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- January 9, 2025
January 9, 2025
The Grind Newsletter
🌼 Wild Wednesday
Small Business News || The Business World in 5 minutes or less
🎧 YT/Pod of the day: Why That Worked: Selling is about building a story that others disseminate into useful information. These stories begin as an idea and that idea can be built into a useful story rather predictably when they are built on a structure. Listen in and learn about successful ways to take a structure and turn them into repeated stories.
FURTHER DOWN… 🔻 🔻🔻
THE GRIND FACTORY 👉️ Digital Marketing Series
TECH TODAY
Xocean: The next frontier for unmanned robotic seagoing vessels.
Apple Invite App: Apple might be working on an iOS app to allow irl and online invites.
NIVIDIA AI Chips: NIVIDIA CEO says its chips are surpassing Moores Law.
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HEADLINE NEWS 👀
Panama Canal CEO Refutes Trump’s Claims
Image Credit: Professional Mariner
The head of the Panama Canal Authority dismissed President elect Donald Trump’s claims that China controls the vital trade route and warned that giving U.S. ships preferential treatment “will lead to chaos.”
“China is not running the Canal,” said Ricaurte Vásquez Morales on Wednesday. “The accusations are unfounded. China has no involvement in our operations.”
Vásquez Morales emphasized the canal’s strict adherence to neutrality. “Rules are rules,” he said. “We cannot discriminate for the Chinese, Americans, or anyone else. Violating the neutrality treaty and international law would bring chaos.”
Trump, since his election, has repeatedly suggested the U.S. should take control of the Panama Canal, claiming, “China’s basically taken it over.” A Chinese company has operated ports at either end of the canal for years, but the canal itself is managed by the Panama Canal Authority, a state run agency established when Panama regained control under a 1977 treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter.
“The sovereignty of our canal is not negotiable,” Panama’s foreign minister Javier Martinez-Acha said Tuesday. “It’s an irreversible part of our history and struggle.”
Trump also alleged that Panama was charging American ships higher tolls and seeking $3 billion from the U.S. for canal repairs. Vásquez Morales denied both claims, stating the authority funds maintenance from its own revenues and sets tolls based on ship size and type. Tolls, averaging $750,000 per crossing, apply equally to all vessels, with priority granted only to U.S. Navy ships under the neutrality treaty.
While Chinese owned Hutchison Whampoa operates terminals at both ends of the canal, other operators include Singapore’s PSA, Seattle based SSA Marine, and Taiwan’s Evergreen Marine. The Panamanian executive stressed that the canal’s operations remain firmly under Panama’s control, saying, “The sovereignty of the Panama Canal is not for sale.”
Trump Tosses Threats To Denmark, Canada, And Panama
Trump messages he wants flags to change. Image Credit: WikiMedia Commons
Donald Trump turned heads Tuesday, refusing to rule out military or economic measures to seize Greenland or the Panama Canal. “I’m not going to commit to that now,” he said when pressed about his intentions. “It might be that you’ll have to do something.”
Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of taking over the Panama Canal from Panama and Greenland from Denmark, even suggesting Canada should join the U.S. as its 51st state. Danish and Panamanian leaders have rejected his notions outright. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, declared the island “not for sale,” while Panama’s foreign minister, Javier Martinez-Acha, called the canal’s sovereignty “non negotiable.”
Undeterred, Trump accused Panama of overcharging U.S. ships and suggested Denmark lacks legal authority over Greenland. “We need it for national security,” he said, threatening steep tariffs on Denmark if it doesn’t cooperate.
In Greenland, Trump’s son, Donald Jr., arrived in Nuuk on a Trump branded plane, accompanied by allies like Charlie Kirk and James Blair. Trump hailed Greenland as “a very special place” and hinted at talks with Denmark, though his team insists any deal would be more nuanced than a simple land grab.
Trump’s global ambitions aren’t new. During his first term, he explored Greenland’s strategic and resource value. Now, with advisers eyeing financial compacts similar to U.S. agreements with Pacific nations, the idea seems less far fetched.
Meanwhile, Trump signaled tough stances on other issues, from potential pardons for Jan. 6 rioters to Middle East hostages. Whether through bold rhetoric or sweeping plans, Trump’s agenda is clear, he wants America to think big again.
East Coast And Gulf Port Dockworkers Avert Shutdown
Image Credit: AP Photo/Steven Senne
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) reached a tentative six year contract Wednesday, avoiding a January 15 work stoppage.
