3 Dream-Killing Character Traits

People often times begin a venture, such as applying for a job, approaching a romantic prospect, starting a business, wanting promotion or a pay increase and fall prey to 3 detrimental behavioral pillars.  As long as these three traits reside in your psyche,  success is almost impossible.

1. Having a fixed mindset 

“In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them.” - Carol Dwek

At the onset of a pursuit are several hurdles to overcome. The first one is how you view the challenge and if you can see beyond it. That means opening your mind to having to fail, learn and adapt. Those with a fixed mindset will manifest their own demise before they take the first step. If you can’t adapt, embrace the change in wind direction, or welcome and accept feedback or coaching, the odds of achieving the goal are slim to none.

Darwin and life teaches as the value of adaptability. Even the master learns new lessons every day and welcomes them as a part of the journey. Growth, development and improvement are never-ending. You can’t remain the same person and expect growth and better results.

2. Lack of Belief.

In 1993, I auditioned for Cirque du Soleil while living in Manhattan on the most meager of budgets. Prior to that audition, professional rejection had become common-place… it never stopped… audition after audition and seemingly no progress. My dream was dying. Though I experienced doubt, deep down I always believed. It’s that inner belief that kept me going. It’s that inner belief that made me try one more time. And one day, that one more time became a life-changing opportunity. Had I stopped believing, I would have given up. When you believe, you simply can’t stop pursuing the dream. When you don’t believe, you will become exhausted and void of hope or enthusiasm… may as well say goodbye if you don’t believe.

3. Caring about what others think or say is kryptonite. 

During the entire first couple of years of Manhattan life, I was constantly pre-occupied with what others thought about my abilities, what they thought about my "foolish" American dream and what they'd say if I failed. 

The more we worry about the opinions of others, the more we are shackled, the harder it is to become our best self and succeed. Our purpose is not based on what others think. Our purpose is based on what compels us to do what we do; our WHY? We must not allow our reason for being to be distracted by the values and expectations that others place upon us. 

Never feel the need to validate or explain your values, dreams and desires to others. Most won't understand. Others don't care. Not to mention, many are secretly hoping you fail anywayl. Deny the naysayers and doubters. It's your dream.

You’ve got this.

 Sincerely,

Vital Germaine,

Life-coach, keynotes speaker and top-selling author.

Learn more in the book:

FLYING WITHOUT A NET 2.0

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The power of HOPE and OPTIMISM

Recovery and healing from trauma takes time. First, be aware that cutting the ambilicle chord that connects you to your pain, your past,  your hurt and your shame or guilt is necessary. Then you have to decide you want to be free and change. You will experience new pain as you purge. Persevere. Believe in the light at the end of the tunnel. I saw it when all was dark and lost. I found it. So will you.

Over the years, people often asked, what was the “secret” to how I delivered myself from my past and achieved my goals. The answer is neither simple nor easy. Sorry for the bad, realistic and honest news. 

The principals of triumph over adversity are the same principals of any success. The formula is not based on a singular defining decision, action, or magic pill, but rather a series of decisions followed by on-going repetitive action, all of which are intentionally designed and implemented to move us in the anticipated direction. Those decisions and actions must be fueled by hope, desire, determination, imagination and belief. An element of luck along the way helps, of course. 

It’s been said that luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Persistently taking action prepares us for the potholes on the road to achievement, taking us where the dream transforms into a hard earned reality. Beyond what happens to us, it is attitude that determines whether or not we arrive at our envisioned destination. We are empowered to choose. The choices are not always easy. It’s up to you. You’ve got this.

Be inspired to spread your wings and FLY WITHOUT A NET

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🎗SUCH AN INCREDIBLE STORY OF HOPE

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Wants and needs; the difference.

When it comes to pure economics and budgeting, the difference between what we want and what we need is relatively apparent. On an emotional level; happiness, fulfillment, balance - our needs and wants become a little more complicated. Knowing and understanding the difference can be a game changer in our lives.

To want (or desire) something can have great value. Desire is a great motivator. Your hunger for something that you don’t need is the dangling carrot. Keep chasing. Stay hungry. However, every coin has two sides. The flip side of want is not so appetizing.

Maslo’s hierarchy of needs

Focusing on what you need is fiscally responsible and emotionally sound.

Wanting can lead to unhappiness because it’s a behavior that risks never being completely entertained. In other words, you risk developing an appetite for things that is never satiated; you always want more. As a result of that constant desire for more, for bigger, getter or faster, your soul becomes restless, disappointed… unhappy. It starves and constantly craves. You now live a vicious cycle of envy. This is a downside of capitalism or consumerism. We want and want and want. We compete with the neighbors because we want what they have. The neighbors are no longer the Jones’ next door. Everybody on social media is now an neighbor. According to Statista, an estimated 3.09 billion people will be using social media worldwide by 2021.

Finding your needs. Dig deep into your heart and soul. Be introspective and client to find what you really need. The answer is not money or power! Money, gets you perceived power. Power and money allow you to you more easily access the things that you need. In general our emotional needs are simple and cannot be bought: belonging, love, security and connection. The risk is this; money doesn’t buy genuine love or connection… it only buys short term substitutes which end up making us feel empty.

Ask yourself these 3 questions

1. What do you need to be happy?

2. What do you need to feel loved?

3. What do you need to fee safe?

The answers to those 3 questions are your fundamental needs. Keep them very honest and very basic. You might find that your deepest wants are deeply routed in needs that weren’t met in childhood. Those lacking needs are often disguised as fears that hold us back and addictions/cravings the drive us to poor decisions. Meeting and honoring our true needs is what gets us there; self actualization (top of Maslo’s hierarchy of needs). Now, go out, identify those needs and use them as fuel to reach higher.

Sincerely,

Vital Germaine

Life coach, keynote speaker, top selling author and President of ENGAGE Teams 360

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3 Things That Will Kill Your Dream

Why do some achieve their dreams while others fall flat on their faces and get stuck in the mud of misery? The full answer is complex. Here’s a rudimentary answer as to why and how.

