BE SMART IN THE NEW YEAR
A new year always brings the opportunity to look ahead and set goals. Most people don’t actually follow through on New Year’s resolutions because they are overly ambitious and difficult to achieve. There is a school of thought now that encourages you to create SMART goals. SMART, in this case, is an acronym.
SMART goals are:
- Specific: Goals are small enough in scope and clearly defined
- Measurable: Goals that allow you to track progress and make it clear when they’ve been met
- Attainable: Goals are feasible and realistic to achieve
- Relevant: Goals are aligned with your values and what matters to you
- Time-Bound: Goals have a deadline and allow you to set new ones or revise them over time
AXIOM NEWS
Holiday Lunch
The Axiom team celebrated the season with a holiday lunch at Vincenzo’s Italian restaurant in downtown Louisville.
Achieving Success
Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana held a “personal success” program at New Washington High School. The goal was to provide students with useful tools to gain future employment. Axiom CFO Leah Driver participated in the valuable learning experience by conducting “mock interviews.” She asked students to articulate their strengths and weaknesses and to talk about a time they were involved in a conflict and how they arrived at a resolution. Many students were already engaged in such fields as physical therapy, nursing and pharmacy, and Leah encouraged them to continue pursuing their passions.
Pearls of Wisdom
Jeanean Jacobs, CEO of Family Ark was the speaker for the December Pearls of Wisdom breakfast. Axiom’s Michelle Konkle and Leah Driver attended the event. Family Ark sponsors foster care, transitional housing and behavioral health. Prior to joining Family Ark, Jeanean served in the U.S. Navy, was Senior Director of Young Adult Services at the Greater YMCA in Seattle and worked at Maryhurst in Louisville. During her presentation, Jeanean stressed how important it is to remain aware of and open to opportunities and new challenges that present themselves during your career. For more information on Family Ark and its mission, go here.
A Colorful Treat
The Axiom team took time out for a holiday break by visiting the House of Colour in Middletown, Ky. Its trained staff used various swatches draped around the neck to determine the color palette that best suited each person. The colors are organized by the four seasons. The women also had a make-up session that matched their particular colors. Fun fact: All four ladies were autumn colors (olive green, warm browns, golden yellows).
News You Can Use
Holiday Returns
If you end up with a holiday present that you plan to return, you’ll be part of a big crowd. According to the National Retail Federation, shoppers will return some $890 billion worth of merchandise. Free shipping and generous return policies are contributing to this surge in returns. “Return policies are no longer just a post-purchase consideration. They’re shaping how younger generations shop from the start,” says David Sobie, co-founder and CEO of Happy Returns. Click here for more on this growing trend.
Why Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens?
As we begin a new year, who wouldn’t want to start out with some good luck? A Southern tradition finds many people serving black-eyed peas and collard greens to ensure a prosperous year. The peas are said to bring the luck and the greens represent money. Many serve the dish with cornbread, which stands for gold. The meal is eaten on New Year’s Day. Some other countries follow a similar tradition. In Italy, lentils, said to resemble coins, are cooked down with pork and served on January 1. Go here to find some mouth-watering recipes.
JANUARY FUN
The Importance of Being Ernest
Kentucky Shakespeare presents its first production on the Actors Theatre of Louisville stage with a perfect post-holiday pick-me-up! Oscar Wilde’s delightful comedy sparkles with vibrant characters, mistaken identities and farcical antics. When bachelors Jack and Algernon both create alter egos named “Ernest,” the lies quickly spiral into chaos and hilarity. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience what the London Telegraph calls “the most perfect comedy in the English language.” Jan. 11-19. For tickets, go here.
Harlem Globetrotters
Get ready for an action-packed evening as the Harlem Globetrotters bring their 2025 World Tour to the KFC Yum! Center. The event promises to deliver jaw-dropping basketball skills, hilarious stunts and family-friendly entertainment that has captivated audiences for decades. With new challenges and astonishing trick shots, this show is set to be an unforgettable experience. Jan. 17. Click here for tickets.
Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow
Discover the largest selection of boats, RVs and outdoor gear all under one roof. The show promises fun for the whole family with the debut of a bumper boat experience where kids can hop aboard for a spinning water adventure and a catch-and-release trout pond where they can experience the thrill of the big catch. There are also daily seminars and other activities for every outdoors enthusiast. Kentucky Exposition Center. Jan. 22-26. You can buy tickets here.
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