Day: June 10, 2019

President, Facility Plus 

32 years with Facility Plus 

Benefits of being a Connex member?

“It’s an awesome educational resource and a great way to learn from what others have experienced. The networking events, tradeshows and coast-to-coast marketing opportunities are invaluable. We’re big fans of giving back to the association.” 

Thoughts on energy management?

“It is the way of the future. If you’re not energy-conscious you need to change your way of thinking. This is an amazing time to be a part of this industry — if you’re open-minded, creative and interested in rapid change.” 

A Typical Day

“I believe in working on your business as opposed to in the business to ensure a sustainable business model.” 

Advice for someone starting out?

“Start from the bottom up. If you can learn all the moving pieces in this industry, you’ll be ahead.”

 

How do you make things better for employees, customers and suppliers?

“I’m always hovering a thousand feet above looking for ways to make improvements that will benefit our customers, suppliers and employees. If we don’t make these individuals a priority and look out for them, we won’t be in business.”

Former VP Store Maintenance, Luxottica Retail; current Consultant, NBFM Solutions, LLC 

Thoughts on energy management?

“I see this as an interesting and challenging field within facilities that could potentially save your company a lot of money.” 

Benefits of being a Connex member?

“You can increase your industry knowledge, your credibility and your industry network.”

Advice for someone starting out?

• Define your responsibilities, goals and deliverables, and share them within your organization.
• Measure and report on your successes and opportunities throughout the year.
• Align yourself closely with Store Operations and Finance to ensure store expectations are being met within the prescribed budget.
• Set clear expectations with service providers and understand how they do business.
• Align yourself with Procurement as a resource to assist with sourcing service providers and managing contracts.

 

A Typical Day

“Monitoring work orders and dashboard reports in ServiceChannel; touching base with my team; communicating with representatives across brands and managing service providers.”

Volunteers and donations alike help those in need. 

 The Connex Foundation took it over the top during the Connex2019 National Conference. It exceeded the original individual fundraising goal of $5,000 and raised more than $11,500 in individual donations to support Foundation programs. Foundation volunteers completed a renovation project that changed lives. 

An additional $21,000 was generated through sponsorships. The title sponsor of Connex Foundation activities during the conference was Facility Plus, which donated $8,000. 

Foundation activities kicked off with a Top Golf tournament on Sunday that saw almost 100 attendees compete on the digitized links while supporting the Foundation and networking. Registration fees for the golf event generated $10,000 for the Foundation. 

“The Top Golf event was wonderful,” said Bill Ackerman, Connex Foundation Board Chair. “It was the perfect opportunity for Connex members to relax, enjoy time together and support the Foundation. We plan on hosting another Top Golf event in Orlando during the 2020 conference.” 

Monday, more than 80 conference attendees boarded buses early for the ride to the Volunteers of America Family Hotel to participate in the Connex Foundation Charity Impact Project. Sitting less than 2 miles from the famed Broncos stadium, the VOA Family Motel works with the Denver Department of Human Services (DDHS) to provide a motel atmosphere for the homeless with a human services flavor. A continental breakfast is offered to all guests every day. The facility served 3,444 people in 2018, including families and the homeless. 

Before the official charity project kicked off, Kevin Kenyon, Director, Field Services for National Coatings, and Co-Chair of the Foundation Charity Impact Project Committee, and two other members of the National Coatings team, spent the weekend painting much of the exterior of the motel. The paint was donated by Benjamin Moore, another major Foundation supporter. United Rentals also donated a lift to help complete the project. 

Kenyon commented on his work with the Foundation. “I have always enjoyed working on Foundation charity projects from the beginning. You know what you are doing creates an immediate, positive and often personal impact on someone who needs help. I encourage other Connex suppliers to get involved and make a difference,” Kenyon said.  

On Monday, the Connex Charity Impact delegation painted motel rooms, trimmed trees and bushes, swept parking lots and made dozens of repairs to the motel. 

