Get Naked With Tania » Success

DAY 2: Locating Ingredients

Tania Usher — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 07:36:35 +0000

Day 2 DARE Challenge:

No matter what area of life you’re focusing on, there comes a time when you need some new ingredients. Whether it’s new Facebook strategies (generally a monthly occurrence), tips for getting in front of the camera or locating organic cacao butter, the search begins with the questions:

"What do I need?"

"Where will I find them?"

"How much will they cost?"

I discovered all these answers today.

What do I need?

After scouring my folder of collected raw recipes, I was keen to get into the kitchen and whip up some tasty treats. My list was long and included several items I’d never heard of, such as Peruvian Mesquite and Lucuma powders! A lengthy online search enlightened me on the values of that these (and other) exotic foods. The potency of nutrients ranged from being a high protein staple for desert dwellers to a revered food source with the prestigious title "Gold of the Incas".

Where will I find them?

Online and local searching revealed an abundant array of suppliers. Humm…the search for ingredients was going to be more overwhelming that I’d anticipated. As I scoured pages of raw related websites from around the world, I knew I needed to narrow my search. Delving a little deeper I began learning about the growers, ethics and values of the various suppliers. The list reduced dramatically.

As well as my new online ‘friends’ I was excited to find a local bulk food barn. Excitedly I descended on the store with my list and several recycled shopping bags. I was expecting big things, sadly I was disappointed. The staff were less than excited about my ‘dare challenge’ and long list of questions. Fortunately I was able to purchase mainstream items such as a variety of nuts and raw cacao powder. However locating anything slightly ‘unusual’ as I was told (even sulphur-free dried fruit) was a challenge. Only joy in the dried fruit department was tracking down some Turkish apricots.

How much will they cost?

It’s a tragedy that eating take away food containing NO nutritional value costs relatively little, yet nutrient rich food, which would ensure the good health of a nation, is costly by comparison. I’ve always been a fan of quality, whether it’s investing in my health, education or business, and the ’dare challenge’ is no different. Nonetheless, as much of the foods in raw ‘cooking’ is used in large quantities, such as beans and grains, I can see the value of purchasing bulk.

Upon visiting the farmers market, I purchase the ‘seconds’ for food I was planning to juice or puree. Just as fresh, just a little softer. Likewise, I purchased an entire bag of grapes for just $1. They’d fallen off the vine so had been packaged up for quick sale. They’re now in my freezer providing a great ‘sorbet snack’ whenever I fancy a sweet treat.

CHALLENGE #2: Once I’d familiarised myself with the numerous recipes available and compiled a pantry and fresh food list, I found it easier to plan my shopping (both online and offline).

Locating all the raw ingredients to create the diversity in my eating plan was much more challenging than anticipated. Similar to buying so called ‘natural’ foods, some items at first appeared solid candidates for a raw diet, although were not. I found it was important to verify with the supplier and clarify uncertain ingredients.

VERDICT: Felt very excited to have most of my ingredients on hand. Having several favourite stores bookmarked in my browser will make it easier to replenish supplies.

My body defiantly feels ‘cleaner’ and I I’m yet to experience any pangs or denial. Great news for DAY 2.

I invite you to leave your comments, ideas, feedback and tips below. Also, we welcome you to join the ‘dare community’ on Facebook www.facebook.com/DareOnlineMagazine.

DAY 1: Raw & Juicy DARE Challenge

Tania Usher — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 09:36:18 +0000

Day 1 DARE Challenge:

Woke up excited to commence the first 2012 ‘dare challenge’.

Before heading off on my morning beach walk, I created a yummy juice (apple, mint, ginger and pineapple). What I love about fresh juice is how you can almost feel the nutrients ‘exploding’ throughout your body with every mouthful.

Burleigh Headland, on Australia’s gorgeous Gold Coast, is the perfect place to spend the first day of the year. Something about looking out across the pristine Pacific Ocean reminds you that ANYTHING is possible.

