, I’m usually able to quickly reestablish my original level of happiness. Previously, I lived most of my life in the lower decks of my happiness range. Now, I spend most of my life in the upper decks.
When I made the conscious decision to make happiness my dominant intent, I suddenly felt the freedom to do things I would never have done before. Here are just a few of the things I did that seemed to make a huge difference:
• I broke off an unhappy relationship with a wonderful woman for whom I was not a good fit.
• I moved to a city that was a better fit for me. (My mantra those days was “I want to live where others only vacation.”) That city was Miami. I loved the sun, the fun, the beach, the playful and laid-back attitude, the diversity of the population, and the pleasant lifestyle.
• I chose a better profession for myself. (Truth be told, I was laid off. It turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. I didn’t know it at the time, but it set the tone for the rest of my life.)
• I sold both my cars. That was a tough one because I loved my cars (a BMW and a Mercedes), but in truth, I couldn’t afford them anymore. I replaced them with a scooter. To this day, I think of my scooter as one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.
• I rented a simple studio apartment with simple appliances and furniture in a great, convenient location. I’m a minimalist so I really felt better about doing this.
• I gave away a lot of the clothes I no longer wanted or wore.
• I spent more time outside.
• I started exercising much more and I did it outside as much as possible.
• I started eating better. This was easy
and fun because I now had the time to plan my meals and I was more body conscious in this city of warm weather and scant clothing.
• I started doing things on my own, without requiring other people or circumstances to bend to my wishes or to be different in order for me to do what I wanted to do. Since I had a genuine interest in the city and since I was feeling better about myself, it was easy to do things on my own. Plus, since I didn’t know anybody there, it was up to me and only me to meet new people and find my way around.
• I tried things I had never tried before. I became a huge fan of Cuban food and worked on realizing my dream of being a model and actor.
• I cut up all my credit cards and started living on cash. (Truth be told, my credit cards were maxed out and I had no choice.)
• I read a lot more, especially books about psychology and spirituality.
• I reduced my work commute significantly. Since I was splitting my time between working from home as a happiness coach and going to local modeling and acting gigs, reducing my commute was easy.
• I started writing this book: Happiness from the Inside Out.
If you’d asked me then, I honestly wouldn’t have been able to explain to you why I was doing what I was doing. All I knew was that I had been unhappy for too long. I knew that what I had been doing up to that point was not working and wasn’t making me feel good, either. So I changed my strategy. As the saying goes, if you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always gotten.
A THOUGHT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE, TOO
Once I turned my life around, I vowed to help other people do the same. Your situation may not be as bad as mine was. You may not be depressed at all, much less suicidal. But you can always be happier. In the chapters to follow, I will share some
of my most basic ideas about happiness. Use what works; lose what doesn’t.
As you read, however, have faith and believe. Yes, I’m asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in your life, but in your ability to do so.
INSIDE-OUT HAPPINESS HABITS
• Make happiness the most important pursuit of your life. Prioritize feeling good above all else. Make joy your guiding principle.
• Make learning more about the art and science of happiness a lifelong goal. The first step in becoming happier is learning about happiness, and reading the next ten chapters is a great way to do that.
Robert Mack is an Ivy League-Educated, Positive Psychology Expert, Celebrity Happiness Coach, Published Author, and Television Host & Producer, whose work has been endorsed by Oprah, Vanessa Williams, Lisa Nichols, and many others. In addition to serving as Celebrity Love Coach for Famously Single on the E! Network for two seasons, Robert also worked as Consulting Producer and OnCamera Expert for Mind Your Business on the OWN Network and Executive Producer and Host of Good Morning LaLa Land on Apple TV and Hulu. coachrobmack.com
April 2024 51
ROBERT MACK
FEEL & LOOK GOOD STRENGTH FROM INSIDE OUT.
FEEL & LOOK GOOD: STRENGTH FROM INSIDE OUT MOSES NALOCCA
GETTING OUT OF STUCKNESS AND THE BENEFITS OF SOLITAIRE
JENNIFER HOUGH
FEEL & LOOK GOOD: STRENGTH FROM THE INSIDE OUT
BY MOSES NALOCCA
In the pursuit of health and happiness, the journey to feeling and looking good is far more profound than the superficial layers of our skin. It is an intricate blend of our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. As an expert coach, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be when individuals harness the power of their inner strength to impact their outer world. This article will explore the interconnection of physical and mental health, emphasizing a holistic approach to well-being and personal empowerment. By incorporating elements of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and peak performance coaching, inspired by the work of Tony Robbins, we’ll uncover strategies for achieving a balanced and fulfilling life, where feeling good on the inside is just as important as looking good on the outside.
UNDERSTANDING THE CONNECTION
The connection between our physical and mental states cannot be overstated. How we feel inside significantly impacts our external appearance and vice versa. When we’re mentally stressed, it’s not uncommon to experience physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, or even changes in our skin. Similarly, when we’re physically unwell, our mental health can suffer, leading to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or depression.
Holistic health, therefore, is not about treating symptoms in isolation but understanding and addressing the underlying causes of our discomfort. It’s about seeing the person as a whole and recognizing that everything is connected.
THE ROLE OF NLP IN HOLISTIC HEALTH
NLP, or Neuro-Linguistic Programming, is a powerful tool in understanding and influencing the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Developed in the 1970s, NLP combines cognitive behavioral therapy, language, and psychotherapy principles to help individuals reprogram their thought patterns and, ultimately, their lives.
At its core, NLP is about communication— how we communicate with ourselves and others. It teaches us that the language we use can significantly affect our mental state and, consequently, our physical well-being. By changing our internal dialogue, we can change how we feel about ourselves and our abilities, leading to a
more positive self-image and improved mental health.
REFRAMING WITH NLP
One of the key strategies in NLP is ‘reframing,’ which involves changing the perspective on a situation to see it in a more positive or empowering light. This technique is particularly useful when dealing with negative self-talk or limiting beliefs that can hinder our progress towards feeling and looking good.
For example, instead of thinking, “I’m not good at exercise; I’ll never be fit,” reframe that thought to, “Every step I take is making me stronger and healthier.” This shift in perspective can lead to a more positive and proactive attitude towards physical health.
The Best You Magazine 54 FEEL & LOOK GOOD - Strength from Inside Out
AT THE HEART OF FEELING AND LOOKING GOOD IS PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT
PEAK PERFORMANCE COACHING
Peak performance coaching, as advocated by Tony Robbins, focuses on unlocking an individual’s potential to achieve their highest level of performance in any area of their life. It emphasizes setting clear goals, developing a growth mindset, and overcoming psychological barriers to success.
In the context of feeling and looking good, peak performance coaching encourages us to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for both our physical and mental health. It also teaches us the importance of maintaining a positive state, which Robbins often refers to as being in a ‘peak state,’ to overcome challenges and achieve our goals. As a Peak performance Coach these are the same exact steps I used when working with my athlete during the Olympic Games of Tokyo 2020 and was instrumental in achieving the Olympic Gold Medal.
STRATEGIES FOR ACHIEVING A PEAK STATE
Achieving a peak state involves several strategies, including:
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise not only improves our physical appearance
but also releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties.
