Stop Telling People What You Do. Start Asking Better Questions.

 The Networking Mistake That Costs People Opportunities Every Day

Picture this.

You walk into a networking event, shake someone's hand, and within five seconds they say:

"Hi, I'm John. I own an accounting firm. We provide tax planning, bookkeeping, payroll, CFO services, and..."

Sound familiar?

It happens at nearly every networking event.

Unfortunately, it also ends many conversations before they ever begin.

Why?

Because networking isn't about giving a commercial.

It's about starting a conversation.

The Problem With "I Do..."

When you immediately launch into what you do, you've made the conversation about yourself.

The other person hasn't had a chance to tell you who they are, what they need, or whether they're even someone you can help.

It's like trying to prescribe medicine before diagnosing the patient.

Instead of building rapport, you've started pitching.

Flip the Conversation

Instead of saying:

"I'm a financial advisor."

Try asking:

"Tell me about what you do."

Or...

"What brings you to today's event?"

Or...

"What kind of clients are you looking to meet?"

Now something powerful happens.

The other person starts talking.

And while they're talking, you're learning.

Questions Qualify Prospects

The best networkers aren't the best speakers.

They're the best listeners.

By asking questions, you quickly discover:

• Can this person become a client?
• Can they refer business?
• Are they hiring?
• Are they looking for opportunities?
• Do they know someone you should meet?
• Is there a way you can genuinely help them?

You can't know any of that if you're busy talking about yourself.

People Remember How You Made Them Feel

Think about the best conversations you've ever had.

Were they with someone who talked for ten minutes about themselves?

Or with someone who asked thoughtful questions and showed genuine interest?

People naturally enjoy talking about themselves, their businesses, and their goals.

When you become curious instead of promotional, you become memorable.

Earn the Right to Tell Your Story

Notice that I'm not saying you should never talk about what you do.

You absolutely should.

But after you've learned about the other person.

Once you've listened, you can tailor your response.

Instead of giving the same 60-second pitch to everyone, you can say:

"Based on what you just told me, I may be able to help. Here's what I do..."

Now your introduction is relevant.

It becomes a solution instead of a sales pitch.

Great Networking Isn't About Selling

It's about serving.

Ask questions.

Listen carefully.

Look for ways to help.

Make introductions.

Offer ideas.

Create value before asking for anything in return.

Ironically, that's when more business naturally follows.

A Better Networking Formula

The next time you're at a networking event, try this simple approach:

1. Ask about them first.
2. Listen more than you speak.
3. Ask follow-up questions.
4. Look for opportunities to help.
5. Only then explain what you do—and relate it to their needs.

You'll have better conversations, build stronger relationships, and leave a much more lasting impression.

Final Thought

Networking isn't about being the most interesting person in the room.

It's about being the most interested.

The people who ask the best questions don't just collect business cards they build relationships.

And relationships are what ultimately lead to referrals, partnerships, clients, career opportunities, and lasting business success.

So at your next networking event, resist the urge to start with "I do..."

Start instead with one simple question:

"Tell me about yourself."

You may be surprised where the conversation and the opportunity takes you.

We Are All Entrepreneurs And In Sales Whether We Know It Or Not

AIMC Entrepreneur Tip - We Are All Entrepreneurs And In Sales Whether We Know It Or Not - Our Latest Video on our DeSocial Connector YouTube Channel -

The general definition of an entrepreneur is an individual who creates a new business, bearing most of the risks and enjoying most of the rewards. The entrepreneur is commonly seen as an innovator, a source of new ideas, goods, services, and business/or procedures.

That may be true, but actually even if we are not an innovator, we are all in charge of our own domain, the "CEO of Ourselves". We dictate our success depending on our goals and how we achieve them. Our goals can be career, financial, relationship and even spiritual.

We are also in sales. Yes, we are. We are constantly selling ourselves whether is it at an interview, an idea or a new relationship. We are always thinking like an entrepreneur to achieve our goal. That is why we are all entrepreneurs and in sales, whether we know it or not.

