Business Solutions by b$olutions

Most of us know about the concept of New Year’s resolutions at least, even if we don’t make them.  And most of us agree that the idea of making goals for the new year is a good idea.  OK, I’m looking out over the net…..How many of you actually made resolutions?  How many of those resolutions did you keep?  After three-quarters of a year have passed, how many of you actually remember all your resolutions?  How many remember just one?  If you didn’t make resolutions, why?  Is it because you are a realist and know you won’t keep them or remember them?  I’m in your category.  I have never taken these January resolutions very seriously.  So, today, on the eve of the Autumnal Equinox, in this year two thousand six, I’m going to make some OLD YEAR RESOLUTIONS.  Why?  Because I want to develop some new habits so I can hit the ground running in the new year.   

Let’s talk habits.  What is a habit?  Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary defines a habit as “an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary.”  That’s what I want – to do the right things without thinking.  Things like exercising.  Wouldn’t it be great if when January 1 comes around, first thing in the morning, I get out of bed and work out?  Automatically.  No thinking.  Merriam Webster also says about a habit:  :  a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance.  OK, so I develop this automatic behavior by repetition.  Got it.   

What’s this have to do with time management?  Well, time management is a way to reinforce repetitive behavior.  If every morning, you wake up and spend 15 minutes planning your day, you can place on your schedule first thing “work out.”  Make a list of new habits you want to take on – your Old Year Resolutions.  Keep that with your calendar and bring it out every morning.  Add activities to your calendar that support that list.