Volunteers went above and beyond. After learning about the dire need for linens, along with toys for the children who lived in the motel, several members drove to a local retailer and purchased numerous sets of towels and bed linens, as well as soccer balls, footballs, basketballs and even a basketball goal, which they assembled on-site. The Foundation was truly like Santa Claus to the kids living in the VOA Family Motel, and the entire Connex Foundation Charity Impact team impacted lives in Denver that day! 

“Words cannot express the pride you experience when you know you have been able to help someone who cannot help themselves. The Connex Foundation impacts lives and it will impact the FM industry. We are more than a charity. I encourage every Connex company and member to get involved. You can make a difference,” Ackerman concluded.  

 Connex Foundation would like to thank the sponsors who helped make these events possible.

Eight companies were honored at this year’s National Conference. 

The U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) presented its Advanced Roof Top Unit (RTU) Campaign Awards during the Connex National Conference. 

The RTU Campaign is a recognition and guidance program designed to encourage building owners and operators to take advantage of savings opportunities from high-efficiency RTUs. This effort is a collaboration between ASHRAE and RILA, with the U.S. DOE providing technical support to Campaign participants (through the Better Buildings Alliance and the Federal Energy Management Program).  

The winners of the 2019 DOE Advanced RTU Awards are: Walgreens, Target, H&M, McDonalds, Sponsors of Mass Save, Tri Pacific Heating & A/C, Energy Solutions and Transformative Wave Technologies. 

“Energy efficiency is extremely important to retail, and we are proud to recognize the winners for their hard work and dedication to retrofitting their buildings to maximize energy savings,” said Bill Yanek, Connex CEO. “We are also proud to continue this partnership with the DOE to present the Advanced RTU Awards during our national conference.” 

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

2019 DOE Advanced Rooftop Unit Campaign Recognition Awardees included (pictured from left to right): Taren Heindl (Walgreens), Marilyn Nolte (Walgreens), Jeff Groncki (Walgreens), Michael Fox (Walgreens), Kelly Noel (Target), Jim Dunavant (Tri Pacific), Kelli Kolquist (Target), Jason Katje (Tri Pacific), Molly Mullins (Target), Evan Atwater (Transformative Wave), Cassandra Squiers (Energy Solutions), Danny Miller (Transformative Wave), Shonte Davidson (Mass Save), Cedar Blazek (U.S. DOE), Amy Jiron (U.S. DOE) and Michael Deru (NREL).

 

“Energy efficiency is extremely important to retail, and we are proud to recognize the winners for their hard work and dedication to retrofitting their buildings to maximize energy savings.”

—Bill Yanek, CEO, Connex (formerly PRSM)

Connex welcomes its new leaders. 

The 2019-2020 Connex Board of Directors assumed office on April 30 during the 2019 Connex National Conference in Denver, Colorado. The new officers are:  

Chair: Myriah Kingen

Director, Facilities Management, DaVita Kidney Care

Vice Chair: Matthew Whelan

President/CEO, W Services Group

Treasurer: Shawn Browning RFMP, FMA, LEED Green Associate,

Facility Manager, Nike, Inc.

Secretary: Jaclyn Frenzel

Vice President, OnSite, Inc.   

Immediate Past Chair: Jonathan Bauer Senior Director, Store Development, Gap, Inc.

 

As Director of Facilities Management for DaVita Kidney Care, Kingen, Connex’s new Board Chair, directs facilities maintenance, project rollouts and store refurbishments for more than 1,000 DaVita locations. This past year Kingen served as Connex Board Secretary. She first became a Connex member in 2006 and has served on the Editorial Board as well as the following committees: Ethics, Governance, Membership and the Mid-Year Conference Task Force. 

“It is an honor to be elected Connex Board Chair. The facilities management industry is undergoing an evolution, and Connex is evolving and is prepared for its next chapter. The association is well positioned strategically and financially, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead,” Kingen said. 

The association membership also elected two new retail Board members to three-year terms and two retail alternates to a one-year term. Newly elected retail directors are: 

Director: Anthony Armato, Director, Facilities & Energy Management, ULTA Beauty

Director: Kirk Beaudoin, RFMP, FMA, LEED Green Associate, Senior Facilities Manager, Adidas America, Inc.

