I was asked a question the other day that was put into perspective TODAY regarding network marketing opportunities! I was asked… WHY would I participate in such a shady business (she really said that other 4 letter word)… Network Marketing Opportunities? Well let’s see, I just got off the telephone with a woman who is 66 years old, she retired from AT&T (she put in 31 years), and she is looking for a J.O.B (just over broke) not an opportunity to create wealth, but a J.O.B.

Her situation is a perfect REASON why Everyone should participate in network marketing opportunities. Who wants to be looking for another job at an age where you should be able to enjoy life and travel the world if you so desire? Most J.O.B.’s position people to have to look for employment after retirement because they simply offer a temporary fix to a permanent problem… NOT ENOUGH INCOME! It kills me to hear people say that “Money isn’t Everything!” It may not be everything, but I assure you without it, you surely won’t survive on this earth long, and definitely not comfortably! If you are a smart, savvy person then you will know that you should always have a Plan B, and maybe even a Plan C & D because Plan A typically isn’t solid forever.

I myself reaching close to six-figures and being laid off and losing everything almost overnight showed me that having ONLY a Plan A can fail you. You can be the BEST employee there is, but if you lose your job due to budget cuts, and/or downsizing the “best employee” puts in you the line with everyone else… Unemployed! I am not going to preach on all the reasons why you should gather a Plan B, but I will say that if you partner with network marketing opportunities that are aligned in all the right places… A great company, product and a great compensation plan then you will create an environment conducive of a win/win situation. Make it happen, and get a plan B, C, and/or D together to get out of the rat race. If one person can do it, so can you!

“What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that Ye receive them, and Ye shall have them… Mark 11:24”

Your Smart Wealth Mentor and Online Marketing Success Coach,

PS. Gain Instant Access Now!

I’d like to preface the top 5 ways to start taking control of your life by asking you one simple question.

Did you know that you are a Gladiator?

You are probably wondering well, what do you mean, I’m a Gladiator, Nikki?

We are all faced with numerous challenges and battles each and every day that we must face whether we want to or not.

We have to make a decision as to what “type” of Gladiator we want to be?

Are we going to be a “Victim” or “Victorious” Gladiator?

Victims often fall prey to those that surround them. They allow their family and friends to dictate what they can and cannot do, who they will or will not be, and the constant negativity that they are exposed to, more times than not, often hinder their decisions.

I have the perfect example for you of how someone can easily become a “Victim” Gladiator. When I became pregnant at 16, I was told by many that my life was over and ruined, that I’d never have a chance of having a good life because I messed up by having a baby at such a young age.

Well, Guess What? I didn’t listen to that mess.

I decided I would not be a “Victim.”

I really could sit here and write for days on the different mishaps that have happened to me where I could have very easily become the “Victim” Gladiator, but instead I decided to become “Victorious” Gladiator.

You too can apply these tips and start taking control of your life and become a “Victorious” Gladiator too.

Step 1.

Define YOU… Do you complain all the time? Are you boastful? Fearful all the time? Angry? Constantly Sad? Negative? Whiney? Jealous of others?  Moody? Just plain ole mean? I know this is a large range of emotions, but you really need to identify what type of person you are and take time to reflect on the effects they cause (abuse, promiscuity, etc). Think hard about this and define you. *Be honest, no one is looking on your paper but you*

Step 2.

List the Positives in You & Appreciate Everything Including YOURSELF… If you are someway that you don’t want to be (ex: always moody), the first step of acknowledgement is complete.  Now you need to write down all the positive things you like about yourself and analyze the changes you can make to work on what you are looking to change. Really sit down and analyze this. The hardest step is done… Acknowledgement! In the process of listing the positives be appreciative and always remember that someone “ALWAYS” has it worse than you do. Be grateful!

Step 3.