Enjoy our video!

How Can You Break Bad Habits and Get Things Done?

 Habits are the small decisions you make and actions you perform every day. According Duke University researchers, habits account for about 40% of our behaviors on any given day.

Your life as you know it is essentially the sum of your habits--or at least a reflection of them. How in shape or out of shape you are is a result of your habits. How happy or unhappy you are is a result of your habits. How successful or unsuccessful you are is a result of your habits.

What you repeatedly do (your thoughts, actions and behaviors) ultimately forms the person you are, the things you believe and the identity you portray. Everything from procrastination to productivity to looking better to eating better and beyond all starts with better habits. When you learn to transform your habits, you can transform your life.

A big part of the habit-change game is paying attention to the habits that could be hindering your progress when it comes to health, fitness, career, relationships and life, in general. Here are some bad habits that can be holding you back…

Hitting the Snooze Button. You know what hitting the snooze button tells the world (and your subconscious)? According to Bedros Keullian, “It tells everyone that you value 10 minutes of extra sleep--poor-quality sleep, at that--over pursuing your passion and accomplishing your deepest desires.” But when you wake up and don’t snooze, you start your day with a big win, ready to dominate your day.

Making Excuses. If you’re being honest, do you ever make excuses when things don’t turn out as expected? Have you ever tried to explain away why you didn’t, couldn’t, shouldn’t or simply wouldn’t do something? It’s easy to come up with excuses and justify not getting started (or finished). The longer you fill your head with rationalizations and empty excuses, the less time you have to take action. According to Jordan Belfort, “The only thing standing between you and your goal is the bullsh*t story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it.”

Blaming other people. Sometimes it really is someone else’s fault that something bad happened. But what can you do? Blaming other people is a futile exercise that doesn’t solve anything. Instead, it creates anger and resentment, and it does nothing to push you forward. If someone wronged you, work on letting go of those bitter feelings. Forgive. Move on. Focus on your actions instead. When you start taking action, you take more responsibility for what happens in your life.

Multitasking. Research has shown that only 2% of us can really multitask efficiently. So, give up the lie already. Stop multitasking. Seriously. The cost of switching from one thing to another is extraordinary. You’re wasting time and raising the risk of making mistakes. Instead of trying to get multiple things done in a frantic, distracted manner, focus on doing one thing savagely well.

Worrying about things you can’t control. Stress, worry and anxiousness are especially prevalent today, with all the event happening in our lives and beyond (and the constant reminders in the news, social media feeds, etc.). When persistent, these can manifest as physical symptoms, many of which can be quite dangerous. While there’s an infinite number of things you can worry about, there are only a handful of things you can control, starting with your attitude, actions and behaviors. You can’t change what others say or think, and you can’t decide the actions other people take. What you can do is decide what your next step is.

Giving empty promises. There are few things more disappointing than when someone makes a promise and never delivers. Eventually, the person’s words lose their meaning, and the person himself becomes devoid of trust. If you want to help someone, think carefully about what that entails before offering to do so. Interestingly, the people that speak the loudest often end up doing the least. The next time you want to do something, take initiative and help out. Let the results speak for themselves.

Spring Into Summer - Getting Healthy and Feeling Awesome w/ TLS

AIMC Health Solutions

FITNESS – DIET – SUPPLEMENTATION – EDUCATION

http://www.aimchealthsolutions.com

Introducing Our Spring into Summer Program

Are you ready to feel and look amazing this summer?

AIMC Health Solutions is looking to coach 25 people who are ready to lose unwanted fat by starting a 21-Day TLS Challenge within the next 3 weeks to get healthy and feel amazing as we move into the summer season.

Our program is a lifestyle program, not a diet, so you will be eating real and fresh foods that you can buy right at your local store.  You can exercise either at home or at your local gym.   We will provide you science-based supplementation to support what your body actually needs to optimize your results.   You will also get online education that will take only a short time each week to do.  You can then look forward to losing weight, inches, body fat and bloat, while gaining energy, looking great and feeling better.

