This Year I Resolve to Work to Wellness

Every year I dread January 1, or more precisely New Year’s Eve.

Don’t get me wrong, I like a good party, and I appreciate the need to reflect back on the year, and even the value in setting goals for the coming one.  What I don’t like is the feeling of immense pressure to come up with a New Year Resolution that fits, that has meaning for me, and that is not a repeat of a failed resolution from past years.

The whole idea of “making New Year’s Resolutions” is a strange practice in and of itself. We somehow end up identifying, and then displaying our personal failings to everyone who asks “what is your New Year Resolution?”

I write this on January 6th, a little late to start off the year “right”; but it has taken me until now to find and choose what I want my 2016 resolution to be.   My focus this past year was on improving my impact through my career, by being better for my clients.  I am fortunate to have a career that I love and am passionate about.  I worked really hard at it and I admit, I have sacrificed in some other areas of my life; such as my family and personal relationships.  Somewhere in my enthusiasm I forgot the message we share every day in the work we do.  The message about finding a balance in life where work is important for health, indeed a marker for health, but not so much of it that wellness cannot be achieved.

Therefore, my resolution this year is to remember that message and live it every day.  I promise to work to wellness, along with my colleagues and clients.   I will set clear achievable goals for myself that are small and measurable.  I will set boundaries on my time so there is enough of me for the other areas of my life such as my family, my friends, my physical health, play, and reflective, meditative time; all of which will enrich my mental health.  I promise to work with intention, to control my time and activity through planning.  Most importantly, I promise to review my goals weekly and monthly, and if I am not achieving them, reset them so I can measure success.  I wish for all of you a year of good health and wellness.

Diana Vissers is the Founder and Director of Corporate Services at Work to Wellness Rehabilitation Inc. – a Canadian company providing expert disability management services to Canadian customers. She is in the business of making your place of business healthy, safe and productive. Follow her on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter for the latest news and updates on health, wellness and integrated disability management.