• Healthy Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet provides our body with the nutrients it needs to function at its best, affecting our energy levels and mood.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices help reduce stress and improve mental clarity, making it easier to maintain a positive outlook. One particular aspect we must focus on is Gratitude as I mention in my second Book “More Gratitude”
• Continuous Learning and Growth: Engaging in new learning opportunities and personal development activities keeps our mind active and promotes a growth mindset.
PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT
At the heart of feeling and looking good is personal empowerment. It’s about taking control of your life, making conscious choices, and taking responsibility for your happiness and well-being. Empowerment is recognizing your own power to change your life for the better, both inside and out.
BUILDING SELF-EFFICACY
Self-efficacy, or the belief in one’s ability to succeed, is a critical component of personal empowerment. In my personal opinion building self-efficacy involves setting and achieving small goals, learning from role models, and managing our physiological states to foster a sense of confidence and control.
By focusing on our strengths and accomplishments, rather than our weaknesses
and failures, we can build a more positive self-image and increase our motivation to pursue our health and wellness goals.
Feeling and looking good is a journey that starts from within. By embracing a holistic approach to health, utilizing tools like NLP, and striving for peak performance, we can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.
MOSES NALOCCA
His entrepreneurial spirit led Moses to open his first business when he was only 23 years old. Since then, Moses has mastered the game of High-Performance Coaching. Now Moses has been helping his clients to level up in life and businesses by removing self-sabotaging beliefs and helping them solve burning problems. He has trained the leaders of Philip Morris International, TechoArena, Transpress, iBrokers, FitLine, Oriflame, Entegra, Bul Med Consulting, Happy Bar and Grill, and UXP, as well as the Gold Olympic Medalist Karate 2020 – Ivet Goranova and many more. mosesnalocca.com
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GETTING OUT OF STUCKNESS AND THE BENEFITS OF SOLITAIRE
BY JENNIFER HOUGH
In the throes of preparing for a TEDx talk on overcoming overwhelm, Jennifer Hough found herself mired in the very feeling she aimed to conquer. The irony wasn’t lost on her. As she condensed a lifetime of lessons into an 18-minute speech, Jennifer navigated ego clashes, paradigm shifts, and unexpected blessings. But amidst the chaos, she rediscovered a forgotten practice: “Future Activating in the Now”. Join Jennifer as she shares her journey, uncovering the unexpected wisdom found in the simplicity of solitaire amidst the tumult of life’s challenges.
The Best You Magazine 56 FEEL & LOOK GOOD - Strength from Inside Out
I was overwhelmed. Interesting that the very topic of the TEDX I was working on, was to transcend overwhelm in times of great change. The irony was not lost on me.
Ever put pressure on yourself? Or pick up on the stress of other people and make it your own? We all do it.
I had not read my word of the day for 5 weeks, since I’d been focusing on my TEDX project. I had to laugh when I read my word of the day in the morning after ending a huge amount of struggle. Again, the irony was not lost on me.
So, in my journey of trying to condense 25 years worth of lessons, stories, and bridges into an 18-minute TED talk (which is definitely a leap for someone who is used to speaking for at least 3 hours or 3 Days to weave stories), there have been so many opportunities to transcend struggle. There have been so many parts of the journey that involved ego stuff coming up for everyone involved, certainly paradigm shifts, and absolutely gifts from the Heavens about my life, finding flow and grace.
I am grateful, don’t get me wrong. There’s a saying that I share with my clients: “The issue is not the issue, that you made it the issue is the issue.”
Yet, it doesn’t matter who you are, when you get under enough stress, you can forget even the most helpful life lessons. And I did.
The morning after a late night working ‘hard’, I had an epiphany. Don’t get me wrong, I do love contrast as I know it always leads to powerful expansive leaps in my paradigms about life. I’m in love with those leaps... and I probably made this one a little more long-coming than I could have.
There’s a practice that I love to do. It’s called “Future Activating in the Now”. I talk to myself and allow myself to feel into the future by speaking about it like it has already happened. In the past tense.
When I use that technique, it always puts me in flow. I do it every morning. Or at least I had been, until the three days prior
to getting unbearably overwhelmed.
I was not living into the beauty of the power of what I was about to share with 500 people. Everything started getting hard and stressful. I ended up in that state because first I was putting pressure on myself to get it right, then I let the stress of the organizers seep in, and then I started carrying them because I don’t like to see people I love in distress.
The teacher is the student yet again.
Overall, though I know on a cellular level that it was all happening for me, it is embedded in my cells that there is “always a way” to get back to flow. It is absolutely a law in physics. Entanglement theory says that if a problem exists, its complementary answer also exists. I live knowing this.
I needed to get to the frequency of the answers.
I knew that it was time for a pattern interrupt. When one is being right that something is serious and hard, it becomes difficult to step away when all we want to do is solve the problem, so we can feel good. Do you do that?
But, the answers we need always come from the space between the atoms. They lay in the dark matter, that is not yet in reality. In order to access answers to get my talk done in flow and ease and getting out of Fight or Flight, I would need some space. I would need to do something that puts me at the frequency of the answer instead of the frequency of the problem, like changing the channel to the good vibes where all good vibe things live.
I put on some great music, and I started to play solitaire. Solitaire puts me in connection to my greater wisdom for some reason. It gets my mind out of the way, like a meditation. And all of a sudden, in my humming, chair dancing solitaire game, the first of the shifts happened.
I was winning the game… and knew that I would win. It was a tough game. I realized that I love to prove my ability to figure it out, by playing tough games.
IT’S EASY TO FORGET THAT WE ARE NOT ALONE AND THAT WE HAVE TOOLS, WHEN THE WORLD AROUND US DOES NOT LIVE THAT WAY.
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What? No, I like easy. Why would I want to prove myself through making it hard? Then when I knew I would win, I wanted to restart the same game because I saw I made a mistake… and instead, I pressed the “New Game” button!
I laughed, because the contrast in life is just as important as the flow or winning. And it is not something to complain about. It can be embraced in the same way winning is embraced, as the catalyst to cause us to win in new and fun ways, is almost always a little contrast.
You cannot, as a Creator Being, live without contrast. It is built into the fabric of life on purpose. It is what causes us to come to new insights and create what has never existed before. Like what was now part of creating my TEDx talk. Like asking my husband to help me at a whole new level. Like understanding my glass
ceiling on stress, and now embodying a way of being that I will never forget. Like knowing that the contrast I was now experiencing was going to help me embody flow at a whole new level. I’ll be able to move through this level of intensity with grace and ease because I took action that proved to me that flow and grace is available whenever I want… even when I reach a glass ceiling.
I just need to get to the channel where it exists.
That is why I followed my solitaire game (that I gleefully lost) with the perfect Qiqong class, followed by an awesome dinner with a friend the previous night and then came home and watched an amazing Youtube video about love. It started with interrupting my dogged, serious pattern by going out and focusing on something else… instead of do-
ing what most people do when they get stressed—they “hunker down”, and I had been hunkering down.
The morning after coming remembering myself anew, I read my “word of they day” for the first time in 5 weeks:
Longanimity: (n) Patient endurance of hardship.
It means perseverance or stick-to-itness with a side order of suffering a little. That’s what I was doing.