Both sides will operate under the current agreement until the union's Wage Scale Committee and USMX members ratify the deal.
“This agreement protects ILA jobs, modernizes ports, and strengthens supply chains,” said a joint statement. The deal balances job security with new technology to improve efficiency and safety.
A brief three day strike in October at ports like Houston underscored the stakes. The tentative agreement pauses further disruptions, with details withheld pending member review and approval.
Constellation Energy Actively Pursuing Calpine Energy
Calpine's Freestone Energy Center, a peaker plant in Texas. Photo by Calpine.)
WSJ Exclusive: Constellation Energy is closing in on a deal to acquire Calpine in a cash and stock transaction valuing the power company at nearly $30 billion, including debt, sources said. The agreement could be announced as soon as Monday, barring any last minute obstacles. Constellation, the largest U.S. nuclear power operator, plans to fund the purchase primarily with its own shares, supplemented by cash.
Calpine, taken private in 2017 by Energy Capital Partners for $5.6 billion in cash, operates 78 power facilities across North America. This new deal would mark a significant leap, doubling the company’s value since that transaction.
Constellation shares, which had been surging on expectations of partnerships with AI focused tech firms to power data centers, dropped 7% on the news. Even so, with a market value exceeding $70 billion, Constellation seems confident its rising stock price justifies the bold move.
The potential acquisition signals a major shake up in the energy sector, combining Constellation’s nuclear dominance with Calpine’s extensive power infrastructure. The final word may come next week if talks stay on course.
Meta Aligns GOP Ties Adds UFC’s Dana White to Board
White, a close ally of President elect Donald Trump, is part of Meta’s recent efforts to align more closely with the incoming administration. Last week, the tech giant appointed a Republican connected executive to head its global policy team and donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund.
Zuckerberg praised White’s entrepreneurial success in a Facebook post, calling him a visionary who turned UFC into a cultural phenomenon. The two have bonded in recent years over a shared love for mixed martial arts, a sport Zuckerberg began practicing in 2022.
The UFC boss previously attempted to organize a high profile cage match between Zuckerberg and Elon Musk in 2023, though the bout fell apart when Musk cited an injury and accused Zuckerberg of dodging rescheduling attempts.
Meta also appointed John Elkann, CEO of European holding company Exor, and Charlie Songhurst, a tech investor and AI advisor, to its board. The new additions bring the total number of Meta board members to 13. Zuckerberg highlighted the importance of these appointments as Meta pushes forward in artificial intelligence, wearable tech, and reshaping social media.
The company has recently faced criticism from Republicans over its content moderation practices, which Trump and his allies claim unfairly target conservative voices. With White’s appointment and a reshaped policy team, Meta appears to be navigating the political landscape with an eye on regulatory challenges.
In a sign of warming ties, Zuckerberg recently met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, congratulating him on his election victory.
California Fires Run Wild In High Winds And Scarce Water
Wildfire Threatens Celebrity Haven Pacific Palisades
Image Credit: X
Pacific Palisades, a seaside enclave nestled between Malibu and Santa Monica, is famed for its celebrity history, stunning ocean views, and winding roads lined with multimillion dollar homes. Once envisioned as a religious commune, it’s now a neighborhood of 23,000 with a median home price of $4.6 million.
A raging wildfire Tuesday brought the area into the headlines as flames spread along the coastline, forcing thousands to evacuate. Strengthening winds hampered firefighting efforts, and smoke was visible for miles.
Goodyear Sells Dunlop To Sumitomo For $700 Million
Image Credit: Dunlop Tire
Goodyear Tire & Rubber announced plans Tuesday to sell its Dunlop brand to Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries for about $700 million. The deal includes Dunlop trademarks and assets in Europe, North America, and Oceania for consumer, commercial, and specialty tires.
Sumitomo will pay $701 million at closing, covering the brand transfer, transition fees, and Dunlop tire inventory. Goodyear plans to use the funds to reduce debt and invest in other priorities.
Dunlop consumer tire sales hit $532 million in 2023, with commercial tire sales at $201 million. Goodyear will retain rights to Dunlop trademarks for motorcycle tires in Europe and Oceania and license back truck tire rights in Europe.
The deal, part of a strategic review, is expected to close by mid 2025, pending regulatory approval.
