Red Cars and Goals

Cathie Leimbach • December 12, 2023

In their ebook, What Do Red Cars and Goals Have in Common?, the PREPARE2RISE organization explains why setting clear goals sharpens our focus and greatly increases our success in any aspect of life.


After buying a new car, many people are amazed at the popularity of the same make, or even the same model and color. Before they chose that car, they didn’t realize there were so many on the road. Why do our choices impact our perception of the world around us? This ebook explains how this phenomenon can help us achieve our goals.


Human beings are wired with a Reticular Activating System (RAS) which is a network of neurons in our brainstem. This system filters the information we are exposed to, bringing our attention to pictures, conversations, articles, etc., that are relevant to something we have been focusing on lately and lowering our awareness of topics that aren’t currently top-of-mind.


When we buy a red car, our awareness of other red cars on the road increases. Similarly, if we focus on setting a goal that will make a difference in our lives, our awareness of resources and strategies for achieving that goal increases greatly. When we are intentional about our priorities for the near future, we will notice online posts, magazine articles, and conversations that increase our ability to achieve our goal.


If we just let life happen to us without being intentional about setting priorities, our RAS doesn’t know what matters to us so we don’t benefit from its filtering capacity. Setting a clear, specific goal sends a message to our brain that we care about this area of our life. Then our RAS filter starts to work, heightening our awareness of related resources and opportunities, increasing our progress towards our goal.


2023 is winding down. 2024 is on the horizon. In what area of your life would you like to be more successful next year? What specific goal will you set for 2024 so your brain’s filtering mechanism can support your success?



To dig deeper, read next week’s blog or click here to access the What Do Red Cars and Goals Have in Common ebook.

Take a Moment for Joy

By Cathie Leimbach • December 23, 2025
As the year comes to a close, it’s worth pausing to ask a simple question: What brought you joy this year at work and in life? Joy doesn’t always arrive in big, headline moments. Often, it shows up quietly—in meaningful conversations, shared laughter, progress made, lessons learned, or the steady presence of people who support us. Sometimes joy is found in growth, sometimes in rest, and sometimes in simply getting through a challenging season with resilience and grace. Take a few minutes to reflect. What moments made you smile? When did you feel most connected? For what are you grateful? This reflection isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of the year. It’s about honoring the bright spots that sustained you through them. Recognizing joy helps us close the year with perspective and open the next one with hope. As the holidays approach, give yourself permission to slow down, savor meaningful moments, and share joy with others—through kindness, gratitude, and presence.  May this season be filled with moments that lift your spirit, and may you carry that joy with you into the year ahead. 👉 Take a moment to pause this season—view the Reflecting on Joy one-pager and reflect on what brought meaning to your work and life this year. Wishing you a truly joy-filled Christmas season .

Wrapping Up Your Year – Celebrate Your Wins

By Cathie Leimbach • December 16, 2025
As you’re wrapping presents this season, it’s also a great time to wrap up your year with intention. The end of the year offers a natural pause—a chance to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the people who made a difference along the way. At work, we often move from one deadline to the next without stopping to say thank you. Take a moment to recognize your teammates. Maybe it’s the coworker who always had your back, or the leader who helped you stretch and grow. A sincere “thank you” or a short handwritten note can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just genuine. The same holds true in your personal life. When was the last time you told a friend or family member how much they mean to you? Between holiday plans and to-do lists, it’s easy to forget that our presence often matters more than any present. Every year brings both highs and lows. As this one comes to a close, choose to focus on what went right. Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge the people who supported you through the challenging moments. So, while you’re taping up gift boxes, take a little time to wrap up your year with gratitude. Send the text. Write the card. Let people know they’re valued. After all, the most meaningful gift you can give is helping someone feel truly appreciated. Want more simple, meaningful ways to express appreciation—without overspending?  👉 View Sharing Joy at Work Without Breaking the Bank for practical ideas you can use right away.