Remember to stay with your journey and return to the practices that bring you back to your flow. Future Activating is one that we teach in our Embodiment Workshop, because I love to make flow my default not just remembering to flow when stress is happening. I’m an efficiency nut. I used to be so tired of excavating myself, I just wanted to embody thriving
The Best You Magazine 58 FEEL & LOOK GOOD - Strength from Inside Out
practices as a different faster way. Yes, I still need to look at old patterns occasionally (like with this TED), but my biology is already in that future, so insights are easier to come by most of the time.
I don’t like fixing myself from the same energy as the problem. After all, the only reason I want relief is so I can fly. So, I love to teach people to fly first, and come at their stuckness from a future higher perspective. Solutions are exponentially more forthcoming… but that’s all for another article.
Your consistent practices, and particularly Future Activations in the Now, will get you way out ahead of this crazy world and make you not only resilient, but regenerative in nature.
It’s easy to forget that we are not alone and that we have tools, when the world around us does not live that way. We
compound our self-imposed pressure with the stress of others because if we are not conscious about it, the frequencies simply match up. The contrast is still a blessing however.
It’s easy to have independence when we are in stress, and just hunker down and be a lone wolf. But in an intense world like ours now, we need our friends, we need to do the things that interrupt the grease line slippery emotional slope to hell, and we need to get out ahead of how our day goes so our biology is already living an inspired future.
We are all in this together, my friends. Happy to be in it with you.
JENNIFER HOUGH
Jennifer Hough takes her clients on an experiential journey into the use of everyday physics to shift their ability to flourish in business, body, and abundance. Her work has been featured in documentaries, TV, radio, best-selling books, and on stages around the world. Jennifer has 20 years of experience educating doctors (MDs, NDs and DCs), teachers, CEOs and Associations (Nurses, NDs, HR, Native American) in the physics of flow through her program, Get Out of Your Own Way™.
thewideawakening.com
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WEALTH & RICHES
MIND OVER MONEY: THE ROLE OF MINDSET IN WEALTH CREATION
FIONA CAMPBELL
FINDING YOUR PURPOSE SIMON HEDLEY
MIND OVER MONEY: THE ROLE OF MINDSET IN WEALTH CREATION
BY FIONA CAMPBELL
In the pursuit of financial success, mindset reigns supreme. This article by renowned financial coach Fiona Campbell explores the critical link between mindset and wealth creation, emphasizing how our beliefs, attitudes, and outlook can shape our financial journey. Whether it’s setting goals, adopting strategies, or presenting ourselves in the economic landscape, our mindset helps determine our success. By understanding and cultivating a positive mindset, we can unlock the key to realizing our full financial potential.
Mindset plays a pivotal role in shaping your financial outcomes. From the goals you set, your beliefs about money, your attitudes toward wealth-building strategies, to how you present yourself to the world, your mindset significantly influences your ability to create and sustain wealth.
At its core, your mindset refers to the collection of beliefs, attitudes, and perspectives that you hold about yourself and the world around you. When it comes to wealth creation, mindset can either serve as a powerful catalyst or a significant barrier. Everyone creates their own edited version of how they perceive the world by what they pay at-
tention to, their values and the way they sort and filter information.
It is now accepted that your behaviour is influenced by the way you think, so the very first thing to consider is how precisely you are setting your goals for the lifestyle you aspire to. If I say to you “don’t think of blue rabbits” because the words ‘blue rabbits’ are in the sentence then you brain will think about ‘blue rabbits.” In the same way, if you say to yourself “I don’t what to struggle financially” you brain will focus on struggling financially! The key is telling yourself what you want to happen, rather than what you don’t want to happen. Telling yourself “I have a career that provides me with a
wealthy and abundant lifestyle” is much more likely to help you sustain a wealth creation mindset.
Your brain is compelled to respond to anything you ask or tell yourself. Your dialogue, your thoughts and even the way you hold your body all influence your approach to creating wealth. The more you focus on something, the more it tends to show up in your life. For example, if you think that you are not worthy of a wealthy and abundant lifestyle, the decisions and life choices you make often result in a life of financial struggle.
On the other hand, if you think that you are worthy of success and abundance,
The Best You Magazine 62 WEALTH & RICHES
SURROUNDING YOURSELF WITH AMBITIOUS AND DRIVEN INDIVIDUALS CAN INSPIRE YOU TO SET HIGHER FINNANCIAL GOALS AND STRIVE FOR SUCCESS.
their insights can help you make informed decisions regarding your finances and investments.
Surrounding yourself with ambitious and driven individuals can inspire you to set higher financial goals and strive for success. Additionally, your social circle can provide a support system that encourages you to stay focused and accountable for your financial decisions and actions.
I believe that wealth is much more than just about money and finance. It is an attitude of success and abundance that shows up in your body posture and voice tone sending an unconscious message out to others that you are worth investing in or doing business with.
When someone has a scarcity mindset, they focus on fear, lack and the belief that their resources are limited.
I also know people, that no matter what their financial status is, they have a mindset of abundance and wealth. When you have an abundance mindset, you believe there is a never-ending supply of opportunities and more than enough to go round everyone.
this influences your outlook, decisions and you are more likely to make decisions and choices that move you towards improving your financial worth.
It’s also important to note that the people you socialise and mix with have a huge impact on your lifestyle. They can provide opportunities and introductions for job openings, investment prospects, and business ventures, plus broaden your knowledge base. Learning from
However, the impact of your social circle on your ability to create wealth depends on the quality of relationships you develop, and the values shared within the group. Surrounding yourself with individuals who support your goals, share similar values, and encourage growth can significantly contribute to your financial success. Additionally, being open-minded, proactive, and willing to contribute positively to your social circle can further enhance its impact on your wealth creation journey.
However, just because someone is wealthy does not mean they have a wealth creation mindset. I know financially wealthy people who have a scarcity mindset. They are so busy worrying about losing their wealth. Being wealthy brings no happiness for them and they are unable to enjoy life and the wonderful pleasures their wealth could bring them.
Carol Dweck, the author of “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,” is wellknown for her research on the concept of mindset, particularly the distinction between fixed mindset and growth mindset. In her book, Dweck explains that individuals with a growth mindset believe that their abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. They see challenges as opportunities for growth, embrace learning, and are resilient in the face of setbacks.
One way that you can develop a mindset of abundance, growth and wealth is by learning to use NLP (neurolinguistic programming). NLP techniques offer a set of powerful tools to help you to reshape your mindset, creating a more conducive environment for wealth creation.
We know that all behaviour is learned, and one of the fundamental principles of NLP is that our thoughts, language, and behaviours are interconnected, and by changing one aspect, we can influence the others.
Reframing how you think is a useful tool for developing a growth mindset. One way to do this is changing the way
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you perceive challenges and setbacks by viewing them as opportunities for growth. Instead of seeing failure as a roadblock, reframe this as a valuable learning experience that brings you one step closer to your financial goals.
Successful entrepreneurs tend to have far more failures that successes. It is often their vision of success that keep them going. Because your brain does not know the difference between imagination and reality, when you imagine achieving something in great sensory detail, seeing what
it looks like, hearing how it sounds and feeling how it feels, your brain believes this is happening. Because your brain believes this is happening, it becomes a much more realistic goal to achieve rather than just dreaming about it.
