“ BY DOING WHAT YOU LOVE , you actually inspire other people to do what they love — and that ripple effect continues more than you will ever know .” That was the advice Ben Nemtin shared with ISPA Conference attendees in May , and also a personal philosophy he has put into action by encouraging others to create and accomplish a “ life ’ s bucket list .”

“ There ’ s also a ripple effect when you help someone ,” Ben continued .“ Because you aren ’ t just helping that one person . You help their friends , you help their family , you help everyone who comes in touch with them . Kindness is contagious — because of the ripple effect . A smile creates a ripple .”

Ben , who received ISPA ’ s Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award prior to his keynote address , had the spa industry in mind as he discussed the ripple effect of kindness . “ The work you do day in , day out , helps people reduce stress , increase resilience , bolster mental health ,” he told ISPA members .“ The problem is , the day-to-day stress , the pace , makes it difficult to contribute to that ripple .”

He offered five steps to “ make the impossible possible : l Write down your bucket list : Record it for accountability . l Share your goals : If you don ’ t talk about what you want to accomplish , no one can help you . l Be unstoppable : Don ’ t underestimate the power of persistence . l Dream big : Take moonshots . ( There ’ s less competition for unrealistic goals !) l Give : When you help someone else , it fills you up in a way doing things for yourself never can .

Acknowledging his audience of spa leaders , Ben identified the fifth step as an opportunity for employers to foster a healthy workplace : “ Take an interest in your team ’ s personal interests — their bucket lists . Create an environment where your team members can be the best version of themselves .” n

“ IT ’ S IMPORTANT TO STOP AND THINK ABOUT WHAT ’ S IMPORTANT TO YOU . NOT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK SHOULD BE IMPORTANT FOR YOU . WHAT GIVES YOU MORE ENERGY , WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL MORE ALIVE . THOSE ARE THE ROADS TO FOLLOW .”

– BEN NEMTIN

THE 10 CATEGORIES OF LIFE

WHEN YOU CREATE YOUR BUCKET LIST , Ben Nemtin urges you to remember : A full life is comprised of experiences that go beyond just adventure . It is important to think about giving goals , business goals , relationship goals . He says he asks people to consider 10 categories in their life “ so that your list is as well-rounded as you are .”

1 Travel & Adventure Goals 2 Giving Goal 3 Intellectual Goals 4 Material Goals 5 Financial Goals

6 Creative Goals

7 Professional Goals 8 Relationships Goals 9 Health Goals

10 Mental Health Goals

EDITOR ’ S NOTE : Scot T . Gillies , executive editor at ISPA , sat in on Ben Nemtin ’ s presentation and chose the above highlight to share .

20 PULSE n JULY 2023