If there’s one word that isn’t in Brent Ragan’s vocabulary it’s Mediocrity…it just doesn’t exist, plain and simple! As I interviewed Brent for this spot, the 2 words that resonated over and over were Passion and Excellence. Brent has many endeavors he’s involved in, and along the way he has met the most incredible instructors and mentors which have helped him create the many achievements and joys that fill his life.
Brent’s Past -
Comes from both Corporate and Entrepreneurial backgrounds
Rated #1 in sales – for a corporation rated by Inc Magazine’s Top 100 Privately held companies in the United States.
Set numerous records in Real Estate Income Property Sales in Beverly Hills
Was ranked #1 in Martial arts in multiple states and 6th in the Nation.
Brent Today -
Passion – This is a huge motivator for Brent.
Because of the many mentors he’s had in his life, Brent is dedicated to helping others get to where they are meant to be in life, finding purpose and passion within
Loves variety… Brent’s doors are now open running and sustaining multiple businesses
Brent’s Future -
Brent sees himself living in nature, in vibrant health and clarity, growing his own food and being in the rhythm of life
He wants to be of service, a resource for others to help them achieve an effortless life in doing what they love
It was a challenging day today, I found out my good friend and role model has cancer.
I believe we’re all in the same boat. We just have different paddles, and perhaps we find ourselves on different rivers. We all live in human bodies. These are the vehicles in which we move through our world. We are all made of flesh, blood, and bone, with brains, hearts, and lungs to power us. Our paddles—the tools we use to move through the world—vary, as do the bodies of water—the environments—in which we find ourselves.
Some of us may be moving along paths that are like rushing rivers; others may be on a large, still lake. We have all felt, at one time or another, tossed about on a stormy ocean. Through all this, we are never really alone, even though it might seem that way. There is inspiration all around us in the form of other people making their way through the world, in the very same boat. Look around for role models, companionship, and encouragement…celebrate life, it is a gift.
The acceptable and the unacceptable are both acceptable – Lao Tzu
A wise and prosperous farmer lived in northern China. He had the respect of all his neighbors because of the way he lived his life and the way he conducted his affairs. Following a violent storm in the area, he went out to his field and discovered that his best horse, a magnificent stallion, had been terrified by the storm and had broken free from the corral. The fine creature was nowhere to be found. The farmer’s neighbor’s heard about the loss and came by that evening to express their sympathy, saying, “What bad luck.” His neighbors were surprised when the farmer merely responded, “Who knows what is good luck and what is bad luck?”
The next day his stallion returned, bringing with him a herd of wild horses, all equally as strong and fast. Again, neighbors rushed over, but this time in a festive mood, saying, “What good luck!” A second time the old farmer responded, Who’s knows what is good luck and what is bad luck?”
A few days later the farmer’s only son was riding one of the wild horses. The mare threw him high into the air and when he landed, his leg was broken in several places. The kind neighbors came by to check on the young man, and said to the father, What bad luck?”
Later in the week, the army came through the village to inform the villagers that a border war was taking place. They conscripted all of the young men in the village into the army. Because the farmer’s son had a broken leg, the army left him behind, saying the he was an invalid. Again the neighbor came by, saying, “What good luck.” But once more, the farmer responded, “ Who knows what is good luck and what is bad luck?”
For me this story is instructive in two ways. First, it is a reminder that life is often a series of events oscillating between the ups and downs, between peaks and valleys, between easy times and hard times, between ecstasy and pain. When we truly realize that the flow of life, we can be more patient with the down times, and like Lao Tzu, come to the place where we can say “the acceptable and the unacceptable are both acceptable.” Second, this story powerfully teaches us that we should not be hasty in making judgments about what is good and what is bad. Often what initially appears as an enormous burden in our lives proves to be a significant blessing.
Zach is a 27 year old Successful Entrepreneur and despite his age, he has been able to achieve great results in both the Direct Sales Industry, as well as a Real Estate Investor. Today, Zach is focused on building his own Speaking/Coaching/Writing business W.I.T.I. (Whatever It Takes Inside), dedicated to assisting other Entrepreneurs achieving massive results in their own lives. He is passionately committed to the service of others success, while creating his own!
Zach’s past -
Zach was a College Level Soccer Player
Graduated UCSB in 2004 with a B.A. in Philosophy.
Started 2 business by the age of 25.
Chose the wrong mentor and was out $200k by the time it was all said and done.
Zach Today –
Went from $400- to well over six-figures in less than a year
Zach is currently launching my his company
He’s engaged to the Woman of My Dreams! …you’ll meet her soon!