While working with wealthy entrepreneurs, I discovered that many had started out by vividly imagining themselves achieving their financial success long before they achieved it. Because your brain focuses on what you are thinking about, by visualising yourself living a wealthy abundant life, you are more likely to see opportunities and make the choices towards creating that life. Combining a clear goal with an action plan, plus regular visualisation exercises, can reinforce your positive beliefs about your ability to create wealth and overcome obstacles along the way.
How you talk to and encourage yourself also plays a crucial role in shaping your mindset around wealth. By using positive self-talk, that is telling yourself what you want to happen rather that what you don’t want to happen, you can reprogram your subconscious minds to align with your financial aspirations.
Positive thinking is not merely a cliché but a powerful force in wealth creation. Research shows that optimistic individuals are more resilient in the face of setbacks, better equipped to navigate challenges, and tend to attract opportunities.
By consistently affirming beliefs such as “I am capable of achieving financial abundance” or “I attract wealth and prosperity into my life,” you can instil confidence and optimism in your ability to create wealth.
Furthermore, NLP techniques can help you overcome limiting beliefs surrounding money that may have been ingrained since childhood. By identifying the source of these beliefs and changing what you say to yourself, you can break free from self-imposed limitations and embrace a more abundant mindset.
Another way you can help develop a wealth and abundance mindset is modelling successful individuals. As children, we learn by copying what people do and say, it’s our natural way to learn. By taking
time get to know financially successfully people, studying their mindset, strategies, behaviours, the way they move, the language they use, you can learn to adopt similar patterns to enhance your own abundant lifestyle.
To summarise, in the pursuit of wealth, mindset emerges as a critical determinant of success. Cultivating a wealth mindset involves reshaping your beliefs, adopting positive thinking, and embracing opportunities. NLP offers a set of powerful techniques that complement this journey, providing you with tools to reprogramme your thoughts and behaviours for financial success. By integrating NLP into your approach, you can unlock your full potential, paving the way for a prosperous and fulfilling financial future.
If you are interested in learning NLP with Fiona go to https://nlplifetraining.com/ courses/
FIONA CAMPBELL
Since 1992, Fiona Campbell has delivered leadership training for hundreds of companies and coached thousands of business professionals internationally to help them develop a growth mindset and improved their communicating, motivating, leading, coaching and influencing skills. She delivers Certified NLP (neuro linguistic programming) Business Coach training and is recognised globally as one of the leading specialists for using NLP skills for business and coaching.
theprofessionalgrowthcompany.com
The Best You Magazine 64 WEALTH & RICHES
FINDING YOUR PURPOSE
BY SIMON HEDLEY
In this world full of challenges, struggles, confusion and distraction, Simon Hedley, known as The Strategic Alchemist, steps up to help individuals find their purpose and become the best versions of themselves. In this empowering article, he shows us how to gain clarity from chaos, find our life purpose, and in the end, become a beacon to others ourselves.
Our distant ancestors had one daily focus – survival. Over millennia we – as a species – learnt to create and collaborate and build a world that for many could be considered “safe”. Clearly there are still challenges, and people around the world more than you may expect are waking up going how will I survive this day and this week.
They worry about food and water and shelter. They worry about health challenges. They worry about feeling safe. They worry about the survival of those they love.
When there is a large natural disaster or major event, or something significant happens to us or our loved ones – our minds and priorities and tactical purpose becomes clear – albeit it temporarily.
I wanted to start here as I think it’s important to have this grounding and grati-
tude for those that came before and still do what they do so that we can consider this question of “What is my purpose?”.
It’s also a testament to the journey and evolution we’re on as a species. We have overcome challenges that seemed insurmountable, technologies – inner and outer – have been developed and deployed. More I believe are to come. So, we have to consider the question of purpose in the context of life today as a whole, and its trajectory and our own current state, our past and our potential futures.
I want to underline this point as I do believe that getting clear about what really matters to you is such a vital inquiry –possibly even our life’s purpose. It’s why I wrote the book Chaos To Clarity to provide tools and distinctions to help people on the journey to clarity of purpose. I say journey as I believe that purpose unfolds
and emerges through engagement with life and the world rather than passive isolated contemplation.
You may not see how the dots connect until you look back.
So, we have to start with this mindset and committed to this journey of inquiry and be proactive about it. I’d love to encourage you to embrace the journey and journal.
Primarily as a tool to support you, and also to give you space to notice the progress and insights you gain.
On this journey, curiosity will open the door to new possibilities and your capacity for patience will allow purpose to unfold naturally. If you can generate genuine gratitude for each moment, you will enhance the journey and appreciating every step. Just as you may enjoy each scene of a movie even without knowing the ending.
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ON THIS JOURNEY, CURIOSITY WILL OPEN THE DOOR TO NEW POSIBILITIES AND YOUR CAPACITY FOR PATIENCE WILL ALLOW PURPOSE TO UNFOLD NATURALLY.
At this point, I’d like to give you some practical steps to take and specifically ask you try on a few “thought experiments”. These are designed to challenge and expand your perspective on your purpose, and seed inquiries in ways I’ve found have helped my clients in their quest for clarity on their purpose.
These thought experiments may trigger you. Talk them through with people you trust and respect in safe space. Journal on them. Be ok that you may not know the answers, or that the answers may shape and evolve over time. They are designed to unlock your creativity and shift your thinking and alignment back towards your purpose.
Take a few minutes and consider The Key Questions of:
• “What legacy would you want to leave if you had only 12 months to live?”
• “What would you do if financial constraints were removed?”
• “What would you do right now if could click your fingers and have one thing magically “transformed”?”
For myself, I always come back to my fo-
cus on Making The Difference™. My biggest legacy in the next 12 months would be to help share all the books and ideas that most impact me and the power of asking better questions. If I had unlimited liquid capital, I would fund the charity we founded, Freedom International NOW, and help share all the solutions we have globally, and provide a foundation for enlightened entrepreneurial education. If I could click my fingers, I would want to stop the wars and crime and violence happening globally once and for all, and have people truly commit to collaborating optimally for our wider higher purpose.
As I’ve tried to share above, I’d love you to consider the impact of your purpose beyond your own personal gain. This can be challenging. We all have real needs to meet. I don’t believe any of us are truly “Buddha”, we are human and that’s part of the beauty of being us. Yet there is something profound when we can delve deeper into our motivations.
What if your goals and purpose was truly sel fl ess?
Could you imagine a purpose so powerful and clear that you are happy to follow it and align with it, even if you were to never
The Best You Magazine 66 WEALTH & RICHES
MAKE A POINT OF COMMITTING TIME TO PAUSE, STOP AND RESET. TAKE THE TIME TO REFLECT.
have any recognition or financial gain? Does that excited you or challenge you?
What if your core personal needs were handled – really handled in every way that matters to you, then could you imagine such a purpose and how freedom and creative you could be to fulfil it?
One of my incredible strategic alchemy partners always brings me back to the nature of ecosystems and cathedral thinking. It’s worth remembering the real futility of pursuing material wealth as an end goal.
Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase “being the richest man in the graveyard isn’t your job”. I think we need to underscore the importance of creating a meaningful legacy over accumulating wealth as a purpose. My guess is if you’re reading this, then you already resonate with it.
It’s challenging though to be with the seeming potential conflicts between –“What is my purpose?”, “What do I think I can complete?”, and “What do I think I want to do?” and “What will earn me the money I want to live the life I want to live?”.
What I want to gift you is the idea that possibly they don’t have to relate – they may – but they don’t have to. There are ways of structuring win win wins, and building ecosystems for yourself and in the world that truly work. However, to do that, you have to the clarity first. Perhaps you’ll have one side of your life that earns the financial rewards, that lets you focus on your purpose on the other side.
For now, let’s focus on exploring your purpose and put aside the other considerations, deal?
I promise you that when you have a big enough clear authentic “Why to”. – in other words, your aligned purposes that you’ve become clear about and freely committed to and chosen. All sorts of resources and opportunities will show up that you never would have imagined.
I do want to honour that there can be a potential conflict between finding one’s purpose and the practicalities of life (such as earning a living). You don’t have to jump from one “safe reality” without a parachute no matter what other “gurus” may suggest. I would suggest wherever you are on the journey to purpose that you consider the practice of “purposeful living” where even seemingly mundane activities are imbued with intention and meaning. Washing the dishes, cleaning your room, brushing your teeth etc. can all have more meaning with a larger context and clearer why. The story of the three stone masons that I included in Chaos To Clarity points at this.
I do believe that the journey to finding one’s purpose is a lifelong adventure that is as unique as the individual embarking on it. It is a path marked by highs and lows, successes, and failures, but above all, it is a path of growth, discovery, and fulfilment.
Make a point of committing time to Pause, Stop and Reset. Take the time to reflect. There is nothing worse than the regret of realising you have been working towards other people’s dreams or that others have swayed your focus from why you are really here.
As we embrace this journey with an open heart and a willing spirit, we find that our purpose is not just a destination to be reached, but a way of living that imbues our lives with depth, meaning, and joy.
In time, you’ll know and that is enough, even if you can’t explain it in a pithy seven-word marketing slogan or networking pitch. Remember that the search for purpose is a journey that demands your proactive engagement, curiosity, patience, and gratitude. It is a path that leads us
not only to discover our true selves, but also to make a meaningful contribution to the world around us.
Let this exploration of purpose inspire you to step boldly into the adventure of your life, knowing that each step you take is a step toward a more fulfilled and purposeful existence.
Are you really ready now to let your purpose reveal itself to you in the days and weeks ahead? I hope so, and perhaps the purpose you seek will find you when you allow it and has been waiting for you and supporting you all along.
If you’re inspired a little, set a time in your diary in the next week or so, to re-read this article and then give yourself the gift of a few hours with your journal where you can focus on exploring the thought experiments and see what from a true blank space without judgment starts to emerge.
I wish you all the best on your journey to clarity about your purpose.
SIMON HEDLEY
Known by his select clients and partners as The Strategic Alchemist. For over two decades, he has been primarily working by referral, and often privately behind the scenes as “Simon X”. You can think of him as The Secret Weapon for Good People Doing Great Things. With a strong banking and business background, he helps Founders grow and scale their businesses, income, and impact.
simonhedley.com
April 2024 67
INNOVATIVE HORIZONS:
TECH, AI, BIOHACKING & LONGEVITY
THE ART OF GROWTH: SCALING YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS
JEFF BARNES
UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF STEM CELLS: AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DR. TODD OVOKAITYS BERNARDO MOYA
INNOVATIVE HORIZONS
LAWRENCE LOIK
GADGET / APP RECOMMENDATIONS
THE ART OF GROWTH: SCALING YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS
BY JEFF BARNES
In the dynamic landscape of business evolution, one strategy stands out for its ability to catalyze growth and cement market supremacy: strategic acquisitions. Penned by Jeff Barnes, this article delves into the transformative power of acquisitions, demonstrating that it’s not solely the domain of corporate giants, but a potent tool for small business owners seeking exponential expansion. Join us as we explore the strategic brilliance behind notable acquisitions and uncover invaluable insights to empower your journey toward monumental growth.
In the grand tapestry of business, few strategies can accelerate growth and solidify market dominance quite like a well-executed acquisition. This tactic isn’t just for the behemoths of the business world; it’s a golden key that can unlock unparalleled growth and wealth for small business owners too. Let’s take a journey through some of the most notable acquisitions, their strategic brilliance, and how you, as a small business owner, can leverage these insights for monumental growth.
THE TITANS AND THEIR TROPHIES
Google and YouTube:A Visionary Match
In a move that now seems like a nobrainer, Google’s acquisition of YouTube for an eye-watering $1.65 billion in 2006 was a masterstroke in strategic growth. Google, already a titan of the internet, recognized YouTube’s potential to dominate the burgeoning online video market. This acquisition wasn’t just about buying a company; it was about securing the future of content on the internet.
Oracle and PeopleSoft: The Power Play
Oracle’s $10.3 billion acquisition of PeopleSoft in 2004 was more than a mere expansion—it was a declaration of dominance in the enterprise software market. This acquisition was a strategic maneuver that solidified Oracle’s position and expanded its reach, showcasing the power of acquisitions to not only grow but also to outmaneuver competitors.
The Best You Magazine 70 INNOVATIVE HORIZONS: - Tech, AI, Biohacking & Longevity
Berkshire Hathaway: The Conglomerate Approach
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway is perhaps the epitome of growth through acquisition. With a diverse portfolio that includes everything from insurance and utilities to fast food and aviation, Berkshire Hathaway’s strategy is about more than growth; it’s about creating a robust and resilient empire. Buffett’s approach of acquiring companies with strong cash flows, good management, and durable competitive advantages has turned Berkshire Hathaway into a behemoth of business.
THE BLUEPRINT FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
Drawing inspiration from these giants, let’s distill the essence of their success into actionable strategies for small business owners:
1. Identify Complementary Businesses
Look for businesses that complement your current operations. Whether it’s expanding your product line, entering new markets, or acquiring new technologies, the goal is to find synergies that can catapult your growth.
2. Financial Prudence
While the idea of acquiring another business is exciting, financial prudence is paramount. Assess not just the price but the value. Consider the financial health of the business, potential ROI, and how the acquisition will be financed.
3. Due Diligence
This cannot be overstated. Understanding every facet of the business you’re acquiring—its financials, culture, market position, and potential liabilities— is critical to ensuring you’re making a sound investment.
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Jeff & Amara Barnes with Steve Forbes
4. Integration Plan
A successful acquisition doesn’t end with a purchase; it’s just the beginning. Having a clear integration plan is crucial for realizing the synergies and growth potential of your acquisition. This includes aligning cultures, systems, and processes.
5. Focus on Core Competencies
Ensure that any acquisition amplifies your core competencies. The most successful acquisitions are those that strengthen the acquiring company’s foundational strengths while also providing new avenues for growth.
6. Strategic Patience
Finally, patience is a virtue in the art of acquisition. Wait for the right opportunity, not just any opportunity. The best deals are
those that align with your strategic vision and offer clear paths to value creation.