People often times pursue a dream or begin a venture, such as applying for a job, approaching a romantic prospect, starting a business, wanting promotion or a pay increase and fall prey to 3 main behavioral pillars.  

# 1: LACK OF BELIEF.

Deep down do you have subconscious program that is telling you you’re either not good enough, or you don’t deserve the fairy tale ending. The best of us experience this, including myself at different times through out my life. Like all things healing and growth begin with awareness.

In 1993, I auditioned for Cirque du Soleil while living in Manhattan on the most meager of budgets. Prior to the Cirque audition, professional rejection had become common-place. A part of me truly believed I was good enough and that it was just a matter of time. Meanwhile, this dark, negative whisper kept reminding me, “You suck, Vital. You’re a fool for thinking you could make it. They were all right. Walk away while you still have some dignity.” Ever heard that voice or something similar?

Without hope and confidence, aspirations die before they ever had the chance to breathe and live. 

# 2: BEING PRE-OCCUPIED WITH WHAT OTHERS THINK OR SAY ABOUT YOU IS KRYPTONITE. 

During the entire first couple of years of Manhattan life, before running away with Cirque du Soleil, and silencing those ugly voices in my mind, I was constantly pre-occupied with what others thought about my abilities. What did they think about my "foolish" American dream. What would they say if I failed? Do my jeans make my ass look fat? Was I tall enough… black enough… white enough… talented enough… and the list goes on.  

The more we worry about the opinions of others, the more we are shackled, the harder it is to become our best self and succeed. Our purpose is not based on what others think. Our purpose is based on what compels us to do what we do; your why? We must not allow our reason for being to be distracted by the values and expectations that others place upon us. Kick those haters and doubters up the bum and tell them to piss off.

Never feel the need to validate or explain your values, dreams and desires to others. Most won't understand. Others don't care. Not to mention, many are secretly hoping you fail. Deny the naysayers and doubters. It's your dream. The second character trait that kills dreams is, "worrying what others' think or say."

#3: FIXED MINDSET 

In order to navigate any journey, a person must have the right tools, a plan or strategy, and the right attitude. It’s all about attitude or mindset. Know that it is a journey of falling, learning, hurting and getting back up as you grow.

At the onset of a pursuit, we usually don't even know which tools to buy, create ourselves and bring along. The more experience (failures) and knowledge we accumulate, the smoother the sailing, or the better we weather storms.

As your skills and wisdom develop, you will need to keep your tools sharp. Times change. Darwin and life teaches as the value of adaptability… that’s a growth mindset. Even the master learns new lessons every day. Growth, development and improvement are never-ending. If you allow your skills and knowledge to plateau, you are inviting stagnation and decay.  

Learn more and be inspired to spread your wings and reach higher with my book FLYING WITHOUT A NET 2.0 - or contact me to set up a FREE personal coaching discovery session.

Sincerely,

Vital Germaine

Flying Without a Net 2.0 has been called: 

• Powerful!

• Inspirational!

• Triumphant!

• 5-Stars!

• A  TEN! 

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Yeh done messed up! Now what?

Whatever it is you are currently dreaming of or working on, it doesn’t have to be perfect to be shared. Honor the element of delivering quality and live up to your brand standards, but don’t demand or expect perfection from yourself or anybody else. This doest no mean being unprepared and putting out crappy product or services. Aim high and then higher, but never for perfection. The pursuit of perfection will drive you nuts and hurt you… I know all too well.

Making errors sucks. Falling hurts. Be emotionally strong to not let it get you down. Brush off the dust, laugh at yourself, get up and go again with a smile on your face and belief in your heart that tomorrow will be better... because it probably will.

Be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself for those lesser moments when you are not perfect… you are actually learning and growing during those times. Be patient until you improve, or better option presents itself, or the teacher appears. Just like performers, go back into the training/class room and practice. Work at your skill and optimize your genius. Besides, if you’re giving your best and are authentic, the audience will be on your side wanting you to succeed. Ride that wave. While you are in the process of learning, growing and taking risks, most people will be forgiving and understanding.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM MY YEARS IN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

One of the lessons most performers/artists learn is that during a show, when #@%& goes wrong, the audience doesn’t know unless:

1: Somebody gets seriously hurt and drastic action is needed

2: The error is SO obvious… kind of like when a runway model slips over her heels and tries so hard to not fall but eventually does… and it might hurt physically as well as emotionally.

3: You tell them through the different forms we communicate with

Don’t announce your errors or mistakes, unless it’s during execution or delivery of a service of product which can’t be fixed. Then, an apology is needed along with a plan of action to remedy the error (offer options). 

Sincerely,

Vital Germaine

President of ENGAGE Teams 360: professional development

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What separates achievers from those who never live their dreams?

People often begin a venture, such as applying for a job, approaching a romantic prospect, starting a business, wanting promotion or a pay increase and fall prey to 3 main behavioral pillars.  As long as these three traits reside in your psyche,  success is almost impossible.

1: LACK OF BELIEF 

Any journey to self actualization is tough. Void of self belief it’s almost self sabotage.

1993, I auditioned for Cirque du Soleil while living in Manhattan on the most meager of budgets. Prior to the Cirque audition, professional rejection had become common-place. Fate tempted me to give up on my dream and head home to the small town of Blankenberge on the coast of Belgium. 

At the end of almost 2 years of struggle in Manhattan, I had lost belief in my ability to ever achieve my American dream. Without hope and confidence, aspirations die before they ever had the chance to breathe and live. 

My life changed when my attitude changed! When I believed that I could and deserved to fly, my wings appeared.

At the time I'd never heard of Cirque du Soleil. I thought it a silly idea to audition for a circus.  I had not sacrificed everything in Belgium to run away with a circus, wear over-sized shoes, a red nose and clean up elephant dung. During the audition I initially felt out of my league and intimidated. When i reminded myself that I had as good a chance as anyone here, everything changed. I forgot about my insecurities and doubts.  I felt free and hopeful. I lived in the moment with childlike vigor and performed with the utmost enthusiasm and confidence. 

