“Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.”
- William James
Hello again everyone!
I want to talk for a minute about catalysts. Now, I’m not talking about the type of catalysts we learned about (and probably forgot about) in high school chemistry. Sure the official, scientific definition of a catalyst is something that causes or accelerates a chemical reaction, but did you know that a catalyst is also officially defined as a person whose talk, enthusiasm or energy causes others to be more friendly, enthusiastic or energetic. Don’t believe me? Go look it up at dictionary.com. I absolutely love this definition – it further supports what we talk about every day at ACN: That our attitudes can and do change our lives and the lives of those around us.
I recently read a story about a man named Jerry. Jerry was a restaurant manager and all of his employees loved him. When asked why he had such loyal employees, Jerry replied, “Each morning I wake up and I say to myself, ‘Jerry you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood, or you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood.’” One late night after his restaurant closed, Jerry was held up at gunpoint and was shot during the robbery. As he lay on the floor dying, two choices went through his head. He could choose to live or he could choose to die. Jerry chose to live. After being wheeled in for emergency surgery, Jerry saw the fear on the doctors’ faces. In their eyes he could see they were thinking, “He’s a dead man.” The nurse asked if Jerry was allergic to anything, and this was his response: “Yes, I am allergic to bullets! I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead!” Jerry lived.
And Jerry is right. After all, life is really all about choices. When you remove all the junk, every situation we are faced with is a choice. We can choose to have a good attitude, one in which others want to be around and emulate or we can choose to have a negative attitude. Regardless of what you choose, I can assure you both will have a direct impact on your business.
Now I certainly understand that we all have pressures in our lives; we are all dealing with our own struggles on some level, and you may be struggling to be the catalyst your business needs. But remember, the one thing in this world that we can control is our own attitude, how we respond and react to situations. Of course, we are only human and no one is immune completely to negativity. It’s not being immune that makes us strong; it’s how we deal with that negativity that shows our true strength.
When I am feeling negative, I try to remind myself that my attitude truly is my choice and that my choice to be negative can and does affect the people around me. So I try to be bigger than the one moment in time that is causing me to be negative. For me, I find that taking some time to myself to read a devotional or just have a quiet moment alone helps alleviate negativity. And a quick workout also does wonders for forcing negative energy out of my body. But most importantly, I try to focus on the positive and remember that even the smallest blessing in my life far outweighs the biggest challenge.
We are all in this incredible ACN journey together, so I invite you to comment below and share what inspires and keeps you positive during the challenging times. And remember, if you change your attitude and your thinking, you can change your life – and the lives of those around you!
Until next time,
Greg Provenzano
ACN President and Co-Founder
Thanks Greg, thanks to ACN and the team we are creating we enjoy so much meeting new people and helping each other in the negative moments but also enjoying the moments of happyness when people gets their goals… It is really a lifestyle. And you all made it possible. I’ll shake hands with you in Cologne next October… it will be my moment!
I’m glad you’ve talked about being a catalyst- it’s the way I choose to live my life! I aim to be the guy who is known to be a catalyst in other people’s lives- someone who internalized the Golden Rule. I used to be selfish, but have come to understand that being significant and meaningful in the eyes of others is more important than what I can accumulate and achieve in and of myself..
Another way of saying it is as my parents taught me everyday when I was young- “BE a blessing today!”
I deal with negativity,but remembering myself:
-What is really important now?
-Is my attitude works for me or against me?
I also know that each decision has impact, and the problem is that we don’t really feel it right now.
Few days ago i was sad,and the “rationnalization mode” of my mind was strong, i decided to stop everything and just listen an audio of george zalucki.And just taking notes.
That was incredibly strong,i was in an aboundance of positive and enthousiasm!
I recommand to use good material as a support when you feel weak.
It’s a good wake up call.
I fully agree!
