Best Career Resolutions in 2009 December 2008 In this issue: A Career Decree for 2009: Points of Differentiation How is Your Business Really Doing ? Ask These 10 Questions Resolve to Build Your Network in 2009 Learning to Live on Less New Year Resolution Tips: Maintain Accountability with Weekly Check-ins
Typically, it is during the holiday season that we pause to reflect upon and give thanks for the blessings in our lives.  What are you thankful for?  Are you taking good care of the "items" on your list?  Did you put yourself on that list?  You should! All of us at E. K. Ward & Associates wish you... Good Health Success As You Define It Happiness and Laughter. May 2009 be your best year yet!	As a new year begins, it is important to take stock of the past year in reference to the status of our careers and thoughts about our future.  Our country's economic status will play a big part in the future of our careers.  Therefore, now is the time to reflect, research and prepare a strategy for a healthy career.  This newsletter offers some excellent "food for thought." Sincerely, Anne Mahoney Glose VP, Principal E. K. Ward & Associates an OI Partner A Career Decree for 2009: Points of Differentiation Implementing New Year's resolutions for your career can be a challenge. Why not try a different approach for 2009 by focusing on a Career Decree: Points of Differentiation. Here we provide questions and approaches to help you differentiate yourself from the current competition within your company, and the workforce. How Is Your Business Really Doing? Ask These 10 Questions Nothing impacts your career more than working for a company that is struggling to survive, unable to meet its goals, or all of a sudden pulls the plug.  One of the key 2009 career resolutions that you should make during these turbulent economic times is to ask questions about how your business is really doing. Constructive probing can spur new thinking and identify business strengths and weaknesses. Resolve to Build Your Network in 2009 How valuable is a network?  With a new year ready to begin, now is a good time to evaluate your current relationships. Take time to reconnect with people, as well as seek out people who can fill a need within your network so to maintain contacts that provide strong resources for information, support and business. Your network can make a huge difference in what happens when you are faced with difficult challenges. Learning to Live on Less Do you ever imagine what it would be like to get up in the morning without a financial care in the world?  Given the current downturn of the economy, it's likely many people will need to amend their spending habits. The secret is to learn to live beneath - not beyond - your means. Once you get into the habit of spending less than what you make, you'll be well on your way to the sweet feeling of financial security. New Year Resolution Tips: Maintain Accountability with Weekly Check-ins If you want to fulfill a dream, keep a New Year resolution, and achieve daily goals, you have to plan, write things down, take daily action, and chart your progress by 'checking in' each and every week. Evaluating your progress, obstacles, and achievements on a regular basis will promote a sustainable strategy and momentum that will carry you through from beginning to end.