To get started, first check out our TLS Weight Loss website at http://www.aimchealthsolutions.com and create a profile.  

Then go to “About TLS” and take a Weight Loss Profile at https://bit.ly/2xMSYUc.   

This will help us understand what the best next steps are to help you feel great and be healthy!  We will schedule some time with you to review results and then get you started!

In the meantime, we also have an overview of our TLS Program via Zoom Online.   Check the AIMC Health Solutions Facebook Page for the next event.

Thanks,

Jeff D. – AIMC Health Solutions

jeff@aimcbizsolutions.com

Why the Fitness Club is Better Than the Nightclub

It is hard to believe I turned the big 5-0 last month considering how I do not feel old at all and have a zest for life and am excited for what is ahead.   I am involved with a lot of side hustles and run professional networking events in the Boston area and the majority of the attendees are younger and serious about their career and life which is enlightening.  Hanging with so many successful young professionals has had an amazing positive effect on me that I feel like I have just turned 30 instead!

I remember back when I was in my 20s, it was all about partying till 4am at the various nightclubs in Boston, Providence and even the occasional trip to a warm climate.   My colleagues had the day job, then went out till 4am, got up at noon and may hit the gym to sweat out the hangover.   Fitness was important but not the center of life then.  It was all about how hungover you can get.

As I got older, the nightclubs started to close and more fitness clubs were opening.   I remembered a time when Rte. 9 in Framingham was a strip of nightclubs whereas today it is dotted with fitness clubs.   The fitness club was becoming the new nightclub where people congregate, shared workouts and diets and even met their significant other.   I was pretty amazed when I went to the gym on a Friday evening recently and it was packed.  Back in 1995, you went to the gym on a Friday night, you were a loser.

Today, people are healthier than ever.   With yoga, SoulCycle, Crossfit and your basic free weights, it is cool to be into fitness, and not cool to smoke cigarettes.    That is why of all of my business ventures, my health/wellness business is my baby.

So why is the Fitness Club Better Than the Nightclub?

1)  Being active in a Fitness Program is an Investment in Your Health whereas investing in a cocktail at a Nightclub will only result in a headache and oversleeping the next day.   You feel amazing after a workout and are ready to tackle the day.   After a big night out, the only thing you are tackling is your pillow.

2)  People are positive and happy at the gym.  You notice that people encourage you at the gym and smile (well except for those that overdid it with some of  those supplements).   There is no drama at the gym, it is all business.   At a nightclub, it is all about drama.   Well look at her or why is the bartender so slow.   Why are there so many brawls and bad stories at the end of a night out?   Don't see that at a fitness club.

3) Successful people tend to congregate at the gym.    I met a lot of entrepreneurs and forward thinkers at the gym, even on a Friday night.   Refer to #2, nightclubs tend to congregate people that have no direction in life.   It is all about who you  hang with, right?

So hopefully, you will join the fitness revolution and get strong, feel great and look great!   I am rooting for you and want you to think 50 is the new 30 and 60 is the new 40.   It is the best de-aging process there is, so let's rock, at the fitness club.

A Perspective on 2018 and Looking Ahead to Great Success in 2019 w/ DeSocial Connector

By now, you have probably received your share of Happy New Year wishes and email newsletters providing great advice on how to start the new year off on a positive and successful note.    As soon as the Christmas and Chanukah holidays are over, the next focus is the New Year ahead.

2018 was a challenging year from me personally and professionally in a good way.  But through adversity, I learned how to navigate through the bumps in life by always looking ahead and not to dwell on the past.   I made some mistakes, but rather looking at them from a negative perspective, I learn and spin it into a positive outcome.

Through my various business ventures, I am involved with Health/Wellness, Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Business Networking.  What I like to do is provide a tip for each venture for you to focus on in 2019.