Thanks Greg: This is a confirmation of what I was just thinking about why our team is not moving forward. It was because we didn’t have the same attitude we had in the beginning. It is never too late to change and decide to do the right thing for our business. When I get a little down when I get rejected by a prospective customer, I remind myself that God is in this business with me and He is the one who will help me to prosper, so I pray and trust and then do my part, call more people!
Spot on Mr Provenzano! Thank you again for inspiring us.
I accidentally acquired John Maxwell’s 3 books-1 volume and have been reading about attitude and for some reason I really see positive outcome in my business!
My personal quote that I truly believe in: Life’s challenges are God’s blessings. I see challenges are given to us always for good reasons and are never given to us we can not bear and solve it.
I am challenged to be an IBO and I know I will make it!
Thank you Greg for those timely nuggets!!!
God is calling me to forget whats behind and reach forward because my life’s greatest work is always ahead in the future.
Hello everyone!!! What a great article Mr. Provenzano has post. In this journey with ACN I have learned a lot of things about life, people, and also things about myself that I didn’t even know I could have. Once we understand that circumstances can be change not from the outside but from the inside of us obstacles in life are easier.
Thank you, Mr. Provenzano! You truly inspire us – all the time!
One of God’e biggest blessing in life is Freedom of Choice. We definitely choose our attitude and how we live our lives. The choices we make in life will make us. Also, they will create our reality around us!
I see people making bad/poor choices in life all the time. And that is why they are where they are. We have a huge advantage: we have ACN opportunity. We can offer it to them as a way out of the situation they are in. Again, they have a choice – take it or not! If they want to change their life, they take it and run with it! If they have too much garbage in their heads, they probably won’t see it through their filters and will be where they are. But our training and the developmental materials teach us not to get attached to the outcome. YES/NO – is their choice!
When people complain about their day-to-day life how bad it is, how many problems they have – I suggest they go to the Hospital for Sick Kids! I ask them, “You think you have it bad? Look at the kids there and see how they fight for their life and future!” They quickly appreciate what they have.
To get away from negativity and stress, I give THANKS and BLESSINGS! It is very uplifting and empowering! Try this on, and you will see what it does to you and people around you! People ask me all the time: how come I smile all the time and I am in good mood, no matter what! I tell them: I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY!!!
Thank you, Mr. Provenzano, for this reminder. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the situation and give in to the negative attitude. I choose positive!
Thank you for that wonderful message. Today, I am feeling very ill and down sbout everything. Just by reading about Jerry I know I can overcome any negatively that comes my way. especially from people who choose to belittle me and my business.
Hi AnneMarie: Those who don’t understand the business will be negative, you just have to prove them wrong by not quitting and keep going! Hope you are better.
Hi Carolyn, Thank you so much for your kind words. Thank God I am feeling much better.
My mumma use to tell me as a little girl, “honey if you wake-up and do not have gratituted I want you to go back upstair and get out of bed the right way…put one foot on the floor say thank, put the other foot on the floor and say you…and then be filled with gratitude for what you have and bring a smile to every one in your path. It is your decision as to how you “great your day” and that will impact your life. I suggest it be with grace and gratitude”
As I built my business and as I build my ACN business I share this with my team and clients and the impact has been amazing. Even though you may see clouds there is always sunshine so keep your focus and you will create rainbows.
Thank You Mr. Provenzano for an inspiring message!
Namaste,
Dawn Tardif
like that one, my children are grown, but one day I will have grandchildren – your mumma sounds like a great mumma!
I have found that ten or fifteen minutes of meditation works wonders for me. I’ve also committed a few bible verses to memory to keep me positive such as; Phil 4:13, Rom 8:31, Matt 9:29, & Matt 17:20.
When any negativity enters my life, I have trained my mind to instantly remind me of a former tough situation that I have gone thru. This allows me to remember what I went thru before and how I performed at those moments to push out of the situation. By doing this, it reminds me, no matter what, the sun will still rise, the grass will still grow, I made it thru tough times before- I WILL do it again! Stay active, create situations thru activity, continually be thinking forward. Stop and smell the roses, just don’t sit down to touch the thorns.