Retail 1st Alternate: Jordan Campbell Facilities Manager, Bottega Veneta

Retail 2nd Alternate: Mike Bowman Director, Facilities, Environmental and Safety, LCBO

 

Retailer Directors returning to the Board are:

 Director: Steve Andrews, Sr. Regional Facilities Manager, Walmart, Inc.

Director: Neil Butler, LEED Green Associate

 

Two Supplier Board members were elected, one for a three-year term, and one supplier alternate, elected to a one-year term. Newly elected supplier directors are:

Director: Grant Baecker President, Authority HVAC

Supplier Alternate: Kim Goei COO, Fexa

 

Supplier Directors returning to the Board are:

Director: Tom Buiocchi, CEO, ServiceChannel

Director: Chris Slocum, Founder, Chief Customer Officer, Cornell Storefront Systems, Inc.

 

The Future of Connex

“It is an honor to be elected Connex Board Chair,” Myriah Kingen (center) said. “The facilities management industry is undergoing an evolution, and Connex is evolving and is prepared for its next chapter.”

The dedication of committee members does not go unnoticed by our association and the FM Industry. 

Connex committee members are the driving force that continues to make Connex successful. We want to ensure every committee member is recognized for their hard work and dedication to the association, and we would like to extend a thank you for your service to Connex during the 2018-2019 year. Your time and energy has helped Connex provide quality programs, resources and valuable information to Connex members and the FM industry. 

Benchmarking Committee

Chair: Michael Bowman, LCBO
Tom Flanagan, Academy Locksmith, Inc.
Steve Goyette, Telgian Corporations
Moises Pinedo, Army Air Force Exchange Service
Thomas Rose, GlideRite Corporation
Ellen Stacks, Royal Services, Inc.
George Theofilos, Powerhouse Retail Services

 

Best Practices Committee

Co-chairs: Ryan Beck,W Services Group, & Shaun Kring, Walgreens
Joshua Greco, 23rd Group
Desiree Higareda, Verizon
Keith Keingstein, BOSS Facility Services, Inc.
Blake Kelly,U.S. Pavement Services, Inc.
Steve Littman, Big Lots

 

Conference Committee

Co-chairs: Steve Andrews, Walmart Inc., & Jamie Delli Santi, RiverRoad Waste Solutions
Rowland Adamoli, NEST
Cindy Collette, iCheck National General Maintenance and Repairs
Scott Crissey, Money Mart Financial Services
Robbie Drake, Murphy Oil USA, Inc.
Andrea Fish, Service Repair Specialists, Inc.
Debbie Green-Kaiser, Guitar Center
Tracy Haines, Luxottica Retail
Steve Hearon, BrandPoint Services, Inc.
Susan Higgins, T-Mobile
Michael Roberts, ServiceChannel
Natalie Marie Walchonski, Ferrandino & Son, Inc.
Jill Woodside, QSI Facilities

 

Editorial Committee

Co-chairs: Deborah Kleopfer, W Services Group, & Melissa Zimmerman, Walgreens
Phil Donahue, Staples
Jim Gorman, Benjamin Moore
Kevin Herrmann, The Fresh Market
Kellie D’Andrea, Heritage Fire Safety
Rocky LaCross, Kindercare
Matt Little,Gap, Inc.
Shannon Markwell, Charlotte Russe
Jason Menser, ServiceCom USA
Bill Schaphorst, MaintenX International
Nicole Price, Design Within Reach
Alexandra Sanchez, Branded Group

 

Membership Committee

Co-chairs: Dave Emmons, Authority HVAC, & Sara Neal, Gap, Inc.
Cheryl Chipoco, Alpine Mechanical Services, LLC
Cameron Craig, Regency Lighting
Menno Enters, SMS Assist

Tom Kay, ENTOUCH Controls

Brian Hess, The Pavement Group
Peter Lubas, Advanced Mechanical
Casey Wittman, American Pavement Solutions

 

