We are at the time of the year when I like to look back and see what was accomplished. Although 2009 was a difficult year, much was accomplished, many lives have been changed and Sportron has continued to grow and provide new hope to thousands around the world.

Please click on the link to view a 10-minute video on what was accomplished, and tips and ideas on how you can make 2010 a meaningful year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suFvJdLadOo 

Dr. Tomlinson, Lynne, Kevin and I, along with the entire Sportron staff, wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Successful New Year.

God Bless,

Keith J. Harding
President and CEO

After nine months of preparing, finding the right leadership and obtaining product approval, we are pleased to announce that Sportron Mexico is now launched and ready to provide the people of Mexico a new hope and brighter future with both our exceptional products and opportunity.

We are very pleased to have as our Mexico President, Mr. Felix Arias Rodriguez, and supporting him is his wife, Maria Elena and daughter, Eira.  Felix brings to Sportron many years of network marketing experience and a successful track record.  During the past month Felix has already enrolled and surrounded himself with 100 leaders and opened two depots; one in Mexico City and the second in Monterrey.  The Monterrey depot will be operated by Dr. Jim Mitchell, a long-time Sportron leader who has moved to Mexico to build his Sportron business.  Felix has an aggressive plan to open many more depots during 2010.  We are very excited to be in Mexico and believe the potential is unlimited for our leaders and Sportron.

Not only are we opening in Mexico, we are aggressively targeting the Hispanic market in the USA and Puerto Rico.  We already have a strong and growing team in Puerto Rico.  The timing of targeting the Hispanic market in the US and opening Mexico at the same time is perfect.  Hispanics living in the US will also be able to build their business in Mexico and vice versa, the Mexicans will be able to build their business in the US.

Here are some facts:

The Hispanic population in the USA is the fastest growing group.  These are the facts as of July 1, 2007.

• Total US population = 301.6 million
• Total White population = 201 million (67%)
• Total Hispanic population = 45.5 million (15.1%)
• Total Black population = 40.7 million (13%)

The present trend and all experts predict the US Hispanic population will triple by 2050.  These are the predictions for 2050.

• Total US population = 438 million
• Total White population = 206 million (47%)
• Total Hispanic population = 127 million (29%)
• Total Black population = 57 million (13%)

Today the Hispanic purchasing power is $800 billion.  Hispanics are coming to the US for the dream–the dream of improving life for themselves and their families, both in the US and in Mexico.  Sportron is the ideal business opportunity to help them achieve and realize their goals.  Hispanics are looking for opportunities that don’t involve a large investment.  We can help them–you can help them.  This is BIG, and provides you an opportunity to be a part of this exploding market.  I encourage you to start developing a list of Hispanics in the US that you will approach.  Hispanics are family oriented, are hard workers and are looking to earn more money.

You can check out the Sportron Mexico website at http://www.sportron.com.mx/.

In the Book of Proverbs it is said, “Where there is no vision, the people will perish.”  If this is true, and I believe it is, then let me add, that where there is vision the people will flourish.  This is as true in business as it is in life.

For leaders, a vision is not a dream, it is a reality that has yet to come into existence.  A vision acts as a force within, compelling a leader to action.  It gives a leader purpose and power, and motivates and inspires others.  If the vision is big and inspiring enough, it can set in motion the energy needed for its own attainment.

Vision is a tremendously powerful force in any walk of life, but in business it is essential.  A vision is a target toward which a leader aims their energy and resources.  The constant presence of the vision keeps a leader moving despite various forces of resistance:  fear of failure; emotional hardships, such as negative responses from superiors, peers or associates; or ‘real’ hardships, such as practical difficulties or problems in the industry.

Helen Keller was asked, “What would be worse than being born blind?”  She replied, “To have sight without vision.”  Sadly, too many people are placed into leadership positions without a vision.  Vision is the key that keeps everyone focused, motivated and committed.

Paul Harvey said, “A blind man’s world is bounded by the limits of his touch; an ignorant man’s world by the limits of his knowledge; and a great man’s world by the limits of his vision.”