Grateful for the journey that has brought him to this point, and excited where it will continue to take him!
Zach’s Future -
Husband, Father and Family Man
Master Distributor for Quattro University
Recognized Leader in the Speaking and Training World as CEO of W.I.T.I, Inc
Philanthropist
Published Author
You can contact Zach here: zachslobin.net …he’s truly an amazing guy!
If you watched my video I just want to clarify one thing; my consequence for not walking daily is doing 100 sit ups per NIGHT, not just 100 for the week!…I really hate doing sit ups but I know that they are only going to help strengthen my core and help get my tummy back to where I want it again… hence the healthy consequence!
Here’s the info I promised on Target Heart rates:
Target Heart Rates
AHA Recommendation
Health professionals know the importance of proper pacing during exercise. To receive the benefits of physical activity, it’s important not to tire too quickly. Pacing yourself is especially important if you’ve been inactive.
Target heart rates let you measure your initial fitness level and monitor your progress in a fitness program. This approach requires measuring your pulse periodically as you exercise and staying within 50 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. This range is called your target heart rate.
What is an alternative to target heart rates?
Some people can’t measure their pulse or don’t want to take their pulse when exercising. If this is true for you, try using a “conversational pace” to monitor your efforts during moderate activities like walking. If you can talk and walk at the same time, you aren’t working too hard. If you can sing and maintain your level of effort, you’re probably not working hard enough. If you get out of breath quickly, you’re probably working too hard — especially if you have to stop and catch your breath.
When should I use the target heart rate?
If you participate in more-vigorous activities like brisk walking and jogging, the “conversational pace” approach may not work. Then try using the target heart rate. It works for many people, and it’s a good way for health professionals to monitor your progress.
The table below shows estimated target heart rates for different ages. Look for the age category closest to yours, then read across to find your target heart rate.
Age Target HR Zone
50–85 % Average Maximum
Heart Rate
100 %
20 years 100–170 beats per minute 200 beats per minute
25 years 98–166 beats per minute 195 beats per minute
30 years 95–162 beats per minute 190 beats per minute
35 years 93–157 beats per minute 185 beats per minute
40 years 90–153 beats per minute 180 beats per minute
45 years 88–149 beats per minute 175 beats per minute
50 years 85–145 beats per minute 170 beats per minute
55 years 83–140 beats per minute 165 beats per minute
60 years 80–136 beats per minute 160 beats per minute
65 years 78–132 beats per minute 155 beats per minute
70 years 75–128 beats per minute 150 beats per minute
Your maximum heart rate is about 220 minus your age. The figures above are averages, so use them as general guidelines.
Note:A few high blood pressure medications lower the maximum heart rate and thus the target zone rate. If you’re taking such medicine, call your physician to find out if you need to use a lower target heart rate.
How should I pace myself?
When starting an exercise program, aim at the lowest part of your target zone (50 percent) during the first few weeks. Gradually build up to the higher part of your target zone (75 percent). After six months or more of regular exercise, you may be able to exercise comfortably at up to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. However, you don’t have to exercise that hard to stay in shape.
This is a post from one of my favorite websites Daily Om.
I think this story covers all the elements of Wealth, Wellness, Leadership and Legacy
Squirrel Medicine
Native Americans considered all living beings as brothers and sisters that had much to teach including squirrels. These small creatures taught them to work in harmony with the cycles of nature by conserving for the winter months during times when food was plentiful. In our modern world, squirrels remind us to set aside a portion of our most precious resources as an investment in the future. Though food and money certainly fall into this category, they are only some of the ways our energy is manifested. We can conserve this most valuable asset by being aware of the choices we make and choosing only those that nurture and sustain us. This extends to the natural resources of our planet as well, using what we need wisely with the future in mind.
Saving and conservation are not acts of fear but rather affirmations of abundance yet to come. Squirrels accept life’s cycles, allowing them to face winters with the faith that spring will come again. Knowing that change is part of life, we can create a safe space, both spiritually and physically, that will support us in the present and sustain us in the future. This means not filling our space with things, or thoughts, that don’t serve us. Without hoarding more than we need, we keep ourselves in the cyclical flow of life when we donate our unwanted items to someone who can use them best. This allows for more abundance to enter our lives, because even squirrels know a life of abundance involves more than just survival.
