Happy New Year! Is it too late to keep saying that?

Why is it that by January 3rd, people stop saying Happy New Year when they see you? I know time flies but the year is just getting started, so keep saying it!! Happy New Year!!

Now that we've got that out of the way and we dust off the old year and begin 2009, there is no doubt that some of the challenges from 2008 will carry over into the coming months but it is also a time to start anew.

Make Goals – Not Resolutions
At this time of the year, everyone starts to think about making some resolutions. I’ve done this in the past and have always been more successful by setting goals or turning my resolutions into goals.

What’s the difference? Resolutions typically are vague, broad in reach and open ended. By following this simple guide, you’ll achieve even more than you planned on in 2009.

1. Be positive and focus on moving forward
2. Realize what you can and cannot control and spend time on what you can control
3. Set a few, focused goals and write them down
4. These goals should be realistic and challenge you but not outrageous
5. Break each goal into small measurable chunks of activity – this will give you targets to shoot for and keep you moving forward
6. Actually do the activities that will help you achieve your goals
7. Put timing around each goal, in 1 month I’ll be here, in 3 months I’ll be here, in 6 months here
8. Celebrate when you take successful steps toward achieving your goals
9. Be willing to adjust your goal as time goes by or things change - stuff happens, be flexible
10. Look at your goal sheet often, post it where you can see it, don’t just pull it out once or twice during the year
11. Tell someone, a coach, mentor, spouse or partner your goals – this will make them real and they can help hold you accountable
12. Allow yourself to have “your moments”; take 5 minutes and let out your anger or frustration, then move on
13. In the words of my friend, Dr Lew, “What is..…is!” Whether something is right or wrong, fair or unfair doesn’t matter. It’s happened – now move forward from there.
14. Remember to have fun

Good luck and give this a shot. It is never too late to start TRAINing!

Joe Sileo

President - TRAIN, LLC