Believing in your potential and that you deserve what's on the other side of doubt, risk and fear will set you free. Believing makes you confident and gives you wings. As long as I didn't believe in me, my subconscious would only attract, disappointment and failure.  

What separates achievers from those who never live their dreams is the belief they can and will, even when tempted to give up. They simply can't let go of their dream because their conviction compels them to keep going. they know success will be theirs. They remain optimistic midst the rejection, the "no's" and the failures. The pursuit is relentless. A positive outlook is the constant. It helps them get back up at each standing count, when life has knocked them down. 

2. CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK

During the entire first couple of years of Manhattan life, I was constantly pre-occupied with what others thought about my abilities, what they thought about my "foolish" American dream and what they'd say if I failed. 

Being pre-occupied with what other's think or say is kryptonite to the dreaming and ambitious mind. 

The more we worry about the opinions of others, the more we are shackled, the harder it is to become our best self and succeed. Our purpose is not based on what other's think. Our purpose is based on what compels us to do what we do; your why? We must not allow our reason for being to be distracted by the values and expectations that others place upon us. 

Never feel the need to validate or explain your values, dreams and desires to others. Most won't understand. Others don't care. Not to mention, many are secretly hoping you fail. Deny the naysayers and doubters. It's your dream. The second character trait that kills dreams is, "worrying what others' think or say."

3. A VISION 

Having a vision is the launching pad. There are two other steps attached to vision;

• STRATEGY: One must build an engine to travel the journey. Set your compass, create a roadmap and adjust along the way. Never give up on the vision. Always adapt the plan or strategy. Take risks knowing failure is a part of the equation.

• EXECUTION and FOLLOW THROUGH: One must add fuel to the engine that propels and compels you.

When I moved to Manhattan to pursue my goals, it was not on blind whim. I had invested almost four years at a performing arts academy in Brugge, Belgium to hone  my talent and skills as a dancer. I spend hours, days, weeks and months envisioning what the dream looked and tasted like. I could smell it. 

In order to navigate any journey, a person must have the right tools, a plan or strategy, and the right attitude: A VISIONS. At the onset of a pursuit, we usually don't even know which tools to buy, create ourselves and bring along. The more experience and knowledge we accumulate, the smoother the sailing.

As your skills and wisdom develop, you will need to keep your tools sharp and updated. Times change. Darwin and life teaches as the value of adaptability. Leverage your creative genius to overcome obstacles, problem solve and understand which new tools you will need and where to obtain them. Have the attitude of a constant learner. Even the master learns new lessons every day. Growth, development and improvement are never-ending. If you allow your skills and knowledge to plateau, you are inviting stagnation and decay.  It's the same as never updating software. In time you will find yourself left behind unable to remain effective or relevant. 

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How can you know who to trust?

There are predominantly two schools of thought when it comes to trusting people. Some are of the mindset that trust must be earned. Others trust as their default setting until proven wrong. Do you know which philosophy you subscribe to?

One thing most would agree with, is that years of trust can be destroyed within a second or a singular act. It’s really hard to rebuild once broken.

There are no guarantees when it comes to trust.

If you’ve been betrayed before when sharing too much or trusting somebody with something that is very personal, including your heart, read on. If you’ve not been betrayed read on so that you don’t get blind-sided.

“To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.”

— George MacDonald

Revealing too much can set you up for sabotage, hurt or humiliation. Vulnerability can, nonetheless, invite and initiate deep and meaningful relationships. It’s a delicate dance.

In reality, we only reveal too much if it’s with the wrong person. The right person will honor and protect your secrets, your insecurities and your wounds. The right person will protect your heart. The wrong person will use them as ammo to take advantage of you or make you a victim of their selfishness and lack of integrity. So how can you tell who to trust and how much to trust them?

Being aware of the following will help:

1. INTUITION: Obey your intuition. If you feel as much as the slightest inclination that you don’t trust a person, you’re probably right.

2. LISTEN: Really listen to what they say. People eventually tell you who they are if you listen carefully and long enough.

3. LISTEN: This is not a typo, but intentionally repeated with a slight difference. Pay as much attention to what wasn’t said. Read between the lines. There’s a lot of hidden info within the empty space and silence.

4. INTEGRITY: Pay close attention to their actions, in particular, if and when they are repeated. We all have habits and default settings that get revealed when under stress or pressure. Example; if they’re rude to the waiter (or to you for that fact) because they had a bad day, it could be a one-off situation. We all have those days where we lose our composure OR are put into a situation where are integrity is challenged or compromised; we may be cornered and feel the need to lie (in its multiple forms). However, if this bad behavior, lying or deceit repeats, chances are they have a character and honesty issue. Though we can sometimes understand a lie, it’s actually never okay, just like there is no validation to being rude and disrespectful even when the other person might have deserved it. (I’m preaching though I’m not a saint and have messed up in this department before FYI). Humans are always true to their character, in particular under pressure and when they can no longer maintain the facade.

5. APOLOGY: Can they even say sorry when they’ve lied, have been rude, disrespectful, disloyal, manipulative, abusive, inconsiderate and insensitive? If the answer is yes, that’s good news, HOWEVER! If they can’t own what they “f*&^ up in, they can’t be trusted. Note: There are 2 types of transgressions. 1: somebody independently owns up to a transgression because their conscience compels them to. 2: they fess up because they got busted. I personally judge this situation and this person differently.

There must be changed behavior if they lied or messed up. This is a great barometer to gauge earned trust levels. Sometimes people know they messed up but are too proud (or ashamed) to admit it. However, they always know if they’ve been honest or not; even the narcissist knows. If their conscience is in a good and trustworthy place (never with a narcissist), the bad behavior will slowly eat them alive and they will come clean. If they don’t ever achieve this, then don’t ever express vulnerability or trust them again… unless, they demonstrate enough effort over an extended period of time (which you will determine for yourself), with enough evidence to suggest they have changed. If this never happens, cut your losses and find a better friend, lover or boss, because your current one can’t and shouldn’t be trusted.

