Top Ten Work Life Resolutions for the New Year

[published in Manila Bulletin, January 2012]

Another year is passing and after the merriment and festivities of the holiday season, we are faced once again with a chance to start a new leaf. A fresh start, a new perspective and an opportunity for new beginnings await us as we celebrate the new year with hopeful cheers.

Here are a some of the most popular work life resolutions that people around the world make. If you have not thought of your own new years resolution, take your pick below and see if you can make it stick as you go through life in the coming year.

Resolution Number 1 - I will be on time at all the time.
One of the most basic but difficult habits to develop at work is being prompt. Perhaps due to the long ingrained culture of Filipino time or maybe the unforgiveable traffic that we have in the city, most of us find it hard to be on time to start the day at work, meet people and keep appointments.

Should you wish to improve in this area, allocate 30 minutes extra to what you would normally budget for travel time. Bring a book or gadget that you can work or play with, just in case you arrive early. This way, you will not get bored waiting for your appointment.

Resolution Number 2 - I will work better with my boss and co-workers.
We all want to be in a happy work environment. One of the keys to work happiness is acceptance and respect by our bosses and co-workers.

If you want to be able to work better with others, be helpful. If you want be respected, give respect. At the same time, you also need to respect and protect yourself. Go the extra mile to assist others in their tasks but don't overdo it to a point where you start becoming miserable. Stay happy.

Resolution Number 3 - I will learn something new.
Life is more exciting if we continue to grow and learn new things. When we learn something new, our minds get sharper and our value increases. If you want to develop yourself, make it a point to read books, attend seminars and learn from other successful people.

Resolution Number 4 - I will build a stronger network of friends.
Success isn't just about what we know, it is also about who we know and associate with. Having a strong network of friends, associates and connections can bring us more success in our career. But a strong network of friends takes time and effort to build.

So to build your network, invest the time and effort to meet and connect with people. Join associations and community organizations. Use social networking to keep in touch with people and stay connected.

Resolution Number 5 - I will invest in a new look and image.
There's nothing like a trip to the salon or barber's chair to revitalize our looks. A new haircut or makeover does wonders to our mood and self-esteem. This is a quick fix that can easily make us feel great.

This new year, take a trip to the salon or barbers shop. Invest in new work clothes and grooming tools to greet the year with an amazing look that you can continue through out the months ahead. Look good, feel good.

Resolution Number 6 - I will lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle.
This is one resolution that can significantly improve the quality of our lives. If we can eat right, exercise well and remove the vices that we have like smoking, excessive drinking and too much television or computer games, our mind, bodies and moods will be lighter.

If you want to improve in this area like I do, it takes a lot of resolve to stick to a healthy diet and to keep exercising. Get a buddy or a coach to help you stay on track. Keep reminding yourself and find your source of motivation to keep at it.

Resolution Number 7 - I will spend less and save more.
We all want to have enough money to live a good life and to take care of our families. We all want to free ourselves from money woes and worries. We work hard to earn a living and more often than not, we spend more in the process.

If you want to learn proper money management, invest in a notebook and calculator and record your income and expenses. This will also allow you to keep track of where your money is going and figure out what you can do to save for a rainy day. Make this a habit and you should be able to take charge of your finances soon enough.

Resolution Number 8 - I will spend more time with my family.
For the workaholics among us, this is one resolution that will improve our hearts. Sometimes, we get so caught up with our careers that we push away the most important people in our lives. They become second priority and we lose the chance to witness our children grow, to spend time with our parents and to make good memories with our brothers and sisters.

If you care about family, cut back a little from work, stay offline and turn off your mobile phones for awhile. Balance work with life. Give your time to your family so you won't lose your family's warmth.

Resolution Number 9 - I will go on a fun and exciting trip.
After working day in and day out, it is also important to enjoy life through adventure. What better way to do so with an exciting trip out of town or even abroad. This resolution is quite easy to commit to but it requires a bit of preparation. As early as now, check out the public holidays so that you can schedule your trip. Grab deals from group buying sites and enjoy a great vacation with your family or friends.

Resolution Number 10 - I will nourish my soul.
Inner peace and happiness comes when we find joy in the simple everyday things that we do and when we are able to have quiet time for ourselves to reflect, commune with God or nature, to get to our center. This holiday break, find the time to just be on your own even for a little while. Get some quiet time before you face the hustle and bustle of the year. We all need it to nourish our souls.

New years resolutions often do not stick because we try to do too much or forget them along the way. In order to improve our lives and stick to our resolutions, we should just keep it simple. Choose a couple from the list above or create your own. The point of new years resolutions is to improve our lives. It feels official to start on a new year. But remember that every day is a new one so we get to start over again every day. Isn't that great? Happy new year to all!