Rid yourself of the ANTs…

Don’t let the “Automatic Negative Thoughts” take control of your life any longer.  These are bad thoughts that are usually reactionary, like “When you walk into a room and a group of people start laughing, and “You assume they are laughing at you” or “ You applied for a credit card and instead of getting the instant approval you get a note saying it has went up for review, your immediate thought is that you were denied.” The next time you find yourself having these types of thoughts, squash those ANTs!

Step 4.

Open the Door to Your Options…

Stop defining YOU by your problems and allow the door to your options to open. Ex: if you are always moody, you can write down every time you are moody, and at that time think about something positive and “smile” even when you don’t want to. This is one small change that could make a difference. Make the decision that you will change whatever it is you want to change and DO IT! Don’t put a limit on your options.

Step 5.

Get Ready, Set, Go…

What are you really waiting for? Go ahead and change your attitude, TODAY! Start working on taking control of your life and get in control. You have to be the one to make the first move, and really want to be in control! Once you take that first step, you will not look back. You can have whatever it is you so desire if you will do two simple things, change your thoughts and take control of your life!

Now, are you going to be a “Victorious” Gladiator or “Victim” Gladiator?

If you are not in control of your life, something or someone else is.

If you enjoyed this post, please comment and/or retweet. Thanks.

Your Smart Wealth Mentor,

PS. Gain Instant Access To Your Free Wealth Report!

Do shackles “bind you“?  You are probably wondering what is she talking about… Well, many people let their circumstances hold them captive. They are afraid to release the shackles for many different reasons. If you are ready to release your shackles, then take a look at this video to learn the three major steps for setting yourself free!

Your Smart Wealth Mentor,

PS. Get Instant Access To Your Free Wealth Report!

So you need a makeover ehh, well there is nothing like having a millionaire mindset makeover.  If you have ever found yourself wondering why there is not enough money at the end of your paycheck, but yet you see other people in this so called bad economy buying million dollar homes, purchasing $80,000 vehicles and going on lavish vacations and shopping sprees, well guess what they have that you probably don’t have? Yep, you guessed it… a Millionaire Mindset.

At the end of the day, this is really what separates the successful people from everyone else, aka… “average” people.

I think that everyone starts out in life wanting to achieve success. And somewhere along the line “average” people experience a few set backs and allow those challenges to keep them from what they desire.

They no longer believe in themselves and the negative thoughts take over and start to kill their dreams and aspirations. I believe that negative thoughts breed more negative thoughts and eventually negative actions.

How so?

I’ll share with you a situation that would be familiar of an “average” person…

Let’s say a job opening came available at their company with a big fat raise and relocation to a place they’ve always wanted to live. They have the experience, and meet all the qualifications and then some of a typical candidate. They would talk themselves out of applying for the position for numerous reasons.

Here are a few:

1.     What if Sally, Bob, and Lisa find out I applied for the position, but didn’t get it I’ll be the talk of the company.

2.     Man… Teresa is applying for the job, so it’s no need for me to, because I know she will get it.

3.     I applied for the last position and didn’t get so it’s no need to apply for this one because I probably won’t get this one either.

Sound familiar?

You see, once you allow this negative mindset to step in, you are no good to yourself. You are your own worst enemy. If you are currently not having the success you desire, and find yourself sitting in the “average” seat today… You must train your mind to think differently. And this has to begin with a mindset makeover, so why not a millionaire mindset makeover?

I am sure you have heard the definition of Insanity… Doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.  Some people are going insane because what ever they are trying to do just can’t happen unless they make some changes.

So what needs to happen for you to get on track to a millionaire mindset?

Step 1.  Visualize Success. In order to achieve it, you must see it! What does success look like to you? Make sure you are very descriptive in what success looks like for you. Once you have visualized it, be sure to write it down and re-visit it often and make any necessary changes periodically.

Step 2. Believe in Yourself. If you don’t believe in you, who will? You must believe that you can do ANYTHING you so desire! The only person that is stopping you is you. As long as you are willing to sacrifice the time and effort, anything should be doable.