Offshore Tax Mitigation How Not To Tax Plan
Image Credit: Oswald Horowitz/Maverick Moves
An entrepreneur structured offshore tax strategies and after years fighting the Italian government turns fugitive. Brought down by natural forces he’ll never know if the new country he planned in international waters “midway between Seychelles and Mauritius islands would come to fruition. His current floating barge home, which he kept some 30 miles off the Dubai coastline sank.
Tencent Added To U.S. Defense Department’s CATL List
Image Credit: Not Boring
The U.S. Defense Department on Monday added Chinese tech giants, including Tencent Holdings and battery maker CATL, to a list of firms it claims are linked to China’s military. The updated list, required by U.S. law and known as the Section 1260H list, now names 134 companies. Among them are chipmaker Changxin Memory Technologies, Quectel Wireless, and drone maker Autel Robotics.
Shares of Tencent, which owns WeChat, dropped 8% in over the counter trading. Tencent called its inclusion a mistake, stating it is “not a military company or supplier.” CATL and Quectel echoed similar denials, asserting they have no military ties. Other listed companies, including MGI Tech and Origincell Technology, declined to comment or did not respond.
The designation comes as U.S. China tensions remain high, with Washington ramping up measures to highlight and restrict Chinese firms it deems security risks. Craig Singleton, a China expert, said the move reflects a broader effort to protect sensitive technologies, calling these firms “critical enablers of China’s military modernization.”
While the designation does not impose immediate sanctions, it tarnishes the reputations of affected companies and warns U.S. firms against doing business with them. Lawmakers have pushed for the inclusion of some firms, such as CATL, whose partnership with Ford Motor on a Michigan battery plant has drawn scrutiny.
The Pentagon also removed six companies from the list, including AI firm Beijing Megvii Technology and China Railway Construction Corporation, citing they no longer met the criteria. However, companies like DJI and Hesai Technologies, which sued over their previous designations, remain on the updated list.
Getty and Shutterstock Merge in $3.7 Billion Deal
Image Credit: Getty Images
Getty Images and Shutterstock are joining forces in a $3.7 billion merger to dominate the booming market for licensed visuals. Facing the rise of AI in content creation, the two companies aim to offer a vast library of images and videos while investing heavily in AI tools.
Getty shareholders will own 54.7% of the combined entity, which will keep the Getty name, while Shutterstock holders will control 45.3%. Getty CEO Craig Peters, who will lead the merged company, called it “the perfect time” to unite.
Shutterstock shareholders can choose stock, cash, or a mix in the deal, valuing Shutterstock shares at $28.85 each. Stocks soared on the news—Shutterstock up 19%, Getty up 25%.
The merger comes as AI reshapes the visual content world, producing rapid, high-quality renderings but raising copyright concerns. Despite this, Peters insists AI presents opportunities, not threats.
The companies project $150–$200 million in savings and expect the deal to boost earnings by year two. Regulatory approval is pending, but executives are optimistic. The new Getty will trade under ticker GETY on the NYSE.
The Washington Post Lays Off 4% Of Staff
Image Credit: The Washington Post
The Washington Post, owned by Jeff Bezos the second richest man on planet earth, announced layoffs affecting roughly 4% of its workforce, cutting fewer than 100 jobs across business divisions like advertising and marketing. The newsroom, which already shrank two years ago through voluntary buyouts, remains untouched.
Most cuts hit the advertising department, with 73 positions eliminated. Chief Advertising Officer Johanna Mayer-Jones said the focus will shift to connecting clients with the subscriber base. Public relations also saw layoffs as the team pivots to promoting talent instead of publicizing journalism.
The Post lost $77 million in 2023 as digital subscriptions failed to offset declining print revenue. Publisher Will Lewis, who took over a year ago, faces mounting challenges, including a shrinking digital audience and leadership turmoil.
Recent resignations include Executive Editor Sally Buzbee and Pulitzer winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes. Political reporters Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer left for The Atlantic, while Josh Dawsey joined The Wall Street Journal.
The Post, grappling with industry pressures and internal strife, says the cuts aim to build a sustainable future. Critics see a paper in transition, struggling to find its footing. Even the wealth of its owner can’t fight the winds of change in today’s media industry.
Live Streaming Gets Upgrade With Hulu And FuboTV
Image Credit: Fubo
Disney has reached an agreement to combine its Hulu + Live TV streaming service with sports-focused FuboTV. Then deal resolves ongoing litigation over the formation of a new sports streaming service, Venu. Disney will hold about 70% of the new venture, with Fubo’s management team leading operations. Both Hulu + Live TV and Fubo will remain separate services but together will boast over 6.2 million subscribers in North America.
