In the first month of the SLMsmart 90-day Challenge we are already seeing the beginnings of incredible transformations taking shape. Perhaps even more important than the physical transformations underway are the mental transformations that need to take place first. The first few weeks of the Challenge require a substantial yet attainable shift in the way the Challenger thinks and acts. Many of our Challengers are already getting the hang of altering their thought processes and increasing their mental toughness in order to make healthy decisions. We can learn a lot from these individuals!
SLMsmart Challenger MOCHA BUTKOVICH, COLORADO
Busy schedules are notorious for wreaking havoc on a healthy lifestyle, and Mocha is no stranger to this reality. Before joining the SLMsmart 90-day Challenge, Mocha’s demanding job often kept her from cooking healthy meals at home, and instead turning to convenient less healthy options.
Since day one of the 90-day Challenge, Mocha has been making healthy decisions before the week even begins by preparing meals ahead of time—a trick that the SLMsmart App recommends. The first meal prep session cost Mocha a few hours, but now that she has the hang of it, it’s becoming a simple routine that makes a huge difference in her food selections throughout the week. Mocha said that preparing food ahead of time has made establishing healthy habits easier, though the entire process is far from easy. Food prepping can help the forgetful eater, overeater, emotional eater, and anyone else with similar challenges, become more aware of what is and isn’t going into their bodies, she said.
Meal prep takes place over the weekend and begins by taking out different sized bags—small bags for snacks and slightly larger bags for meals. Mocha fills the bags with nutritious foods recommended by the SLMsmart App and her SLMsmart coach. These bags help her manage portion sizes and are easy to grab from the fridge before she leaves for the day.
Mocha’s mother is also participating in the Challenge and is a great support in the meal prep process. She has opened Mocha’s eyes to a number of tricks that make healthy eating something to look forward to. Simply cutting a vegetable differently or making a colorful meal can make healthy food choices more inviting. Also, learning how to cook and season vegetables to your liking can make a world of difference, Mocha said, and is something she discovered when her mother taught her a new way to prepare Brussels sprouts—one of the green things she normally avoids.
“Food prep makes a real difference in your decisions because you are an active participant in your health,” Mocha said. “If I spend the time to go grocery shopping and plan a week of meals, I’m more likely to stick to it because I’ve already taken the first step. I think a lot of us don’t actively make poor choices, but when we recognize our poor choices, it’s helpful to have a healthy alternative to turn to.”
Synergy’s Legacy Retreat is taking qualifiers to a small, seaside country with big personality—a unique destination Synergy has never been before: Monaco!
We hope you are able to join us May 16-20, 2017, in this melting pot of European culture. Drawing off of Spanish, French and Italian heritage, Monaco has a rich history with something for everyone to enjoy—sightseeing, gambling, museums, gardens, and beaches.
Qualified Team Members will be immersed in the fairytale glamour of Monaco’s Hotel Hermitage. This extravagant hotel offers an elegance and charm fit for royalty, and is the perfect place to pamper Synergy’s elite Team Members.
Commit now to qualify for this event. It will be unlike any Legacy Retreat Synergy has hosted before. The qualification period is January 1 to December 31, 2016. Click the link below to learn how to qualify.
Remember, you can track your Legacy Retreat points by logging into your Pulse account and viewing the information bar on the left-hand side of the screen.
In the first month of the SLMsmart 90-day Challenge we are already seeing the beginnings of incredible transformations taking shape. Perhaps even more important than the physical transformations underway are the mental transformations that need to take place first. The first few weeks of the Challenge require a substantial yet attainable shift in the way the Challenger thinks and acts. Many of our Challengers are already getting the hang of altering their thought processes and increasing their mental toughness in order to make healthy decisions. We can learn a lot from these individuals!
SLMsmart Challenger ERIC POLAND, KENTUCKY
During an average workday, Eric is given four breaks: three 20-minute breaks and one 30-minute break. Before and after work. he is busy helping his wife with their two children, both of whom have special needs. All things considered, it’s easy to feel like there is never enough time in the day to go to the gym.
While most workout routines are designed to complete all at once, Eric makes the most of his time by splitting up the day’s workout among his breaks. While this stop-and-go approach may not be the most effective in Eric’s mind, it’s much better than nothing, and has helped him build an exercise habit he didn’t have before.
Eric competed in the 2015 SLMsmart 90-day Challenge and had a few pitfalls because his schedule made consistent exercise difficult. Because Eric is serious about being a contender in this year’s Challenge, he is sacrificing some of his time away from work to go to the gym.
