NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS – ISSUE NO. 134

The holiday season is coming to an end and it's about that time of the year that we look to the year ahead. Many of us will make New Year's resolutions and few of us will end up keeping them. I have rarely ever made a resolution in the past and I'm quite certain I have never followed through with one. An unknown author once wrote, "A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other." If any of you ate as well as I have during the holiday season you could be sharing the same goal as me this year of spending more time in the gym or doing some form of exercising more often. It's probably a good idea to find someone who is motivated as you are to exercise with so that you're motivating each other. I always found that it too easy to make excuses of not exercising when you're doing it alone. New Years isn't just a great time of year to set personal goals, but to make professional goals as well. With that said here are some ideas that will keep you fulfilled personally and professionally in 2012:  

• Learn something new - You always can learn a new skill, and depending how you choose to learn it, you could add a new dimension of interest to your life.
• Join a business organization or networking group - A great way to learn new ideas or build off your own is to meet and talk to people in your industry.
• If something doesn't work fix it - Many of us have experienced processes that take too long or just don't make sense. Take a look at your department and see how it can run more efficiently. This will not only benefit you, but your co-workers will thank you as well
• Set realistic goals - Whether it's professionally or personally, be sure the goals you set are realistic and not some pipe dream. While reachable goals can be fulfilling, unreachable objectives will leave you frustrated.
• Give back to your community - There are many organizations in your community that you can get involved in to make a difference. Find a cause that matters most to you and make this a year that you serve on a committee, be a mentor, volunteer or simply make a donation if you can.

Whatever your resolution is this year, I hope you stay committed and are able to reach your goals. If not, I still wish you health, joy and happiness for 2012. Happy New Year!