Step 3. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone. I made a quote the other day on Facebook… “You are definitely on the right track when you are UNCOMFORTABLE. It’s COMFORT that holds so many talented people back. Step out of your comfort zone and watch it work!” This is so true. When you are comfortable you tend to ease up on things that are important and push them to the wayside. I don’t know anyone that has made it to the top without some discomfort.

Step 4. Focus on the Positive. If you surround yourself with positive thoughts and positive people, you will breed positive results. The law of attraction says you are what you attract. Attract Positive!

Step 5. Take Full Responsibility for your actions. I don’t like to hear people blame others for their situation. You can fix whatever it is if you want it bad enough. I have seen my share of situations where people have overcame the impossible. So what’s the difference between those that overcome and “average” people, it’s all in how bad they want it.

Step 6. Don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t worry about what the Joneses have going on. You don’t know what they are doing. Everything that glitters isn’t gold. If you stay in your lane, and do what you need to do, you will see the success too. Just be sure not to be envious of anyone’s success, because envy will cause major roadblocks when it comes to money and that is not what you need when you are trying to achieve the success you desire. Be happy for yourself and others.

If you want to create a millionaire mindset, then all you have to do is follow the simple 6-step plan I’ve laid out above. I hope that you have enjoyed this post and that many blessings be bestowed upon you!

Your Smart Wealth Mentor,

PS. Get Instant Access To Your Free Wealth Report

Success goes hand in hand with sacrifice and this Motivational video I saw on YouTube the other day called “The Truth” by Eric Thomas does a great job of describing exactly what this phrase means. Success is available for everyone, but not everyone is willing to “sacrifice” to see it.

Most people seek out the easy road, the one that typically avoids staying late at work, seeking new challenges, putting in extra hours on your passion (Plan B), and something as simple as planning for the future and setting goals. They would rather spend their time doing fun things like watching TV, spending time with friends, and hanging out in and nightclubs or bars.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying there is anything wrong with doing those things, but if you are not where you want to be in life then those activities should be put on the side burner.

So many people are living a mediocre lifestyle that that view as comfortable just because they won’t sacrifice a little now to gain a lot later. They know that success goes hand in hand with sacrifice, but they often make excuses along the way that keep them side-tracked.

If you have not acquired new skills since you have finished school/college, and your salary has not at least doubled within the last six years, chances are you haven’t made the necessary sacrifices yet.

If you answered no to either question and or you are looking to achieve success then you must make some changes, today!

Step 1. Take a few minutes to write down what you want and be sure to include Why this is important to you. The more visual and accurate you describe your goals and what you want, the better. Ex: I want a 2011, BMW 760 Li Sedan, Azurite Black Metallic in color.

Your list doesn’t have to include all material items; it can be also be things like the flexibility on my job to attend all my child’s extra curricular games.

Step 2. Make a Decision that you will get what you want. Write down realistic dates that you will accomplish the goal by each item that you have on your list. Make sure to do some real soul searching here because the objective is to make sure you have a list of items that you will ACHIEVE.

Step 3. Ask yourself what are you willing to sacrifice and or give up to achieve your goal(s) and make your dream your reality. Now this is the hardest part because you have to be realistic here. If you want to purchase that $140,000 7series BMW and you currently have a $60,000 a year job right now, and the opportunity for advancement is slim and raises are small, then guess what? You have to make some big sacrifices!

You need to map out a plan that will more than likely include you looking for a Plan B that will either supplement your income greatly, but I suggest one that has the potential to replace your income times six.

There are numerous opportunities that will do this… Internet Marketing, Network Marketing, Affiliate Marketing, starting your own brick and mortar business. Now some are definitely easier to achieve financial success than others, and I suggest you do a little research to see what best suites you and your personality.

Step 4. Make a Commitment to yourself and share with a spouse or friend so that they can hold you accountable.