Networking Committee

Co-chairs: Mike Kurland, Branded Group, & Patricia Bacigalupo, Gap, Inc.
Sarah Admundson, Target Stores
Marc Balzamo, Facilities Exchange
Justin Bergen, Carmichael Engineering
Dana DiCintio, Aldo Group
Caleb Fletcher, Brinco Mechanical Management Services, Inc.
Rick Lee, Brinco Mechanical Management Services, Inc.
Andrew Lujan, EGT Enterprise
Ben Mackin, Abby Solutions Group
Laura Riendeau, Chain Store Maintenance
Mathew Shook,Horizon Building Solutions
Tom Spears, Trinity Warranty
Cutter Tyllia, APi National Service Group
James Walton, ENTOUCH Controls
Paul Harris, ENTOUCH Controls

 

Sourcing Committee

Co-Chairs: Debra Meehan, KinderCare Education LLC, & Erin Francis, SMI
Amy Ochoa, Ascena Retail Group
Brian Wint, Divisions Maintenance
David Acquaviva, Sears Holding Corporation
Doug Pounders, PLS Financial
Gregg Ross, 23rd Group
Ronnie Massingale, Lakeside Project Solutions
Tracey Hall, Phillips Edison & Company
Austin Kirby, REMCO

 

Supplier Relations Committee

Chair: John Catanese, Chain Store Maintenance, Inc.
Robert A. Barnard, Building Air Services, Inc.
Rafael Bombino, Rankin, Inc.
Kristie Elizabeth Brooks, Lennox National Accounts
Mark Consigny, Architectural Graphics Incorporated

Dean DePhillips, All County Paving/National Pavement Management Solutions
Jason Dinverno, Prestige Maintenance USA
Brandon Finkenhoefer, Rose Paving LLC
Brian Foster, The Paint Folks
Jamie A. Leeper, Royal Services, Inc.
Sean McCabe, Servpro Industries, Inc.
Scott Milnes, DENTCO
Jennifer Moran, Copesan – Specialists in Pest Solutions
Teresa Phelps, DENTCO
Curt Picard, Brinco Mechanical Management Services, Inc.
Michael Rose, Heritage Fire Security LLC
Rush Sherman, RSM Maintenance
Christie Turner, Corrigo Incorporated
Sharon Wright, Cram-A-Lot

 

Volunteer with Connex

We hope you are inspired by the example of your peers! Connex welcomes all members to volunteer for projects that fit their interests, experiences and schedule. We offer short-term opportunities, as well as a one-year term on a Connex committee. Volunteering with Connex is a great way to give back to your profession while also benefiting from enhanced networking and professional development. For more information, call the Connex office, or visit www.connexfm.com.

The ProFM credential provides facility managers with knowledge and skills beyond the traditional. 

Connex is proud to become an Industry Partner with the Professional Facility Management Institute (ProFMI), the founding body and administrator of the ProFM credential. 

After researching several different Facilities Management certification programs, it was determined ProFM was the best choice for Connex members as they continue their efforts to elevate their knowledge and reinforce their credibility. 

“ProFM is an excellent credential for Connex members because of its quality, relevancy and value. The credential is a great addition to the education and resources Connex provides its members to advance their careers,” said Bill Yanek, CEO, Connex. 

ProFM defines global FM standards and provides facility professionals with the knowledge and skills that have evolved beyond traditional FM responsibilities. 

The ProFM credential is: 

• Relevant & Current: The ProFM Body of Knowledge is the basis of the ProFM credential, and the most current, relevant standard for facility professionals.
• Comprehensive:  It teaches 19 functional knowledge areas and five cross-functional competencies that have never been combined into one credential program.
• Applicable: It enhances industry knowledge and builds practical skills to impact facility performance.
• Global: It reflects the globalization of the industry, including global ISO 41000 standards, the perspectives of international ProFMI Commission members and input from 3,300 professionals in 93 countries.
• Independent: It was developed by facility professionals, for facility professionals. Respected FM industry thought leaders, employers and professionals came together with the common goal of elevating and uniting the FM profession.

