Your New Year’s Resolution: Commitment

As  we grow ourselves through commitment, we are creating our destiny. Having and keeping commitments make us of greater value to those around us. As an anchor of strong belief, one is able to withstand the storm and still move forward…and move forward in life while guiding others.

Commitment in the workplace is about charting your way up the ranks of life to grow your destiny. It’s about the journey that drives you and will define your career. When you believe in what you are doing, you are self-motivated and take on the responsibility of growing your self. And, as we allow ourselves to think bigger and grow beyond our imagination, that ingenuity inspires and encourages others to do the same.

Commitment to growing oneself and one’s beliefs is not a selfish act, but a community act. The more we are committed to our beliefs, the more we grow our confidence, which in turn gives us the strength to help others and to lead.

Making and fulfilling commitments is what creates integrity within. Pause and reflect on your performance over the last year. How did you do with your past commitments? Taking the time to reflect will ignite the energy to continue honoring a current commitment, as well as bring new ones into focus. 

Why not start with “commitment” as your New Year’s Resolution and make a conscious step forward on the path ahead. Commit to advancing your own journey and see where it will take you—and those around you.  

In The Workplace: Giving Thanks Is Always in Season

Did you know that gratitude in the workplace is a cure for burnout and job dissatisfaction? “There is no limit to the way in which gratitude is expressed,” says Robert Emmons, author of The Little Book of Gratitude: Creating a Life of Happiness and Wellbeing by Giving Thanks. “We are hungry for genuine expressions of gratitude," he says. "Everyone wants to feel appreciated, valued, recognized…Most of our waking hours are spent on the job, and gratitude, in all its forms, is a basic human requirement," he says. "So when you put these factors together, it is essential to both give and receive thanks at work."* 

I can think of no better piece of advice, especially at this time of year, than to practice an act of kindness -- daily. 

I always teach people to be thankful with their peers and clients. A little appreciation goes a long way.  In one particular session, I remember discussing gratitude with a group. “Send a thank-you note after meeting with a boss! Bring in coffee for the team!”  An attendee was quick to respond, “If I did that, it would look like I am trying to brown-nose my boss!” I responded by saying, "This kind of gesture shows respect and appreciation of time others spend with us." In our over-booked busy lives, undivided discussion with another is much to be thankful for. About six months later, the same client called me to share that their company recently did a study with their employees to learn how to improve the culture and, guess what? They found that most people just want to be shown a little appreciation, given a thank you and feel encouraged in what they are doing. Their results found that the expression of gratitude was more valuable than a financial reward! 

Would you believe this story is about 10 years old? Goes to show you there is nothing new under the sun when you focus on the simplicity of respect, gratitude and kindness towards others. We are humans, after all.

*[Read more: "The Science of Gratitude and Why It's Important In Your Workplace," by Stephanie Vozza for Fast Company.]