Invest in real happiness

The other day, while driving up to the home office, we heard a quote that we wanted to share with you. Nineteenth century American preacher Hosea Ballou once said, "Real happiness is cheap enough, yet how dearly we pay for its counterfeit."

Wow. That really makes you think, doesn't it? This goes along with the principle that doing things the right way initially may take more of an investment in time, energy, and resources, but in the long run, it is always worth it.

Things that come cheaply are not real and lasting. Whether it be in our relationships, our business, or whatever endeavor we pursue, it's important to recognize that shortcuts don't ever really save anything or yield anything of lasting value.

Take time today to reflect on those truly real things in your life. We think you will find that the things that make you genuinely happy are the things that required you to make an investment in yourself. After all, what more valuable commodity do we possess?

Look for Diamond-makers

Not too long ago, International Diamond Solomon Butler visited the 4Life home office. Anyone who has met Solomon or heard him speak knows about the infectious power of his enthusiasm and passion for life... and 4Life! It was inspiring to hear about his belief in 4Life, our products, and our Together, Building People^® mission. During his visit, Solomon said something that made a big impression on us. He said, "I don't look for Diamonds. I look for Diamond-makers."

We think this statement encompasses the true meaning of leadership. It's about looking for the leadership potential in others. This type of attitude really goes together well with Together, Building People, because our goal isn't to just get people to follow us, but rather to recognize and foster in others their ability to lead as well. This kind of vision makes for long-term success in the network marketing industry. And, this kind of leadership not only identifies the leadership potential in others, but also recognizes that you must have the confidence and humility to not be threatened by that potential. Some of the most successful CEOs have said that one of the first things they did on their road to becoming successful was to surround themselves with people they felt were their superiors in one way or another.

We salute all of you who are engaged in the great work of building people and fostering leadership potential in others. That's what 4Life is all about.

Solomon Butler, Steve Tew, and Alan Michaelis

David and Bianca Lisonbee present Solomon Butler with his International Diamond pin.

Edgar Rentería joins Team 4Life

David Lisonbee, Edgar Rentería, and Steve Tew

For professional baseball player Edgar Rentería, baseball is life. Recently, he was kind enough to invite David, President Steve Tew, and Senior Vice President of Marketing Trent Tenney to a spring training game. We knew this Gold Glove winner and five-time All Star from Colombia had been using 4Life products for some time but had not had the opportunity to meet and speak with him yet. It was a privilege for David, Steve, and Trent to spend some time with Edgar. He is a gracious man and he's excited to be involved with 4Life. During the visit, Edgar talked about how much he loves 4Life products and said that his family members have been using them as well with great success.

We are also very happy to be working with Edgar as part of our prestigious Team 4Life. Rentería joins a group of world-renowned athletes, such as World Golf Hall of Famer and NBC sports analyst Johnny Miller, CBS sports analyst and previous winner of the British Open Ian Baker-Finch, equestrian and six-time Olympic medalist Mark Todd, and Adelaide Crows Australian football stars Brett Burton and Andrew McLeod. These athletes endorse 4Life Transfer Factor^® and the international opportunity that 4Life distributors take to the world.

Edgar has expressed how grateful he is that 4Life provides opportunities for families to improve their lives. We're proud to be associated with Edgar Rentería and we're grateful for his commitment to 4Life and the message that our distributors share with people all over the world.

Finding Opportunity in Adversity

Can you believe it's been a month since our illuminate '09 convention? We know that those of us who attended came away greatly inspired with real tools to help us achieve our dreams. We also know that challenges and opposition are normal parts of the journey as we work to realize those dreams.

One of the many great points that our keynote speaker Erik Weihenmayer conveyed was that whenever you set out to do something really worthwhile, you can count on opposition and adversity. In fact, he said it is part of the equation. If you are experiencing obstacles right now on the road to achieving your dreams, think of them as evidence that what you are doing is very worthwhile. Erik challenged us to become people who don't just make it through adversity, but instead, find a way to harness the energy from those storms to go to a place we would have never traveled to otherwise. Isn't that a fascinating idea? Adversity isn't just something that gets in the way of our dreams. Rather, it can be the very source of the power that enables us to realize them!

Please don't get discouraged by the obstacles that lie in your path. See your challenges for what they really are—opportunities to become the kind of leader that can not only climb mountains, but also help others do the same. After all, a mountain would not be a mountain if it didn't have some steep terrain. We promise you the trek will be well worth your perseverance.

Erik Weihenmayer

Erik Weihenmayer, David Lisonbee, Bianca Lisonbee, and members of the Lisonbee family

If you would like to order Erik Weihenmayer's books or DVDs, visit his website at www.touchthetop.com.