Getting Started in ‘09

OK, here we are. One week into the New Year and what steps have been taken toward New Year resolutions? The following may help:

First, commitment. There are various forms of commitment; one would be writing it down in the most conspicuous place. How about a pop-up reminder on your laptop or computer, the one you use daily and preferably for work? Say it out loud as you write it down, really! Isn’t this what you want for yourself and your family in the New Year? On an office bulletin board – first wipe it clean of all the tasks that have been on it since who knows when, and then list it at the top; a note on your refrigerator (you’ve done this before)? How about on a sheet of paper taped to the TV screen (probably the most effective because of the guilt factor)? Do this while you are thinking about it and then when you go to watch TV note how effective this method is!

Support your commitment by beginning your daily routine differently. A good idea is to set your alarm clock 15 minutes earlier, 30 minutes to be truly aggressive, and place the alarm across the room where you have to physically get out of bed to turn it off. That tells us, “today is different” and reminds us to act on the promise to ourselves. Further support could come in the way of getting organized and employing some form of time management (if needed).

Second, list the steps that need to be taken. Baby steps, e.g. gathering information (be serious here – find the information you are looking for, print it, read it, make notes and act on it), filling out an application and especially finding a source for education.

Third, act on your list; now is a good time.

Finally, how is your new attitude? Have you brought it with you everyday? Are you doing what you can to create change? You are not really still waiting for someone else to create the change you want to see in nursing, are you? If you are, please be sure not to complain! Now that it is one week into the New Year, ask yourself what you have done even on the smallest scale to make our profession better. Go one step further and write it down, every instance. Keep this simple as well -- more patience with co-workers particularly while correcting or seeking cooperation from them; smiling at the person you struggle to get along with; asking for the help needed even if you asked for it before. Invite friends to do the same. This is a great starting point and if you write these accomplishments down, you will notice how the accomplishments become greater as the year progresses.

A happy, healthy, prosperous, educated, progressive New Year to all!


By Jenn Foster