6. INTUITION: Same as 1. Sometimes your intuition will scream in desperation to save you that the person is not to be trusted; when meeting the cliche slimy and cheesy used car salesman, for example. You know you're gonna get taken-advantage of. Other times, the “not to be trusted vibes” are more subtle. Either way, intuition is always active and accessible. It’s something that can be developed, beginning with the awareness that you have it.

7. HISTORY/PAST: There is nothing worse than condemning somebody for their past behaviors. People do learn, grow, mature and change. However, somebody’s past shouldn’t be completely overlooked. It is potentially a red flag. Snakes shed their skins but remain snakes. If they are a narcissist, they will not change, so never be fooled by the great Oscar-award-winning acting skills. Then again, what was once an ugly lava can turn into the most beautiful butterfly. If you observe all other steps mentioned in this blog, then whether or not their past behaviors are a reason to trust of distrust them will be revealed.

IN CLOSING: Ultimately, the biggest trust red flag that you should never ignore is if and when somebody you trust violates somebody else’s trust. This means you witnessed them either lying to another person, cheating on another person, or stealing from another person… OR revealed another person’s secret to you. The odds they will do the same to you are so high that it’s best to simply not trust them! Walk away with your character and or wallet in tact.

If you have additional tips or lessons to add, if you agree or disagree, please share the value of your thoughts in the comments below.

Thank you,

Vital Germaine

President of ENGAGE Teams 360 / 6-time author / keynote speaker / mindset coach

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How to generate more ideas

Don’t be intimidated or misguided by the word imagination as if it’s something reserved for the artistic people or “The Creatives” of this world. Imagination is a secret super power we all have.

Imagination is essentially how ideas are formed. It’s the first step in any personal or business endeavor. You have to convince and/or envision the goal or concept.

Imagination fuels creativity. Creativity drives innovation and innovation is dependent on risk, idea sharing and the confidence to express. In business, this mindset leads to market relevance, sustainability and scalability or $$$.

However, imagination unto itself is not enough.

Ideas must have an execution strategy, follow through

and backed by effective marketing.

Only then can they become scaleable money generators that bring value to the world. The world needs and loves innovation when it is made available.  The modern consumer is addicted to the new, the better, the faster, that which simplifies their lives and saves them time. Innovation can nonetheless intimidate those who are creating it. Fear of rejection. If it’s too different it will alienate. Is the timing right?

Today’s modern business strategies and practices exist in the fastest changing climate in the history of humankind. Differentiation has become the new black. Imagination and creativity are necessary ingredients to stand out, be unique and maintain social and commercial relevance.

Many scholars, academics, philosophers, and modern thought leaders have declared that, “knowledge is power.” Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.”

Further more, how innovative and expressive is your company culture? Leadership either inspires creativity or it kills it.

READ THE BLOG: TOP 10 WAYS TO STIMULATE and INSPIRE IDEAS

If you’d like to do a deeper dive into this topic, you’ll find endless insight and actionable tools in the following books that are similar but not identical.

INNOVATION MINDSET: this is for business, organizational and leadership development

IMAGINATION WILL TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE: this is for personal development

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Vital Germaine

President of ENGAGEteams360

Vital is Las Vegas' most dynamic keynotes speaker and corporate trainer. His executive leadership experiences are designed to inspire extraordinary performance.

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21 Ways to Shift Your Attitude to Positive

There are a few ways to help you deny or switch a negative attitude or mindset to a positive one when life has gotten the better of you. If you live void of problems or challenges, aren’t you lucky. Stay calm and carry on. If you do and have faced BS, please read on and gain insight on how to overcome, heal and reach higher.

As with almost everything, the transformation journey begins with awareness. (I might have said that before and might say it again. It truly begins with the self. If you are unaware that a shift is needed or that growth is required, you’ll find yourself stranded in the doldrums of emotional, intellectual and spiritual stagnation. Hope and help are on the way.

Here is a sample from that list. The full list will soon be available in my upcoming book, REACHING HIGHER, 21 ways to keep life positive.

21 BEHAVIORS

1. SMILING:

The simple act of smiling, even if not genuine, will fool the brain into believing it’s happy. As a result, feel good or pleasure hormones; in particular serotonin will be released. Such endorphins act as anti-depressants, stress reducers and even painkillers to physical ailments, which are often a manifestation of our mental or emotional state. This good news is reason to smile.

Smiles are also…

18. GRATITUDE and GIVING BACK:

Focus on things you are grateful for and that bring you joy. Thinking of these things and keeping them front of mind is like deleting something you don’t wish to see on a chalkboard. For my old-school people, hopefully the chalk didn’t make that horrible squeal that gave you goose bumps and a chill. Throw in the element of giving back to your community or helping somebody else…

21. REMINDERS:

Remember that you get to…

Read the full list in the NEW book: REACHING HIGHER.

It’s a short 20-30 minute read that you can go back to over and over again whenever the need arises for a quick dose of positive redirection.

Sincerely,

Vital Germaine

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Mastering the art of public speaking

Wether you are speaking on a large stage or in a boardroom, communication is an opportunity to connect with other humans on a deep and meaningful level. There are a few principals that can help you bridge that gap more effectively and efficiently.

I’ve had the honor of delivering keynotes to Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies on large stages for over 1,500 at a time. My journey began as a toastmaster speaking for the first time, legs shaking, mouth dry like a dessert landscape and hoping nobody would notice the sweat shaping from my pores.

Here I am 7 years later having learned so much and more than happy to shorten your learning curve. Others helped me and I feel compelled to help you bring more value to the stage when you speak at a company meeting or for a larger audience. 

If you take the time to master and implement this powerful communication trifecta, you’ll take your communication skills to the next level.   

There are three pillars of a great keynote

1.   CONTENT

Know your audience. Respect your audience! 

Why:

Your objective should be to invite and initiate a decision or a pivot that will transform a person or group. In order to achieve that you must know your audience: understand their pain point or the problem they need resolved.  It’s all about the VALUE you bring to the dance.

How:

•       Always respect your audience. Knowing them will help you achieve the respect factor. 

•       Invest plenty of time in researching, creating, learning your content, and understanding your content.

•       Customize and personalize your message to the individual or group it's purposed for.

•       Realize that your content is not about you. It's about your audience.

•       Be sure to provide tools, action steps, roadmaps for them to solve a problem.  

2. STRUCTURE

Why:  

•       A solid structure directs your audience along a desirable Customer Experience path.

•       Getting into the right mindset to deliver and share that information in an engaging fashion brings great value to your audience.

How:  

•       Become an architect and design a structure that guides your audience (team members, customers) to the anticipated outcome or take-away.

•       Each touch point or step within your presentation should streamlined and effective. Minimize the clutter to be more impactful.

•       Provide tools and solutions that are easy to:

o      understand

o      remember

o      implement

To help achieve this, keep your messaging to around 3 main topics or take-aways.

3. DELIVERY

Why: 

•       Getting into the right mindset to deliver and share that information in an engaging fashion brings great value to your audience.

How:  

•       What does your audience need to hear from you to grow? 

•       Speak a language that inspires and are not respectful of your audience, regarding the delivery, then the value of your knowledge and content will be diluted, if not anemic. Why do the homework and design a great structure, to only fall short at the final hurdle?

•       Deliver a relevant and meaningful message with passion, confidence, enthusiasm and most of all... be that is easily understood. If you

•       Authentic and sincere.

Vital Germaine

If you want to do a deeper dive into developing your speaking career, click the link below to learn about my speaker coaching programs.

Vital is a reputable keynote speaker and employee engagement trainer that inspires cultural transformation by inspiring INNOVATION MINDSETS.

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Intuition or reasoning? Which makes the best decisions?

Are you aware of which you prefer and why? Would you like to make better decision?

Good decision-making is based on several factors. There are those who rely on their intuition, while others live by reasoning. Which is best? Both bring great value. Both can lead to regret. Both can lead to great decisions or an automatic learning opportunity.

Let’s compare the two.

1. REASONING: This involves thought, data, research and other metrics to come to a conclusion. Taking the time to analyze information is a powerful tool to use when making sound decisions.

If this is your north star, stay calm and carry on, though consider adding intuition to your decision-making game. Reasoning can be broken up into 3 catagories:

1. Deductive reasoning - implementing a logical sequence process, starting with cause, and ending with effect.

2. Inductive reasoning - a conclusion is drawn using general information.

3. Abductive reasoning - taking time to evaluate both the facts and the actions.

If you live and die by the power of reasoning, be diligent in your accumulation of information. If your source is too general, it can lead to inaccurate and costly conclusions. Know and trust your sources. (WMD’s during the Gulf War). Make sure you understand the information and that you can effectively translate and implement that knowledge. Knowledge is one thing, the ability to use it is another.

“All possible knowledge, then, depends on the validity of reasoning...Unless human reasoning is valid no science can be true.” - C.S Lewis

Technology offers endless platforms to collect and translate data into highly effective sales strategies; this can be CRM systems, lead generation tools, CSI surveys etc. If reasoning is your north star, stay calm and carry on, though consider developing your intuition for added value.

2. INTUITION: If you’re an intuitive, know that you live in a different time, space continuum than logical thinkers… neither better nor worse… just different.

You may find logical thinkers unable to understand your convictions based on your gut screaming to do what simply FEELS right. How can you be so sure based on a feeling? Lieutenant Colombo always had a hunch (as do most detectives. It’s a feeling that is deeper than thought or intellect. It stems from the heart.

The heart is the cradle of our intuition, of our creativity. Great innovators are strongly connected to their intuition. They obey the signals from the heart.

The HeartMath Institute executed nineteen years of extensive research on the relationship between the psychophysiology of stress, emotions, and the interactions between the heart and brain. They concluded that the heart sends more signals to the brain than the brain sends to the heart. 

If intuition is your compass, stay calm and carry on, though consider adding reasoning to your decision-making game.

“The only real valuable thing is intuition.” - Albert Einstein

You’ve got this.

Growth and learning comes in trying something new and different or investing time to develop an existing trait. Many feel too at home in the safety of their comfort zones, reluctant to risk, fail, learn, discover, and progress. Dare to try a new spice with your pig intestine lunch today.

Ultimately, each must live life according to their needs, beliefs, intellectual expectations and emotional desires. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula in life. You decide. Perhaps the answers is to be aware as to which of the two works for you and optimize that platform.

The reality is, reasoning tells us we can never truly know or predict. My intuition tells me the same exact thing, we can never truly know or predict. Combining intuition with reasoning, my conclusion is that the ultimate answer is to develop the ability to live with the consequences or outcome of any decision you make, good bad or ugly.

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Thank you for reading,

Vital Germaine

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Stepping into your inner genius

How often, as a kid, did you hear, no, you can’t do that, no that’s wrong… no, no no no no. They said, "don’t look into Pandora’s box children." We need to deny that negative programming and reconnect with the inner child who once believed everything was possible. 

Did you know that the average child hears 432 negative comments or no’s per day? This negative programming has an adverse impact on our adult psyche. How many times are you thinking or saying no to yourself and others a day? How many times a day is your internal dialogue limiting your potential through doubt and the words no or can’t. How many times a day are you not reaching higher because you’ve built a glass ceiling built on the word no? Each time we say or think no, we are building a confiding box and a ceiling that is too low. 

The same happens in the workplace.

We say the equivalent of no when we shut down other people's ideas. We say, great idea... but! 

