Looking Ahead to 2009

It’s that time of year again–with a year coming, it’s time to think about New Year’s Resolutions

Can you remember the resolutions you made last year? How long did they last? A few days, a couple of weeks, a month or two, or did you just think about them and that was all? A lot of good things can come from resolutions, such as eat less and eat healthy, exercise, quit smoking, take that seminar you have been meaning to do. 

Maybe we should look at our resolutions like companies look at goals. Goals provide the organization with its basic direction.  Resolutions can lead us in a direction for improvement.

According to the ISM Glossary, goals are defined as: “The desired end results toward which effort and resources are directed.  Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, results-oriented and time-bound. Well-written goals direct attention, regular effort, increase persistence and encourage the development of goal-attainment strategies and action plans.”

Use this logic when thinking up all of those New Year’s resolutions. It is preferable to set resolutions of moderate difficulty. Resolutions should require effort on your part. Most of all, a resolution should be attainable. Don’t make a resolution that you know there is no way to accomplish it. This is only a discouragement.

Be honest with yourself.Ask yourself” Can I do this and will I do this?