Most everybody sets some type of New Years Resolutions. Get in shape, get a promotion, achieve some other set of lofty goals. Unfortunately, a couple weeks later when you’re already behind, most of us give up – and don’t start again until the following January 1st.
So why not start a tradition of Labor Day Resolutions? It’s the start of the stretch run for the year. It’s right after summer vacations have largely finished. It’s a great time to set some new goals for the final four months of the year, finish the year strong, with plenty of momentum into the New Year.
Here are six of my Labor Day Resolutions:
Spend more time on the phone
Instead of replying via email or starting a conversation via email, I’m going to pick up the phone and have that call live more often. I’ve been doing this a bit more over the past few weeks and it’s been awesome. Yes, it takes more time. But the acceleration of resolution, action and relationships is well worth it.
At least one hour of focused reading time per day
By this I mean sitting down and focusing on reading material I care to get through. Reading while working out counts too. I have a growing stack of books, magazines, best practice guides and more to get through. My plan is to do this first-thing in the morning, while working out, and via a reduction of TV time.
At least 30 minutes of networking a day
This includes following up on requests, catching up with lost colleagues of contacts, writing unsolicited LinkedIn testimonials, etc. I’m probably close to this goal already, but I want to double down on my commitment to making this a dedicated daily discipline.
Complete the day’s most important task before checking email in the morning
This will probably be the hardest resolution to keep. I’m used to waking up, making coffee, and catching up quickly on the overnight email. But the night before, I already know what I need to get done the next day. Why not tackle it right away? Great way to get a head start and feel great about the morning ahead.
Read the Wall Street Journal every day
This was a stated goal of mine in the spring, and I’ve fallen behind. And still, every day I do read the Journal (even for just 10-15 minutes), I get great insights, content to pass to others (which counts as part of my networking goals!), and more.
Take at least 10,000 steps every day
This is pretty easy on weekends, but on a workday when I’m mostly in my office or in meetings, it’s easy to get to the end of the day and be at only half of this number. This is a metrics-driven way to help me get more active and in better shape before the holidays.
What could your Labor Day Resolutions be? What would you be excited to achieve by the time Thanksgiving and New Years roll around?