What is your vision?  How big is it?  My vision is to create a company, an atmosphere within the company, where hundreds of thousands of people in the world can change their lives both physically and financially by being part of this massive movement.  My vision is to create hundreds of millionaires; to help thousands of mothers to become stay at home moms and build a full-time income with Sportron from their home.  My vision is to provide the finest products available at competitive prices that produce amazing results.  My vision is to provide an opportunity where everyone who is prepared to do what it takes, sees their dreams and goals become a reality.  I’m pleased to say that after 17 years, we have accomplished so many of our goals and dreams, however we have only begun.  I feel like President Reagan when he said, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!  The best is yet to come.”  We have BIG visions for this company and for everyone who wants to be a part of this massive movement.

Have you ever had an area of your life you wanted to change, and you were committed to making that change, but you still didn’t do it? Why does this happen? Is it because you don’t know how? Are there circumstances that prevent you from making that change?

While we can come up with a variety of reasons why we don’t follow through on what we say we want to do, inevitably it boils down to our mindset. Eighty percent of success in anything is psychology, and only 20 percent is mechanics. Most people know enough to get the job done, but they’re not doing it because their psychology is not in sync with their goals.

Recently I read an article by Tony Robbins in which he gave five principles for success.  These principles will help you succeed at the highest possible level.

1. Raise Your Standards

While this may sound like a tired old thought process, none of us who are honest can deny the truth that changes do not last long term until they become a part of our identity, until we literally begin to see them as the standard we live by. Raising your standards truly means turning your shoulds into musts. Everyone has a list of shoulds: ‘I should spend more time with my kids.’ ‘I should spend more time with a business plan.’ ‘I should lose some weight.’ I should, I should, I should. People don’t actually change. They just end up what I call, “shoulding” all over themselves. Convert those “shoulds” into “musts” and your entire life changes.

I’ve seen this example so many times when people have no money, but then one of their parents becomes ill, and they find the way to generate the money to cover the incredibly expensive cancer treatments. If you look at anyone who seems to have a superior life to yourself, I guarantee you they have a superior standard in that area. If you see someone who works out five times a week, it’s not because they have more time than you have. It’s because it is a must for them. They never miss. They identify with the standard and they live it every day.

When you feel that you absolutely must get something done, you will find a way.

2. Change Your Limiting Beliefs

Even when the goal is crystal clear, and it’s truly a must for you to achieve, is that enough to succeed? Often it can be. But if you fi nd yourself either failing to act or pulling back, or even sabotaging yourself, there’s one reason: You have Inner Conflicts. Those can show up in fears and doubts, or they can show up as limiting beliefs in the form of fear or doubts. You may have a burning desire to experience absolute financial abundance, to be wealthy. But you may also have a conflicting belief that says: ‘I don’t want anyone to judge me.’ These two goals are in complete conflict. Or you have a desire to achieve a goal but simultaneously believe that you’re not strong enough, smart enough, or educated enough to make it happen. Unless you uncover these inner conflicts, they will cause you to fail.

One of the most important things I do in all of my seminars, in all of my coaching, is help people discover the conflict and realign themselves. When a human being is completely aligned, when everything inside of you is moving toward what you want without any holdbacks, there is a level of certainty that moves you to action on a consistent basis. And it will cause you to tap your fullest potential, creating results beyond your wildest dreams.

3. Model Strategies That Work

Remember, success leaves clues. There’s a Pathway to Power; a way to achieve what you want in a shorter period of time. And the way to find it is to model someone who’s already achieving what you want. If someone is successful at anything, whether they have a great relationship, are extraordinarily successful in business, or they have the body and energy that you desire, they’re not lucky. They’ve got a set of strategies that they apply and those strategies work. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You don’t need to reinvent a way to succeed. Throughout my life, I’ve always believed it’s been best to learn from others. That’s how you compress decades into days.

4. Intensify Your Emotions

It’s inevitable that life will hit us with something that feels like a crushing blow, whether an illness, a business setback, or a problem within your family. But this is a critical moment that, if faced directly, will give you the muscle of life—psychological strength—if we can simply look at it as a gift from God and find a way to use it.

Lance Armstrong’s a great example. When he faced cancer, what did he do? He didn’t give up. He intensified the emotions that he had to find a way to succeed more than he ever had in his entire sports career, even though he thought he had maximized his capabilities. And what happened? After conquering cancer, facing another biker was nothing. He won seven Tour de France events in a row. Remember, he had never won any Tour de France before that. He turned something that could have been the most traumatic moment of his life into a launching pad for some of his greatest victories. He chose to intensify his emotions and fi nd a way to conquer, not be defeated by what life offered him. These are the moments that determine our destiny.