Thank you Greg
Brad
I`m in ACN a long time already with not much success,but i am believing in the company and people like you make me believe that i will make it one day
It is always darkest before the dawn. In times of touble we can be rest assured that tomorrow brings forth a new chance. Give it your best always. Look deep inside your heart and you will find strength you never knew you had. Believe in yourself and remember that dreams really can come true.
Thanks Greg,
J.B.
Thanks again for your inspiring words. My big WHY is the reason why I am still inspired and committed to do the business. Thank you for the ACN opportunity!
Some of life’s greatest disappointments are some of God’s greatest appointments. Mr. Provenzano you hit this right on Sir. Life is absolutely amazing in every way. It’s a choice to choose whether you wake up in a bad mood or good mood, being positive or negative but either way it’s a choice we must live with. I have been in ACN for 3 years and have not had much success. To me it doesn’t matter because, I have my eyes focus on the prize. IBO’s come and go. It doesn’t matter who leaves your organization, what matters is who’s coming in. I look at everything as a choice and I choose to win and dominant this business regardless of what anyone says period. I would like to quantify my love for this company in so many ways but instead of talking about it I will show everyone on September 29, 2012 when I hit team Coordinator. To every IBO let’s focus harder then ever on helping everyone in our organizations make the right choice and remain positive. See you guys at the top!!
God Bless
Until Next Time,
Thank you for the beautiful words Mr. Greg. I do not speak English well but thanks to a translator can comment on his message.
Jerry’s story is fantastic and very intense. Now I understand what mean when you all talk about “positive thinking”
Thanks for giving us ACN, a company blessed by God
For anyone struggling with negativity I highly recommend reading Andy Andrews book “The Traveler’s Gift”. It has inspired me to make the changes I need to accomplish anything great!
Thank you Mr. Provenzano for reminding and inspiring us to be better human beings.
It’s easy to fall into “i feel sorry for myself” when one is alone, and then to find inspiring emails which light up my spirit again.
I appreciate your emails
Thank you, Dorothy
Yeah…agree w ething! When we let negative people/thoughts effect us and dont make that choice to overcome, it seeps into our body like a deadly cancer and slowly eats at ur soul. If not takin care of we become one witg that negative world and began to breed it ourselves. Fight the good fight my friends!! Thanks for the inspiration Greggory!!
Thank you Mr. Provenzano. Your wisdom and mentoring continues to inspire me! Paying forward an attitude of gratefulness and abundance is what our team strives for every day! And we get to make a difference (MAD!) in the lives of “everyday people.”
I have no words to tell you how deep this got into my heart. Thank you………Mr. Provenzano………..Thank you A C N…………
dear mr. provenzano my dream is to meet you some day. You have inspired me and opened my eyes to what is possible in life if you really believe in yourself. I met tony P. my RVP at starbucks by chance. i opened the door for him and he inturn has done the same for me. He was promoted last year to RVP and it was an amazing experience for me one i’ll never forget. You are a great leader and my mentor sir. My entire family and i send our love to you and your family. god bless you mr. Provenzano sincerely Zoltan Kraynik IBO NOR/CAL
Hi Mr. Provenzano,
This is so true ! In 1999 I was diagnosed with cancer . I had to have surgery and then 21 treatments of chemo. In order to make it thru some tough times, I would tell myself “ok, find a positive out of this negative”! On some days the only thing I had was I’m still breathing air and I have one more day with my two sons and husband! I am cancer free for nine years! That find a positive out of this negative has gotten me through those nine years. Thank you for inspiring me with that amazing story.
Wlcf
Thank you Greg,
My experiences in life have taught me a great secret for success and that is “ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE” and every day i practice this and it has been giving me great results.
wishing you health and happiness
I am new (IBO) to ACN and an admirer of your vision; my challenge now is to get my several cousins, nieces & nephews (Indians in USA) to change Vonage to Digital phone service because Vonage offers free (App) to call cell to cell/landline. I want to be a catalyst in winning their hearts and in next few years to successfully establish ACN in India, with your help (in competing with Vonage) and blessings.