THE SYNDICATION MODEL
Incorporating the concept of syndications into your acquisition strategy can significantly amplify your ability to purchase businesses, especially those that might otherwise be out of reach financially. A syndication involves pooling resources from multiple investors to acquire a business, spreading the risk and leveraging collective financial power for a common goal. This method not only democratizes the process of large acquisitions but also opens the door for small business owners to participate in deals that can dramatically accelerate their growth trajectory. By aligning with like-minded investors, you can harness a collective bargaining
power and a diversified skill set, turning the dream of a significant acquisition into a tangible reality.
For small business owners looking to explore syndications, the first step is to build a network of potential investors who share your vision and investment philosophy. This could include fellow business owners, venture capitalists, or even friends and family who believe in your growth strategy. The key is to ensure clear communication about the goals, risks, and rewards of the acquisition. Establishing a legal and financial framework that outlines the structure of the syndicate, roles of each member, and the distribution of profits and losses is crucial to maintaining trust and clarity among all parties involved. Syndications not only provide a pathway to larger acquisitions but also offer a platform for collaborative
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Jeff Barnes & 3 Foot Giant Sean Stephenson
growth, shared expertise, and the spreading of risks, making it a potent strategy for those looking to scale their businesses through acquisitions.
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED
As a small business owner, the path of growth through acquisition may seem daunting, fraught with unknowns and risks. Yet, it is a path well-trodden by some of the most successful companies in history. By approaching acquisitions with a strategic mindset, a focus on synergies, and a commitment to thorough due diligence, you can unlock exponential growth and build a lasting legacy.
Remember, the goal is not just growth for growth’s sake but strategic, sustainable expansion that propels your busi-
ness to new heights. Whether you’re aiming to become the next Google, Oracle, or Berkshire Hathaway, or simply to carve out a dominant position in your niche, the power of acquisition is a formidable tool in your entrepreneurial arsenal.
Embrace the challenge, for in the world of business, those who dare to dream big and act boldly are the ones who carve their names into the annals of success.
If you’d like to learn how to start acquiring businesses, either by yourself or through syndication, visit www.AngelInvestorsNetwork.com/events to see a list of upcoming events where we will be showing a select group of participants how to build wealth through business acquisition.
THOSE WHO DARE TO DREAM BIG AND ACT BOLDLY ARE THE ONES WHO CARVE THEIR NAMES INTO THE ANNALS OF SUCCESS.
JEFF BARNES
Jeff Barnes is a former US Navy Nuclear power plant operator on a Submarine, Navy diver, risk management director, technology enthusiast, business growth expert, advisor and management consultant. Mr. Barnes sits on the boards of startup companies, runs a venture fund, supports non-profits supporting military vets, and spends most of his time helping CEOs and founders of growing companies automate, systemize, and scale to 8 and 9-figure valuations. As the chairman of Angel Investors Network and founder of Digital Evolution Marketing Group, Mr. Barnes has worked with founders, entrepreneurs, and CEOs around the world to accelerate the growth of their businesses and achieve substantial exits demg.io
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Jeff Barnes & Garrett J. White
UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF STEM CELLS: AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DR. TODD OVOKAITYS
BY BERNARDO MOYA
Bernardo Moya, editor-in-chief of The Best You, had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Todd Ovokaitys, a trailblazer in the fields of medicine and stem cell research. Dr. Ovokaitys is not only a pioneering doctor, but also a leading researcher and scientist, pushing the boundaries of science to unlock the secrets of stem cells and their potential for regenerative medicine and anti-aging. Join us as we explore his groundbreaking work, valuable information surrounding stem cell research, and the future of medical innovation.
The Best You Magazine 74 INNOVATIVE HORIZONS: - Tech, AI, Biohacking & Longevity
Bernardo Moya: Well, here we are in another episode interview for inspiring people, and also for The Best You magazine, tremendously excited to speak to Dr. Todd. Dr. Todd, thank you so much for being here.
That brings me, how is technology nowadays? How is technology fast forwarding everything that we’re learning and bringing into general medicine regarding anti-aging?
Todd Ovokaitys: There’s just so much. I have trademarked the phrase, “The biohack is the stack.”
B: “The biohack is the stack.”
T: “The biohack is the stack.” It’s how you stack it. It’s not just one thing. It’s like a symphony. It’s where you start, what things you layer together, how you sequence them, how you time them, how you develop the theme, how you create the crescendo of the fact and the ultimate resolution. I do view the art of biological age reversal, and the V cells have been so far the most potent way to turn back the biological aging clock with the diagnostic company that we use that does the biological aging tests. This was the most profound for literally turning back the clock so much that they had to repeat the test several times to make sure that they weren’t making a mistake in the lab.
The other thing that they found that moved the needle somewhat, not as much as the V cells, was plasma ex-
change. And it is around that area. And there are many other technological adjuncts that are very beneficial. There was a study with hyperbaric oxygen, for example, that showed that after 60 sessions, there was a significant elongation of telomeres. And telomeres are the ends of the chromosomes that tend to chip smaller and smaller as cells divide. And when they get too short, the cells stop dividing. And the elongation of telomeres is another indication of biological age reversal at the DNA level. That is very good for neuro-regeneration. So persons with neurologic issues of various sorts tend to get a better recovery if they use hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
There is technology called the biocharger that’s really high tech. This is an area you’d probably really like, which involves a Tesla coil. I get Tesla, the great inventor in the arena of all things electrical, and it creates these very high energy impulses. It lights up these beautiful tubes of noble gases like neon and helium and argon, and a few other gases like iodine. So, these beautiful glowing tubes create these high impulses of electromagnetic fields that tends to recharge the cell membranes, and they have evolved a frequency menu of about 1200 frequencies that can tune it to various bodily systems and functions.
And I had the experience of having flown back from the other coast. I’m in the west. I came back from the east coast, which tends to create a good bit of fatigue. And after a minute session, I felt
like I had a good night’s rest. So that’s another type of technology that can work with, boosting the electric potential of the cell membranes for recharging the cells literally for feeling better, stronger, having more energy and enhancing various bodily systems.
There are nutraceutical approaches, and one of the things that our team has done is develop a range of laser-enhanced nutraceuticals. We’ve done a dozen. clinical trials to validate the ability to improve the structure and function of various bodily systems. Some we’ve published and even patented. So there are a wide range of nutraceutical adjuncts that are botanicals that have very significant benefits. There’s a whole series of natural compounds that are made in plants that are called adaptogens, that enhance the body’s ability to adapt to stress. One of my favorites is rhodiola, which has this unique property that within 24 hours, it can turn off the adrenal stress cortisol response. It’s very helpful for people to navigate well in cold weather and high altitudes. It prolongs physical and mental endurance for things that require either a lot of physical or mental activity for a prolonged period of time. Then there’s the old favorite of ginseng, there’s ashwagandha and others in that area. There are antioxidants that help to relieve the oxidative stress in the body.
