Welcome to secrets news issue 31

Let me fill you in on a little secret...

There are 3 secrets that I would like to share with you in this newsletter:

• Win a great prize when you purchase any Slim Secrets bar
• What's stopping you?
• Nutrient Secrets bars available from Coles from the middle of November

Win a great prize when you purchase any Slim Secrets bar

We are excited to offer you together with Good Food Magazine the opportunity to win a great spa pack just for purchasing any Slim Secrets and Nutrient Secrets bars (I am sorry to my non Aussie subscribers but this is only open to Australian residents).

Purchase any Slim Secrets bar and you and 2 friends could win some treatments at Endota Day spa plus an Endota spa organic skincare pack - total prize worth $1575!

HOW TO ENTER:

1. During the promotional period (10th November till December 22nd) simply purchase any Slim Secrets Bar from any Slim Secrets stockists including supermarkets, pharmacies, health food stores, practitioners, gyms and Boost Juice.
2. Send in the barcode and tell Good Food in 25 words or less "Your best day spa experience and favourite Slim Secrets Bar flavour?''
3. Post your entry and barcode to Locked Bag 4200, South Yarra, VIC 3141 and you could win!
4. Terms and conditions are available on our website

2. What's stopping you?

I read this newsletter that came into my inbox from my husband Peter (Blackbelt In Excellence) and I thought it worthwhile sharing this with you. The principles and stories can relate to both your business and personal journeys and hope you are as inspired as I was when I read it!

ENJOY

The fact is that sometimes lots of things stop us from achieving our dreams. And guess what the most common one is? No, not bad luck or the wrong advice or the economy or the government or the kids or the boss or our busy lives. Do you know what the most common cause of people achieving way less than they could/might/should/were-born-for might be?

One word.

Excuses.

So, some thoughts this month about the most common form of failure known to man(kind). Firstly, I have to say that I'm really inspired by my good mate Nick, and it's his challenges that have started me thinking about excuses, and not living out our full potential.

Nick was the absolute best he could be. In his field, the equivalent of a black belt. And in fact, it was a martial art that he excelled in. Two, actually: boxing and kickboxing. Nick was a world champion kickboxer and ranked #7 in the world as a boxer. How's that for a talent? Nick was given to me as a gift about six years ago. In fact, I actually used to corner for him when he was fighting professionally. These days, he comes around to my house every Wednesday morning at an ungodly hour, we clear out the garage, and I pay him to belt the living suitcase out of me!

At the moment I'm working with Nick on the next phase of his life journey. As a retired boxer/kickboxer, with a new wife and a baby on the way at Christmas, Nick's great challenge now is to establish his next career - as a boxing teacher and personal trainer. But what's exciting is that THERE'S NOTHING STOPPING HIM!

Here's what I know. And it's the same for you as it is for Nick. Nick's got skills. He's got disciplines. He's been all the way to the top. Can you imagine what he put himself through - hours on the road running, early mornings every day for years, jumping endless rope, throwing countless punches at a bag and at sparring partners (who hit back), doing whatever it took to achieve his goal. And he's been a world champion!

What Nick's doing now is taking all those same disciplines that propelled him to the top and applying them to his new life. And I already know how successful he's going to be, because he's already got the skills, he's got the desire, he's got the commitment. As I like to say, he's in the game.

What about you? Think back to something in your life that you're proudest of, something that you set your heart and mind and very being on achieving, and which you accomplished. Did you let excuses get in your way? Did you let anything stand in your way? Of course you didn't. You were single minded, focused and determined to have/do/be whatever it was that was lighting your fire. One of my mates devoted every single ounce of his energy for months on end to wooing the new girl he'd just met. Nothing would stop him. He also most literally swept her off her feet. They've now been married for 24 years, with two fantastic kids. Another good friend spent about three years pursuing his desperate and urgent goal to break 80 on a golf course. Early morning practice sessions, lessons, equipment ... he was playing 5 days a week. His eyes still fill up as he describes the sound of the ball dropping into the hole on the 18th for a 79. (And he went right out the next day and shot 77.)

So now, there are new goals in your life, yes? Maybe in your workplace? In your family? There's a personal fitness level you want to achieve, a weight you're aiming to be, a marathon you want to run? Well, let me ask you - are you just interested in that goal, or are you really committed? Are you in the game, like Nick? Or are you trotting out the same old excuses?