The litigation stemmed from Fubo’s lawsuit in February 2024, which aimed to block the launch of Venu, a joint venture between Disney’s ESPN, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Fox Corp. Fubo claimed the companies excluded it from carrying sports channels for the service. In August, a judge ruled to block Venu, citing concerns over reduced competition. Disney, Fox, and Warner have agreed to pay $220 million to settle the legal battle and Disney has pledged a $145 million loan to Fubo for 2026.
Fubo’s stock surged following the announcement. The merged company will become the second largest online pay TV provider after YouTube TV, catering to sports fans and cable news viewers. Together, Hulu and Fubo expect to generate over $6 billion in revenue, with projections of $7.5 billion by 2028. Additionally, Fubo will have the chance to develop a new sports and broadcast service featuring Disney networks and ESPN+.
SPORTS
NFL Playoffs Full Bracket And First Round Matchups
Image Credit: Washington Post
The NFL postseason is upon us and we have the complete playoff bracket, along with all the first-round matchups. The postseason will conclude with Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025.
💰️ Smart Money Matters 💰️
Culture Corner
Kristin Juszczyk Is Looking To Turn Football Into Fashion 🏈
Kristin Juszczyk was just a football wife with a knack for DIY game day fashion. Then, last year, Taylor Swift wore one of her custom jackets to cheer on Travis Kelce. Almost overnight, Juszczyk’s world changed with 1.2 million Instagram followers, an NFL licensing deal, and even a gig designing a jacket for the Indy 500 winner.
Now, she’s taking her hobby big time. Partnering with Emma Grede co-founder of Skims, CEO of Good American, and a Shark Tank investor. Juszczyk is launching Off Season, a unisex outerwear brand. Backed by Fanatics, the sports merch giant, the debut line features three sleek puffer styles, a vest, a cropped jacket (Swift’s favorite) and a longer coat. Designed in five NFL team colors, 49ers, Lions, Eagles, Bills, and Chiefs, the collection is priced between $295-$495 and hits online shelves January 7.
With headquarters in Los Angeles, Off Season aims to merge fashion and sports, blurring the line between fan gear and streetwear. Grede, whose company is fittingly named Popular Culture, says the goal is to “define an entirely new category of apparel.”
Their bet is football 🏈 fan fashion is less niche and more untapped gold mine.
ECONOMY
Fed Faces Uncertainty Postures Wait-And-See Before More Cuts
Image Credit: Federal Reserve
Federal Reserve officials voiced doubts in December about the economy's future, citing uncertainty over policies expected under the incoming Trump administration.
Minutes from the meeting, released Wednesday, revealed a unanimous vote (save one) to cut interest rates by a quarter point, with hints of fewer cuts in 2025.
Though Trump wasn't named, the Fed made clear that potential tax cuts, immigration restrictions, and high import tariffs cloud economic forecasts. “Uncertainty about foreign trade and immigration policies was elevated,” the minutes stated.
Analysts expect the Fed to pause rate cuts at its January meeting, shifting its focus from data to Trump’s unpredictable policies. “The Fed is no longer data-dependent, it’s Trump dependent,” said David Russell of TradeStation.
Bond yields have climbed since rate cuts began, pushing borrowing costs higher. Economists foresee slower growth in 2025, though Trump’s plans, expanding tax cuts and imposing tariffs, could disrupt projections.
Markets remain uncertain, awaiting clarity on policies. "Near term, there’s a lot of uncertainty," said Gene Goldman of Cetera Investment Management, noting tempered expectations for Trump’s ambitious economic agenda.
German Manufacturing Orders Plunge in November
Germany's manufacturing orders fell 5.4% in November. The fall marks a sharp decline from October and signals ongoing weakness in the sector. Economists had predicted flat growth, but the data, released Wednesday by statistics agency Destatis, painted a grimmer picture.
The drop followed a 1.5% decline in October and was largely driven by a slowdown in large scale transport orders like aircraft, ships, and military vehicles, which surged in October but didn’t repeat in November.
Excluding large scale orders, new orders edged up 0.2%, with domestic demand rising 3.8%. However, foreign orders slumped by 10.8%, underscoring global challenges. The sector now faces additional uncertainty as U.S. tariffs proposed by the incoming administration loom on the horizon.
