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What Are Your Resolutions for 2009?

Courtesy Flickr user {Platinum}
I'm of the school of thought that New Year's resolutions should be simple, concrete, and easy to fulfill—those things that you have wanted to do, but just haven't gotten around to it because you haven't had any sense of commitment before. Last year I resolved to schedule appointments with the dentist and eye doctor, even though I didn't have any pressing issues with my teeth or eyes. Although I kept putting it off due to lack of urgency, I did succeed at getting it done by the end of the year because I had promised to.

This year, I'm considering some simple eco-friendly resolutions, like saving electricity by unplugging my cell phone charger, computer, TV, coffee maker, and toaster whenever I'm not using them; and either joining my local CSA or buying from the farmer's market more regularly. (I've heard that the more people you declare your resolutions to, the more likely you are to complete them. That's why I'm sharing mine with the world! And you can, too, by leaving a comment.)

On the work-related side of life, here are some suggestions for simple, concrete New Year's resolutions you or your organization could commit to:

• Update your organization's website and all your pages on social networking sites that you may have forgotten about—including your personal profile and your organization's profile on Idealist!


• Go through the stack of business cards or pile of sign-up sheets from all those events you've been to and start a system for managing those contacts.


• Post all of your organization's events and campaigns on Idealist this year (it's free!).


• Share more photos and videos to bring attention to your work.

If your resolutions involve work, volunteering, or taking action, remember that Idealist can help!

Please share your personal or work-related resolutions in the comments below. Happy New Year!

Posted by Joanna.