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I hope you are staying warm and safe this January. Living in the Front Range, I have gotten spoiled by the warm winters. This weather has taken me back to my childhood in Wisconsin; the moonlight shining on the snow, huge piles of snow (both clean and dirty), bundling up to go outside, cold cheeks and hot chocolate. All this snow already and March and April are getting closer. I predict more snow!

In my last newsletter, I talked about goals and the difference between goals and aspirations. Did you make some goals for 2007? Do you have some aspirations? Are you thinking "now what"?

Now is the time to develop systems to help you achieve your goals. Don't let the word "system" scare you. A system is simply the way to get where you want to go. You can also look at systems as habits.

To develop a "system", first look at your good habits and how you can build on them. I said my goal for 2007 was to lose one pound per week (so far, so good). A good habit I have is going to workout at the Rec Center about three times a week. To help me lose that pound per week I could workout one or two days more per week, I could workout longer each time, or I could add a fitness class. Everyone has some great habits. Pat yourself on the back for those and keep up the good work.

But what about those other habits, the ones that get in the way? Use systems to break those habits and develop new ones. Think about what you can put into place to help you. For example, every night my daughter wants a "last snack" before bed, usually ice cream. Last snack time could easily get in the way of my goal. I could ask my husband to take care of last snack time or I could have yogurt or fruit so I could spend the time with my daughter. Be creative. It takes time to develop a new habit and developing systems will help you.

In the last newsletter, I mentioned that a goal was something you had total control over and an aspiration requires other people to do something also. But you can use systems and habits to help you make progress towards your aspiration, too. For example, you want to write a book and you have a great idea. The only problem is that the laundry needs to be done, the kids are fighting and your husband wants dinner. Sound familiar?

Put yourself higher up on your priority list and make the time for what is important. Tell your family you are going to write from 7 to 10 PM every Monday and Thursday night, then do it! They will survive without you. Lock yourself in the bedroom or bathroom. Or go to a coffee shop or the public library. You don't have any control over whether or not your manuscript is picked up by a publisher, but you do have control over whether it is written.

Build on what is already working, work on changing that which is not working and dream big!

I want to take a moment to clarify a few things. I have been asked if Soul Food is a networking group, and the answer is no. During a Soul Food luncheon there is not an opportunity for you to present yourself and your business to the group. The purpose of Soul Food is to nurture and educate women. HOWEVER I encourage you to bring information about yourself and your services to put on the sign-in table. Or come early and talk to me about presenting at a Soul Food luncheon. Let everyone know what you have to offer.

I have also been asked about men attending a Soul Food luncheon. What to you think? Even though I have been accused of being sexist, I have discouraged men from attending mostly because I believe in the feminine energy and our collective wisdom and ability. But I sincerely want your opinion. So take a moment and tell me what you think.