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The New Year is almost here and most of us are thinking about how we might be healthier, happier, wealthier and more productive. Here are my suggested resolutions to help bookkeepers, business owners and just about everyone else accomplish these goals.
For Bookkeepers:
Re-educate yourself – there is always something new to learn. See if your company offers education reimbursements and apply for them. You might want to consider non-bookkeeping type classes as well, such as classes in communications, organization, managerial skills and computer training.
Organize yourself- the best way to be more productive. Start with your workspace and then move on to your work day. Ask your boss to fund the purchase of a Day-Timer or other similar organization tool and use it every day.
Get Certified – a sure career booster. By earning a certified bookkeeper designation you will bring added value to your resume.
Think about specialization – as in most professions, specializing in one or two industries will increase your value in the workplace as you will be familiar with the specific requirements for that industry.
These recommendations not only work for bookkeepers but for all dedicated employees of any type.
For Business Owners:
Learn to read and understand your financial statements and take a hands on approach in how your business is spending its money – understanding your financial picture will help you make your business successful.
Communicate with your employees – communication goes two ways, learn to listen. I would say that the most common complaints employees have is the small amount of time supervisors spend listening to their suggestions and concerns and the lack of feedback they receive about their job performance. Don’t wait until the yearly review, make and keep regular meetings all through the year.
Be more organized – by setting an example of organization in your work day and office space you will encourage your employees to do the same. Purchase a Day-Timer for everyone in the office. It will pay off big time.
Determine to be the best at what you do, keep all your promises to your customers, employees and vendors, always apologize for errors made (we all make them after all). Again set the example for your employees and be known for being the best in your industry.
For Everyone:
Thinking about diets, loosing weight and all those usual resolutions we tend to make every January 1st? Well how about one resolution to being healthy? Loosing weight might just be one great side effect.
Think about the foods you eat, when and why you eat and how much you eat. Taking itsy, bitsy steps can bring big results over time. Can’t give up that chocolate bar? If you are addicted to one a day, then cut back to a half a bar a day. You will not only save calories, but money as well. Put that extra money in a piggy bank and buy that something you been just dying for. Fast food addict? Treat yourself once a week instead of making a trip to your favorite burger or sub place every day. Pick up a yummy apple or orange instead of that bowl of ice cream while you are watching television at night. Save the ice cream for a once a week treat and limit your portion to a coffee cup size (not a giant mug by the way). And speaking of television, I read recently that the average American watches over 30 hours of television each week with an average of 8 minutes of commercials for each ½ hour of programming. Keep your hand weights by the television and exercise during the commercials. You’ll being doing approximately 4 hours of exercise a week!!!!
Find ways to reduce your stress – meditation practices, yoga, deep breathing, exercising – whatever works for you. Stress is one of the greatest health problems in this country.
Learn how to have fun. Laugh more, play more, enjoy life more. When was the last time you giggled? Or just roared laughing? When did you last do something just because it was fun and made you happy? Spend more time with your family and friends. If you don’t clean the house everyday, make the bed, wash the car, and mow the lawn, etc, will the world end? And stop shopping for all that stuff you don’t need and probably don’t really want anyways. Believe me you won’t miss out and the country won’t come to an economic stand still if you play a game of tag with your kids instead of going to the mall. Rejoice in the everyday wonders of life and love.
Simplify, simplify, simplify!!!! Discover what is really important to your health and happiness and push those goals to the front of your life.
Happy New Year to you all and may 2007 bring you the best of health and true happiness!!!!
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