 

“We are excited to be working with Connex to deliver the most comprehensive and up-to-date facility management training to its members. The ProFM credential was designed to prepare facility professionals for the increasingly complex demands they’re facing every day and to give them the recognition they deserve for their knowledge and skills,” said Stormy Friday, ProFMI Commission Chair. 

While ProFM credentials elevate multi-site FM credibility, the Retail Facilities Management Professional (RFMP) Designation will always be recognized as a mark of excellence and proof of an individual’s commitment to continuous improvement in the retail FM industry. 

Attention: Exclusive discount for all Connex Members: Connex members can save 10 percent on the ProFM Credential Program self-study materials, including everything required to earn the ProFM credential. Individuals who earned the RFMP on or before December 31, 2018, will be notified about a special offer that reflects their achievements and expertise. Please visit connexfm.com for more information.

Congratulations to RFMP Designees! 

The Retail Facilities Management Professional (RFMP) a mark of excellence achieved by an elite group of retail facility management professionals, is considered to be a milestone in an individual’s professional development and proof of the individual’s commitment to continuous improvement in the retail FM industry. 

This designation was offered by the PRSM Association from 2007 to early 2019. Connex, formerly the PRSM Association, is no longer offering the exam for the RFMP Designation. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact education@connexfm.com. 

The RFMP Designation requirements: 

• Have been employed as a retailer or supplier in the retail facility maintenance field for more than three years.
• Have experience in the following: maintaining retail facilities, troubleshooting retail maintenance issues, full understanding in managing repair/service vendors in terms of scope, quality, cost and timeliness of service

 

Connex offers special networking opportunities for those with the RFMP Designation. See more information on page 41 for future credentials. Look out for upcoming events and recognition! 

