Most people are not comfortable being judged themselves and therefore tend to err on the side of caution when they have to put their personal assessment of a colleague in writing.  What they don't realize is that an excess of diplomacy can actually produce consequences just as damaging as those created by an unduly harsh approach.  By squandering an opportunity to deliver meaningful criticism, they deprive both themselves and the employees they are evaluating of any practical benefits.  They turn the process into an exercise in futility, and a time-consuming one at that.

- Kelly Robertson, V.P. of Sales for Art Merchandising

My first hands-on experience with a box of crayons and a coloring book at school provided a feeling of freedom and independence, not to mention excitement ~ right up to the point when my teacher looked at my masterpiece and said those creativity crushing words, "You need to work on coloring inside the lines."  Life and professional experience has since taught me that, while coloring inside the lines absolutely is quite often necessary, there are also big advantages to going outside of the lines.

-Brian Tracy, Eat that Frog

Ringing in a new year is exciting.  You have renewed energy and have a positive outlook on what you plan to accomplish, and your sense of anticipation for what's ahead is further fueled by all of the uplifting messages from the important people in your life.  Like, "Here's to a healthy and happy 2014!" and "May 2014 be your most successful yet!" 

How do you maintain this elevated sense of excitement and desire to succeed?  You don't want to be like the vast majority who sets clear visions, but then loses steam within 1-2 weeks.  Commit now to setting your 2014 goals (if you have not done so already), and then throughout the year, constantly work on them and set weekly/monthly reminders to ensure that you're on track with successfully fulfilling your resolutions.  Determining goals can sometimes feel daunting, but keep most simple.  We can help you get your list of goals started, or we can help you by adding some additional helpful strategies. 

Practice neutral body language and facial expressions, so that your sitting rigidly and/or frowning during a meeting is not misinterpreted as anger, disagreement, or boredom, when you may be only concentrating.

- Brown, Haygood, and McLean, The Little Black Book of Success