Taking a bundle of RAW recipes, I mapped out the next few days of tasty delights. Can’t wait to share all the treats with everyone who joked "So you’ll be eating carrots and celery for a month…good luck!". In fact, my meat eating man loved the ‘Chilli Nut Balls’ plus the ‘Green Mango Smoothie’. So while Steve’s not planning on going raw for an entire month, he’s definitely on the journey with me.

My girls are still away so am yet to gauge their response to some of my meal choices. Although they both love juicing so Mia’s excited about her favourite pineapple, celery and ginger each morning…perfect way give kids an instant vitamin boost.

CHALLENGE #1: OK, DAY 1 and there’s a hurdle already! Steve and I decided to watch the sunset at a brand new restaurant/ bar in Burleigh. Perfect location for watching the waves rolling. Warm day so my lime (pure juice not the syrup) and soda went down well. Although as far as food went, not a raw option on the menu. Reluctantly my hungry beau ordered the trio of dips and while they looked delicious, I resisted even a morsel.

Instead, upon returning home, whipped up a batch of the ‘Chilli Nut Balls’ which were divine. Made enough for tomorrow so good for conserving time and energy.

VERDICT: Every mouthful of DAY 1 felt like I was honouring my body. Went to bed feeling light and excited about the next 30 days.

I invite you to leave your comments, ideas, feedback and tips below. Also, we welcome you to join the ‘dare community’ on Facebook www.facebook.com/DareOnlineMagazine.

Woman Igniting Change Pre-Launch Book Offer

Tania Usher — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:08:18 +0000

What Would You Ask?

If you found yourself in a room with 30 of the world’s most influential thought-leaders, what questions would you ask?

START MOVIE

END MOVIE

Throughout the Women Igniting Change interview series, Tania Usher asks the deep, personal questions…the juicy stuff. Sure, you’ll gain valuable business and lifestyle strategies from the ‘how to’ answers. Yet it’s the rich thought- provoking questions such as…

“Where did you find the strength to keep going when life seemed impossible?"

"How has exposing your vulnerability been your key to success?” and

“What’s the biggest change you’d most like to see in the world?”

…that make this interview series rich and diverse.

Join the movement and pre-order your ‘hot off the press’ copy of the Women Igniting Change book today for just $19.

Are You Being Honest About Your Commitments?

Tania Usher — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:03:19 +0000

Your life mirrors your commitments. Being honest about what’s really going on in your business and your life (the good, the bad and the ugly) will reveal exactly what you’re committed to. If you’re committed to a goal of having caring, nurturing and loving relationships, that’s what you’ll experience. If you’re committed to following your passion, your day will be spent doing work you love. If you experience conflict within your team, it’s because you’re committed to it. Yes…even if it seems as though it’s another person’s fault.

Outcomes don’t lie.

If you say you’re committed to being fit…then you’ll honour your daily fitness regime, no matter how busy your routine.

If financial freedom is a priority…you’ll make the switch from trading your hours for dollars to setting goals which focus on creating passive and residual income.

If a loving relationship with your partner is important…then the harmony in your household will reveal the truth.

When you make a commitment to your goals, you experience true freedom. You no longer have to wrestle with the decision about how to spend your day or which priorities to set. If you make a 100% commitment to answer emails within 24 hours…then that’s it. The decision is made. You don’t have to think about it again. Life becomes easier and simpler. Your commitment keeps you focused and frees up energy that would otherwise be wasted grappling with internal debates…should I…shouldn’t I…I’ll do it tomorrow. When the commitment has been made, you then have energy to pursue your creative achievements.

"There is a difference between interest and commitment.
When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only
when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something,
you accept no excuses, only results."

~ Ken Blanchard, Author – The One Minute Manager

The first step to making an honest commitment is to set your honest goals. Goals are proven success tools. They give you big visions to work towards whether for your life, relationships, health or business. Goals give you focus on what’s important.

Goals must be:

1. Specific

Jack Canfield (co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul) says “…vague goals produce vague results”. Goals need to be emotive and inspiring. They should illicit some physical response, giddiness, nausea or a desire to run around the block.

2. Succinct

While the specific details are important for your vision, short and snappy goals (5 words) are easier for the brain to keep locked into the conscious mind. The more specific and accurate your goal, the more you will achieve.

