In years passed I made the traditional list of New Years Resolutions, and it was a long list, but I never completed the list. It’s a horrible feeling to get to the end of the year and realize half of your list was not marked off. Usually it was the things that most people never reach; eat less ice cream and thus be thinner. The problem is, I really like ice cream and my doctor says I’m healthy.
In an effort to end the year in a positive note, in 2007 I began creating a one word New Year Theme.
2007 was happiness; the premise was simple, do what makes me happy. I succeeded in doing so by letting go of a lot of useless concerns, focusing on friends that were there for me, passing the PHR and reconnecting with the love of my life, my wonderful husband.
2008 was change; the premise was a little harder than 2007. In working toward happiness, I discovered some things that needed to change. I got a new job that allowed me to expand my career, my husband got a new job that made him less stressed and thus happier, and a cat adopted us from the Humane Society.
2009 was accomplishment; I had series of things I wanted to do. I graduated from college (finally), I passed the SPHR, I became involved in social media and started marking off things on that list such as start a blog and reaching the top of the ladder, I volunteered on a BSHRM committee, I made some new friends (not always easy for an introvert).
2010’s New Year Theme is involvement or submersion in the things that I accomplished from the changes that I made that make me happy. Some of the things on my list for 2010;
- Blogging more frequently, I know you’re looking forward to hearing more of my ramblings right? (humor me)
- Taking the relationships I’ve built online, offline in order to further build those relationships
- Read more. I can see those that know me well rolling their eyes, I’m addicted to books but I think I could do better
- Volunteer with BSHRM more than in 2009
And because I need something on the list that’s related to work, become more involved in the strategic functions of HR at my company. In addition to that, learn more about the intricacies of the company.
As with any year I’m sure I’ll add things to the list as I learn new things and as opportunities present themselves.
What’s on your list for 2010? Anything I can steal borrow for my own list?
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April – I really like the one word New Year theme. Much better than a list that only makes you feel bad at the end of the year.
My list for 2010 includes connecting and engaging more, both online and offline.
It was great meeting you at HRev and hopefully we will talk more and maybe collaborate on a project or two in 2010!
Happy New Year!
I like the idea of distilling lots of goals and aspirations down to one word or theme. For me I think the word might be ‘Connect’, to continue to connect with more smart and interesting people, and help to connect them and their ideas with each other.
Happy New Year!
April, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my personal foci (remember when we were meticulous about foci and indices and such) and professional predictions (wishlist?), and I’ll be blogging about both when I regain some use of my left hand. But your post above made me ask myself if there might be a one word rallying cry, a mantra, for my own 2010. Health comes to mind, but that’s probably just uppermost right now. Gunkholing has possibilities; we’ll be out on the water again after our new boat is delivered end March. Transitions catches my attention; I turn 65 in 2010, and it’s time to think through the next stage of my professional life. Stay tuned, and thanks so much for getting me started on this line of inquiry.
April, I love the theme approach you have and how each year builds on the previous year while bringing you in a new direction. Thank you for sharing, you’ve got me thinking.
@Crystal – The list was too much for me, I didn’t like getting to the end of the year and scrambling to do things. Not fun.
@Steve – Connect is good for you Steve, keep connecting people on HR Happy Hour and you’re year will be a success!
@Naomi – Best wishes to a speedy recovery! I like Transition as a theme; I’m looking forward to seeing what you do with it.
@Lisa – I’m glad you caught that Lisa. It really started as a snowball effect that I didn’t notice until I started writing that post. Things just seemed to build on each other. Corny as it may sound, I can see a noticeable difference in my life since I started with the themes and am sticking with them.