Your choice!

Rob ... You are an inspiration!

My friend Rob just wrote to me. And I mean WROTE. 1697 words. And the most awesome 1697 words I've ever received. Here's a cut and paste of what he had to say. Rob's a builder, and a bloody good one. A few weeks ago I gave him a copy of my book, "Be the Best You Can Be”. As you'll learn, Rob was pretty good at excuses.

Was.

"Who is this guy and why is he writing this book", you asked early in your book. More importantly "Who am I and why am I reading it?".

Two reasons, firstly I watched your "YouTube" video and was more than impressed by what I saw so I was naturally interested in looking into your product in more depth, and secondly you found it in your more-than-generous heart to give me a copy.

And who am I? I'm Rob. Happily married to Kelly with two boys Tim 13 and Billy 11. Live in Gisborne and build houses for a living.

September 1 2008 will live in my memory for ever. Why? Because that was the day we made a deal. You, Peter, will give me a copy of your book to enjoy and in return I will learn what your favored charity is all about and will make comment on the one (or more) things I learn from your book.

Peter, unfortunately I am all that is good .... and bad .... about your book. First, the good. Grand final day 2004. Brisbane v Port Adelaide I remember it like it was yesterday. I was out the back cooking on the barby at half time. Standing there necking a stubby and having a cigarette and chatting with mates when my youngest came over and asked if we could have a kick of the footy before the game restarted. As I lit another fag I told him I was busy and we might have a kick a bit later on. After the game he again asked if we could go out for a kick and again I said in a minute mate, to which he replied "why don't you go out and have a cigarette and I'll kick the ball to you". I nearly threw up. My "sense of purpose" was a no brainer. We not only went to the local footy ground for a kick instead of the back yard, but my pack of cigarettes went straight in the bin. I did not want my sons associating kicking the footy (or any exercise for that matter) with smoking . I havent touched one since. So I know when I put my mind to something I can achieve... But...

Now for the bad. Remember the taxi driver in your book... well that is me, as well. Twenty years ago I told my father I was going to do the "Big M Melbourne Marathon". Five years ago I told my wife I was going to do the "Round The Bay In A Day" bike ride and I think you know full well how I fared in both. Yep, I was "gunna.... gunna do this... gunna do that..." For god's sake I even bought the bike... yep, its still in the box.

Peter, I have an excuse for every thing. Yesterday after you gave me the book I got home put it on the table and had dinner with the family. We chatted about our day and about the upcoming weekend, I then told Kelly I was going to walk down to the post office box to get the mail, its only a km each way so its no big deal. I took one step outside the back door and decided it was too cold to walk down into town... so I drove. A couple of hours later I started reading your book... "EASY TO DO... EASY NOT TO DO". Then it dawned on me... you wrote this book about me. My favorite excuse was "if I didn't do this job (carpentry.. Physical work) for a living I'd be a real porker". Without really ever thinking about it, I had been justifying my gut size on the fact that im doing well, cause in reality it could be even bigger than it is now. In effect being slightly overweight was an achievement, compared with being a lot over weight. Its bulldust. Enough is Enough.

DO I HAVE A GOAL... of course I do, albeit short term ones at this stage. Im going to QLD later this year and I wanna be able to take my shirt off without embarrassing my wife and kids and without making anyone else throw up.. That is my short term goal... long term goals are to sustain weight loss for longevity of life and lifestyles. To do the bike ride... To do the marathon... To be able to keep up with my kids. It is my black belt.

And at work? Well, Pete, in the past I have been the type of bloke that would go out and buy a dog and then bark for it. Meaning I really hadn't had the confidence to allow people that I work with the freedom to be creative in their own way. I thought "why let them do it their way when I knew my way was better" (or so I thought), so I would do it for them. They will never get to be the best they can be if I don't allow them and encourage them... and nor will I.

Remembering back only now I can recall my old man saying to me one day "that's a different way of doing it than im used too. I'll remember that for next time" Dad taught me what being humble was all about.

In essence Peter I have learnt that anything is possible. Although I probably already knew that, you have shown the footpath that needs to be taken to achieve my goals and as small as they may be at the moment I now believe in myself enough that I can put in place the structures that are required to achieve. To achieve any thing. To be the best that I can be. Or maybe even better.

