Springing into action. How do we do it? Especially when we might not feel like it? These are the intriguing questions of the month.
Happy March and welcome to The 
broadCAST™. This is a monthly weigh in by members of The CAST™ of Epic Engage™. Independent experts in their own right, members of The CAST™ are asked to answer a question of simple but possibly profound nature. We wholeheartedly encourage you to connect with these experts on their respective expertise and how it might be of service to you. They each bring great value in service to their work.
Oh, and I cannot forget… we welcome our newest member of The CAST™, Liz Burt!
For March 2017
With the above in heart and mind, the question to The CAST™ for March is:
With SPRING in mind and on the horizon, how do you get your motor running when you need to and maybe do not initially feel like it?
In other words, how do you spring into action when needed? What is your “secret”?
LIZ BURT SAYS
This is a topic that I have been mulling over a lot lately as I wonder how I will motivate myself out of a lazy winter rut. My advice is to try and imagine the cost associated with doing nothing. In terms of my health and fitness, I know the cost associated with doing nothing is feeling like crap, being moody, and having no energy. Looking ahead at a new running season, my strategy is to set a goal, build a plan, and then start with small steps and build. First, I will set a goal or sign up for a race. Then I write out a training plan and just start picking away, day by day, and step by step, inch by inch. Each step you take towards your goal, no matter what it is, should build momentum and the action will get easier and easier. You must be patient and forgiving with yourself and ensure your action comes from a place of love. When we set goals for ourselves we can get frustrated when things don’t happen quickly enough, but Rome wasn’t built in a day!
Liz Burt is about real and healthy results. She is a master motivator. She is also a marathoner and 
marketing specialist living in Calgary, AB. She holds a three-year diploma in Business Management and Marketing, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, and will begin her MA at the University of Alberta this spring. In addition to being wild about learning and running, Liz is also an avid traveller and has backpacked through twenty countries in the last few years. In her professional life she loves working with small businesses to develop simple and effective marketing and communications plans that achieve real results. She is creative, a bit of a health nut and loves to share her healthy passions in her blog. Liz is a goal setter and risk taker. She loves coffee, cooking, and great conversations. She gets huge joy in helping people and small businesses achieve their goals and are always ready to lend an ear and share advice. www.soundbodysoundmind.wordpress.com
RAY HOLLISTER SAYS
I am not so sure I would classify my answer as a ‘secret’, but I have to honestly say that springing into action – for me at least – is the result of planning and commitment. Invariably, when I don’t get around to something, or when I deliberately procrastinate, it is because I have not successfully accomplished one (or both!) of those. Either I have failed to plan, or I have failed to commit. So my sincere suggestion for those who wish to spring into action as that season rolls around is to deliberately plan out your path, then genuinely commit to the path ahead.
Ray Hollister is all about strength, excellence and potential. In fact, he has a very special connection 
with students – he’s helped thousands achieve average scores of over 90% for 20 years! His love of learning… and his ability to teach anybody the same easy strategies he used to study far less than everyone else while maintaining outrageously high test scores… quickly earned him a lot of ‘friends’ seeking his advice. Ray has personally conducted numerous studies to develop an intense, focused, and results oriented program for college students. With the success of that program, Ray set his sights on helping younger students in Junior High, High School, and those just entering University. The end result is a program that will help any student – especially YOU – learn more, study less, and earn consistently high grades. www.rayhollister.net
KRISTA WALSH SAYS
Via vid, I choose to share my message today… just my little ol’ two or three cents on spring in the step. Enjoy. 🙂
Krista Walsh is about productivity and creating cash flow. Krista is an award winning entrepreneur, author and speaker. From dental assistant drop out, to family business builder, to emerging leader for Atlantic Canada (twice), Krista will share her journey from failure to success and explore how to increase your cash flow and productivity. In 2005 Krista established “KC COLLECT,” a 
credit, collection and resource company. It would be the first and only female-owned collection agency in Atlantic Canada. Krista’s informative presentations engage and challenge audiences to effectively manage and build their businesses, professional relationships, and enhance their profiles. Andrew Oland- President, Moosehead Breweries says “Krista is a smart, dedicated and passionate woman. She is an engaging and practical presenter who adds tremendous value to any audience.” Her breakout sessions will assist you in navigating the practical tools you can implement immediately to increase sales and productivity, enhance and build relationships, and strengthen and increase cash flow. Krista’s determination and vision has been recognized by her peers and she has twice received the Atlantic Canadian Emerging Award as one of Canada’s leading young entrepreneurs. www.kccollect.vpweb.ca
MARK BLACK SAYS
With SPRING in mind and on the horizon, how do you get your motor running when you need to and maybe do not initially feel like it? I reconnect with my “why”. Nietzsche said, “he who has a big enough why, can endure any how.” When I know why I’m doing something, the motivation to do it comes easily.
