A New Year's Resolution is defined by Wikipedia as “a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous.”

Why not break with tradition this year and make your New Year’s resolution around your career and not around the usual weight loss and increased exercise? Sure we probably should all cut back on the calories and get outside for a good stiff walk, but we don’t really need to resolve to do that. We know that after all the extra calories over the holidays this is necessary.

This year consider focusing your attention on resolutions that will help you be more successful in your career. As I look back on the WiNfluence blogs written in 2008, I thought I’d take the time to pull out some of the bits of advice given and put them in a ready list to make it easy for you to choose one or two, or maybe even one for each month in 2009. I have referenced the blog posts, in brackets, for the post the advice was given.

• Set a goal for yourself. After all isn’t that what a resolution really is. (Know What you Want)
• Don’t stereotype people you work with and don’t allow stereotypes to be placed on others. Raise the awareness! (Are you tripping the prom queen?; Generational Diversity; Workplace Trends: Four Generations in the Workplace; and Women are not natural born leaders)
• Be a mentor or ask to be mentored. (How Important is it to have a Mentor and Build a Network of Mentors)
• Protect your on-line reputation. Do a quick review of pictures and comments about you on Facebook or other social networking sites and make sure you’d be okay having your boss take a look. (Are you giving the wrong impression? and Take Care when Sending Emails)
• Always encourage others in the workplace. Don’t forget to thank a colleague who has helped you or give a helping hand to someone who might really need it. (Workplace Trends: Are you ready for the future? And Workplace Trends: Four Generations in the Workplace)
• Let your superiors know that you are looking for a promotion and ask for their help in determining what you need to do to get there. (Seek out opportunities; Is it hard to tell your story?; and Inspired to lead)
• Encourage the person in the minority at the meeting to speak up and have their say. (Best ideas come from work teams mixing men and women)
• Improve your presentation skills (Are you tired of PowerPoint Presentations?)
• Keep track of your skills, accomplishments, contributions and performance (Build and Manage Your Reputation and Workplace Trends: Are you ready for the future?)
• Practice positive ways to influence people (Ten positive ways to influence people)
• Demonstrate your knowledge - Practice articulating your interests and previous successes with a friend. Then cease the opportunity when it arrives with your superiors. (Build and Manage Your Reputation)
• Ask for feedback - Know when it’s appropriate to ask for feedback. Ask for areas of strengths and improvement. (Build and Manage Your Reputation)
• Join a female forum for support and the exchange of ideas. Be an active member of WiN! (Women just don’t do the right things)

Okay, I’m off to go for a walk while I decide what resolution to make and kill two resolutions with one stone.

Happy New Year!