Yes it is that time again. This is the time of year when my Irish Catholic Mother’s skill at imposing “good catholic guilt” seemingly overflows to the universe. Many of us suffer guilt because of some sort of holiday epicurean overindulgence, over spending, New Year’s Eve hedonistic behavior. You know, all those wrong behaviors of 2005 start coming out to haunt you as you reflect on the year past. Now is when it occurs to us that it is time for a good set of New Year Resolutions. If nothing else, writing your resolutions down will clear your conscience at least for a little while. To help you get started with your list, I have some suggestions for you to consider. Here goes:

1. Resolve to take 5 minutes each day to jot a friend, a colleague, neighbor, customer or family member a note thanking them for contributing to your good health, good fortune, good luck or for simply being there for you when you needed them. Resolve not to wait so long to say thank you for helping you build your business and or balance your life!

2. Resolve that you will take at least 15 to 30 minutes per month to quietly reflect where you and your business are going. Take the time to “helicopter” over your life and business. How are things meshing together? Look at the big picture instead of the small compartments. See if you like the broader view of what you are doing and the direction you are going.

3. Resolve that at least once a month you will go fishing, play golf, spend real time with that special someone(s). You choose the activity the people or person. Just do it! You and they deserve it. Your business and your life will both benefit as a result.

4. Resolve at least 4 strategic clutter reduction “to dos,” one per quarter. Resolve that you will map out a strategy to guarantee yourself that you will get each one done in that 90 day period. Remember these are short term actions that when completed will clear the clutter that is keeping you from the big ticket items, that when you tackle them will jettison you and your business to the next level.

5. Resolve to reduce by at least 4, one per quarter, all the insipid, stupid, non-redeeming activities, habits or actions that you KNOW impede you from realizing success in work and in life. To do less than this for yourself, in a way, is akin to self- ridiculing, self-demeaning and disrespecting your own human dignity. Choose 4 actions or non-actions that are keeping you from realizing your full potential. For example, do you need to lose weight to be healthy? Are you avoiding dealing with a difficult employee? Are you resisting a change that you know will make a positive difference in your work because you are too comfortable with the status quo?

6. Resolve to give something back! What can you do for the public good? What can you do for the community that supports you, the schools, the elderly, or for those who are in need? Make a difference for someone who needs support, a smile and perhaps a helping hand. You will feel good and the payoff will be ten fold.

In closing, I ask you to consider resolving something else, perhaps something a bit more serious than the few thoughts I have already offered.

Resolve to laugh more in 2006, to find the child inside you, to spend more time with your children, your grandchildren or the kid next door.

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