“Last year, I kept thinking, ‘It’s early in the Challenge, I’ve got time, I’ve got time,’ but the real problem was I didn’t begin the Challenge fully invested,” Poland said. “I kept telling myself I’d do it next week. This time around I know the excuses will always be there, but the opportunity to have this kind of support isn’t always available. I have to take full advantage of it now.”
Training the body is a tough process, but the idea that Eric is engaging in a lifestyle program, more so than a weight loss program, is what drives him to make real, lasting changes through his everyday decisions.
“If you want to be different, you need to change,” Eric said. “Some guys at work can’t believe the progress I’ve already made. It’s Synergy’s superior supplementation and this Challenge that makes the difference.”
Dr. Anthony Oketah has always been fascinated with the heart—the way it transports blood, the way it affects every other system and organ in the body, and its role in sustaining human life.
This passion turned him to cardiology and he has been practicing in this medical field for 15 years. However, there was something about his profession that was unsatisfying. He wanted to be able to do more for his patients. In addition, Dr. Oketah was born with an entrepreneurial spirit, always looking for an opportunity to create something bigger than himself, which is something that’s more difficult to exercise as a doctor.
As he began to feel less fulfilled at work, Dr. Oketah began seeking a business opportunity that would allow him to do more and be more. Irish Team Director James Booth introduced ProArgi-9+ to Dr. Oketah and quickly Dr. Oketah knew he had found the opportunity he was looking for.
“I went through every bit of the Synergy website; I studied everything,” Dr. Oketah said. “I was so impressed by the company, its culture, and its business views. The Compensation Plan is unbelievable and I have confidence in it.”
As a respected figure among Ireland’s medical experts, Dr. Oketah makes a powerful statement as a Synergy distributor because he has an intricate understanding of how the products work to support optimal health. After visiting Synergy WorldWide Headquarters, touring the manufacturing facility, and visiting the Hughes Center for Research and Innovation in 2015, Dr. Oketah said he was impressed by the team of scientists and their “perfect” responses to his challenging questions. He witnessed the financial and physical investment Synergy put into creating the absolute best products for its customers.
Knowing that Synergy’s products and business opportunity had the capacity to make major changes in people’s lives, he took the business to the people in a country he cares for deeply: Nigeria. He travels to Nigeria monthly to meet with local doctors and disperse the product. Testimonials from happy consumers are flooding in.
“Some doctors are focused on money,” Dr. Oketah said. “When people come to me and say ‘Thank you for this product, thank you for helping me start this business, and thank you for helping my family,’ it gives me joy money can’t buy. As a doctor, I can’t give people employment, but through network marketing, I can.”
When considering his Synergy goals, Dr. Oketah realized that he couldn’t conduct his business the way he wanted to without sacrificing his medical career. He plans to give all of his time to Synergy WorldWide soon, and spend the majority of that time helping people in Nigeria get back on their feet.
“This business is about your personal ambition and your personal dream,” Dr. Oketah said. “You need to know what your main goal is and then you need to work, and you need to work hard. Anyone can be anything with this company. I’m so confident in this. What do you want to be? What are you looking for? I am so happy to have found Synergy.”
Congratulations to the following Team Members throughout the United States and Canada. We look forward to your continued triumphs this year!
Rank Advancements
Team Manager
Jaquelyn Bartlett
Gold
David Davidson
Ariel Chadburn
Silver
Patrck Harms
Bronze
Sarah Harms
John Gustin
Scarlet Gustin
Star
Sarh Harms
Timothy Sanford
William Burnett
Dwayne Loberg
Matthew Kinser
Joel MD
Dr. Fred Gardner
Taun Ziegler
Mike Talbot
Angela Pelton
Castro Diego
Michele Moran
Cody Ingram
Marion Sczesny
John Gustin
Scarlet Gustin
Gunnar Gustin
Brad Vest
Natali Fevold
Derek Southers
Top Recruiters
Top North American Team Members (in order) that personally sponsored the most new Team Members
Sandra Kerner
Robert Kenemer
Sue Hossman
Lor Pace
Roger Carter
Gwen Brown
Kathalyn Wilson
Melissa Holt
Pennie Christensen
Cliff & Janice Rosang
David Davidson
Dr. Gumm
Dwayne Chapman
Top Team Builders
Team Members (in order) with the most personally sponsored rank advancements
Brad Burnett
Dan Hammer
Brent Burnett
Dr. Stan Odle
Dr. Gumm
Stewart Rutter
Melanie O’Neill
Dr. Anthony Bianchi
Al Dadswell
Dan Schellkopf
Bart Woodcook
Dr. David Burnett
Now that you’ve begun setting yourself up for success by attending Kickoff events, considering where you want to take yourself in 2016, and performing the necessary steps to contact new customers and Team Members, how do you bring all these new pieces of information and ideas into one cohesive whole to reach your goals? Action planning and goal setting are some of the most productive ways to reach your potential as a business owner.
