Resolutions

Today’s Resolution: Exhume Your Resumé

Whether you are content in a job or are in the process of looking for work, now might be a good time to review your resumé. Update any skills you might have recently learned; add any experiences which might be pertinent; include any coursework you may have completed. Gather some honest and objective feedback from a friend or colleague. There are many templates for layouts and designs to be found on the internet or word processing programs to give your resumé a fresh face. You never know when that perfect job may show up on your doorstep; you’ll want to be ready when opportunity knocks.

Image Source: ProfessionalResumes on Etsy

Today’s Resolution: Hang It Out to Dry

The next time you do laundry (at home or at a laundromat), try hanging dry some of the wash instead of using the dryer. If you have a clothes line, use it! Create your own make shift laundry line if possible. Be careful of how you hang items; some may stretch or become misshaped. If you try this outside, be sure the climate is cooperative. Hanging clothes in the wrong season or place could land you with a shirt-cicle!

Image source: Richard_of_England on Flickr

Today’s Resolution: “Petal” Some Joy

Make a point to present someone with a flower. It need not be a major production; it can be more of a “just because” to thank someone or a gesture of appreciation. If you live where there are wild flowers or you have a flower garden, clip something in bloom. Most grocery stores have a florist department where you can get an inexpensive single stem carnation which can make an impact too. If these options are not possible, send an electronic image of a flower via email with a short note.. hey, why not?

Image source: Sarah Royce on Flickr

Today’s Resolution: Go Find Yourself

An internet presence is vital for many things such as marketing and social networking. Image and character are being evaluated more and more in cyberspace so it could be wise to “go find yourself” every so often. Use several search engines and enter your name to see what comes up. Friends, family and employers could be doing the same thing in seeking you out. Be able to defend posting choices you have made. See if there is someone else with the same name who might be confused with you. Be aware of the information that random net surfers can uncover about you.

Today’s Resolution: Pass it Along

Every time we watch the show Hoarders, we get a very uncomfortable feeling that implores us to clean. Mind you, we’re not a neat freaks either. Today’s resolution is not advising you to clean (hopefully you don’t need to be told to do that). However, it is a gentle coaxing to get you to choose an item that you have been clinging to over the years that really has no value (sentimental or otherwise) and get rid of it.

In other words, it’s just taking up space for no other reason than you cannot seem to part with it. Throw it away; donate it to a charity; give it to a friend. Today is the day to give it up. Good luck!

Today’s Resolution: Detox and Defrag

Computer not cooperating with you lately? When was the last time you gave the hard drive a good cleaning? Many people set up their computers, laptops, and tablets to automatically consolidate and clean up files. However, only you know which programs and files are most necessary to keep and which can be removed. High resolution images take up quite a bit of space; you may want to consider putting them on a flash drive or deleting altogether. Do the same for your email accounts. Only keep what you need, and if you need it, back it up!

Today’s Resolution: Pull the Plug

Most of us are fairly conscious of our electricity use. Switching to more efficient light bulbs, using more energy efficient appliances, and turning off items when not in use have become routine. However, there are ways to take conservation even further. Take a look around your home and identify “vampire power” that is being wasted. This is the energy that is being used for items that are plugged in but not necessarily in use. Unplug anything that does not require instant or ongoing energy. Make it a habit to pull the plug on items such as toasters, coffee makers, lamps, etc. Get unplugged and see if it makes a difference.

Image source: Functoruser on Flickr

Today’s Resolution: Go Looney for Toons

When was the last time you watched a cartoon? Family Guy or The Simpsons doesn’t count for this one. Spend a few minutes finding a children’s cartoon and really watching it. Look for something classic: Bugs Bunny, Tom and Jerry, or Popeye. You’ll be surprised at how many of these can be aimed at adults in subtle ways through clever word play or intelligent jokes. You don’t need children in the room to get something from a cartoon. It’s no accident there are more and more cartoons targeting adult audiences. Enjoy a few minutes of brainless time…or is it?

Image Source: LaserGuided on Flickr

Today’s Resolution: Celebrate a Birthday

Every day is someone’s birthday. In honor of that, celebrate by treating yourself to a cupcake or slice of cake. There are many bakeries that specialize in just cupcakes and cakes, and there are even television shows devoted to the delectable confections. If gourmet and designer cakes are beyond your budget or taste, bake your own and decorate as elaborately as you can. Out to lunch or dinner? Tell the server it is your birthday and you may be treated to a complimentary dessert! Caution: You may be surrounded by a swarm of staff singing “Happy Birthday!” to you!

Today’s Resolution: Fold Some Magic

Add some challenge and fun to folding towels by creating origami style animals. While origami is traditionally done with paper, hotels sometimes will present origami towels created in the shapes of dogs and other critters to amuse guests. For some interesting results, check out buzzfeed.com/donnad/15-examples-of-towel-origami. There are many sites offering step by step instructions and videos. They make a great touch for a gift (beach towel with a beach bag filled with goodies). You may need to practice first. It’s not as easy as it looks!

Source: MinneMom on Flickr