Many of those particular things like OPCs from dark colored berries and ECGC, epigallate from green tea, and there are
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“BIOHACK IS THE STACK” IT’S HOW YOU STACK IT. IT’S NOT JUST ONE THING. IT’S LIKE A SYMPHONY. IT’S WHERE YOU START, WHAT THINGS YOU LAYER TOGETHER, HOW YOU DEVELOP THE THEME AND THE ULTIMATE RESOLUTION.
many published studies on the health benefits just of drinking green tea, and if you have two cups a day, it’s good. If you have eight, it’s even better. There are many things.
There’s a realm that’s a bit controversial called peptide therapy, which are small molecules made in the body you need to stimulate regenerative responses in various tissues that can also be combined and stacked. There are different types of pulse electromagnetic field technology. There are lightbeds of various sorts, and there are many benefits that have been found simply for applying things like red light to the body, especially increasing ATP, which is the energy currency of the body.
Many, many technologies are being developed that can be chosen to layer together.
B: Well, thank you. And you’ve obviously shared a little mini masterclass of everything that’s available out there. And I also love that you’ve shared so many things that are also natural and available to everyone.
I’ve been reading a couple of nutritionists, I was reading recently about how saunas and exposure to saunas x amount of hours per week can also help you extend your life, depending on the
amount of hours and the heat that you do hot and cold.
T: Yeah, there is a beautiful study from Scandinavia that showed that doing the infrared sauna five times a week had a significant longevity enhancing effect. Also good for enhancing the immune system and you burn several 100 calories. One of those, the more the merrier. You also mentioned cold.
One of the things that I avoided doing for months, cause it seemed like such a bad idea, was jumping into a very cold chamber. I believe they said it was minus 250 degrees centigrade. And I grew up in Wisconsin, which has winters with, did I say, I think that was minus 250 Fahrenheit, something like minus 130 centigrade, really, really cold. And I’ve experienced it, minus 40, which is where Fahrenheit and centigrade meet. And that’s really, really cool. So I thought, why would I want to subject myself to that? And what I found is that it’s only three minutes at a very cold temperature. And it was amazing. It was like I had the runner’s high for hours afterward.
Most of these things, either the high heat of an infrared sauna or the cold of a so-called cryo chamber, or some people do cold plunges, creates a so-called
The Best You Magazine 76 INNOVATIVE HORIZONS: - Tech, AI, Biohacking & Longevity
hermetic stress, where you push the body way out of its comfort limits and that creates adaptive responses that are very beneficial.
B: Absolutely. I even read that “listen, if you don’t have a cold bath, just a 30-second shower under a cold tap,” definitely helps as well, I suppose. So, Dr. Todd, you recently mentioned that you’ve just come back from doing a talk at NASA. So, obviously, I’m very interested in getting a little bit of gossip. What did you share there?
T: Well, particularly the concept of biological age reversal. What was interesting at the beginning of looking at the biological age results, we found that if someone had had one of the V cell experiences within the past five years, that they were three years younger biologically than their birth date age.
If they hadn’t done a treatment, in general, they were about the same or even a little bit older biologically than their birth age. There are a few exceptions, like our older colleague who’s a triathlete, who’s competed in 42 triathlons, who was minus six when he started, and then after three treatments, was minus 18, did a fourth for his heart, and while age 74, his
heart rate response in competition was that of a 37 year old that actually improved by being 12 years younger physiologically with the treatment directed to his heart. My main theme was that if you’re able to reverse biological age for a certain amount of time, and we often see 3 years, sometimes more, that you now have 3 years of biology back. And what are you going to do with those years if you do some really good things, like enhance your diet and exercise program, meditate, do yoga, do other techniques that are about enhancing your super normal capabilities. After that period of time, you can be an enhanced version of yourself and then you can do it again. So it’s really about the idea that we have the capability to be constantly up leveling from one state to the next, to the next. There was a very powerful statement that I learned recently. I think Gary Brecker is the source of it, that a colleague told me about what I thought was really simple and amazingly profound, and I shared this with the high tech companies that were at the NASA event, which is a statement that “aging is comfort.” If you’re not pushing yourself through the wall, if you’re not exceeding the barrier of your limits, if you’re not actively doing it, then you’re aging.
B: Wow. How fascinating. That is absolutely amazing, Dr. Todd. You provided us with so much insight today. And obviously, you know, we’ll make sure that we make those webpages very prominent. Dr. Todd, I’m very grateful. Thank you so much for your time.
T: Great pleasure. Thank you.
BERNARDO MOYA
Bernardo is the founder of The Best You brand. An entrepreneur, author, writer, coach, mentor, seminar promoter, TV producer and is editor-in-chief of The Best You magazine
thebestyou.co
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INNOVATIVE HORIZONS:
TECH, AI, BIOHACKING & LONGEVITY
BY LAWRENCE LOIK
In the modernizing realm of health and wellness, a profound shift is on the horizon. Guided by artificial intelligence (AI), a paradigmatic evolution is unfolding within the domains of anti-aging, longevity, and medicine. Join Lawrence Loik, a leading authority on AI-powered marketing, as he shares the role of AI and how it can help people live better, not just longer.
In the bustling world of health and wellness, a new era is dawning. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the fields of anti-aging, longevity, and medicine are undergoing a transformation that promises to rewrite the rules of personal health and well-being.
This journey, marked by the convergence of technology, AI, and biohacking, isn’t just about living longer; it’s about living better.
HOW AI IS CHANGING THE GAME IN ANTI-AGING
Then vs. Now:
In the tapestry of human history, the quest to reverse aging has always fascinated societies.
Ancient Egyptians used a variety of natural remedies and techniques in pursuit of beauty and longevity, often with mixed results. The Renaissance era brought about a deeper understanding of the human body, yet solutions for aging remained elusive and based more on philosophy than science.
Fast forward to the 20th century, where breakthroughs in chemistry and medicine led to the first synthetic anti-aging products, albeit with a one-size-fits-all approach.
Today, AI has revolutionized this pursuit by introducing personalized anti-aging solutions, leveraging data to understand aging at a molecular level, and enabling targeted interventions that are significantly more effective and safe.
Why AI Wins:
The transformative power of AI in antiaging lies in its unparalleled analytical capabilities.
Traditional methods were often reactive, addressing aging signs as they appeared without understanding underlying causes. In contrast, AI predicts aging trends based on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle data, offering proactive solutions tailored to individual profiles. This shift from a reactive to a predictive approach marks a significant advancement in personal health care.
Innovations and Companies:
ModiFace, Neutrogena Skin360, Foreo, Proven Skincare, and Skinceuticals are
The Best You Magazine 78 INNOVATIVE HORIZONS: - Tech, AI, Biohacking & Longevity
pioneers, in leveraging AI for personalized skincare.
The addition of L’Oréal’s AI-driven skin diagnostic tools further showcases the industry’s move towards inclusivity and precision in anti-aging solutions.
AI AND THE QUEST FOR LONGEVITY
Then vs. Now:
The pursuit of a long, healthy life is as old as civilization itself, with tales of quests for immortality permeating ancient mythologies.
In historical times, practices aimed at extending life were often intertwined with spiritual beliefs. The advent of modern medicine shifted the focus towards sci-
entific approaches, though these were still limited by the medical knowledge of the time.
In the 21st century, AI has brought a paradigm shift, enabling a data-driven approach to longevity. By analyzing vast datasets, AI identifies key factors influencing longevity, allowing for personalized strategies that not only aim to extend life but also enhance its quality.
