Hey Reader -

It's only January 6, but are you panicking because you haven't created The List? Scratch that. You might be right on time.

You may feel your enthusiasm nose-diving for pre-dawn side hustling and workouts, but that's ok. Setting goals sounds easy, but there's plenty that gets in the way. So, in the January series, 4 Power Moves to Jumpstart Your Intentions, we'll discuss how you can overcome common blocks to success with soft skills.

Block #1 is lack of motivation. But here's what no one mentions: Lack of motivation is only a symptom. It's telling you that your heart isn't in something that either looked cool on January 1 or someone else wants you to do. Doing something for the wrong reason or no reason always creates problems—it's why bootstrapping collapses.

So, your first power move is to Know your Why. It will help you close the wrong doors and consciously choose amazing projects, promotion opportunities, and new alliances with incredible people. And your Why doesn't need to be so lofty that it changes the world—it only needs to change your world.

Goals are Gateways

Understanding the Why was the difference-maker for Dook Chase. On paper, he had the perfect dream of working on Wall Street. There was only one problem—he left his heart in New Orleans. It took him a minute to realize the big business he was seeking wasn't in the Big Apple. It was right in front of him.

Making his dream real required skilling up. Dook studied culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu and mastered everything else by shadowing his grandmother, the James Beard-award-winning Queen of Creole, Leah Chase.

Now he combines the best of both worlds. With financial skills as sharp as his knife skills, Dook has expanded the Chase family footprint from their flagship restaurant, Dooky Chase, to new eateries for the fourth Chase generation. Life-changing results started with a small bowl of gumbo.

Ease Into the Year with Four Tactics

Knowing your own voice vs. others' input can be challenging—it's one reason people get anxious. Making a Goals List seems like an instant confidence boost, yet the reality is that goals won't amount to much if your heart and soul aren't in them. That's why the first week of the year is the perfect moment to gain your bearings and get oriented.

So, start your List with the power move of Knowing your Why supported by soft skills like clarity, creativity, and superb judgment:

Stop forcing and rushing and start making solid choices. Set your sights on a destination that's uplifting, fun, and rewarding. 🌞

All the best,

Michelle Mains

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