Kick Butt Tip: Don’t Wait For It, Go Make It Happen

From the 35th President of the United States John F. Kennedy: "Things do not happen. Things are made to happen."

I read an interesting survey a few days ago. The author asked the question, in your opinion, name the best President the United States has ever elected. Overwhelmingly two answers ranked heads and shoulders above everyone else. The most popular answers were Ronald Reagan and our 35th President, who gives us today's Kick Butt Tip, John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

Those that knew Kennedy say that he was one of the most optimistic and empowering individuals ever elected to public office. After all, Kennedy was the one that issued the challenge for our United States of America to become the first nation to land on the surface of the moon.  Lunar experts got busy and we did it.

Let me ask please, when was the last time that you truly challenged yourself? Chances are, you and I are very much alike. We both have dreams and goals. Often that is where the conversation stops. Let's get specific for the next thirty seconds. Are your dreams and goals written down on paper and for each dream and goal, do you have a game plan in place for its achievement? Without a game plan, you may never reach the potential of achieving your dreams and your goals.

Our Kick Butt Tip of the Day today is to just make it happen. May I share those words again? Just go make it happen. Take action now! Go make a list of your dreams and goals along with a road map of success and then get busy.

Take action now!

- Don Chase's Kick Butt Tip of the Day is a daily motivational feature designed to give you the inspiration you need to power through your day. Check out all the Kick Butt Tips here.

Now that the Thanksgiving meal is behind us and we are all still feeling more than stuffed, it's time we shift our focus. To more food! Here, we'll cut into four great dinner options to feed the whole family at Christmas dinner.

Yes, Thanksgiving requires a lot of hours in the kitchen. Prepping a turkey, maybe even frying one, takes some proper attention. Then, to some, the most important part is the sides that go with the main attraction. Again, making these side dishes means cooking up a storm. However, perhaps we underappreciate the art of this meal. For the most part, the menu is designed for us. Furthermore, it is consistent every year. All you have to decide is how much to make based around how many people will be gathered around your table.

Fast forward a month, and it's time to prepare another epic holiday meal. In addition to running around to grab last-minute gifts, if you are hosting a Christmas get-together you have to do a lot of preparing, again.

Here, we are going to break down some options to jump-start your Christmas prep. First, let's set the table on some criteria, and some bust some myths. You certainly do not need to reinvent the wheel and cook up something extraordinarily unique. In fact, it's best to keep it simple. Dozens of classic dishes have already been well-established as delicious to satisfy your family, friends, and guests.

The thought process in suggesting these four Christmas dinner options is that they are proven to be delightful. They can also be prepared in large batches that do not require a tremendous amount of hours in the kitchen. These meals are family-friendly and are sharable. Some of them you may even be able to combine together. Again, this list won't spark an idea that's never been cooked up. Perhaps it just serves as a simple reminder that these Christmas dinner menu items can be straightforward and delicious enough.

A large tray of a baked pasta based meal that everyone gets to cut into just feels like a natural option. There's room here to customize your tray of course. Add meat, make it a veggie, or have one of each. Plus, the red sauce nicely compliments your holiday-themed table setting.

We'll need to clarify here, your best bet here is a log shaped filet that can be evenly cut into quarter inch - to half inch slices. There's something festive to carving a meal item in your kitchen, that is freshly cooked. You take pride in hosting and then slicing. You place your sliced filet on that serving platter that is used just once a year, walk it into the dining room and then feel joy when everyone digs in.

It's all about the slow-cooker or crock pot. You can let it warm in the kitchen all day, allowing a sharp aroma to seep into every room the family gathers in. This style is for more of the grab something quick and on-the-go Christmas meal gathering. Perhaps you have people in and out of your house, stopping by for a "cheers" throughout the day. A chili bar never disappoints. Add in your side bowls of shredded cheddar, tortilla crisps, scallions, and sour cream, and you are giving your guests the opportunity to put their own touch on your creation.

This is the meal that gives you the option for a fancier sit-down dinner. The ham centerpiece is typically joined by elegant wine glasses and pre-feast toast. Throw some potato side dishes along with an asparagus or string bean casserole, and your living room is now a fine-dining restaurant. This meal allows you to take your time. The next thing you know, it's dark outside, and you are putting a bow on your enjoyable Christmas night.