New Year's Resolutions

I hope you all had a healthy and happy new year's celebration and are off to a great start in 2007. As this is the time for the inevitable resolutions, I thought I would share a few of mine.

1. Stop Multitasking: At some point in my career, I discovered that I was so busy, that I "had to" do two things at once. It became a habit for me to talk on the phone and answer emails at the same time. Or, I'd meet with someone in my office while surfing the web. I thought I was making the best use of time and being as productive as possible. The reality is that I was just doing two things halfway, rather than focusing my energies and attention on one thing--or person--fully. Also, it's just rude. So, this year I resolve that when I am talking on the phone, I will stop doing everything else and focus on the conversation.

2. Read More Books, Watch Less TV: Over the holidays, since my favorite TV shows were in reruns, I read several books and realized how much I missed reading. Now, I fully admit that I love TV and I'm counting down the days for Prison Break to start again. But, I also end up watching a lot of junk. I have Tivo on all of my televisions in both states, so I can tape shows and only watch the quality ones. My goal is to spend at least one night per week with the TV off so that I can devote a few hours to reading a good book. (Next on my list: The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama.)

3. Lose that Last 20 Pounds: This type of goal in one form or another is probably on most people's lists, but I have really fallen off the wagon from Thanksgiving to now. I am going to focus on eating healthier (which translates to shopping for fresh food and actually cooking) and keeping up the daily exercise even when it's zero degrees in Chicago.

4. Appreciating the Work I am Privileged to Do Every Day: I had a conversation this past weekend with a man who was helping his son make some career decisions. He was a physician and his son was looking at different health care options to pursue. In talking with him, I realized just how important this decision was for the family. That seems obvious, but when it is part of your daily job, you tend to forget the significance of your role in people's lives. Whether it is working with alumni or prospective students, I am blessed to be able to play some small role in pivotal points in their careers and lives. Certainly, the ultimate outcome is the responsibility of the individual, but I have the privilege of contributing to their process and experience. I will strive to remember that every day as I go about my work.

5. Laugh Every Day. Life is a gift, and we should take a moment in each day to enjoy it. There is nothing as satisfying as a good laugh, whether it is sharing a story with colleagues, enjoying a fun moment with family, or watching your dog chase after a bird. We all have stress in our lives, and laughter is usually the best way to stay focused on what's most important.

What are some of your resolutions for the new year?