Happy New Year!

New Year's Resolutions: Twelve to Consider

New Year's resolutions top many to-do lists each holiday season. I personally prefer to call them goals instead of resolutions. I’ve discovered over the years that I rarely stick to “resolutions” but tend to be tenacious about my goals. I also believe it is important to write them down and share them with others. For me a goal that has not been communicated is simply a wish and wishes seldom come true.
Call them resolutions or call them goals, here are a few to consider.

1. Be good to yourself this year. Just do it!

2. Do something you love to do every single day. Again, just do it!


3. Do something just for you every single day. Resolve to set time aside for yourself every day to exercise, relax, reflect, cook a gourmet dinner, eat ice cream, write in a journal, garden, walk your pet or do any other activity that you enjoy. Just make sure the activity is different than what you already do all day long. Enjoy life.

4. Give yourself credit and a pat on the back when you deserve it. If you don’t get praise from others, give it to yourself. You deserve it. It is important that you recognize yourself for excellent efforts. One way to do this is to keep a file of positive notes, thank you letters and reminders of successful ventures. I call mine my, “I Love Me File”.


5. Strive to learn something new every day. It is easy to get bogged down in the same old, same old. Read an article; a book; have an interactive discussion with friends or colleagues. Talk to your kids!

6. Make professional contacts and network. Look up friends and colleagues with whom you have lost touch. Make sure you attend at least one networking meeting each month. You will benefit from the friendships and relationships you develop from active participation. It is not enough to “join.” You need to participate.


7. Practice courage by stepping out of your comfort zone. You know when you are in your comfort zone. An issue occurs. You hear yourself making up excuses in your mind about “why” you shouldn’t speak up or make a change. When you find yourself in this situation, state what you are really thinking or want to do. Once you have begun breaking through your own self-imposed barriers, you will find that exercising courage builds your self esteem and can be exhilarating. Plus, it gets easier every time!

8. Listen more than you talk. The old adage about one mouth and two ears is generally true. In Stephen Covey’s words, seek first to understand, then to be understood.


9. Develop a method to track your life goals, your daily engagements, and your to do list. Using a planner, whether in Microsoft Office Outlook on your laptop or on your smartphone, allows you to empty much of the daily detail from your mind. This gives your mind room for more important thinking.

10. Read. Try to read widely and broadly. Get out of the business books once in awhile to see how other subjects enhance your point of view.


11. Take up a new hobby or activity. If something has always intrigued you and piqued your interest, resolve to take the first steps in participating this year. You’ll add a new dimension to your world.

12. Take yourself a little less seriously. As we strive for business success, we can get bogged down in serious deliberation, advising and problem solving. Take time to laugh, especially at yourself.

Feel free to contact me at TheWhitfordGroup@aol.com or visit my website at TheWhitfordGroup.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR!