It Is Time for Your New Year’s Resolution!

I cannot believe it’s 2019. Time seems to fly as one ages. I did a study of my life at one point regarding success and failure in even and odd years. After much random analysis, I concluded many activities and situations affecting me cannot be controlled. Therefore, I quit worrying whether an odd or even year would be more successful for me. As one who strives for perfection and success regardless of age, I seek opportunities to renew and to look ahead. There is no better time to regroup and prepare yourself than a change in calendar year. So, with that said, it is now time to make New Year’s resolutions.

A 2007 study by Richard Wiseman from the University of Bristol involving 3,000 people showed that 88 percent of those who set New Year’s resolutions fail, even though 52 percent of the study participants were confident of success at the beginning. Men achieved their goal 22 percent more when they engaged in step-by-step goal setting.

If you seek to improve yourself professionally in 2019, consider a personal SWOT Analysis. The article, “How to Complete a Personal SWOT Analysis,” noted that this type of personal analysis is a tried-and-true method businesses use to identify internal strengths and weaknesses, external opportunities, plus threats. This assessment is important because it provides critical information to create a strategic plan for growth.

The article states this important exercise can be helpful for individuals. Whether you are looking for a new job or trying to climb the corporate ladder, a personal SWOT analysis can help you achieve your goals. It is a creative method of self-assessment to help you assess where your career is and where it could go. A SWOT can help you better understand how to play to your strengths and manage your weaknesses, uncover opportunities for growth and eliminate limiting threats.

To perform a personal SWOT, divide a paper into four quadrants (one for each strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities). Fill in each area and be honest and not modest. Note what sets you off from your peers. Identify what achievements you are most proud of and what traits make you a valued professional. Determine where your education and training are both a strength and weakness. Understand where you lack confidence and what negative personality traits can be improved.

In addition, identify trends affecting your industry and what technology can help you advance. Understand how your connections can help you and what obstacles you face in your career. Determine how your organization, job and industry affect your advancement. Take the time to truly examine yourself from every possible direction. Ask someone that knows you to review your completed matrix and provide feedback. Realize this total process will help you focus and succeed in your professional career.

Strive to be a professional in every aspect of your life as you are constantly judged by internal and external individuals in your field of endeavor.

At the end of every calendar year I spend at least one day thinking about the past year. I review my calendar from the year being completed and evaluate what I want to personally and professionally achieve in the next year. As we age and our careers mature, you will be surprised what new items for consideration jump on your radar screen.

At the highest level, my New Year’s resolution for 2019 consists of the following 10 items:

• Seek to improve all aspects of my health.
• Seek to improve my job performance.
• Identify ways to speak to a variety of nonprofit groups.
• Consult with a variety of nonprofits.
• Pursue a potential educational source for continuing education.
• Complete a personal SWOT analysis that I can share with others.
• Volunteer for new nonprofit organizations.
• Play more and seek nonwork activities.
• Be the best grandfather and family man I can be.
• Focus and improve my body, mind and spirit.

It is time for your New Year’s resolution or resolutions. Keep it simple and prioritize your resolutions to enhance the possibility for success. We only live once, and we must make each year count. I wish for you a Happy New Year. Always seek to keep a positive attitude and pay it forward!