Health/Wellness:    Exercise in the morning whether it is at home, at the gym or going for a run and take a multi-vitamin supplement.

By exercising in the morning, you are kick starting your day by being less stressed, more alert, and full of positive energy.   If you wait till after work, you are more likely to skip working out and go through a stressful day.   I have noticed since I have been exclusively working out in the morning,  I have leveraged my time for resulting producing activities in the evening.

Finally, take a multi-vitamin supplement in the morning.    By taking a good vitamin, you are strengthening your immune system and will allow your body to recover from your workout and the stresses of the previous day.   Unfortunately, most food today and especially your breakfast cereal do not have the vitamins you need to get through the day.


Digital Marketing:   Keep it positive and offer advice to your social media connections.

Unfortunately events in 2018 brought out the worst in people especially with the political situation going on and it was reflected in the social media posts..  Social Media has exposed the worst side of the First Amendment.

Going into 2019, follow a simple strategy, if what you like to post is negative and can offend anyone, do not post it.  It is that simple.   Instead post something that is positive and encouraging.   If you have a skill such as financial advice or how to exercise, provide some tips for your connections.




Entrepreneurship:  Even if you have a day job, start a side business.

You hear the stats all the time.  3 out of 4 millionaires have multiple streams of income or no job is safe anymore.   We are now in an entrepreneur economy and we are not going back.   The days of working 9 to 5 at the same job and then going home to watch TV or have a hobby and expecting Social Security and that 401k to cover retirement are OVER.   I experience it all the time, good friends of mine at the same job for years and years and they look at me like I am some crazy unstable person with multiple ventures and going from job to job.   But that is today's reality.

Do you have a hobby or a drive to dictate what you earn.  Do you want to have control of your own financial destiny?   If so, start a side business alongside your day job.  It is that simple.  With the internet today, you can do anything from anywhere.   What the side business will allow you to do is build another income that can be used toward retirement or investments such as real estate while the day job pays the bills.   There are so many options out there for side businesses whether it is consulting or network marketing or even owning a traditional business.   If you like, contact me if you like to discuss some options.



Business Networking:  Go to networking events even if you have never been and make friends.

Just like I mentioned in the entrepreneur section of my blog, we are in a different economy now.  The traditional way to connect with people and to look for work has changed.   Gone are the days of looking through a newspaper or on monster.com for your next opportunity.   You have to network at events to meet professionals and build great relationships.  It is extremely likely that your next opportunity will come from someone you met at a networking event.

Everyone at networking events are there for the same reason, to meet professionals and build relationships with like minded professionals.  So with the new year upon us, make 2019 the year you attend at least one networking event a month and build that contact list.   Linkedin is the best social network to track the people you meet and stay connected to them.  Finally, join my group on Facebook and contact me if you need help getting started in the world of business networking.
So hopefully,  I was able to provide some great tips to start the year for you.  It will be exciting year ahead with lots of great change.  Let's connect and help each other out and be successful together!

Marketing Yourself - Some Tips to Set Yourself Apart from the Others

I have been living the life of an employee as well as an entrepreneur for the past ten years or so and have been running my own business networking group called Mass Professional Networking for the past six years.   Through it all, I have met professionals that get it when it comes to showcasing themselves and then there are others that can use a little coaching.

The experience I have gathered over the years helped me make it clear that you need to set yourself apart from others with a similar professional background.  It is almost like the musician that has blue hair versus others that look like the are a lawyer by day.

One thing is clear, the professionals that understand that their net worth is not what they have in the bank, but is a derivative of their network.  Also, since we are in a transaction economy now, if you understand that it is what people get out of you is their return on investment.  In other words, when marketing yourself, think about how you can help the other person.

So, how about some quick tips on how to market yourself and identify your personal brand to set yourself apart the others.

First, define your target market.  Think about who you can help and then target them on social media or at targeted business network events.  Are you focused on B2C or B2B customers?  Find them.

