Greetings fellow empowered beings!! :) As we're approaching this last month, let's take a look at the past year (things we've achieved, lessons we've learned, things we've left behind and added) and let's use that to mobilize us in this next month. Let's use this last month of the year to build momentum and get a running start into 2026. We don't have to wait.... We treat January like it has magical powers when really it is just a month with better PR. Psychologically speaking, December is prime time for momentum building. It is the month where the brain naturally shifts into reflection mode, which means insight is already simmering and it might make it the perfect time to launch! A lot of people experience SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) in the winter months--- so I think that it's really really important to look at the habits that we engage in and how this either contributes, reinforces or helps ease this effect. (side note--with my clients in Michigan, I start having conversations about this in September because the weather here along with the habits really influence people's experiences for 6 months at a time!! We can't control the weather, BUT we can do things differently). *****So, how are you using December and what are your intentions? *****How will you use this past year as a way to move into the next? Here are some questions to consider as you look back on your past year (questions are part of an AAR (After Action Review). 1. What did we intend to accomplish (what was our strategy)? 2. What did we do (how did we execute relative to our strategy)? 3. Why did it happen that way (why was there a difference between strategy and execution)? 4. What will we do to adapt our strategy or refine our execution for a better outcome OR how do we repeat our success?

💗There are so many great challenges out there and I didn't want to add another one to the list...BUT, in the spirit of this month of thanksgiving, I did want to gift someone something at the end of the month...I want to show appreciation to ALL of you, but given practical considerations, I just don't know if a gift is possible for all. So, I was trying to think about what would be a good way to try to go about this.... 🌟Well, how about this? In the spirit of this group and what it's about, WHAT IF we use your own goals and habits that you want to build upon as the deciding factor for winning? Not only will you get something from me but you'll be gaining momentum towards your goals and that IS winning beyond an external reward. We can use this as a way to add additional incentive to keep going and to make strides towards your goals!! And also as a place of accountability:) If there are A LOT of winners, maybe a secondary way of teasing out top winners can be something related to participation /level of activity or maybe just a random choosing. I already appreciate the activity in here and while I want to incentivise more people to participate I don't want the gift to just be dependent on that---I truly want you all to do well towards your goals!! 📈So....what say you? If you're interested, drop a comment below saying that you're in AND also identifying what you'll be working on for the rest of the month---what are the habits that you want to start/grow/continue? What will have to happen at the end of the month to say "I've made acceptable progress" towards this goal? (some areas of potential focus: physical health: diet, exercise, drinking water; spiritual health: daily prayer, gratitude practice; financial health: saving money, spending less; etc.) Let's do this!! Let's have a place to keep each other accountable, encourage each other and just take strides towards growth!! We got this, fam! :) :) :)

That you’re beautiful (or handsome, whichever word you prefer!), your DREAMS matter, and you are worthy of having unlimited JOY in your life!

I wrote about clarity in decisions in the post here:decisions-because-you-cant-keep-dating-every-option There are some strategies there, but below are a few more with some elaboration:) Enjoy! (The initial options for decision making were these, in case you don't go to that other post...but I hope you do go! • Know your values: Decisions get easier when they reflect who you want to be • Check your nervous system: Regulate first. A calm mind makes smarter choices • Name the tradeoffs: Every yes requires a no. Clarity comes from acknowledging the cost • Commit: Once you choose, stop reopening the question. This builds confidence and mental strength ) The elaboration: 1. Set your criteria before you choose -Indecision often comes from not knowing what “good” looks like. Decide your criteria before you evaluate options. This keeps emotions from hijacking the process and reduces cognitive load. 2. Time box your choices -Give yourself a specific window to decide. The brain performs better with constraints because it reduces analysis paralysis. Short deadlines force clarity. Sometimes I struggle with this because a self imposed timeline feels arbitrary because i can always change it (but then I guess I'm not showing integrity with myself and I guess that's not good..) 3. Run the “future identity” test Ask: Does this choice serve the person I am becoming? Not the person you are today but the version you’re working toward. This uses the psychological principle of “self continuity” to pull you toward long term goals. 4. Evaluate the opportunity cost honestly Every yes has a silent no built into it. Name the no. This keeps your decisions aligned with your values instead of default habits! Name the NO. Find ways to create friction so that choosing the no is harder. Find ways to decrase friction so that the yes is easier. 5. Get out of your head and into data

🧠 The Power of Decision Making: Becoming a High Caliber Human There's been times in life when I've struggled with direction. I have this energy and a sense of needing to apply it and a sense of "I know I'm meant for more" , but don't always know where to direct it.(Let me clarify--I feel fulfilled in the areas of life that I currently have. I have a deep sense of gratitude and joy that comes along with thinking about my current standing. It's not a sense of emptiness with what's already there. So when I say I'm meant for more, I don''t mean I'm meant for different or to do something instead of what I'm doing. I mean that that there's a sense/desire to ADD to life). So the feeling of restlessness creeps in which contributes to a level of frustration. If you can picture someone just shaking their arms and legs as if trying to get something off of them/out of them, that's me. That's the feeling sometimes. Untapped potential. Anyways, this sense along with some conversations along with some readings prompted this post! Let's do it! 🔪Decide. What does this word actually mean? De-off , caedere-cut , decidere-determine. Basically "to determine; to cut off" A real decision requires cutting off competing options that dilute your focus and your character. It is not just choosing a direction, it's also choosing against everything that interferes with that choice. 🔥 Why Decisions Matter Let's nerd it out for a quick sec. Psychologically speaking a clear decision reduces cognitive load because the brain no longer wastes energy weighing endless alternatives. This frees your prefrontal cortex to engage in planning, discipline and follow through. It allows you to actually function and move. When you stay indecisive, your brain stays in a loop of analysis, anxiety and avoidance.That sense of restlessness and frustration I talked about earlier, that's part of this. It's a signal that's telling me "hey, do something about this". 🌿 How to Make Clear Decisions • Know your values: Decisions get easier when they reflect who you want to be