What are you doing this evening? I'm doing a bit of planning for 2026. Do you set aside time to work on an annual plan? Taking a break. As much as I love numbers...it's time to feed my body and give my mind a break.

I heard this on a podcast some years ago. I don't remember which big company talked about this. Here's the gist... Take ONE problem (obstacle, puzzle, challenge, road block, speed bump, or other word you want to call it) that you are facing. It can be the TOUGHEST, ⛰️OR just ANY. 🤔 Now, get really CREATIVE. What are some different ways and ideas you could solve it. Like be as RIDICULOUS 😝 and SUPER creative as you want. Let's hear your ideas! It might just SPARK something. ✨️💥🎇 Ready. Set. GO! I'll share mine in the comments. If you have time or feel like it: put it into an AI of your choice and create an image or video with one of your ideas to solve your puzzle. Creative with you, Iris

Hey Visionaries - I just added eight YouTube talks that I recommend in the Check This Out! Julie's Pick menu in the classroom. Where you start is up to you. Watch or listen to one per day. You'll probable absorb more that way than binging.

Our December Spotlight call is just in time to take us into the next year with confidence! Mark your calendars for Tuesday, December 30th @ 11 CT/12 noon EST. CEO of Bravo Maritime Group (BMG), @Valerie Horner, presents a talk entitled 3 Keys to Confidence. 3 Keys to Confidence In this call, you'll learn about: Developing the PROPER MINDSET for staying safe. Expanding SITUATIONAL AWARENESS of our surroundings. Identifying TOOLS/LIFE SKILLS we already possess, practicing skills we’ve learned, and prioritizing our options. Making and using a PLAN (both before and on the spot) for assessing threats, and avoiding or evading unsafe situations. Safety is our most basic need and once you feel safe, you will start showing up authentically like you belong--because you do. Add this to your calendar now so on December 30th, you can join the call and discover the 3 Keys to Confidence.

“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attended.” Marie Curie Need a mantra to take into 2026 to reach your stretch goals?