Find one simple thing about yourself and tell your story to others you meet at events or on the social media channels and be consistent.    Stories sell you and maybe even the product or service you sell.

Work the Network.    You will be surprised how large and diverse your network is especially if you regularly attend networking events or have held professional roles for more than ten years or have recently graduated from college.  Connect to people on Linkedin and build relationships.

Trade Cards.   Do you have a personal business card?  Not your corporate company card, but a business card that defines you?   Remember you are the CEO of yourself so focus your business card on you and not your corporate company and give it out so people know about you.

Break Through The Clutter.   There is a lot of clutter out there from the drama of the Facebook feed or not focusing on attending events that make sense.  Time is valuable so leverage it the best way possible.

Blog and express your Point of View.    A blog is an excellent way to share your knowledge and express your views on topics.  Keep it positive and focus on helping others with your expertise.


Your CV is your AD.   Well, actually your LinkedIn profile is your AD since resumes are old-school.  Make sure it is an all-star profile that sets you apart from others.  Does your headline stand out?

Your Facebook Page is your AD.   Yes, it is so be careful.  Your Facebook profile defines your perception to others.   Keep it positive and post topics that attract people to you.  The goal is gain good connections and not have a list of people that block you.

Do you have a website?  Everyone should have a website or a blog (like I mentioned earlier) to define you and how you can help others.

Prepare to present.  That is right, always be ready for your elevator pitch to tell your story how you can help the person you are talking to.  Remember, keep it short and ask questions to help determine next steps.

Never Stop Networking, Ever.   It is interesting to me how some people stop networking once they get a job or that big client and then when they lose it, they are back.   Bad, bad BAD!   Network harder than ever and focus on your personal brand.  Be proactive versus reactive.

So You are Afraid of Sales and Want Nothing To Do With It? You are Selling All The Time!

The word "Sales" is a terrifying word for most professionals.   The thought that they have to peddle some product or service to some stranger is one of the most terrifying ordeals of anyone's life.   Even worse is if you are forced into old school sales practice such as cold calling or door-to-door sales.  Yikes!  I think I am going to crawl under the nearest boulder and not come out!

Being a sales professional can be one of the most lucrative opportunities you can do.   Some sales professionals, depending on their product or service, can make more money than a doctor, lawyer or even a successful TV personality.   It is one of the hardest professions, but can be one of the most rewarding, especially if you were an introvert and you were "forced" to get out of your shell to make a living.

Sales comes in different formats.

There is direct sales, such as network marketing.     Network marketing is promoting a product or service using your network of contacts.  The marketing process is key since it makes the sales process easier.

There is also inside sales, where you are in the relationship building business and outside sales where you are the hunt for prospects.  There are also account managers, sales support where you are working to keep your current customers happy.

Are you overwhelmed yet?  This is probably why a lot of people avoid getting into sales.  One of the biggest objections I get when recruiting business partners in my business is because the person is terrified of sales!

The reality is that we are all in sales all the time!

Think back when you were a kid and saw this cool toy or candy in the store and wanted it bad.  You proceeded to scream your eyes out at your parents until they budged and ended up buying your favorite toy or candy bar.   You won your first sales challenge!

Also, you were out and about and saw the person of your dreams.   You built up the coverage to talk to them and they next thing you know, you are dating them and then comes marriage and then the family!    If a lot of people were afraid of sales, there would be a lot of single lonely people out there!

Another example, is when you got that big job interview after graduating from a prestigious university and you need to convince your future hiring manager that you are the best professional for the opportunity.  You are in constant selling mode until the big decision is made.

If you think about the three examples I provided from convincing your parents to buy you something, to dating then getting that dream job, the reality is that 95% of us have all had to sell/convince others to get what we want.   We are always convincing someone to give us what we want.   So why does only 5% of us love sales?  I mean really love sales?   Sounds backward to me.   It could be fear or rejection, or we are simply shy.  But even the shyest people get married or interview for a job, so why don't they like to sell?