Why AI Wins:
AI’s impact on longevity is profound due to its ability to aggregate and analyze data from diverse sources, offering insights that were previously unattainable.
This holistic view enables a nuanced understanding of aging, facilitating interventions
FROM THE DEPTHS OF OUR DNA TO THE DAILY CHOICES WE MAKE, AI OFFERS A BEACON OF HOPE FOR A HEALTHIER, HAPPIER FUTURE
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that are both effective and personalized.
AI’s predictive analytics power revolutionizes how we approach longevity, transitioning from a generalized to a highly individualized perspective.
Innovations and Companies:
InsideTracker, Elysium Health, Gero, Spring Health, and LifeVantage lead the charge, using AI to tailor health and wellness interventions.
Calico, an Alphabet company, dives deep into the genetics of aging, using AI to uncover the secrets to a longer, healthier life.
THE AI REVOLUTION IN MEDICINE
Then vs. Now:
The history of medicine is a story of continuous evolution, from herbal remedies and the humoral theory of ancient civilizations to the evidence-based practices that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Each era brought new understanding and techniques, yet the complexity of human health often outpaced the ability to diagnose and treat diseases effectively.
Enter AI, which has begun to transform medicine from an art into a science of precision.
By leveraging vast amounts of medical data, AI enhances diagnostic accuracy, optimizes treatments, and personalizes patient care, heralding a new era of healthcare where interventions are as unique as the individuals receiving them.
Why AI Wins:
AI’s advantage in medicine stems from its capacity to learn and adapt. Unlike static medical textbooks or one-sizefits-all treatment guidelines, AI systems evolve, incorporating the latest research and patient data to improve outcomes continuously.
This dynamic approach to medicine, powered by AI, represents a leap forward in our ability to treat complex diseases.
Innovations and Companies:
Babylon Health, Butterfly Network, Alive-
Cor, Zebra Medical Vision, and PathAI are at the forefront, revolutionizing healthcare accessibility and precision.
DeepMind’s recent advancements in AI for protein folding represent a breakthrough in understanding diseases at a molecular level, opening new avenues for drug discovery and treatment strategies.
DeepMind has made significant strides with its AI-driven approach to understanding protein structures, a critical factor in the development of new medicines and understanding various diseases.
IBM Watson Health is leveraging AI to enhance medical research, offering tools for doctors to provide more personalized care by analyzing the medical history of their patients alongside vast medical literature and studies.
THE BROADER IMPACT OF AI IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS
AI’s Broader Reach:
The impact of AI in anti-aging, longevity, and medicine is just the tip of the iceberg.
Its applications extend into mental health, preventive care, and even the management of chronic diseases, offering a more holistic approach to health and wellness.
For instance, AI-driven platforms are now able to predict depressive episodes or anxiety conditions before they become severe, allowing for early intervention.
Moreover, wearable technology, powered by AI, monitors vital signs and predicts potential health issues, facilitating a shift towards preventive healthcare.
This not only empowers individuals to take charge of their health but also significantly reduces the burden on healthcare systems by mitigating diseases before they require extensive treatment.
The Future Landscape:
As we look to the future, the integration of AI into our daily lives promises a new era of health and longevity.
The Best You Magazine 80 INNOVATIVE HORIZONS: - Tech, AI, Biohacking & Longevity
The ongoing research and development in AI and health tech are paving the way for advancements that were once the realm of science fiction.
Personalized nutrition plans optimized by AI, virtual health assistants available 24/7, and AI-powered genomic sequencing are just a few examples of what’s on the horizon.
The ethical considerations and data privacy concerns that accompany these advancements are being addressed with increasing sophistication, ensuring that the benefits of AI can be enjoyed responsibly and securely.
IN CONCLUSION:
The dawn of AI in health and wellness heralds a new chapter in the human quest for longevity and vitality.
By blending technology with personalized care, AI is not just extending our lifespans but enriching the quality of life itself.
From the depths of our DNA to the daily choices we make, AI offers a beacon of hope for a healthier, happier future.
As we stand on the brink of this new horizon, it’s clear that the journey ahead is filled with promise.
With AI as our guide, the path to longevity has never been more accessible. Here’s to embracing the innovations that lie ahead, for a life not just longer, but fuller and richer in every sense.
The advancements in AI and health technology are not merely incremental; they represent a fundamental shift in how we understand and approach our health.
As we continue to unlock the potential of AI, the vision of a world where each individual can achieve their optimal state of health and well-being is becoming increasingly attainable.
The synergy of AI and human ingenuity is crafting a future where aging is not feared but embraced, with confidence and dignity, as part of the beautiful tapestry of life.
In this new era, “Innovative Horizons” is more than a concept; it’s a reality we’re building together—one breakthrough at a time.
For more information on how AI can help you in your personal life or growing your business, reach out to us at https://www. linkedin.com/in/larryloik/
As the founder of Completely AI and Complete Marketing Systems, Lawrence Loik is recognized as a leading authority on AI-powered marketing. His insights and expertise have been showcased across major media outlets including CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg, Money Magazine, LA Times, NY Times, CBS Radio, Gulf News, and New Zealand Magazine, among others globally.
Mr. Loik also gained acclaim as the host of the syndicated CBS Radio show ‘The New Money Show’ in Los Angeles and has had the distinction of being business partners with Anthony Robbins. completely.ai
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LAWRENCE LOIK
GADGET / APP RECOMMENDATIONS
As we navigate the complexities and challenges of modern life, harnessing the right tools can make all the difference in our quest for growth and self-improvement. In this section, we’ll explore a curated selection of top-notch apps that promise to inspire, motivate, and guide you on your path to becoming the best version of yourself. Whether you’re seeking mindfulness, productivity boosters, or skills enhancement, these apps are poised to be your steadfast companions in your transformative journey ahead.
IMPRINT
Imprint serves as your visual guide for important knowledge, spanning various fields including psychology, philosophy, history, finance, leadership, business, health, science, and technology. Imprint facilitates quick comprehension and offers elegant visual presentation of intricate subjects to enhance understanding and memory retention, while also providing convenient features for saving and revisiting significant ideas.
IMPRINTAPP.COM
HABITICA
Habitica is a free app that gamifies real-life tasks, offering rewards and penalties to boost motivation. With a supportive community and features to enhance productivity, it helps users achieve goals in health, work, and personal development. Join over 4 million users and turn your daily tasks into an enjoyable game while improving your life step by step.
HABITICA.COM
THE HABIT FACTOR
The Habit Factor® app was first launched on iTunes, offering a unique approach to help users worldwide develop good habits aligned with their key goals. With nearly half a million downloads to date, it has become popular among users seeking to improve their lives. Unlike other habit tracker and productivity apps, The Habit Factor® utilizes its proprietary P.A.R.R. methodology (Plan, Act, Record, Reassess), focusing on choice, intention, and reflection. This approach emphasizes human attributes such as choice and intention, allowing users to intentionally cultivate habits that support their most important goals. With P.A.R.R., anyone can effectively align their habits with their aspirations and make progress towards achieving them.
THEHABITFACTOR.COM
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