I agree with Jerry…:-) this is my motivation and my motto. (It) Reminds me of both the good and the not so good…ultimately it’s decision-making that makes the difference of receiving that glorious blessing all within a lesson. Thanking God for all you do have with dance and praise!!!*** I Survive!!*-)
I was so excited…I left the link out of the last post
Enjoy!
Greg -
Mr. Max Ehrmann wrote the Desiderata poem for himself in 1933 “because it counsels those virtues I felt myself in need of”. I try to read this at my desk every morning to begin my day. The last two lines are my favorites and set me up for the day!
“And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”
Keep the message coming……Jim
Thank you for your inspiration Mr Provenzano, this was not a coincidence that I should read this at this very moment! Have the best day of your life and Namaste!
Mr. Provenzano, your words are indeed encouraging and delivered in a moment where I am feeling the most vulnerable in my business. Nevertheless, because so many of those whom I thought would support my endeavors, my Why and my vision have become the least to care, your blog and you being ACN’s CEO gives hope.
My motivation for moving forward is realizing and accepting that I am to receive one day-at-a-time as a blessed opportunity to do my very best. And, secondly, nourishing my mind with super star mentors like yourself, along with daily prayer and meditation upon my goals and definite desires.
I have a picture on my office wall of a pelican attempting to eat a frog. Although the frog is sweating and his head is inside the pelican’s mouth, the frog’s hands are squeezed tightly around the pelican’s neck, and the caption reads, “Don’t Ever Give Up!”
This message reminder got me through past hardships, and I am applying it through my growth and success in ACN.
Thank you for sharing your blog. Be In Joy! God bless.
Hi Greg,
When I feel down or starting to get into negative mood, first thing that bring me back again to be positive is …smiling, for no reason, just start to smile. Then it will be a thought that I am the only person responsible for reality that I am expiriencing, and it is up to me what meaning do I give to the event. Big shift also happens when I think about people, that ispire me, and one of them is you!…And, of course, listen to the recordings of enriching and educative nature, expanding my knowledge and broadening my views. Listing things I am grateful for!
Other little things that help are going for a drive or walk, swim or just taking a shower.
That is an awesome story!
What I have found to be very helpful lately is to this; when any doubt or frustration comes into my mind, I just take a moment, and envision myself walking across the stage to except my RVP pin!! I know we are going to face struggles, we all will, you must envision yourself, not where you are, but where you ARE GOING TO BE!!
spending time on others and working for others as a servant really gets my stress levels down because I don’t have time to think of my own issues. =)
Thank you Greg and all my fellow IBO s who continue to share there experiences so that all may succeed. I personnally have always seen myself as fortunate and when a setback comes my way I lower my shoulder and push through because I know that it is only a lesson intended to build on our resolve. I started ACN in April and with the help and guidance from Jonathan Deziel RVP and France Lajoie ETL, I became ETT in three weeks with 31 points and doubled my initial investment. Since then things slowed down but tonight Jonathan gave me good news on a presentation for one of my team members that went great and I feel energised once again. I look forward to the up coming event in Toronto Canada as well as Charlotte and will continue spreading my positive attitude all the way to the top!!!
Thank you for this text! Seeing that one of the founder of the company I believe so much in, is such a good leader caring about people, makes me thing that I am definitely at the right place at the right time !
Reblogged this on Taha' Blog and commented:
That little edge that we all need to push us over the horizon
ACN and the beliefs talked about in this article came to me at a time when the world had caved in. It has given me the strength to persevere and now beginning to find success with every day becoming more as an individual.
Thank you so much for your thoughts and inspirations. As we connect along this journey we are on in this life it has truly been a blessing in my life to have your words, actions and example to follow. The system you have in place for us to follow is amazing. After the first 5 years with ACN come to a close and the next start I am more excited now about what we do and the people we can help than when I started. God bless. Enjoy your summer and see you in the market place.