Squirrels use their quick, nervous energy to enjoy life’s adventure. They are great communicators, and by helping each other watch for danger, they do not allow worry to drain them. Instead, they allow their curious nature to lead the way, staying alert to opportunities and learning as they play. Following the example set by our squirrel friends, we are reminded to enjoy the journey of life’s cycles as we plan and prepare for a wonderful future, taking time to learn and play along the way.
“I never think of the future. It comes soon enough.” – Albert Einstein
First of all… “Hi”, I’m here and PRESENT. I’m grateful I had the awareness to create space for self care today, I was really needing it and now feel super energized. I had a great 4+ mile walk with a friend and really committed to keeping that routine going .
Presence is about being in the now whether you are with another or with yourself, a challenging feat at times I admit! A book I’d recommend on this subject is Eckhart Tolle’s – Power Of Now
Benefits to being present:
Improved social skills -
With your attention focused outward towards the person(s) you are interacting with notice what you are experiencing with all of your senses. What’s your gut telling you, your heart, your mind? With this knowledge how can you connect with that person more effectively?
Presence can also help you with listening. Presence helps you to decrease the habit of thinking about the future and what you think you should say next while trying to listen. Like Zach Slobin taught us at the last Quest training, when another is sharing their story listen until your ears hurt!
Improved creativity –
If you write or do some other creative work you may have found that your best work flows out of you when you are not thinking. You just write, paint, play… whatever. You enter a state where things just happen effortlessly. When I’m creating art either in a logo design or a painting, this flow comes through me not from me, that’s when I know I’m fully present.
You appreciate your world more –
One of big advantages of becoming more present in your everyday life is that you decrease the amount of analysing and labelling you do to the things/people in your surroundings. You observe your world with more clarity and curiousness…like a little kid again, discovering things while they still feel fresh…
It’s impossible to be present and judge at the same time.
Openness-
This is perhaps the best benefit. Being present can open you to see and experience things without preconceived notions or story. In this state you can connect and communicate with yourself and others in a more life enriching way vs. life alienating.
Less worry-warting and overthinking.-
If you are a chronic over thinker, one that goes round and round in circles in your mind before you ever get anything done, then being present is a great release from that habit. I’m not saying that you might not slip back into over thinking, but being present just for a while can truly help.
Transformation… for the past 3 years that’s what my life has been about, really deep down “get in the mud”, exhilarating, challenging, frightening, wonderful self discovery…not for the faint of heart!
Not long ago, after hearing about my desire to dive deeper a friend asked, ”Lauren, why would you want to open up a can of worms?”
My reply was simple … “Because I don’t want them on my shelf.”
I guess you could say this Quattro 90 Day Challenge wasn’t enough for me as yours truly is now also taking on a 12 week coaching program with Sensei Ron Thomas that started this past Sunday night. The course is called A BLACK BELT IN EXCELLENCE… sounds intriguing, yes?
Sensei Ron, one of Quattro University’s amazing instructors, is a Transformational Life Coach, Seminar Leader and Motivational Speaker specializing in Human Potential and Excellence. He is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Time Line Therapist and Life Strategies Coach. Having experience two all day workshop with him, I know I’m in very good hands!
We will be working individually and as a team of 14 through two core curriculums for the purpose of personal transformation:
Foundation One: “Defeating Your Past” and Foundation Two: “Owning Your Future.”
Foundation One (Defeating Your Past) is a six-week, intrapersonal intensive that shatters unconscious blocks and previous limitations, and will help me gain mastery over negative emotions, raise my confidence and awareness, and break patterns I have of behavior that isn’t serving me…trust me, I know I have these!
Foundation Two(Owning Your Future) is a six-week intensive that focuses on personal excellence and self-mastery. During these six weeks, I will be coached on topics such as productivity, effectiveness, creativity, intention, focus, discipline, purpose, harmony, expansion and more.
Sensei Ron believes excellence is as much an art as it is ‘a way’. Powerful inner qualities such as focus, discipline, confidence, courage, self-esteem, respect, honor, compassion, patience and much more, added together equal excellence.
With this course there are assignments and tasks we will be expected to perform…in fact I am in the process of writing out my Goals and Intentions for the next 12 weeks to post on our team site, so once those are up, I’d like to let you know what those are for me and share with you my successes, breakthroughs and discoveries. I figure if you guys know my goals you can help support my efforts and also hold me accountable!
but I know that they are only going to help strengthen my core and help get my tummy back to where I want it again… hence the healthy consequence!
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Transformation… for the past 3 years that’s what my life has been about, really deep down “get in the mud”, exhilarating, challenging, frightening, wonderful self discovery…not for the faint of heart!