New Year’s Resolutions January 2008

By Woodeene Koenig-Bricker

I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions.  The middle of winter never seems like a good time to begin self-improvement. I’d rather curl up by the fire with a good book (or even a bad DVD).  One reason is because September always seems more like the beginning of a year to me.  However, New Year’s is a traditional time for resolutions and so I’d like to talk a little about what that means in terms of spirituality at work.

As I’ve discussed this, certain areas where improvement and/or changes can be made often crop up.  These aren’t always your usual “job performance” areas, but have more to do with personal development and spiritual discipline.

Here are a few of the more “popular”:

• Get to work on time.  Now you early birds who always arrive at least a half hour or more before the work day begins, skip to the next item.  This is for those people who get in at the crack of 8:05 every morning.  Arriving on time for work is one of those little acts of self-discipline that doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, but done consistently throughout the year can dramatically improve your discipline in other areas.
• Of course, the flip side of coming on time is leaving on time.  Give your employer the full amount of time you are being paid for.  Again, you’ll be surprised at how much discipline a minute or two can add to your life.
• Keep your mouth shut.  How many situations could be avoided if people spoke less and listened more?  This year, consider making it a practice to mentally count to five before you speak up in a meeting, especially one with the potential to become heated.  If necessary, say a little prayer.  “Lord, watch over my words,” is a good one.
• Make time for prayer.  While you may think that asking God to watch your words will give you ample opportunity for prayer at work, think about actually making an offering of your work.  Before you open your email, stop and ask God to be with you as you answer each communication.  Then, throughout the day, as you begin each new project, dedicate it and its outcome to God. 
• Smile.  A smile is the easiest way I know to bring positive feelings into a workplace.  Smiling is like lighting a candle in the darkness.  It can change the darkest, gloomiest Monday morning into something just a little bit brighter and more optimistic. Try it.  You’ll see.
• Be thankful.  We often talk about having an “attitude of gratitude,” but, as with many things, it’s easier to say than to do.  No matter how you feel about your job, or certain aspects of your job, give thanks that you are employed, that you have meaningful work and that you are making a difference in the world.  Because you are.  Everyone who works in a parish touches untold lives.  If nothing else, this New Year, be grateful that you have the chance to spread the Good News to a world in sore need.

Happy New Year’s Resolve!