Have you ever heard that in a meeting? Perhaps more importantly, have you ever said that in a meeting (and be honest with yourself)? We've all said it. We've all murdered innovation before it's had a chance to be planted, let alone watered by saying, great idea... but. 

Invite and encourage idea sharing, debate and collaboration. Give your team a free pass to explore the secrets of Pandora's box. Be curious. Be tempted.  in with reckless abandon and have fun with the content as you experiment, discover and make mistakes.  Toddlers don’t yet grasp the concept of no or can’t. They simply keep trying, exploring, learning and discovering because they are curious. How cool do you think it would be to forget the concept of “No, or Can’t” both at home and in the business world. 

The Steve Jobs, the Henry Fords, the Elon Musks of this world are not limited by can’t and no. They are empowered by the mindset of yes, why not and let’s reach higher. They create cultures designed to say YES... AND. They create cultures and organizations designed to disrupt the status quo. Cultures and mindsets inspired and empowered to disrupt how we think. Let’s disrupt our process, our culture. Let’s disrupt our mindset. Let’s be more childlike in our thinking. Let's innovate and dream of the impossible. 

To experience a deeper dive into the topic of innovation and how to access your inner genius to accelerate success, read my new book IMAGINATION WILL TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE.

Thank you,

Vital Germaine

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Minimize your stress in less than 60 seconds

Stress can be a good thing. It brings urgency and can elevate focus.

However, when stress builds up over time, (which it does) the effects are only negative. According to The American Psychological Association of America, money and WORK are the top two sources of significant stress.

TOP 5 EFFECTS OF STRESS

1. Unhappiness

2. Loss of attention, focus and productivity (costs you $$$)

3. Disengagement (loss of motivation)

4. Absenteeism (we don’t show up at work or aren’t present in our personal lives)

5. Health problems (high blood pressure, heart issues, bad moods and temptation of addictions)

At my company, ENGAGEteams360, we understand and highly value the benefits of mental, physical and emotional wellness. It's not a question of meditating to levitate above your desk or during a Netflix bing. It’s not about going on extreme diets (food heavily impacts our stress levels and overal sense of wellbeing), It’s not about becoming a gym rat.

Improve your health and wellness by minimizing stress. Start by being aware of your stress levels and adjust accordingly.

A simple deep intentional breath as a starting point can do wonders to immediately minimize your stress. Your attitude will improve, as will your mood. You might even crack a smile and become happy when you dump the life crap that is stressing the hell out.

One simple breath is all it takes...

… and exhale (or sigh… or SCREAM!). You’ve got this.

THANK YOU.

Vital Germaine

Learn more about healthy, wealthy and happy living in my new book, 3 SIMPLE STEPS.

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Building a strong business brand.

In the business world there are 4 crucial elements you will need to have in place. They are often referred to as the 4 P’s of Brand.

1. Product:

   1. What’s the story and purpose of your value proposition (service or product).

   2. What’s the quality in relationship to the price point?

   3. Is the product new and innovative or established and traditional?

2. Process:

   1. Will you save the customer time because your process is streamlined, effective and efficient?

   2. Is your process cost-effective and saving the customer money?

   3. Are the customer touch-points pleasant, enjoyable and memorable for the right reasons?

3. Place:

   1. Is the environment welcoming, clean and easy to navigate. Place can be brick and mortar or online (or your home).

   2. Can customers access your products and services easily? The more you minimize, if not eliminate pain-points the better the Customer Experience.

4. People:

   1. What service are your employees delivering and does it align with company values?

   2. How are they showing up and delivering the experience to your customers?

   3. Are your people honoring and embodying the core values that define your culture and therefore your brand?

   4. What is the emotional response from the consumer (Customer Experience) in regards to your employees or team.

All 4 P’s of brand must be put in place and well executed for the customer to believe in your business and become loyal. Take inventory and adjust accordingly. Customers must be confident and trust they know exactly what they are going to get. If you fail in any one of the 4 P’s of brand, you risk driving customers away. They will seek a company that does deliver on the promise:

A brand is not what you say it is. It’s how you are perceived that defines your brand. Some brands are a combination of the personal and business: celebrities or public figures in particular are both. READ THE Building an AUTHENTIC Personal Brand blog

Remember!

PROMISE MADE. PROMISE KEPT.

Anything less is a lame brand. And who wants that kind of crap in their life?

Learn more about how to build a strong and meaningful brand:

Thank you for reading (and watching),

If you are in the process of building a brand or want to strengthen your brand and need guidance, please connect. I’ve coached many entrepreneurs to success. I can help you.

Read the “Building an AUTHENTIC personal brand” blog

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Self-care and self-love, what's the difference?

There is a very fine-line between self-love and selfishness or narcissism. It is possible that we confuse the nuances and they become varying shades of each other.

This video will give deeper insight and something to consider.

Thank you for reading (and watching),

Vital Germaine

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Integrity

Doing the right thing is a poetic notion filled with chivalrous intentions that can oftentimes be negatively judged or completely misunderstood; it can painfully backfire. 

Humans fundamentally sense and know right from wrong void of laws, un-written codes of ethics and company policies. Despite our internal moral barometer, it can be such a tough decision to lead with integrity, let alone live with integrity. Should we feel regret or remorse when our integrity has a negative result and we lose and hurt others, or lose popularity? Do we courageously dig deep and stand up for our decision regardless of consequence? 

I personally think integrity is a very subjective thing. One can only hope that others understand our decision or at least respect our conviction even when they are different to theirs. Surely it’s okay to disagree and walk away happy. Ultimately, embrace that not everybody will get you. And that’s okay because integrity is not a popularity contest and there is always a currency trade off. 

If you feel guilty that you upset people because you are honoring your values and genuinely did what you thought was right, then stay calm and carry on… the judgment storm will pass. Ask Nike and Colin Kaepernick.