There are many ways to create an action plan. Each one is unique, but in order to create the best action plan for yourself, there are a few crucial steps you need in order to remain productive. Specify the Goal
As you start to plan, be certain that you know exactly what you to accomplish. If you don’t set clear goals for the short-term and long-term future, you’ll never be able to tell if your preparation is working, or if it’s even worth pursuing in the first place.
TIP: When setting your goal and working through your plan, be sure to keep a record. Keeping a record helps you organize your thoughts, gives you an idea of how you are progressing, and keeps you accountable. Be Realistic
Remaining realistic isn’t meant to dampen your drive for success. Rather, it’s used as a tool to reduce stress that may come with missed deadlines, extraneous circumstances, or even being plain exhausted. Being realistic lets you proactively accomplish goals without becoming discouraged when interruptions inevitably happen.
TIP: To stay realistic and productive, set milestones that are measurable and simple. Allowing yourself to reach specific levels of production keeps you motivated and intent on continuing with your plan. Stay Organized
This cannot be stressed enough. If you’ve spent time on a task and you’ve finally finished, mark it off. Visual confirmations, such as checkmarks on a list, help you to keep track of what is done, as well as what still needs to be done. Plus, physically checking off a task is incredibly satisfying.
TIP: Binders may seem outdated, but they still serve an important purpose. If you or your computer are prone to forgetting or misplacing information, keeping hard copies in binders is a safe alternative (or back-up) to keeping your important information safe and easily accessible. Just don’t lose your binder … Timelines
Without setting legitimate timelines, small tasks get pushed back, or even forgotten. When this happens you may find yourself neck deep in projects and you’ll end up stressed. Establishing a realistic timetable keeps you accountable and allows ample time to think ahead. So if you’re not certain how long something will take, give yourself an extra hour just to be sure. If you finish your task earlier than expected, great! You can move on to the next one without feeling rushed.
TIP: Include breaks in your timetable. Setting time aside to relax helps your brain from getting burnt out and lets you stay focused without feeling overwhelmed. Set aside lunch/coffee breaks where you can unwind for an hour. Don’t Stop Once you’ve established a plan, coordinated with your team (if applicable), and goals are set, the final step is the simplest and most important. Keep working!
TIP: Sometimes, unanticipated events happen. If you feel the need, change some dates around. Don’t get discouraged. Review and revise your plan, but never give up on your goal!
February is Heart Health Month here in the United States, and we are celebrating at Synergy by sharing our heart health knowledge with you. We encourage you to pay special attention to your heart this month. After all, it is a hard working muscle in your body. At times, we get caught up in daily routines and neglect the heart’s needs. However, by making heart healthy choices every day, you have the power to strengthen not only your heart, but your overall wellness.
A healthy diet is crucial to maintaining a healthy heart, but unless you know which foods to turn to, you may have a hard time getting the most out of your diet.
Here are 10 superfoods to help protect your heart:
Salmon
This fish is a popular choice for heart health because it contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids that aid in the prevention of blood clots, keep blood flowing throughout the body, and lower triglycerides that contribute to heart disease.
According to the American Heart Association, aim for at least two servings of oily fish a week. The serving size is approximately 3.5 ounces, or about the size of a computer mouse.
Nuts
Walnuts, almonds, cashews, and pistachios are another good source of omega-3. Nuts are a more economical option for getting omega-3 fats, and researchers say that snacking on about 5 ounces of nuts a week can help protect you from heart disease.
Fat-free/Low-fat Milk or Yogurt
Dairy products are known to be high in potassium, which helps in lowering blood pressure. When you choose fat–free or low–fat dairy, you get little to no saturated fat, a known factor in raising cholesterol levels.
Raspberries
Filled with antioxidants, fiber, and Vitamin C, raspberries and other berries are a healthy and tasty way to lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
Chickpeas
Hail to the hummus! The chickpea is a popular and versatile heart healthy food. These little wonders are a fantastic source of soluble fiber – the fiber known to lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL).
Oatmeal
Oats contain fiber called beta-glucan that helps lower LDL. Having as little as one and a half cups of oatmeal is all it takes to help lower your LDL.
Avocados
The reason these fruits have such a creamy texture is because of the “good” fats that are found in them. These fats help lower LDL and have anti-inflammatory function that protects arteries.
Olive Oil
A common staple in Mediterranean diets, olive oil is said to be a healthy alternative to butter and other oils, and limits your intake of saturated fats, which raise your LDL and can cause fat build-up inside your arteries.