As I have mentioned I have been on both sides of the fence. Quit smoking and never went back to it and on the other hand I've been the taxi driver. My inspiration will always be my family but my motivation will need to come from with in. It has been instilled in me by you, but will be executed by me. I no longer want to be a red belt, thinking that close enough is pretty good without ever getting to the summit of the mountain. Each time I get to the summit I will re-evaluate and re-define my goals. To aim higher and higher.

Tonight I took the bike out of the box. It was a bit dusty but looks strong enough to carry me on the start trek that will end up being ridden all the way to the summit... TO MY BLACK BELT IN EXCELLENCE.

P.S C.A.R.E. actually means Carpenters Are Really Everything

Thank you

Kind Regards
Rob

Taken from "be the best you can be" newsletter - issue 7
view it here

3. Nutrient Secrets bars available from Coles from the middle of November

As of the middle of November many Coles supermarkets will be stocking the Cranberry Crumble and Vanilla Almond Nutrient Secrets bars (all under 100 calories, gluten free and high fibre!) in the health food aisle. For those who prefer a smaller snack bar these will be a perfect option.

Be safe and have fun.

Warm wishes

Sharon

Read more secrets from Sharon's Blog

24-hour weightloss support groups at eDiets.com

New Nutrition Secrets

Nutrient Secrets Radiant Peaches & Cream

Nutrient Secrets Radiant Peaches & Cream is a peach snack bar drizzled with white choc coating with added flaxseed, primrose and collagen.

Contains just 95 calories, 2.3 grams of fat, 4.2 grams of sugar, 59mg of calcium but still has 8 grams of protein per 28g bar. Radiant and delicious who could ask for more?

More information on Nutrient Secrets Radiant Peaches & Cream

Nutrient Secrets Smart Vanilla & Almond

A snack bar with a twist of flaxseed and ginkgo.

Nutrient Secrets Smart Vanilla and Almond is a delicious chewy snack bar full of nuts with added flaxseed and ginkgo and a hint of vanilla flavor. Contains just 88 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 3.7grams of sugar but still has 8 grams of protein per 28g bar. What smart person could ask for more?
More information on Nutrient Secrets Smart Vanilla & Almond

Nutrient Secrets Hearty Cranberry Crumble

A snack bar with a twist of flaxseed, soy and green tea extract.

Nutrient Secrets Hearty Cranberry Crumble is a yum snack bar with a combination of cranberries, nuts and chocolate with added flaxseed, soy and green tea extract. Contains just 84 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 3.3 grams of sugar but still has 7 grams of protein per 28g bar. In your heart you know this is the one for you.
More information on Nutrient Secrets Hearty Cranberry Crumble

Slim Secrets Mintabolism Boost

Would you like to look hot without the chillis? Does your 'mintabolism' need firing up? Then this bar is the smart snacking secret weapon for you.

The new Mintabolism Boost bar packs a punch with green tea extract (concentrated tea) which contains antioxidants that come from polyphenols in the tea.
More information on Slim Secrets Mintabolism Boost

Slim Secrets Morning Rev-Up

One of the first bars of its kind to contain real coffee beans High in fibre and rich in protein, it will leave you satisfied for longer, without the fall in blood sugar levels and feeling of hunger in a short time.

Need something to fill the mid morning gap? If you crave coffee and sweets and you need a boost, here's a secret weapon to get you going.
More information on Slim Secrets Morning Rev-Up

Slim Secrets Afternoon Snack-Attack

A choc caramel and nut decadent snack that you will think is too good to be true. High in protein and only 3.9g of fat per bar, it will provide consumers with a great snack to keep them going till dinner. May even help prevent overeating at meal times.

Feel an afternoon feeding frenzy coming on? If the day has worn you out and you need a bit of a pick-me-up, here's a secret weapon to keep you going.
More information on Slim Secrets Afternoon Snack-Attack

Slim Secrets Night Time Binge - Buster

A delicious blueberry and raspberry bar, made from real snap frozen fruit, drizzled with smooth white chocolate that melts in your mouth. High in protein and 3.12g of fibre per bar, this mouth-watering bar will give you an increased feeling of fullness and satisfaction. Wheat free and low GI carbohydrates mean you'll stay healthy without staying hungry through the night.

Often suffer from the nighttime nibbles? If you're craving something sweet after dinner and don't want to sabotage your health goals, here's a secret weapon to get you through.
More information on Slim Secrets Night Time Binge - Buster