I will leave my question open-ended since there are a lot of reasons people are afraid of sales.   But the next time you are approached by a sales professional, listen to them since they took the next step to conquer their fears and they probably realized that they have been selling all of their life anyway.

The one tip I will leave to the sales professional, the most important organ is your ear, listen to others and that sales thing will become fun and lucrative!

I am at a Networking Event, so How Do I Start a Conversation?

So you made an executive decision and decided to start going to business networking events, since that is what everyone is recommending for you to get ahead in your career and in business.  So you check the latest Meetups and Eventbrite listings and start scheduling some dates to get out there and meet some successful professionals and start building up that old Rolodex of contacts.

OK, you got through step one, but now when you get to the event, what do you do next?

I always like to start slow at an event and observe my surroundings, maybe get a drink and look for the extroverts and even if I know anyone, just to break the ice.   The next step when you introduce yourself to the first person you met, what do you ask.   Honestly, everyone dreads that ol' question, "So What Do You Do?".   The recipient may also dread that question, since it may open the door to a long winded answer, you know, the one that can go on and on until you are begging and pleading for your phone to ring or the fire alarm to go off to break free.

I have been networking for quite a few years now and I do not like asking someone simply what they do.   It is like opening the door to, why don't you give me that paper resume in your hand or just talk about your life story for the next three hours.

Here are some questions I like to ask in no particular order.   Hopefully, they can help you engage in more meaningful conversation at your next business networking event.

- What is your biggest professional accomplishment and how did you achieve it?

- Who is your favorite business mentor, whether it is a colleague or a celebrity?

- What is your favorite business book, show or podcast?

- What is your biggest challenge in business?

- Who is your perfect client and who can I introduce you to, that will help your business?

- What is your top marketing and networking strategy?  What social media platform do you use the most to market your business?

- What is your favorite business networking group?  Hint Hint, Mass Professional Networking!

- What other talents do you have?  For example, do you play a musical instrument?

- What is your recommended follow-up strategy after you meet someone at an event and in what setting?  Phone call or over a coffee/ drink?

There are many other questions you can ask to engage in conversation, but chances are is if you pick four or five of the above questions, you are well on your way to a very engaging conversation and the start of a great business relationship.   You are probably wondering how you can remember all of the answers to your question.  What I recommend is to write some key words on the person's business card or take notes on a small pad, so it is easier to follow-up.

So now you know how to look for events and know how to break the ice at an event, so go ahead and start networking.  It is the one and only way to get ahead in this fast paced digital world.

How Video Can Help You Beat Your Fear of Public Speaking

When it comes to what people's biggest fear, what are the first things that come to mind?

Going to the dentist?
Dealing with your ex after a breakup?
Going through tunnels in a big city?

How about public speaking?  25% of Americans say public speaking is their biggest fear.

Imagine if your boss or business partner pulls you into their office and asks you to present a key topic that in front of hundreds of people or on a smaller scale, you have to give a speech at a wedding in front of a bunch of intoxicated guests.   The first thing you want to do is hide under the nearing table.

Public speaking is one of the most fearful things anyone can do.   They stutter, say "Um" or sometimes pass out in mid-sentence.   It is much easier to be in the audience versus being the focus of the audience.

I personally had a fear of public speaking.  I remember getting in front of a room to present an IT project at a large retailer and proceeded to sweat so much, I had to put my dress shirt in a dryer to dry it out.   My speech was full of those "Um's" and "Ahh's" and the famous "You know" after every other word.

I ended up taking a Toastmasters class back in 2008, which really helped me beat the fear of speaking in front of others.  Case in point are some of my videos on my YouTube Channel where I had to get in front of people to talk about business networking and social media.

However,  there is a more immediate way to help beat the fear of public speaking instead of Toastmasters, and it happens to be that little device in your pocket.    It is the video camera on your smartphone.   I do recommend checking out Toastmasters at a later time.