Dark Chocolate
Yes … chocolate is on the list. Cacao, the plant that chocolate comes from, is rich in flavanols. These help lower blood pressure, prevent blood clots, and the antioxidants in chocolate help keep the “bad” cholesterol from sticking to your arterial walls.
Grapes
The resveratrol found in grapes contributes to a healthy heart because it keeps blood platelets from sticking together, reducing the risk of blood clots and preventing damage to blood vessels in the heart.
Our bodies speak to us in many ways, and they are particularly good at letting us know when they are unhappy. It’s all too easy in today’s world to fall into unhealthy habits involving lack of exercise, lack of sleep, heightened stress levels, and of course, our diets. It’s true, no one is perfect, and on occasion we indulge in foods that are deemed unhealthy. We may even go weeks, months, or years at a time without setting foot into a gym.
The important thing is that we recognize when our bodies begin to feel neglected and make necessary changes to reset our vital systems, enhancing their overall function and improving the way we feel.
If you struggle with any of with these five symptoms, it may be an indication that it’s time to start cleaning up your act:
1. Weight Gain
Oftentimes, overweight bodies are unhappy because they are filled with harsh chemicals found in junk food. These chemicals not only prompt weight gain, they can actually make it difficult to lose weight. Eating an unhealthy diet of processed foods, sugars, and refined carbohydrates, can lead to bloating, indigestion, and increased cravings for these potentially harmful foods.
2. Brain Fog
“What was I just doing again? Oh, right.” If you have this thought multiple times a day in the middle of accomplishing tasks, there is a chance that your body doesn’t have the proper nutrition and energy levels to maintain focus.
3. Body Odor
While this isn’t a pleasant topic to address, it’s certainly hard to ignore. If you are experiencing bad breath, frequent gas, and you smell bad no matter how much deodorant you apply, your body is trying to push out unwanted chemicals that are brewing inside. Get rid of them!
4. Skin Issues
If you look in the mirror and feel like you’re staring back at your pimply teenage self, there’s a problem. In fact, a number of skin problems, including rashes, are a manifestation of a deeply rooted issue. Rather than trying to clean your skin from the outside in, try addressing the issues that exist within the body and work your way out.
5. Lethargy
If you find yourself having a hard time keeping your eyes open in the middle of the day, either you’re sleep deprived or your body is feeling worn down by the unhealthy habits you have gained. If you are sleep deprived, and spend most nights tossing and turning, this could be another sign that your body is in need of a system reboot.
In the first month of the SLMsmart 90-day Challenge we are already seeing the beginnings of incredible transformations taking shape. Perhaps even more important than the physical transformations underway are the mental transformations that need to take place first. The first few weeks of the Challenge require a substantial yet attainable shift in the way the Challenger thinks and acts. Many of our Challengers are already getting the hang of altering their thought processes and increasing their mental toughness in order to make healthy decisions. We can learn a lot from these individuals!
In observance of Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 15, Synergy Customer Service, the Synergy store, and Synergy Headquarters will be closed.
In observance of Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 15, Synergy Customer Service, the Synergy store, and Synergy Headquarters will be closed.
In the first month of the SLMsmart 90-day Challenge we are already seeing the beginnings of incredible transformations taking shape. Perhaps even more important than the physical transformations underway are the mental transformations that need to take place first. The first few weeks of the Challenge require a substantial yet attainable shift in the way the Challenger thinks and acts. Many of our Challengers are already getting the hang of altering their thought processes and increasing their mental toughness in order to make healthy decisions. We can learn a lot from these individuals!
January 2016
Now that you’ve begun setting yourself up for success by attending Kickoff events, considering where you want to take yourself in 2016, and performing the necessary steps to contact new customers and Team Members, how do you bring all these new pieces of information and ideas into one cohesive whole to reach your goals? Action planning and goal setting are some of the most productive ways to reach your potential as a business owner.
February is Heart Health Month here in the United States, and we are celebrating at Synergy by sharing our heart health knowledge with you. We encourage you to pay special attention to your heart this month. After all, it is a hard working muscle in your body. At times, we get caught up in daily routines and neglect the heart’s needs. However, by making heart healthy choices every day, you have the power to strengthen not only your heart, but your overall wellness.
Our bodies speak to us in many ways, and they are particularly good at letting us know when they are unhappy. It’s all too easy in today’s world to fall into unhealthy habits involving lack of exercise, lack of sleep, heightened stress levels, and of course, our diets. It’s true, no one is perfect, and on occasion we indulge in foods that are deemed unhealthy. We may even go weeks, months, or years at a time without setting foot into a gym.