3. Challenging

Big goals ensure growing into a big person. Take the measure by thinking of the most amazing thing you want to achieve. Then allow yourself to be engulfed by the excitement and nervousness of the challenge, then go for it. Don’t worry about the how…that comes later.

4. Measurable

Goals must have some measure of success otherwise they are just ideas. Identify the criteria by which you’ll measure your goal’s progress…how much?…how many? It’s a good idea “to get fit”…it’s a goal to “to compete in next year’s triathlon”. However to be inspired to achieve your goal measurability needs to be coupled with vision.

5. Visible

Goals must be written down otherwise they get lost amongst all the mental chatter. Place them in a prominent location (computer screen saver, fridge, bedside table) but move them around frequently. Otherwise the familiarity diminishes impact. The ritual of reading them out morning and night has insurmountable power.

6. Timely

You must identify a timeframe by which to accomplish your goal. This will put its priority into perspective. For example, “to complete a creative project”, is once again a good idea. However it’s an inspiring goal to “Unveil my first art exhibition by December”.

7. Feeling

The key component to achieving your goals is to ‘FEEL’ they have already manifested. Live your life as if they have already been achieved. In fact, it’s when you’re on the journey to achieving your goals that the feeling of already having achieved them is vitally important. There’s no room for doubt and mistrust. Feel it and live it.

8. Stretching

The path to achieving your goals requires some serious stretching. Stretching hurts a little at first but starts to feel good the longer the stretch. Every day commit to stretching yourself a little further…and with each stretch your goals come a little closer.

9. Take Action

No matter how exciting your goals, without action they won’t come to life. To get you started identify 3 areas in your business that you want to focus on during the next 6 months. Remembner your goals should be challenging (so you remain interested) and achievable (within the time frame).

For each focus area write a simple heading and try to describe a ‘measurable’ result – how you will know you have succeeded or are on track. These measurable results will become your strategic actions. For example:

Heading: Be more productive

Measurable Results: I have a system to follow up on calls and emails, I’m on time (or early) for my business meetings, I get 90% of my tasks accomplished, I completed project xyz.

Goal: Triple turnover while working 50% less

Now that’s a goal worth committing to.

Simple Strategies For Using Webinars To Grow Your Business

Tania Usher — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:12:10 +0000

Sue Murphy, director of Red Hot Events and Seminars and mother of 3 has leveraged the power of the Internet to grow a business that supports her lifestyle. Sue has learned that you can have it all – if you have the right support, knowledge and encouragement. One very powerful tool Sue has used to connect with audiences around the world is Webinars. In this month’s training Sue will be sharing simple ways how you too can get noticed by your target market using webinars.

What you’ll learn in this training is:

How to differentiate between working smarter and working harder
How to unleash your business potential through the power of webinars
What you need to connect and share to fill your webinars
What tools and technology you need to get started
How to keep your community coming back for more

Register for access to this training and become a member of Tania’s Get Noticed Mentoring Program for only $9.97 a month.

This Could Happen To You

Tania Usher — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 06:48:48 +0000

It’s been an interesting week of discovery. And I don’t mean personal-development type discovery, I mean, discovering where all my lost data went. Without warning, my computer died and along with it access to all my emails, documents, photos, videos, programs and other valuables stored on a hard drive.

Fortunately, my fabulous computer doctor was able to recover all my data. Nonetheless, reloading everything to a new computer took almost a week. The upside is I’ve discovered a host of information I forgot I had. As well I deleted a ton of stuff no longer needed, including 2494 unnecessary Outlook files.

What I also discovered is that we keep much more than we ever need. So the forced culling of my digital draws was very liberating.

Of course, even if my computer doctor wasn’t able to recover my data, I would have been safe. Twice a day EVERYTHING on my computer is backed up electronically. When was the last time you backed up ALL your data?

If you’re not backing up your computer at LEAST daily your business, security and wellbeing are at great risk. Imagine losing all your photos, documents, videos, music and financial records. Studies have shown that it can take up to 5 years to recover from a loss of data, never mind the heartbreak of losing all your photos and precious memories.

