It's been several days since updating on the December Challenge from me. I apologize, but I have had a lovely time not even thinking about work, or technology. It hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows, as we're living in the post-Christmas chaos of cleaning out and organizing new things. But the boys are happy, and the gifts they've received have all been a blessing; leaving the tv off and knees and hands dirty as they shuffle around the floor, ride dirt bikes and scooters outside, and build all the Legos. Christmas is meant to be taken in with an open heart and a focused mind. We had a great Christmas. I hope you did, as well. I've redownloaded Instagram on my phone in the meantime, and when I have opened it, I almost despise it. I mentioned I would check it periodically throughout the month for messages or notifications that were important to my business, but with this challenge, I've developed a negative view of the app. Honestly, it's clouded my creativity with moving forward on how I want to market to my audience and potential clients. I've been thinking a lot lately with how I want to help people; what's most important to me. Faith, Health, and a Deeper Experience in this one life come to mind initially. Breaking those things down and making tangible steps out them are the easy part. Marketing this idea to the masses is the most difficult for me. Maybe y'all can help with this? Some of you are current clients, or have been previously: what is it that captured your interest? What were you looking for? From my perspective, each client has been looking for something different, but everyone either stays on, loving the support and encouragement, or we end with their goals met completely and they are able to move forward without support. I'm rambling here, but I just don't want to be another talking head spewing advertising language about how "busy dads can lose 30lbs+ in 3 months with my Super Dad Shred Program". Literally makes me gag. Can't stand it.

Clearly, I am a coach. Goal setting is wired into my DNA, and it’s a must to establish vision for who you desire to be. Whether a weight loss goal, financial goal, leadership goal, productivity goal, it doesn’t matter the subject, goals are steppingstones toward an ultimate vision of our desired selves. But there is a problem with goal setting that most people experience, and it’s keeping you from you ultimately leaping off that notepad that you wrote it down on, and making it a reality. We’ll call it the New Year’s Resolution Paradox. You know what I’m talking about. December rolls around and we all get fat and happy with the Holiday treats, time off, and memorable moments that are created during this wonderous time of year. And then December 26 rolls around and we are hit with the reality that life is about to pick back up again, and we better start making plans to get out of celebratory slothfulness. See, whether we are aware of it or not, we are rhythmic people. It’s created within us to work and rest, and if we don’t do it intentionally, life, or our own bodies, will do it for us. It’s good we come to the end of the year and take a break. As Christians, our weary world rejoices every year we come to celebrate the birth of Jesus, our savior. Oh, how we’ve longed for that saving grace, and need to be reminded of it often. The issue is how we go about “starting over”. Because that’s how we see it right? We are starting anew. A new shot at finally losing the weight. A fresh beginning to finally create that budget and live below our means. But just because the calendar rolls over and we come upon the next numeral post Christ’s birth, that doesn’t mean we start from ground zero. We should always be progressing, if anything, in maturity. Sure, it isn’t linear, but the trajectory should be climbing every year. With all of that aside, the main point here is that people get fired up to set a new goal. Karen write down in big, bold, purple marker, “LOSE 50 POUNDS!” circles it, and puts it on her fridge by way of her adorable “time for cat nap” magnet. She signs up for weight watchers (they have a new system, ya know? It will actually work WITH her this time, not against her). She buys new LuLu leggins, a size smaller, to motivate her even more, of course. Gym membership? Check!