FINANCE
Ligado Files For Bankruptcy Accuses U.S. Govt. Of Seizing Property
Image Credit: Lockheed Martin
Ligado Networks, a satellite communications company, filed for bankruptcy, accusing the U.S. government of seizing its licensed spectrum without compensation. The Virginia based firm called it one of the largest uncompensated property takings in modern U.S. history.
Ligado entered Chapter 11 in Delaware on Sunday with a plan to cut its $8.6 billion debt to $1.2 billion. The plans is backed by creditors like Fortress Investment Group and Cerberus Capital Management. The company also seeks damages in an ongoing lawsuit against the government, claiming its spectrum rights, valued at $39 billion, were destroyed by the Defense Department's unauthorized use of its frequencies.
CEO Doug Smith said Ligado invested billions to develop its network for 5G services, following FCC approval in 2020. Yet, he alleges, other government agencies unlawfully blocked its operations, with the Defense Department taking over its spectrum for undisclosed uses.
The Justice Department declined to comment, and the Defense Department was unavailable. In November, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims allowed Ligado’s lawsuit to proceed, rejecting the government’s dismissal request.
Ligado's restructuring will convert over $7 billion of debt into preferred equity while securing $115 million in new funding. Despite the bankruptcy, shares held by investors like Harbinger Capital and Fortress will remain intact, an unusual outcome in such cases.
This marks Ligado’s second bankruptcy, following its 2012 filing under its previous name, LightSquared, after similar regulatory setbacks.
Citrin Cooperman Sells To Blackstone Consortium For $2 Billion
Image Credit: Citrin Cooperman
New Mountain Capital is cashing out its stake in accounting firm Citrin Cooperman, selling to a Blackstone led investor group in a deal valuing the firm at over $2 billion. It’s the first private-equity flip of an audit firm.
Accounting firms, hungry for tech and talent funding, have become attractive to private equity for their recurring revenue and low risk. Blackstone will hold 40-45% of Citrin Cooperman, while the investor group will own over two thirds. The deal is expected to close in Q2.
Citrin Cooperman’s growth has been sharp, revenue jumped from $352 million in 2021 to $900 million in 2024, bolstered by acquisitions. New Mountain, which bought in three years ago, is pivoting to expanding Grant Thornton’s U.S. operations and nonaudit services globally.
Private equity ownership in accounting raises regulatory concerns about auditor objectivity. CPA laws require audit firms to be majority owned by accountants. Firms sidestep this via service agreements between audit and nonaudit units.
Blackstone, managing $1.1 trillion in assets, joins other private equity players like Hellman & Friedman in targeting midsize accounting firms. Critics warn the trend could blur lines in the profession, but the money keeps flowing.
POLITICS
New Sphere Of U.S. Influence Greenland To Panama
Image Credit: ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP
Donald Trump wants Greenland, Canada, and the Panama Canal. In a press conference Tuesday, he floated using economic and military force to seize them, signaling a dramatic break from decades of U.S. foreign policy.
√ The president-elect views overseas territories as crucial to U.S. interests and insists he isn’t bluffing in his threats to take control of allied lands.
“Canada and the United States, that would really be something,” Trump said, dismissing borders as "artificial" and claiming annexation would bolster national security. His plan, is extreme tariffs to strong arm Canada, military pressure for Greenland, and retaking the Panama Canal, a gift he claims the U.S. never intended for China.
The proposals drew shock from analysts and former officials, who warned such moves could alienate allies and embolden rivals like China and Russia. Chuck Hagel, a former defense secretary, called the ideas “autocratic” and said they undermine global trust in America.
Trump’s fixation on Greenland isn’t new. In 2019, he proposed buying it for its rare earth minerals, a move aimed at countering China. Denmark said no. Now, his team envisions expanding U.S. military presence on the island instead, while hinting at a free association pact similar to those with Pacific islands.
On Panama, Trump declared the canal was “built for our military” and blasted its current administration by Panama as benefiting China. Trump’s advisers suggest economic incentives to regain control, though a military operation looms as a distant possibility.
As for Canada, Trump frames annexation as an economic necessity, accusing the northern neighbor of freeloading on trade and NATO commitments. “They are NATO’s most feckless member,” said Alexander Gray, a former Trump official. Still, advisers downplay the idea as posturing before trade negotiations.
Critics say such ideas are unlikely to materialize, much like Trump’s unfulfilled pledge to make Mexico pay for a border wall. But with a second term, free from the constraints of cautious advisers, Trump may push harder on these nationalist ambitions.
