When setting goals and making new years resolutions, it helps to be as specific as possible. The greatest success in achievement happens when we spend time really thinking through what we want and why we want it.

_When setting goals for 2012, take time to look back on the accomplishments you've made in 2011. Look at the goals that you've been most successful in achieving this year, and consider the strengths that you should build on 2012. It's important to build on those things that we are the most talented and accomplished in. This will result not only getting more joy out of work but in experiencing greater success as well.

Expect success and you are more likely to achieve it.
Visualizing what you want to happen is an important tool in achieving your goals. Take time to write down in as much detail as possible the outcomes that you'd like to see happen in your career, family, and personal lives. You should do this for both short term and long term goals. By spending time visualizing the details, the goals become less abstract and the steps towards success begin to reveal themselves.

_When you are faced with a very difficult decision, pretend you will have to defend your actions on the 6 o'clock news. If you feel like you wouldn't be able to go on camera because you would be embarrassed or ashamed, reconsider your decision - chances are it isn't in the best interest of your company.

_Change is a constant in every organization. Strong leadership is vital so that when big changes occur, we can go with the flow and not be frightened.

_When writing an e mail, delivering a speech or simply engaging in a conversation, notice how many times you say the word I. Try to eliminate the word I as much as possible. Studies show that people like hearing the word you - second only to hearing their own name. When someone hears or reads  the word I too often, they mentally check out of the conversation. So make a conscious effort to structure your conversation and writings to be more about the benefits to the other person and less about your agenda.

The average person needs to be exposed to something about seven times before he or she will buy a product. In networking, you are the product.

Today's tip comes from my book, Don't Kiss on the Lips and Other Networking Tips (which you can find in the Publications section of my website and at Amazon.com).

Everyone is busy during the holidays, and it sometimes causes tempers to flare in a way that they normally wouldn't. No matter how frustrated you get with anyone you work with, never (ever) yell at them. If you have made the mistake of yelling at a co-worker or someone you supervise, make sure to have a normalizing conversation as soon as possible, and be sure to apologize for your behavior. Then demonstrate your apology in action by never doing it again.

_A friend recently asked advice on what to do for a staff member who was retiring after many years of service. I have found that people really like to know that the time they spent working for a company meant something, that because they were there it made a difference, that their commitment and hard work didn't go unnoticed.

People love to have a nice brief letter from the president of the company telling them how much they meant. Have the letter framed so that they can display it for their family to see. Read it to them at the lunch - people love recognition and it sends the message to others in the organization that  longevity and hard work are valued.

_ Successful people keep in touch with the people they know. Things can get hectic during the holidays, but it is the perfect time to go through your contact list and send a brief email. It's important to remember that we are all more likely to do business with someone we know. Sending a brief note to the people you haven't seen for a while keeps you on the top of their mind and lets them take a look at your website to see what you have been up to. It's a new kind of social networking tool.