Pam Abernathie                      12/26/07

Rowland Adamoli                   12/28/18

Anne Aleman                          06/29/18

Enrique Aleman                      09/27/18

Anthony Malenfant                04/09/18

Chuck Aupke                           02/16/07

Frank Bacchetta                      02/27/17

Patricia Baez-Smith                 11/02/07

Wayne S. Barnes                     06/15/07

Kirk Beaudoin                         02/14/07

Robert Bensinger                    04/13/08

Christopher Bernazzoli           01/22/07

Sean Bishop                            02/16/07

Richard Bloom                        02/16/07

Steven Bonniville                    02/01/07

Elena Boone                            01/08/09

Mark Bowlby                           10/15/09

Matthew Brand                      04/18/12

Shawn Browning                     02/14/07

Phil Byers                                06/15/07

Carla Beasley                          04/09/18

Dudley Carpenter                   07/03/07

Charles Carroll                         04/03/17

Charles Castellaw                    04/10/15

Lee Catlow                              02/13/07

Kevin Chalmers                       04/27/15

Georgia Christian                    04/13/08

Sean Coakley                           04/20/15

Shanna Cook                           03/19/18

Lew Crawford                         04/13/08

Patty Cruz                               04/27/15

Travis Daniels                          02/16/07

Jon Dawkins                            06/15/07

Clayton Dorsey                       02/26/19

Rodger Dowd                          01/25/07

Josh Dubs                                10/10/16

Kimberly Dunn                        09/06/17

Micah Dyer                             09/14/15

Joel Elsea                                11/18/14

Dave Fanning                          01/30/07

Brian Fernandez                      02/19/13

Andrea Fanning                      06/15/07

John Fitzpatrick                       02/01/07

Sean Gallagher                        11/13/08

Ron Giuliana                           02/18/07

Kurt Gnessin                           02/01/07

Justin Grimm                           04/03/17

Justin Gundelfinger                 01/08/07

Ann Gurnee                            06/15/07

Holland Haines                        09/30/10

Cliff Hammett                         01/24/07

Lynn Harnishfeger                  06/15/07

Angela Harris                          10/03/16

Kevin Hastings                        04/13/08

Kevin Herrmann                      12/28/18

Sheryl Hess                             02/08/07

Mike Hoagland                        09/25/18

Gus Hoffman                           04/13/08

Scott Holland                          06/15/07

Jim Howard                             04/22/09

Jason Duhamel                       04/09/18

Dale Johnson                          04/13/08

Scott Johnston                         04/16/13

Judy Jones                               03/03/17

Larry Kerr                                02/06/07

Patrick Koehler                       12/20/18

Shaun Kring                             09/05/18

Mike Lapointe                         06/15/07

Jamie Leeper                           10/23/18

Angelica Levesque                  12/09/16

Matthew Little                        12/23/15

Gregory Longtin                      06/15/07

Chad Lovett                             09/15/17

Mike McAfee                          08/22/18

Jeff McAnally                          08/17/17

Kevin McCord                         04/25/16

Chad Melton                           02/15/07

Mike Saylor                             04/05/18

Jane Miller                              01/25/07

Stephanie Moon                     12/27/16

Kathy Moran                           02/01/07

Scott Mosher                          02/07/19

Gene Mourglea                       01/24/07

Myra Moyer                            06/15/07

Shaun Murphy                         02/16/07

Nicholas Stoyer                       03/28/18

Stephanie Oliver                     02/13/07

Mike Parks                              04/27/15

Leigh Pearson                         03/16/07

Eric Pelofske                           12/18/15

Doug Phillips                           07/23/15

Hubert Poppe                         04/13/08

Eric Price                                 01/30/07

Ralph Munk                            04/09/18

Keith Randale                          11/09/18

Dwayne Richardson                10/06/11

Christi Robinson                      02/16/07

Charisse Rubio                         10/15/09

Kirk Rush                                 02/13/07

Christopher Sackett                02/13/07

Blake Sheppard                       02/01/07

Brittany Skaats                        02/09/17

Timothy Slimp                         09/15/15

Amy Smith                              02/15/07

Brian Spaeth                           04/13/08

Tim Spear                                02/08/18

Robert Steinhagen                  04/18/12

William Steizner                      02/16/07

Joe Stern                                 06/15/07

Tom Stewart                           02/02/07

Cathy Stolte                            06/15/11

Shelly Strano                           02/01/07

Russell Subjinske                     02/07/07

William Swasey                       02/15/07

Neal Tareski                            01/18/07

Jason Tieman                          06/19/15

Mark Treppens                       06/15/07

Vincent Usuriello                    11/14/12

Paul Vanderkar                       04/13/08

William Volz                            11/13/13

Brian Warnet                          04/13/08

Steven Waxman                      10/27/09

Stephen Wegeng                    12/07/15

Thomas L. Whatley                 09/28/10

Andy White                             01/29/07

Ken Whitson                           02/15/07

JD Wilcox                                09/19/18

Matt Willert                            02/26/19

Louise Williams                       04/14/11

Jim Winkler                             04/21/10

Joshua Witte                           10/16/09

Trace Wittenbach                   06/15/11

Patrick Wright                         02/07/07

Mike Zolton                             01/18/07

Members were honored with industry awards at the National Conference. 

Connex, formerly PRSM, announced the recipients of the 2019 multi-site facilities management industry awards at the National Conference in Denver, Colorado. Recipients included: 

• U.S. Multi-Site/Retailer of the Year Award—Ross Stores, Inc.
• U.S. Supplier of the Year Award—CBRE | Facility Source
• Canadian Multi-Site/Retailer of the Year Award—Aldo Group and Staples Canada (TIE)
• Canadian Supplier of the Year Award—1-800-GOT-JUNK
• Young Professional of the Year—Jessica Fumo, Party City
• Service Excellence—Curt Picard and Bob Barnard Volunteer of the Year—Amanda Smith, Superclean
• PRSM Ambassador Award—Dave Emmons, Authority HVAC

 

During the awards presentation, Bill Yanek, CEO, Connex, said, “The multi-site facilities management industry is rapidly evolving, and the companies and individuals recognized by the awards presented today are those who are engaged with their customers and the association, and are making a difference in the industry. We are proud to recognize their achievements and contributions.” 

Learn more online!

Thinking about award nominations? Visit connexfm.com/about-connex/awards to see how to apply and view past winners, or send an email to awards@connexfm.com.

Connex2019 Keynote Speaker Mel Robbins gets to the heart of motivation and leadership. 