5. Give Much More Than You Expect to Receive

Ultimately what shapes the meaning of our lives is not what we get, but what we give. If you can make it your goal to each day find a way to add more value to people’s lives than anyone else, then you’ll never have to worry about success. But if you’re constantly just trying to make a deal, trying to make a trade—‘I’ll give you this if you give me that,’ you’ll find yourself struggling to prosper. Remember, the secret to living is giving. We’re not made to be selfish. We can succeed and achieve, but what we want deep in our souls is to feel like life matters, that we’re givers, not takers. If each day you can sincerely feel like you’ve given something of value to those around you, I can promise you you’ll experience the ultimate victory of life; a life of meaning and joy.

Thought for the Day

The most important question to ask on the job is not, “What am I getting?”  The most important question to ask is, “What am I becoming?”  –Jim Rohn

Thursday all Americans will be celebrating Thanksgiving and enjoying their traditional turkey dinner.  Let us say a big “THANK YOU” to those who have played a part in our lives.  Brian Tracy said it this way, “Develop an attitude of gratitude and give thanks.”

This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth.  Our opportunities are limitless.  While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help. 

We can lift ourselves and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude.  If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins,  then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.

One of my favorite hymns always lifts our spirits, kindles our faith, and inspires our thoughts:

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings; name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged; God is over all.

Count your many blessings; angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

 I am grateful for:

• Jesus’ love
• My wonderful family
• My health and strength
• My many wonderful friends
• The three most wonderful grandchildren in the world
• My parents, who are both now in heaven, for providing
  me a home where love and gratitude were evident
• My long time friend and business partner, Dr. Alan Tomlinson
• The opportunity to work in a wonderful company like Sportron
• My great staff who make it a real joy to come to the office every day
• The many blessings the Lord gives me every day
• For each and every one of you, our Sportron associates and customers.  For your love, friendship and loyalty.

So I challenge you to pick up the phone, call or e-mail at least 10 people this weekend and tell them, “Thank You.” 

I trust that you will all enjoy a very happy and safe holiday weekend.

Thought for the Day:

Give thanks — show your gratitude in word or deed.  Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. — William Ward

BREAKING NEWS!

We have just heard from our Sportron Thailand office, that this month they will be promoting 17 new Directors, 5 new Executive Directors and 1 new National Vice President.  That makes 3 new NVP’s in two months.  Congratulations to all our Thai leaders, and thank you Mrs. Nok for your amazing leadership.

Desire has been identified by psychologists as the first ingredient for success in any endeavour.  A Greek philosopher, whose student approached to teach him how to acquire wisdom fast, was said to have taken the student to a river.  The teacher then held the student’s head and pushed it down into the water until the student almost choked to death.  When the philosopher let go, he explained to the baffled student that the desire for wisdom must be as strong as the desire for air. 

Success in life must not be left to chance or luck.  What you desire can only become a reality when you mentally see, feel and believe that which you seek.  The issue of belief is very important in the matter of attaining success.  Your desire cannot be out of proportion with your belief.  For instance, if you desire to become the President or Prime Minister of your country and you do not believe down deep inside that it is possible, you might as well forget your desire.  You have failed even before you start.  What you desire must be what you believe because what you conceive and believe is what you can achieve.

Have you ever wondered why some professional athletes lose a major competition even when they are heavily favored and physically superior than their opponent?  Here’s a hint — it’s all in the mind.  So what is the reason?  In a word — desire.  Most people either lose their desire to succeed, don’t have the desire to succeed, have the wrong desire attached to their goal, or don’t know what their real desire is.  The last two are where most people fall — they may want to achieve certain goals – but don’t have the right desire attached to their goal or don’t know what their real desire is.

Your desire is what fuels your success — if you don’t have the desire to achieve your goals – you’re not going to achieve it.  A goal without a desire is like driving a car without gas.  You’re simply not going to get anywhere.  If you want to achieve your goals you need to have the desire to achieve your goal or you have to have the right desire associated with that goal.

Thought for the Day:

There are two qualities that one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose and a burning desire to possess it.  ~Napolean Hill

Remember the old saying, “Choose your words carefully”?  This phrase is used to warn the speaker of the impact of their words on others.  In reality, the greater impact is on the speaker, not the receiver.  Once we have spoken the words, they become programmed into our minds.  So, if we find ourselves consistently saying:

• I can’t do that
• I will never be successful
• I always seem to have bad luck
• I will never get out of debt
• I won’t earn the trip to the Moon Place next year
• I don’t deserve this
• Whatever I do, I always fail

…then you most probably will prove yourself correct.