There are a number of online backup solutions, I use Mozy. For just $4.95 per month your entire computer can be backed up. So in the unfortunate incident your computer also dies you’ll be up and running again in a matter of days, not years.

By the time I connect with you again, I plan to have culled at least half of my files. Loving this letting go of the old and making way for the new.

Do It Better…Do It Differently

Tania Usher — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:23:34 +0000

If you’re serious about growing a successful and sustainable business, then you need to get comfortable with leveraging the power of your expertise.

Who says you are the expert?

You do.

How do you become an expert?

You claim it.

The first step to building a solid business foundation is to accept that you are an expert. If you’re a mother, then you’re an expert of MANY things. If you’re a surfer, you know more than the average person about surfing. If you love copywriting, that’s an area of expertise around which you can build a business.

Sadly, most people have been programmed for modesty. Going from unabashed confidence, “Mummy, don’t I look beautiful?” to debilitating self-doubt “Why would anyone pay me for what I know?” Sound familiar? If so then it’s time to reclaim your confidence and get your message heard.

Now there’s no room for insecurities. Self-doubt has no place in your extraordinary future. Self-doubt can only hold you back. Remember, you already know something valuable – something that can help people solve their problems. Believing in yourself and sharing your expertise in a simple to step-by-step format is key to the success of your budding enterprise.

Why? Because whether you realize it or not, you have created many systems that your clients, or soon to be clients want and need. Your clients want access to your resources, knowledge, tools, tips and strategies so start gathering all the existing evidence of your expertise.

Don’t be tempted to downplay your knowledge, particularly if you see others sharing similar information in the marketplace. When you profile your expertise from an authentic and heart-centred perspective, you have no competition. You’re unique and no one else can deliver your messages, products and services like you.

How to Get Started As an Expert

Dig out all the emails, manuals information and training you have compiled throughout your career. Not just material in your business. Any skills you have mastered are skills someone is looking for. For example packing healthy lunch boxes (what’s in it, shopping list); baking fabulous cakes (grandma’s secret ingredients, serving suggestions); teaching financial literacy (budget templates, spreadsheets)…you get the idea. Collate the information in an attractive and professional way.

Your job is to make sure your audience gains access to this valuable information. Once they do they’ll want to be with you, learn from you, and master what you know. And of course pay you for access to this information.

Something magical happens when you begin to profile yourself as an expert, your expertise grows. Confidence is sexy and infectious. People want to be around this intoxicating energy so the more comfortable you are with being the expert, the bigger the expert you become.

Align Yourself With Key Organisations

As your expert status grows, people will start looking to you for advice and support on your area of expertise. So begin making connections with others in your industry. Join related trade organisations, associations, mastermind groups and let your audience know about it. By linking with other institutions you generate credibility and elevate your expert status.

Likewise raise your profile with local businesses. Hold a seminar on your expertise at the closest University or education institution. Or offer to hold a workshop onsite with at least two well-known companies in your area.

Leverage The Profile of Other Experts

If you don’t feel comfortable that you’re an expert just yet, connect with an expert or someone well-known in your field. Ask them if you can help them at their seminar or attend one of their workshops. Many experts provide opportunities for an ‘apprentice’ to walk alongside them as they prepare for their events. Be that person and you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll learn. By connecting at such an intimate level with the experts in your field you’ll very rapidly move from ‘protégé’ to expert.

Every minute spent studying the expertise of a mentor will take you one step closer to being that expert.