and Double-Lung Transplant Recipient, 4-time marathoner, resilience expert, speaker, and coach. Mark helps people “Thrive in Challenging Times”. A Certified Speaking Professional, Mark has inspired more than 100,000 people in more than 350 presentations. At 23 Mark faced an unimaginable challenge. His doctor informed him that his heart was failing. Without a rare and dangerous heart and double-lung transplant he would not see his 25th birthday. Three years later, after receiving his second chance at life, Mark ran his first marathon. Mark spends his free time with his beautiful wife and two kids. www.markblack.caSHEENA GROBB SAYS
How do I spring into action when needed? I certainly have found myself staring blankly into space, overwhelmed by the long list of tasks in front of me…. wondering how to get started! When I really need to kickstart the process, I put on my favourite tea, get out my trusty whiteboard, and “brain dump” all the things I have to do into a clear list. (I draw a box in front of each task – almost like a bullet point – so I can check off the task once complete). You can use a journal, tablet, or smartphone alternatively, but somehow I find a large whiteboard (in plain sight) easiest to keep motivated. I then go through the list and find the 3 most important tasks… and commit to completing them that very day if possible. Somehow getting all my tasks out of my brain frees me up to actually focus on one! There are a number of helpful apps available too – I use Wunderlist – to keep me organized and on track wherever I go. One tip I would recommend when choosing the tasks to complete on any given day… to start with an easy one you can complete quickly to get the ball rolling. The sense of accomplishment fuels further productivity!
Sheena Grobb Singer/Songwriter and Speaker… is humbly amazing. “It is without a doubt a masterpiece of songwriting and soundscape. Really incredible, soulful music. She will definitely get a huge audience in time, trust me.” Alex Wharton, Abbey Road Studios. A songbird from the age of two, songwriter at ten, with 3 albums under her belt, a nomination for the Western Canadian Music Awards, 
and over 500 tour dates across Canada, the US, and the UK, Sheena Grobb (one of Canada’s best kept secrets) is spilling over. With the release of her newest album, The Breakless Heart, mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London, and a life changing music video created by Lindsey Nelko (past choreographer with So You Think You Can Dance), Sheena is embarking on her most meaningful project yet – The Living Compassion Project™ – inviting others to “unlock their lives” through sharing their stories… as she begins to share hers. www.sheenagrobb.com
JOEL SWEENEY SAYS
Her is the link to my broadCAST video for March. Hope you enjoy!
Joel Sweeney is all about effective communications. He has been speaking, training, coaching and 
writing about it for over 20 years. He is the author of The Wedding MC Handbook and Little Helpings of Food for Thought. His third book, The Speaker’s Tool Box – Perfecting the Craft of Speaking, was released in the 2015. He is the owner of Professionally Speaking (established in 1995). Joel helps entrepreneurs and business professional become effective, engaging and confident speakers. www.JoelSweeney.com
MAJEED MOGHARREBAN SAYS
Self-discipline is the art of doing what needs to be done, even when you don’t feel like it. The secret to getting started is “to begin, begin.” Don’t think, just start. The easiest way to start is to choose a micro-commitment. In a study done to try to get people to exercise, the most effective strategy was to get people to commit to putting on their workout clothes every morning. Not committing to 30 minutes per day, or 3 days per week, all they asked was to take the very first micro-step: put on your workout clothes. Take the first micro step and let momentum propel you forward.
Majeed Mogharreban is all about entrepreneurship. He owned and sold five successful businesses and traveled to 24 countries before he was 21 years old. After early success in business, now his mission is to support the next generation of entrepreneurs to make a difference doing what they love. With clients ranging from the United Nations, to start-up businesses, to an Olympic gold medalist, Majeed helps you discover your strengths and your passions so that work is meaningful and fun. His book, Winning At Life, is a guide for young people to make a plan and win at life. www.majeedm.com
TRENT LANGDON SAYS
I frequently reference this quote from John F. Kennedy for both personal and professional purposes. It keeps me grounded, to support balanced living, to hit the challenges that lie ahead. In this light, I throw your way these 3 strategies (or building supplies, if you will) that work for me to energize and keep the 
roof stable and strong…
- Sleep – Early in my career, I did not respect its importance.