This year’s National Conference was an enlightening and invigorating experience for all who attended, but it wasn’t just because of the exciting unveiling of the new Connex brand. It was also thanks to the dynamic and empowering keynote address by Mel Robbins. The bestselling author and world-renowned public speaker inspired the Connex audience, explaining how, with simple changes, people can harness anxiety and self-doubt to transform their personal and professional lives. 

Just 10 years ago, Robbins told the audience, she was in a rut. She was unemployed, her marriage was falling apart and she had issues with alcohol abuse. “I had trouble even getting out of bed every morning, day after day hitting the snooze button on my alarm to delay living my life,” she explained. 

But one evening while watching television, she had an epiphany. “I looked at the TV and saw a rocket preparing to blast off,” she said. “I heard the countdown — 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 — and thought, that’s it. This is what my life needs.” The next morning, she used this countdown to propel herself out of bed. She repeated this countdown daily, using it not only to get out of bed, but to address other issues in her life, like managing her moods and finding the motivation to cold call potential employers. 

Since then, she has expanded on this idea, developing what she terms the “5 Second Rule.” The premise is simply this: Whenever you’re faced with a decision, you have five seconds to act on it before your brain naturally tries to shut it down. Your mind will come up with excuses as to why the action isn’t worth it. 

Following this simple mantra, she said, can help you create major changes in your life. But it’s not easy.  The thought of change can be scary — and many people turn their sense of fear into anger. “It’s so much easier to be angry than afraid. It’s so much easier to complain than to force yourself to try and fix something,” Robbins said. 

A strategy to overcome this fear and anger is to convince your brain you’re feeling something else. Translating certain negative emotions into more motivating and positive ones is a major part of Robbins’ philosophy. She explained how both feelings of anxiety and excitement bring about the same physiological changes in your body. The key difference is how your brain perceives these feelings. Robbins detailed a study conducted by Harvard Medical School that proved this concept. The study showed that during several different challenging situations, including standardized tests, track meets and negotiations, people who were able to convince themselves to be excited rather than nervous performed significantly better during that task. 

But Robbins’ advice on making positive changes didn’t stop there. She also detailed how to grow your career and become an effective leader. “There’s only one behavior change that correlates to you making more money, getting a promotion or getting the credit you deserve, and that is whether or not your contributions are visible,” she elaborated. 

If you’re already leading people, Robbins explained how you can better motivate people and improve productivity. She terms this “being a fan.” 

Robbins explained that all people have an underlying want and need to be noticed — to know what they’re doing matters. The simple act of cheering for people, acknowledging their accomplishments and encouraging them to keep striving for greatness, is essential for any great leader, and in turn, any team. The law of reciprocity applies here, too. “If you make people feel like they matter, they will return the favor,” she said. 

If you follow the tips and tricks Robbins laid out, you may be able to change and grow in your professional and personal life. To take off like a rocket, all you may need is a simple countdown — 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. That could be the catalyst to you actualizing the dreams you were afraid to realize. 

Five-Second Science 

According to bestselling author Mel Robbins, those with a cynical mind may be wary of the idea that inspirational and willpower-based thinking is a cure-all that will lead to important life changes. But what if science was on your side? Robbins explained that part of the internal battle of stress versus excitement is a chemical process in the brain. 

Cortisol is a hormone that is released in your body whenever you have feelings of nervousness or stress. The prefrontal cortex is the part of your brain that is involved in executive decision making. This includes problem-solving, self-control and what we generally deem as rational thought. 

When cortisol hits this area of your brain, your ability to think critically and remember important information is compromised. However, scientists have found that if you trick your brain into thinking you’re excited rather than nervous, you can essentially cut off the flow of cortisol to the prefrontal cortex, leaving it unaffected. 

This allows you to have rational thinking patterns during a normally stressful situation, so you can solve problems and plan long-term goals effectively. Thinking this way could be the first step on the road to self-improvement and meaningful life advance­ments.  

According to motivational speaker Mel Robbins, whenever you’re faced with a decision, you have five seconds to act on it before your brain naturally tries to shut it down.