For now, Canada’s outgoing prime minister, Justin Trudeau, dismissed the idea with a blunt post: “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell.”
🧠 WORD/TERM OF THE DAY
Blue Ocean Strategy: Creating a new, uncontested market space that makes competitors irrelevant. The ultimate gigantic business maker strategy.
THE GRIND FACTORY ⚙️
SELLING FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS⚙️
Sales For Business Owners (selling made easy).
Coming this January. Stay tuned!
📚 BOOK OF THE WEEK
Image Credit: Amazon
Fascinating story of Stephen Schwarzman. In this book he lays out how he took Blackstone from a meger $400,000 to a firm managing ½ a trillion dollars.
This Book has a 4.1 ⭐️ rating on goodreads.
UNIQUELY INTERESTING
💡 Epiphany Moments
Rivian Automotive founder Robert "RJ" Scaringe, developed a passion for cars and nature from a young age. He pursued this interest academically, earning a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
In 2009, Scaringe founded Mainstream Motors, which later became Rivian Automotive, with the vision of producing electric adventure vehicles. Initially, the company focused on developing a mid engine hybrid sports car, but by 2011, it shifted its focus exclusively to electric vehicles, aiming to revolutionize the automotive industry with sustainable transportation solutions.
Under Scaringe's leadership, Rivian introduced its first two models, the R1T pickup truck and the R1S SUV, both designed for offroad capabilities and equipped with advanced electric drivetrains. The company has attracted significant investments and partnerships, including a notable joint venture with Volkswagen in 2024 to co-develop hardware and software platforms.
Scaringe's commitment to innovation and sustainability has positioned Rivian as a prominent player in the electric vehicle market, contributing to the broader adoption of eco friendly transportation solutions. The future of Rivian is still up in the air but it will survive a while longer with its recent Federal loan of $6 billion.
🍎 One Smart Apple
Ready Pac Produce achieved true success in the mid 1990s by revolutionizing the fresh food industry with its single serve salad kit. Known as the Bistro Bowl®, this innovative product transformed the way consumers accessed fresh, healthy meals on the go. Combining convenience, freshness, and portability, it met the rising demand for healthier, ready to eat options and set Ready Pac apart as a pioneer in the pre packaged produce market.
The single serve salad kits quickly became a hit, appearing in grocery stores, convenience stores, and even airline meals. This success drove rapid expansion, with Ready Pac extending its product lines to include fruit and snack packs, becoming a household name for fresh, convenient food. Strategic partnerships with major retailers like Walmart and fast food chains further cemented its market dominance.
In 2017, Ready Pac’s success culminated in its acquisition by Bonduelle, a French agricultural powerhouse, for $409 million. This marked the company’s transition from a U.S. leader to a global player in fresh produce.
Ready Pac’s breakthrough wasn’t just a product it redefined a category, proving that fresh, healthy food could also be convenient and accessible. The single serve salad kit remains a cornerstone of its legacy, reshaping consumer habits and the fresh food industry. 🍏
HEALTH & LONGEVITY •ᴗ• This Week For A Long Life
Are You A New Years Resolution Kind Of Person? Know Your Why
When setting health goals, we often focus on the what, how, and when. But the real game changer is asking yourself why. Why do you want to lose weight, run that marathon, or sleep better? Your why is the emotional fuel that drives real, lasting change.
"Your why adds emotional weight to your goals, no pun intended. This aligns your mindset with your ambitions," says Kelly Lynch, Lifeforce Senior Health Coach. It's more than a plan, it's purpose. Health coach Sara Ramirez emphasizes that your why should connect to your core values, like living fully for your family, pursuing personal fulfillment, or boosting your quality of life.
Visualization, journaling, or meditating can help uncover this deeper purpose. Imagine the life you want. Write about moments of joy and contentment. Define what truly matters. Life coach Patrick Doyle calls your why the "engine" that keeps your goals moving, even when the journey gets tough.
Once you know your why, weave it into your daily life. Break it into actionable steps, like consistent workouts or better sleep habits. Write it down as a mantra. Share your progress with a friend or coach, like professionals or in running a business accountability fuels success. Tools like the WOOP method (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) can reinforce focus and help overcome challenges.
Finding your why isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. It transforms goals into commitments. And with support from a trusted team or community, it can lead to profound, lasting change.
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