I believe it was Henry Ford who said, “Think you can, think you can’t; either way you will be correct.”

One cannot think or speak negatively and expect positive results.  Whether the result becomes apparent sooner or later, we cannot speak words of failure and defeat, and expect a life of success and victory.  I always encourage people to use words that will help change your situation, not to describe it.  Tell people how you want to feel and it won’t be long before you do.  When you are feeling somewhat down, don’t tell them how you feel, tell them how you want to feel.  The words we use are more powerful than we can imagine.  There is power in the words that we use, the things we say and the things we do.  You ask someone how they are doing and you normally hear, “I’m tired – So So – Hanging in there – Could be better – Not too bad – Working far too hard.”  Then people wonder why they don’t attract people to their business.  Rather, give a response that says, “Great – Terrific,” or as I say, “Absolutely Wonderful!”

Speaking with strength also creates a sense of accountability and commitment to get the best from yourself and others.  Your challenge is to consciously avoid using words that are strength killers.  These words sap energy and commitment from your interactions and, ultimately, your actions.  Eliminate these words from your vocabulary:

• I can’t
• If
• Doubt
• Try
• I don’t think
• I don’t have the time
• Maybe
• I’m afraid of
• I don’t believe
• It’s impossible.

But, omitting these negative words is not enough.  A sports team needs more than just a good defense to win; it also needs a strong offense.  So, you must also mobilize your own offensive assault with the words you choose.  Build positive mental connections, personal strength and commitment by using these strength builders:

• I can
• I will
• Expect the best
• Commit
• I know
• I will make the time
• Positively
• I am confident
• I do believe
• All things are possible.

The power of your actions is preceded by the power of your words.  Choose to speak with strength and watch the power of your words bring out the best in yourself and others!

Thought for the Day:

“The first step to creating the best day of your life begins when you believe that you deserve it and you commit to doing whatever it takes to make your dream become your reality.”  — Paul Hoffman

 I’m sure most of you have read Dr. Stephen Covey’s book, “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”  Today, I want to leave you with the 7 habits of highly unsuccessful people.  

Please make sure you don’t embrace any of these habits.

1 – They Think, Say, and Do Negative Things

They see problems in every opportunity.  They complain that the sun is too hot.  They curse the rain for ruining their plans for the day.  They think that everyone is against them.  They see the problems but never the solutions.  Every little bit of difficulty is exaggerated to the point of tragedy.  They regard failures as catasrophies.  They become discouraged easily, instead of learning from their mistakes.  They never seem to move forward because they’re always afraid to come out of their comfort zones.

2 – They Act Before They Think

They move based on instinct or impulse.  If they see something they like, they buy at once without any second thought.  They don’t think about the future.  What they’re after is the pleasure they will experience at present.  They don’t think about the consequences.

3 – They Talk Much More Than They Listen

They want to be the star of the show.  So they always engage in talks that would make them heroes, even to the point of lying.  Oftentimes they are not aware that what they’re saying is not sensible anymore.  When other people advise them, they close their ears because they’re too proud to admit their mistakes.  In their mind they’re always correct.  They reject suggestions because that will make them feel inferior.  These people are “know it alls.”  We have all met these types of people.

4 – They Give Up Easily

Successful people treat failures as stepping stones to success.  Incompetent ones call it quits upon recognizing the first signs of failure.  At first, they may be excited to start an endeavor.  But then they lose interest fairly quickly, especially when they encounter errors.  They they go and search for a new one.  Same story and same results.  Incompetent people don’t have the persistence to go on and fulfill their dreams.

5 – They Try to Bring Others Down to Their Level

Incompetent people envy other successful individuals.  Instead of working hard to be like them, these incompetent ones spread rumors and try every dirty trick to bring them down.  They could’ve asked these successful ones nicely.  But no, they’re too proud.  They don’t to ask for advice.  Moreover, they’re too negative to accomplish anything.

6 – They Waste Their Time

They don’t know what to do next.  They may just be content on eating, getting drunk, watching TV, or worse, staring at the blank wall with no thoughts whatsoever to improve their lives.  It’s perfectly fine to enjoy once in a while.  But time should be managed efficiently in order to succeed.  There should be a proper balance between work and pleasure.

7 – They Take the Easy Way Out

If there are two roads to choose from, incompetent people would choose the wider road with less rewards, rather than the narrower road with much better rewards at the end.  They don’t want any suffering or hardship.  They want a good life.  What these people don’t know is that what you reap is what you sow.  Efforts and action will not go unnoticed.  If only they would be willing to sacrifice a little, they would be much better off.  Successful people made it through trials and error.  They never give up.  They are willing to do everything necessary to achieve what they aspire for in life.

Today, I would like to leave you with three simple success principles.  If you study the lives and actions of successful people, you will find that they all possess the following traits.

I.  Take 100% Responsibility for Your Life

In a society where people blame everything from their parents to the government for their failure, successful people don’t buy into this type of thinking.  They realize that when you say, someone or something outside of yourself is preventing you from succeeding, you’re giving away your power to that someone or something.  You’re saying, “You have more control over my life than I do!”  Successful people don’t buy into this victim thinking.  Rather, their personal credo is…”If it’s to be, it’s up to me!”

What successful people understand is that there are certain things in life you can’t control, such as nature, the past and other people.  But there are things you absolutely can control, such as your thoughts and your actions.  Taking 100 percent responsibility for your life is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself.

II.  Live Your Life “On Purpose”

Perhaps what separates superstars from others more than anything else is that they live their lives “on purpose.”  That is, they are doing what they believe they were put here to do.  Having a sense of purpose in your life is the most important element of becoming a fully functioning person! 

When you live your life on purpose, your main concern is doing the job right.  You love what you do — and it shows.  Your conviction is as evident as it is persuasive.  And you will find that people want to do business with you because they sense your commitment to giving your all.

III.  Never Give Up

It may sound so simple, even obvious, but when you are truly committed to achieving your goal, giving up is not even an option.  You must be willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.  Everyone wants to be successful, everyone wants to make a lot of money.  Yes, everyone wants it, then why is it that so few achieve it?  They simply are not prepared to do what it takes to achieve it. 

During WWII, the Germans had defeated and occupied most of Europe.  They were about to move in and destroy the British empire, but they had misjudged one powerful war hero, Sir Winston Churchill.  This is part of Sir Winston’s speech he presented to the nation: 

“We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be,we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender…”

England defeated the Germans because of one man’s super-human courage.  Historians today say his courage came from his Purpose, his Passion, and his Never-Give-Up Attitude. 

Never under estimate the power of perseverance and what it can do for you.

We all want success in life.  We want success in our home life, business life, and in our relationships with others.  The most important single factor that guarantees our success in every aspect of our lives is having a positive attitude.  Without a positive attitude, success is not possible.

You will never attract positive things into your life if all of your thoughts are negative.  Just as a magnet attracts anything metal, our minds attract the things we think about most.  Your mind will always seek to turn the things you think about most into physical reality.  Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “A man becomes what he thinks about most of the time.”

What is attitude?  As the dictionary defines it, attitude is a way of talking and behaving.  However, its significance in our lives is much more.  Attitude is a way of life.  We have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we embrace for that day.  As they say, the only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude.  We cannot change our past, nor can we change the way certain people think.  We cannot change what’s inevitable, however the only thing we can possibly change  to deal with situations better, is our attitude.  Attitude determines outcome.  This truth is accepted by most of the successful people of the world, whether it is a doctor going for surgery or a businessman launching a new venture.  It is attitude that provides them the winning edge.  Thus, a correct and a willful attitude is the key to success.

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.  Attitude, to me, is more important than fact.  It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstance, than failures, than success, than what other people think or say or do.  It is more important than appearance, intelligence or skill.  It will make or break a company, your downline, or a home.  The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.   The only thing we can do is to play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.  This means that no matter what happens to you, it is how you react or respond to it, that is the most important attitude.

When you lose hope, when you despair, when you blame people all the time, when you do not even want to try and persevere, then you choose to make life meaningless for yourself. What is the value of intellect, imagination, education, knowledge, wisdom, experience, competence and talent if you adopt a negative attitude every day?  You need to have a positive attitude every day.

Thought for the Day:

“It is your attitude, not your aptitude, that determines your altitude.”  ~ Zig Ziglar