Ok, I am going to cut to the chase.   My suggestion to you if you hate public speaking is to use your smartphone and video record yourself taking about your favorite topic and then work your way up to a topic that you may have to speak about in a public forum.   The old saying is practice makes perfect, so why not use something that is free, easy and personal to practice talking to people?

There are also all sorts of live video applications out there that you can practice doing live videos.   I look at live videos on social media as the next step after you practice doing videos on the Camera app on your smartphone.   By doing live videos on Facebook Live, Periscope or Instagram, you can ask your connections to critique your video and if there are any suggestions to improve your speech.   After all, your social media connections are your friends, right?

Start doing videos on a regular basis on your favorite topics such as sports, the weather, owning a business and other topics, and then over time you will notice your confidence increasing, especially if you start getting those social media likes for your recent live video.   Ask for feedback and note how much engagement there is after posting your video.

Ok, finally, you are asked to speak in a public forum.    So what really is the difference?   If you like the topic you are talking about, and if you look at your audience through the screen of your smartphone and think the audience are there to support you, then go for it and have confidence that you will rock it and woo your audience with great insight!  It gets easier more and more.

It is Holiday Time - Some Tips to Beat Stress and Stay Healthy and Feel Awesome

It is the most merriest time of the year. 

A time for spiked egg nog  
Online Shopping
Sitting in Traffic
Scraping ice off your windshield
Dusting off the snow shovel 
and office holiday potlucks.

Whew!  That is a lot, no wonder people are stressed this time of year!

It is no secret that stress is the leading cause and a lot of times the root cause of health issues in the world.

When it comes to diet and food/beverage of choice, it seems the more stressed you are, the more you reach for the most sugary snack or drink.

Bad diets are one of the leading causes, next to lack of exercise and good sleep, for most of our health issues today.   People get sick and are very reactive toward addressing health issues resorting to pharma products to solve all of their issues.   But that is a topic for another day.

So, how do you beat stress?    Some tips are fairly obvious, but some are somewhat of a surprise.  If you do them all together, you may find out stress is a thing of the past and you don't want to live in the past.

So here we go!

(1)  Exercise three or four times a week, preferably in the morning.

Talk a walk at lunch, go to the gym in the morning and set precedent for a great day.  Personally, I notice myself to be less stressed fighting epic Boston traffic in the morning on the days I work out.   There is no excuse for not exercising.  Make the time!

(2)  Eat the Right Foods and Not in Excess

The Europeans got it right.  There are no such thing as buffets there and their meals are mostly made fresh and in small portions.  The less sugar and dairy, the better.   Bread products make you depressed due to bad carbs.   Eat dark vegetables and lean meat and you will notice your digestion to be better and you will feel more energized for the day.

(3)  If you are tired,  Sleep.   Get your Beauty Rest!

After all, you are a pretty good looking person, so in order to be less stressed, if you are tired, then sleep sufficiently.  Around 7-8 hours a night is ideal.  If you have trouble sleeping, check your diet and don't eat anything one to two hours before you call it a night.

(4)  You have a Brain.   Nurture It!

Just like physical exercise, your brain needs exercise constantly by learning new things.   Read an inspirational book, or a topic that makes you happy and positive.   The most successful people in the world are always learning.   Listen to Tom Brady, the five-time Super Bowl winner, when he is talking to the media.  He mentions that he is always learning.     When you are occupied and learning, you don't have time for drama and stress.

(5) Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, Today is the Present

You can only control the present, so don't stress about what happened yesterday.  It is not going to change things.   Live, think and experience your life now in the present and focus on things you can control.   A classic case is if your sports team lost a game.   What control did you have over your favorite team besides screaming at the top of your lungs at your TV?  Get over it and move on.

If you put all of this tips together you will notice yourself to be less stressed and will enjoy the holiday season and any season for its best.     Stress is the root cause and it is always important to solve the root cause of any issue, especially if it has to do with your health.