It’s Not Too Late for Resolutions
by Dera DeRoche-Jolet

Sometimes I wonder about the rationale of making resolutions on January 1. Stressing one day a year just puts too much pressure on us to follow through. This year, especially with the focus on the new millenium and new beginnings, made it even tougher on people who had the best of intentions. When we fail to follow through, we tend to reason within ourselves, "Oh well, maybe next year."

Why wait? This day - or tomorrow - or even next week - is just as good a time to make new resolutions. Enough time now has passed since January 1 to begin again. Here are some of my "anytime" resolutions for your business and your personal life as well.

Resolve to expand your horizons

Each of us has our own place in our business and personal life where we feel most comfortable. That place is dangerous because we become complacent and get into a rut. When we stay in that one place, we’re not learning, trying new things and growing. The result is that our jobs and businesses will suffer.

Resolve to make a list of things that would expand your horizons. For instance, you might give a speech on safety to your chamber of commerce or local neighborhood watch committee, write a column of security tips in your own newsletter or for your local newspaper, try for a promotion or even look to change companies. On the personal side you can start an exercise program, teach a class, volunteer or learn to play a new musical instrument.

Don’t do everything at once. Start slowly and add as you go along.

Resolve to take action

When business people get complacent, they tend to sit around waiting for business to come to them. Successful business people take positive action. By doing something, we multiply the chance to create new opportunities add customers, increase revenue and have better client relationships.

Resolve to get organized

Do you have too much going on and not enough time? If that sounds familiar, resolve to plan your days ahead of time and reduce interruptions. You’ll not only be more effective at work, you’ll work the way you want. Plus, you’ll improve your professional image, save yourself and your company time and money and relieve much of the stress.

Resolve to cleanup the clutter

We all have clutter in our lives. Clutter includes incomplete tasks, messy desks, bad relationships, bad physical health, legal problems, disorder and conflicts. Clutter distracts you, breaks your concentration, saps your energy and reduces your self-esteem. To start, target one problem at a time.

Resolve to develop better business relationships

Your future hinges on your relationships with your clients. If they are satisfied, they’ll continue to do business with you and recommend you to others. If they are not satisfied, you’ll lose not only their business but countless other potential customers. By resolving to develop better relationships through increased customer service you’ll also create lasting future opportunities for yourself.

Resolve to take more free time

Free time isn't a reward for working hard; it's necessary for increased creativity and productivity. We need free time, away from the business, to rejuvenate ourselves. You’ll notice a difference not only in your performance, but your mental state and physical well being.

Resolve to get in better shape

One way to use some of that free time is to get in better shape. Most people who are consistently successful have lots of energy. With consistent exercise (walking is a great activity), you’ll not only feel better, but you’ll boost your confidence, work better and reduce stress.

Have you noticed that these "anytime" resolutions have very positive effects? The bottom line is that these resolutions are good for your business, because they are good for you (and vice versa).