“Be the change you want to see in the world”–Gandhi
Grande Presidente, sarebbe molto utile se il messaggio fosse tradotto nelle varie lingue dove ACN opera. Sono certo che prima o poi impareremo bene l’inglese… Grazie Greg per la tua visione giornaliera! Per Noi sei una luce!
I’m reading The Secretes of the Millionaire Mind. Mr. Eker. Mr. P, you have changed my life. From faith, to family, to fitness. I think better & I’m becoming better because I’ve come to know you through this company. Thank you for helping me.
Jeff B
I wish there was a way to find out dates of future international conventions. I don’t really care where but just when. I have to know by the end of August for any dates I want off in December. I have not missed a convention yet but this might be a break that streak. All I can do is ask off for the time I think it might be and pray.
Hi Eric,
Unfortunately, the next event will not be announced until the Charlotte event in September. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause, and will take this feedback into account for future consideration.
Thanks,
ACN Marketing Team
Speaking of enthusiasm and particular definitions I find that it may be worth mentioning the word enthusiasm comes from the Greek word ‘enthousiasmos’ specifically indicative of “being possessed by a god”, which ultimately comes from the adjective ‘entheos’, meaning “having the god within,” formed from en, “in, within,” and theos, “god.” Now that we are all grown up and continue to mature with the ACN System, I think it quite alright to say that since there is only one God -the One who rolled out the galaxies with His fingertips- we should never take for granted God’s reflective glory radiating from those who show life changing, paradigm shifting, cataclysmic enthusiasm…particularly for the sake of others that they may serve them. People like, Alisa Maples, Josh Lavigueure, Aaron Casey, Liselle, Paul & Heather Silvas, Sandry Burkel, Maurice Washington, Alysson Krupp, Uncle Paul, the magnificent Spencer, Richard Whatkins & Ashton, and last but not least, the newest ACN IBO, Heather Walker in Bellingham. Flattery gets us absolutely nowhere but that doesn’t change the fact -through my own experience with and of them- these individuals display the kind of virtue and reflective glory only the true “Theos” could have indowed them with. The word “radiant” comes to mind.
-IBO, Alisa Maples’ Husband.
I’ve gotten to a point in life where I simply cannot be around negative people. Whenever I’m in a situation that is filled with negative thoughts, feelings or ideas it seems I naturally find some positive to interject. Sure, people look at me side ways but I no longer care what people think. My bible says – First there was the word, and the word was made flesh. What we speak, what we think, becomes reality.
Thank you Mr. Provenzano! Today I discovered the ACN Blog. I am growing exponentially, spilling over my self with excitement and gratitude for being part of such an incredible company. Smiling every moment. Your vision, your business plan and all the life changing benefits that come with it have provided options that are a perfect fit for me. Regarding negativity, this is not how one would describe me, lol, but I have had ugly thoughts about family members who tend to fluorish on negativity. This is the choice I am working on, since I can’t choose to avoid them, I can only choose to not let them draw negative thoughts from me about them. Not easy. It’s not a case of “if you can’t beat them, join them” It’s a case of “if you can’t beat them, ignore them?” ps. What a cooincidence, I am allergic to bullets too.
Thank you Mr. Provenzano!! I`find the blog verry instructive and enriching. Like the ACN internationales convention speech, which I`have allways appreciated each times. ACN-Rep.Brigitte Mougeolle.
Thank you Mr Provensano for your words of inspiration, I pray the Almighty God will continue to bless every member of ACN.
Thank you Mr. Provenzano, this is great post and well timed. I have been dealing with and recognizing this in my own life lately as well. I find the same things help me as well. Scripture allways helps on the spot and a good workout will help some pent up frustrations as well. But I like what Andy Andrews had to say about smilling. If you just walk around smilling people can’t help but to smile back. I do this all the time. As well as lately I find myself recognizing negative behavore and making a concience effort to change my train of thought.
