As 2024 wraps up, Joe and Curt take a thoughtful dive into planning for 2025—but not with traditional goal-setting. This episode is all about aligning your life with your core values. The Dudes discuss how prioritizing values over arbitrary goals can create a meaningful year, fostering deeper connections, intentional living, and personal growth. With practical insights and relatable stories, this episode is your guide to living a values-centered life in 2025.

• Understand and Prioritize Your Values: Define what truly matters to you, such as relationships, community, or personal growth. Let these guide your decisions and actions.
• Build Habits for Consistency: Small, daily actions aligned with your values create sustainable momentum.
• Time Management with Purpose: Plan your time around your values to ensure your schedule reflects what matters most.
• Maintain Motivation and Accountability: Use reflection and accountability partners to stay on track with your values.
• Embrace Flexibility and Progress Over Perfection: Let life unfold with your values as a guide, and celebrate small wins along the way.

• Win: A fun-filled weekend with his grandkids at Winterfest and a Bengals game, creating cherished memories.
• Resource: "Things That Matter" by Joshua Becker – A minimalist guide to eliminating distractions and focusing on what truly matters.
• Quote: "Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." — Warren Buffett

• Win: Built a DIY storage ottoman from wood pallets—a creative and practical project aligned with his values.
• Resource: YouTube for Pallet Woodworking – A treasure trove of tutorials for beginners and seasoned DIYers alike.
• Quote: "Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. And your values become your destiny." — Mahatma Gandhi

As you gear up for 2025, take time to reflect on your values and how they can shape your year. Whether it’s building habits, deepening connections, or pursuing meaningful projects, focus on progress over perfection. Remember, every small step counts toward a life aligned with your values.

Website: dudesinprogress.com
Email: dudes@dudesinprogress.com

Dive into holiday chaos and laughter with us! In our latest episode, we explore the timeless hilarity and heartfelt moments from 'Planes, Trains, and Automobiles' and 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.' Perfect to get into the holiday spirit! You can support the show by visiting dudesinprogress.com/support. Visit our Facebook page HERE and our Twitter page HERE

Thanksgiving—a time for turkey, pie, and the wild gauntlet of family dynamics. Whether you’re dodging controversial conversations, dealing with that one uncle who overshares, or sitting next to your least favorite cousin, there’s a way to not only survive but thrive. Today, we’ll dive into tips for keeping the peace, finding gratitude in the chaos, and laughing through it all. Because even when things get awkward, there’s still plenty to be thankful for.

• Prepare Your Mindset: Approach Thanksgiving with gratitude and the mantra: “This is temporary, and I’m thankful for this experience.”
• Redirect Conversations: Steer discussions away from contentious topics by focusing on movies, shared memories, or neutral subjects.
• Reframe the Moment: Treat awkward or tense interactions as future funny stories. Every Cousin Eddie moment can be a cherished memory.
• Find Gratitude: Reflect on the good food, the funny moments, and the people you’re with—quirks and all. Thanksgiving is about appreciating what you have.

• Win: Completed three days’ worth of work on a focused Saturday, clearing his plate for the Thanksgiving break.
• Resource: A portable cordless air compressor, perfect for inflating car tires, sports balls, and more. Handy and effective at just $30 on Amazon.
• Quote: “Thanksgiving is a time to count your blessings one by one as each relative goes home.” — Melanie White

• Win: Margita booked a last-minute Christmas trip to Disney World, complete with Disney magic and time with friends.
• Resource: PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness — an essential tool for enjoying walks with energetic or strong-pulling dogs.
• Quote: “Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” — Michael J. Fox

Thanksgiving may bring its challenges, but it’s also an opportunity for connection, gratitude, and great food. Approach it with a positive mindset, a sense of humor, and a focus on making memories. Progress, not perfection—just keep moving forward.

Website: dudesinprogress.com
Email: dudes@dudesinprogress.com

You can support the show by visiting dudesinprogress.com/support. Visit our Facebook page HERE and our Twitter page HERE