Ways To Elevate Your Expert Status:

Post suggestions or solutions on blogs and forums related to your expertise
Initiate powerful discussions on your social networking sites
Interview an expert and share the interview with your community
Review books written by experts in your field and share your findings
Seek ways to increase your knowledge and share it with your community
Locate other experts who can help you fill in the gaps
Submit articles to relevant trade publications and e-zines
Teach what you know, do it better and do it differently
Share from your heart and personal experience

Commit to fine-tuning and tweaking the delivery of your expertise. Just one simple addition or change to the way you communicate your message with the world can make all the difference to the success of your business.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: “Acclaimed success coach, speaker and writer Tania Usher strips back they hype and confusion to teach, support and empower entrepreneurs around the world grow sustainable and meaning businesses. If you’re looking for simple cost-effective ways to boost your business, register for Tania’s free weekly articles, advice and tools at ” www.TaniaUsherInternational.com”

About The Author

Tania Usher is an internationally renowned marketing communication strategist, business coach, author, speaker and adventurer. Her company Tania Usher International is dedicated to providing communication expertise and innovative solutions to accelerate results and positive transformation for entrepreneurs and businesses worldwide. Tania aims to touch as many lives as possible with her authentic and ‘from the heart’ get NAKED approach to business where she strips back the hype to expose raw and uncut strategies for life, business and success.

Go now to http://www.taniausherinternational.com

Woman On Top Against The Odds

Tania Usher — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:30:52 +0000

Tania Usher is honoured to be one one of 13 inspirational business women featured in Women On Top – Against The Odds.

In this book tenacious and determined business women Sally Healey and Terri M Cooper expose the truth behind hard-won success. They introduce readers to a collection of respected women, including Hetty Johnston of Bravehearts Inc, who reveal their tough but true journeys, encouraging you to travel your higher path, lighting the way for others as you go.

"The stories in this book are life journeys of amazing women – each one bravely reveals their strength of spirit, courage and resilience to show other women we are all capable of greatness." - Kay Danes, humanitarian and international author of Beneath The Pale Blue Burqa

Also featured is Dr Lois Frankel international bestselling author of Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office and Nice Girls Don’t Get Rich.

The Naked Truth

After years of global travel and a very successful executive career, Tania tamed her wandering soul to settle down and start a family. Within five years she gave birth to three children, lost her first born, became the sole provider of her family, witnessed escalating credit card debt and was served home repossession papers. Her dreams of balancing a job and family were shattered.

Frustrated, alone, exhausted and desperate to find a way to secure the future for her young family, Tania took a leap of faith and launched her own business. Without a plan, money or anyone to help her figure things out, Tania’s unstinting faith in her abilities propelled her to success. In just five years, Tania’s international business has connected thousands of individuals around the world and her inspiring events have touched the lives of over 100,000 people.

Grab Your Copy of Women On Top - Against The Odds

For just $19 by clicking the "Buy Now" button below

Learn more about all the women in this amazing project by clicking here.

SMART Woman On Top Book Launch

Tania Usher — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 06:45:22 +0000

You’re invited to join us for the ‘Women On Top’ Sunshine Coast book launch. The night features 14 men and woman on top as well as interviews with inspiring thought leaders from all over Australia, including the beautiful Rachael Birmingham. Your ticket includes hot canapes, 2 complimentary drinks and a free ‘Woman On Top’ book. Plus $5 from every ticket will be donated to the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. Look forward to seeing you there.

Tickets: $77.00

When: Friday, 14 October 6:30pm till late

Where: By the pool at The Surfair Resort, Marcoola

Go here to book your seat now

How To Grow Your Business With Video

Tania Usher — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:55:55 +0000

Melissa’s goal has always been to run a business that coincides with the needs of her three young children. She started building the lifestyle she wanted with her first business, ‘Grooming Children for Success”, which ran etiquette workshops for children. Then she took a break from the business to be with her son while he underwent and recovered from a lifesaving kidney transplant. During the long hours of waiting and thinking, while at her son’s bedside in hospital, Melissa became inspired to not only help children, but to help their parents too. She understands that ‘it takes a village’ to raise happy, healthy children, and she decided to create that village – online. From that inspiration the, ‘Toddler to Teens’ online parenting television show was born. Melissa believes that using video was the key to rapidly building a international business with no budget.

What you will learn in this training is:

Why getting started with video isn’t as scary as you think
How to use the various elements of video to grow your list exponentially
Why striving for perfection can be the downfall of your videos
What equipment and software you’ll need that won’t breaking the bank
How to create engaging content that develops a loyal following

Register for access to this training and become a member of Tania’s Get Noticed Mentoring Program for only $9.97 a month.