Trust your gut, that as a healthy human being with a conscience and empathy, you are making the right decision in the long run. Be aware of the difference between being stubborn and doing the right thing. Your emotional response to the situation will let you know what’s what. When it comes to narcissists, don’t confuse integrity with heartless selfish interest. The intention must be do to the right thing for the right reasons and for the bigger picture.

Thank you for reading,

Vital Germaine

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How is courage developed?

Most would think that performing in Cirque du Soleil as an aerialist would mean you weren’t afraid of heights (or afraid of much for that matter). Well, that’s not quite true. Auditioning for Cirque and experimenting on a trapeze for the first time, dangling from the rafters is one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. I might have peed my pants a little.

Stepping onto a glass ledge/box on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (aka The Sears Tower) in Chicago might have been the second scariest thing I’ve ever done. It reminded me of my fear of heights. (yes, I ran away with the circus while fearing heights… INSANE!) It also reminded me of how powerful it is to defy your fears and push your boundaries. Be courageous, which doesn't mean having no fear. On the contrary. One must experience fear or doubt to truly be courageous.

My first step onto the glass ledge on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower needed a deep breath and a commitment to the course of action. JUST DO IT, Vital!

Developing courage comes in small steps.

Courage is developed from facing our fears. Stare them in the face until they bow down to your focused and intentional frame of mind that you will not be held back. It doesn’t mean doing something that will give you a metaphorical heart attack. Even better, is that developing courage can and should be fun. As a fantastic byproduct of becoming more courageous is that your confidence grows too.

Throughout your day, week or year, you are presented with obvious and not so obvious opportunities to grow and have fun. It’s a simple issue of trying new things. Preferably things that scare you a little. Things that get your heart pumping. Enjoy the rush. Enjoy the sense of temporary invincibility. Take small risks, stretch your mind, challenge your determination, expand your sense of adventure often. Awake that inner child dying to thrive, learn and grow.

The next part of my courageous glass ledge challenge was on a different level. I decided to lie down and stare down into the abyss from over 1,353 Feet (412m). I think I peed my pants again a little, but boy was it worth it once achieved.

Other factors came into play. While living your moment and facing your challenge, ignore and deny what others might be thinking. Who needs judgment in moments like this? You get to choose and you shouldn’t care what they haters might be saying about you lying down on a glass floor staring down from the 103rd floor. I DID IT and it felt amazing.

During my Cirque audition and when meeting a trapeze for the first time might well have been the most courageous thing I’ve ever done. But once I overcame that fear, total euphoria flooded my brain with joy and fulfillment.

Become more courageous as a human being, as a friend, lover or parent. On a professional level, face tough leadership challenges with courage. One act of courage changed my life forever. It might change yours too.

Sincerely,

Vital Germaine

Learn more in the book: FLYING WITHOUT A NET 2.0 a story of courage, perseverance, attitude, and life in Cirque du Soleil.

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3 tips to building a strong brand.

Building a brand is not just a business or entrepreneur thing. You yourself are a brand too. You brand yourself as a friend, parent, lover and colleague. Here are some tips to help you become a better brand: personally and on a business level. The two overlap.

TIP #1: As an entrepreneur or small business owner, the goal is to build or create a business entity that brings value and is sustainable, if not scalable. That is in big part reliant on customer aquisition and customer retention. It costs more to find new customers than to keep existing ones. Customer loyalty is key to your entrepreneurial success.

When it comes to pure business or entrepreneurship know this: The modern consumer, in particular Gen Z/Y and Millennials (who have a purchasing power of over $200 BILLION annually). It’s hard to build a business or a brand that isn’t aware of this. Adapt and understand the changing landscape.

Loyalty is based on how people feel about you or your product, service or business. Make sure that how you or your any representatives show up is congruent with what you stand for. A disconnect will alienate people from you or company. They won’t come back. Be authentic.

TIP #2: The essence of who you are, what you stand for, and how you show up on a consistent basis define your character… your personal brand.

It is said that we do business with people we know, like, trust... and relate to.

1. Are you LIKEABLE? If somebody simply doesn’t like you they will go else where to do business. Recommended reading: The LikeAbility Factor by Tim Sanders.

2. Are you TRUSTABLE? Your customers, colleagues, friends and family want to know that you deliver on what you say you will do. It’s about being authentic, reliable and knowing that you have their interest at heart.

3. Are you RELATABLE? Character traits such as arrogance can turn people off. Be grounded, genuinely listen and care about people. Be welcoming and add an splash of vulnerability and humility.

TIP #3 Purchasing decisions are 90% emotion based. Are you intentionally aiming to connect on an emotional level with your clients or customers? If so, what are you doing to achieve this objective? Do more of that.

If not, it’s time to add that philosophy into your business model. Your business survival depends on it. Without an emotional connection, business is simply a transaction. Transactions don’t invite or inspire loyalty, repeat business or referrals. Your network should also be emotionally connected to you, your products and or services.

Think of a brand that you are loyalty to. You may initially break it down to such things as; you like the product, they are reliable, affordable etc. Behind all that logic, is a deep underlying emotion that makes you feel a certain way about that brand.

Thank you.  If this blog was of value or made you think then please share or comment.

Vital Germaine

In the book INNOVATION MINDSET, reimagining business, leadership and culture, you’ll find action steps to help you strengthen your brand and remain relevant in today’s faster-than-ever changing business climate.

Originally titled: imAGINATION WILL TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE

Top-Selling Author: BUY THE BOOKS

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5 Great Reasons to be Kind

Kindness is a highly valuable human quality that requires zero skill and zero effort. It offers endless benefits for the self and for others on a personal and business level. It’s about treating people with respect while honoring your value system. Sometimes it means being tough. Kindness is definitely not a weakness.

On a personal level, it establishes much stronger relationships with those we love and care for. Our kindness elevates others, letting them feel secure, confident, valued and honored.

KIND·NESS

ˈKĪN(D)NƏS/SUBMIT

NOUN

THE QUALITY OF BEING FRIENDLY, GENEROUS, AND CONSIDERATE.