- Reading – This has become a part of my pre-sleep regimen. My reading time is set for 30+ minutes before turning out the lights and consists of mindfulness-based selections. I am currently making my way through the works of Dr. Wayne Dyer. It serves a dual purpose of decompression and self-awareness.
- Music – This is the one thing that I can rely on to boost energy levels instantaneously. My hearing has suffered, however my mood and motivation significantly benefits. I particularly enjoy having to drive to a meeting as the opportunity presents itself to ‘crank the tunes’ and turn up the energy levels.
Trent Langdon is all about building legacy through character education and development. He is a junior high school counselor for 650+ adolescents and is dedicated to serving his students, their 
families, and communities. Trent works on behalf of his colleagues to build identity, protect professional roles, and to give teachers ‘a voice’; currently completing his 2nd term as a member of the Provincial Executive Council of the Newfoundland & Labrador Teachers Association (NLTA) and now as the incoming NLTA Vice-President for the 2017-2019 term of office. Trent is also a Canadian Certified Counselor with the Canadian Counseling & Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and serves as a member of the CCPA Ethics Committee (Complaints Division). And last but certainly not least, Trent is a proud contributor to the Epic Engage team. www.epicengage.com
JAMIE McCABE SAYS
Springing into action….I had to giggle at this a little because I tend to be a bit of a multitask-er which isn’t the best action plan I know, however when I need to get inspired and put my head down to get things accomplished I do have a few secret rituals. If I need to distract my own self from multitasking, I use an app with nature sounds to keep me focused and relaxed. Depending on the day, I may need silence and I inspire myself. On the flip side, when I need motivation to do my accounting, which isn’t my favorite task, I watch a movie which IS one of my favorite things. I know, you are wondering how do you focus when you have a movie on? I am not necessarily watching it as I may be mildly listening to it but then it ties something I enjoy with something I am not so inspired to get the motor running on. Oh and did I mention, I love lists! The more I get to scratch off the better for me so a handwritten list gets me and my pen in our focus zone. Another trick…I listen to Tony Robbins, he always motivates me and I can accomplish ANYTHING. These are just a few of the things that work for me and everyone is different so may you find your Pogo stick that launches you into great heights and propels you forward also.
Jamie McCabe is all about creativity and connection. She is on a mission to bring people together through art and exploring their creative side at Clay Café Avalon. Jamie became an entrepreneur and opened the paint-your-own pottery studio in 2008 and has seen many memories painted there since then. She works with children and schools where she provides after school art programs. She believes we should color outside the lines more and embrace our inner artist. At Clay Café, it’s not about painting the perfect piece, it’s about painting the perfect memory. www.claycafeavalon.caBARRY LEWIS GREEN SAYS
With SPRING in mind and on the horizon, how do I get my motor running when I need to and maybe do not initially feel like it? How do I spring into action when needed? What is my “secret”? For me, the trigger is the body; or should I say the B.O.D.Y.?. I use an acronym I developed years ago. B is BEAM. It means put on your game face, whatever is required for the moment. Professional actors know that your face triggers emotions. You can manage your game face to manage your emotions. O is OXYGEN. Start breathing like you mean it. Oxygen relaxes and energizes the body. Athletes know this one. D is DANCE; which means posture. Walk like it. Move like it. Y is the answer to the niggling little question that pops into our head…. “Can I do this?” or “Am I ready for this?” You know the kinds of questions. The auto answer is YES. In fact, I would make the answer a powerful affirmation, of the highest order and own it. Try, “YES, I am Discipline” or “YES, I am Zeal”. I claim a virtue I need at the time as my birthright. I essentially identify myself with the virtue. I am not “practicing” it. I am it. Then, I literally spring into action. Here, I speak to it on video. Oh, and my Shinedown music is part of my soundtrack. Indeed, my music is my meaning and I just posted on it last night.
Barry Lewis Green is ultimately a vocalist, strength coach and educator. His work is about voicing, exploring, identifying, practicing and mastering our strengths and building upon them through practical and powerful unity and resourcefulness. His book Human Being Being Being Human speaks to that. and that is why Barry is The Unity Guy™. EPIC Engage™ is an extension of The Unity Guy™. The Epic work is all about building strong, united and inspired cultures lead by character… at school, work and community; where everyone matters and contributes everyday. www.epicengage.com
QUOTES for the MONTH
- We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. — Aristotle
VIDEO for the MONTH
- A tune to get you going… Ready to Go by Republica.
- or The Hero Within by James Paget… it is epic!
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