2008 has been a challenging year to say the least. The year has been full of headlines that have not all been uplifting. And now we are getting a repeat with all the year in review we read in the newspapers and internet, and see on television. Have we not had enough?

With the chiming of the clock at midnight on New Year’s Eve, we welcomed in 2009. Not that we know if it will be better than 2008 but at least we have the opportunity to start anew. So let’s look at resolutions, champagne and leftover fruitcake.

Rather than make New Year resolutions which never seem to take hold, replace the word “resolution” with something like New Year’s outlook, perhaps New Year’s solutions, or New Year’s stepping stones. Personally, I like New Year stepping stones since stepping stones refer to small stones used to get somewhere or reach a destination. What are your 2009 stepping stones? Each stone may represent a goal you would like to achieve this year — learning a new skill, obtaining a new job, eating healthy, etc. As your new journey unfolds, you will enjoy taking another step.

As the New Year arrived, many toasted champagne to celebrate. One thing I love about champagne is the effervescence that comes from the bubbles once the bottle is uncorked — they seem to tickle your nose. Similar to the “pop” that happens with the uncorking of the bottle; what new ideas will “pop” for the New Year in your life? New ideas, new thoughts, and new directions for your life using the stepping stones you created — and the new hope for a year of enjoyment, challenge and success.

How many of you had fruitcake during the holidays? There are many of you trying to figure out what to do with the leftover fruitcake…possibly re-gift, ha!

Look at leftover fruitcake as the behaviors and habits that may have served you well in the past but need to be left behind to continue to be a successful manager and leader. I would like to suggest picking up the book titled What Got You Here Won’t Get You There written by Marshall Goldsmith. The book covers twenty one habits and behaviors that I am sure you may see yourself performing — you might even laugh out loud, I did.

Please let us know your 2009 stepping stones, what new ideas “popped” and what behaviors and habits you decided to throw out with the left over fruitcake.

Toast to the New Year of 2009 — may it be all you desire!