1. KINDNESS MAKES PEOPLE FEEL GOOD: On a scientific level, kindness stimulates feel-good hormones like dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin. This feeling of well-being minimizes and helps eliminate cortisol, the stress hormone. A sense of emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual wellness is key to our health. Kindness is an act that not only benefits the recipient but also the giver. Givers experience increased activity in the reward center of the brain promoting happiness. We all like to feel good. We all desire and deserve happier lives.

2. KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUS: One act of kindness inspires and leads to another. It is hard to not pay it forward because kindness is the default setting of humanity. Make somebody's day with your emotional generosity and thoughtfulness. Send out a positive ripple effect that will impact those around you, who in feeling good, will have a positive impact on those they interact with.

3. KINDNESS CONNECTS PEOPLE: Life experiences and conventional wisdom teach us that kindness is weak. Times have changed. The era of stoicism as a sign of strength is fading. Humans are searching for deeper and more meaningful connections. Kindness invites and initiates those connections. There are, however, times when clear boundaries need to be established in the event your kindness is abused. Honor, respect and be kind to yourself.

4. KINDNESS OPTMIZES PERFORMANCE: When humans share or experience kindness it energizes their spirit and fills them with optimism and enthusiasm. They feel good about themselves which elevates confidence and boosts performance. Be kind to your family, friends, colleagues and strangers. Inspire and empower them to thrive with the simple gift of kindness.

In regards to business and culture, kindness will optimize employee performance. As a result, your customers/clients will experience the best of your brand. It might even inspire them to come back again and again and become loyal. A little kindness is all it takes. It stems from empathy, arguably the foundation of Emotional Intelligence. Kindness encompasses many other impactful behavioral traits. 

5. KINDNESS INSPIRES LOYALTY: Loyalty can be in friendships and personal relationships. It definitely has an impact on business and profits. In this age of the consumer where product is no longer the differentiator, customer loyalty is driven by how customers emotionally connect with your brand and the people who deliver your brand experience. When leaders are kind to their employees, a collective sense of happiness and well-being emerges within that culture. The company benefits from a kind culture. Customers will benefit from the happiness emitting from your culture. They will be inspired to be loyal. It's a win-win.

CONNECTING KINDNESS TO CULTURE WILL HEAVILY IMPACT EVERY ASPECT OF THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AND YOUR BOTTOM LINE. IT’S A VERY SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE STRATEGY TO IMPLEMENT AND ENCOURAGE. THE EFFORT IS MINIMAL AND THE OUTCOME IS MASSIVE.

It manifests in many forms: respect, appreciation, caring, open-mindedness, compassion, and inclusiveness.  It's simply the right thing to be and do.

ONE SIMPLE ACT OF KINDNESS ENCOURAGES US TO LIVE RICHER LIVES. AS YOU WIN, SO DO OTHERS… AND THAT’S MAKING THW ORLD A BETTER PLACE AT HOME AND AT WORK.

EXPLORE THE NEW “BE KIND” APPAREL COLLECTION

"A WARM SMILE IS THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE OF KINDNESS."

- WILLIAM ARTHUR WARD

Vital Germaine

Thank you. If this blog was of value or made you think then please share or comment.

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Getting the best out of your people

It’s always about how people feel in response to how you treat them. We are humans and humans are emotional beings. Everything we do is based on our emotional response and/or connection. The most effective way to inspire change is to create the necessary emotional response void of manipulation. Policy doesn’t inspire action let alone performance. Being valued, respected and honored drives performance.

When it comes to business, employee engagement and culture, not all company cultures are created equal. Not all companies make the effort to demonstrate their intention of setting their teams up for success.

It’s an honor to deliver customer service training for a global brand that gets it, and does it right. This particular organization is sending a strong message to its frontline employees by clearly demonstrating how much they value them. Through heavily investing in the future of their team’s performance, they are basically saying, “We believe in you and you are worth the investment. Thank you.” The even better news for this global brand is that the training and internal message is being well received. The needle is moving, transformation and growth are happening. Moral is up, employees are reaching higher, CSI scores are improving and the brand is expanding. 

It's so important to invest in training your team, but maybe even more important to do it the right way. Create training content and environments that are INSPIRATIONAL, unique, memorable and cool (relevant). By doing so, you will inspire your "Imperial Guard" before the first word of any opening slide has been uttered. Also, set your trainers and speakers up for success by establishing a “we value you” tone and attitude from minute one. Reap the rewards of your awareness (emotional intelligence), your insight and your implantation strategy. Are you “feeling” me guys?

We all know the notion and value of making people feel good, yet we often forget to actually implement strategies and action plans that truly have an emotional impact. The way you treat people not only reveals everything about your personal character as a leader, or as an executive, but it reflects the pulse and life-blood of your organization. How you treat your people clearly announces how you view and value them. Treat them poorly and resentment will grow, performance will decline and engagement will suffer. Treat them well and abracadabra!

I’ve delivered endless trainings in the US and Europe, and not all workspaces or training locations are created equal. When walking into an insipid work environment, the battle to inspire growth and transformation is magnified before the journey has begun. Company workspaces communicate so much in regards to how leaders and executives feel about their employees. Consider the extremely negative situations found in “third-world” countries where employees work under horrific conditions. We’ve all heard about such sad scenarios. It is evident how those business owners feel about their employees.

In the luxury of developed countries, the differences regarding quality become more subtle or less extreme, though the impact of the message remains the same. Send a clear and positive message to your team that you value, respect and care for them. Set them up for success by making them feel good about working for your brand. You’ll enjoy the ROI. 

Vital Germaine

PRESIDENT of ENGAGEteams360

Vital Germaine is Las Vegas’ most dynamic keynote speaker and employee engagement trainer.

VITAL’S PURPOSE: To build happier, richer lives at home and at work bY creating and sharing meaningful content that inspires people to reach higher.

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