Here is sample commitment letter…

I, Your Name will make the following dream and goals a reality for me by enter a date that you expect to be completed by (Try to stay under 5 years).

I will sacrifice: All TV, All entertainment, Hanging out with my friends, etc… (If you can’t quit cold turkey, put in the amount time you will allow yourself to do each thing. EX: 2 hours per week of TV).

I will put more time in self-education to help me reach my goal by spending: ­2 hours per day crafting and developing my XYZ skill, and I will spend $$$ dollars towards this.

I will add these activities to my daily routine to help me achieve my goal: Spend 2 hours every evening doing XYZ, etc..

I, Your Name declare that I will make these sacrifices and changes to achieve the success I so deserve and desire, starting today, Today’s Date.

Make sure to sign it and make multiple copies. Keep one at your desk, in your purse or wallet, on your bathroom mirror and refrigerator. Don’t forget to give one to your accountability partner.

Get creative with this list and most importantly make sure it is something that you can realistically do. You don’t want to set yourself up for failure. The objective is to reach your goals.

You may need to break your big 5-year goal(s) down into smaller goals, but the most important thing is that you STOP what you are DOING Right NOW and get busy with that LIST!!!

So as you can see, success goes hand in hand with sacrifice, and I hope that after reading this article you are ready for the challenge. Let’s Rock It and I’ll see you Over the Top! Please feel free to leave your comments and or thoughts, and share this post with others.

Your Smart Wealth Mentor,

PS. Get Instant Access to Your Free Wealth Report Now

Are you a risk taker is the question of the day.  If you answered no to that question, then I can assure you that your financial future may suffer.  You must be able to assess a situation, outweigh the good vs. the bad and calculate what effects you may face if you do or do not take the challenge.

I never understood why people say, I wish I could win the lottery, but they don’t play because they are fearful of becoming addicting to gambling or fearful of what may happened if they actually did win.

If you think about  it, we all take certain risk every day, whether you are a pedestrian crossing a busy intersection, or driving your car on the road. This is something we must deal with, so you may not see it as a risk, but really it is.

Here are a few questions you can ask to assess your risk, and see if you are ready to be a risk taker.

1.  Is the risk Low, Medium, or High?

2. What type of results are you expecting to make from taking the risk?

3.  What are your major concerns with taking the risk?

4. What will I gain, or lose from taking the risk?

5. Can I minimize my losses, and if so, How?

6. Do I have other options besides, taking the risk?

So, Go ahead and check out the video and hear my brief story on how I became a risk taker?

To Your Success,

Welcome and Thank You for Stopping by My Friends,

I hope that you enjoy visiting my blog and that you will come back frequently. I decided not long ago, that it was about time that I transition my business to the internet and not only continue enjoying Smart Wealth, but to also allow me to work smart, not hard…  And to share with the whole world what it is I do, what I bring to the table and to show you the POWER of the Internet.

I have several smart wealth streams, and hope that after visiting my Smart Wealth Page, you will too. We cannot allow someone else to dictate how our family will enjoy it’s short time on this earth, and that my friend, is exactly what J.O.B. does!

Life is truly too short to sacrifice the most important thing we all possess… TIME!  Once it is gone, you can never get it back. So please, head over to my Smart Wealth Page, and make a decision today, if you haven’t already to reclaim your life back by creating SMART WEALTH!

With that said,  here on my blog you can expect to find a wide variety of content… information, tips and perhaps a few tricks here or there that will all evolve around online marketing, entrepreneurship, social media, building your foundation, investing in you and many other topics that will enlighten you on your journey to true time and financial freedom.

I’m truly passionate about spending time with my family, enjoying life without too many restraints, doing what I want to do because I can, loving life, ohh, and me because I am  truly FREE! I hope that you will come to possess the same.

I believe that Rick Warren (Author of The Purpose Driven- Life)  put it best…

The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose!

To Your Success,

864-365-6072