Thanks again,
Tony
We are based in India and we are following your company since 3-4 months.we want to know do we have plans to launch the company in our country in near future.if yes then please let us know we would like to be part of your esteem organisation.
The only point of control in our lives is the response we choose.
Among the things that keep me from giving in to the negativity, Mr. Provenzano, are reading blogs such as yours about being a catalyst. Since becoming an IBO, I have shed the negative ions that were wrapped around some people I had known, and embraced my positive and supportive ACN family. I am learning each day to be stronger, more secure, with more conviction and, in turn, a more convincing catalyyst for the people for whom the ACN opportunity will change their lives. Thank you!
~ Greetings of Love & Light to this phenomenal ACN family!! ~
The laws of attraction are powerful and universal and I have no doubt that I’ve attracted ACN and it has attracted me at this stage of my life because I am ready to begin manifesting some very powerful global visions~
How I work to balance out negativity in my presence are with the following:
- I start from the inside out, with abundance of LIVING SPRING WATER AND AMAZING NUTRITION; this ensures the brain, where negativity first begins to be processed, either in response to something we observe or to a thought we have, is properly nourished and operating at its optimum state
-EXERCISE stimulates release of positive endorphins, which powerfully affect mood, response and attitude~ my favorite way is hot yoga
-SURROUND MYSELF WITH POSITIVE UPLIFTING THOUGHTS via audio, video or live (ie attending an ACN meeting)~ studying the Law of Attraction through the teachings of Abraham via Esther Hicks is one of my personal faves
-MUSIC AND DANCE for me are very powerful catalysts for change and relief, therapeutic for sure in the joy they create~ drum circles are also great release
-HONOURING CYCLES already in place with Mother Nature, and syncing our own lives within these cycles; ie following the lunar cycle; setting intention at the onset of new moon, following thru with massive action around full moon, and as it wanes, taking stock and seeing what works or doesn’t, tweaking it as we again approach the new moon….and so on, seasonal cycles, planetary, etc. We are made of the same million year old carbon as the stars!!
These are what works for me and my family on this incredible journey. I am relatively new in the ACN family, my best friend of 36 years introduced me to this opportunity just a few months ago and already I know I will be forever grateful. We just returned from the Toronto conference and were blown away. We will see you all in Charlotte. Remember these names: CHANTAL JULIEN and KAIA BARTOK. We are going to blow this wide open~
Blessings on this continued, collective journey!!
Wow great article. Being humble and yourself is the most important value to keep as a human being. As soon as you change yourself and your original traits, you’re fake. People who’re real can clearly see thru someone when they’re not themselves or always puts on a pretend character. I’m a humble and laid back person……when someone tries to change my ways I might do some things different for a brief time but I revert back to the original humble me.A friend of mines introduced me to this business recently after being introduced to it in 2008 and I plan on reading every update from your blog because it gives us as IBO owners the extra courage to push forward for the future and achieving our long term goals.
Thanks,
Vance
beautiful Greg !! many people tells me I am very positive ! The most important thing for me is to be greatfull for every thing ! to connect with the light ! and when there is a obsticale I view it like there is reason for everything and a lesson to learn and trust that the universe and God have a plan !
I am at a loss for words! So inspiring, thanks Greg for all that you give us!
Love to see you call it the ACN journey.
It will be the only school I graduate from.
Love from Holland
Like your message stated everyday we have a choice to make on our attitudes. Everyday i choose to be happy and positive. The reason I make that choice is because it makes me and everyone else feel better. Second, because I know that no matter what is happening to me at the time there is always someone else in a worse position. I count my blessings everyday and again every night.
When I think about what Jesus did for me, how dare I have an attituede longer than the pain he bore on the the cross. Also my wife helps me and encourges me to keeping pressing forward, she believes in me and wants us to win. Thank you Mr. Provenzano.
thinking about the wonders of nature, the waves of the sea, transmision of signals and beauty of Gods’ creature makes me think that negativity should not take control of me in all ways of life, reading motivational books also keeps me positive and keep on track of my life.