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The Last Word
By: Pamela Fields Webb, Managing Editor
Issue: January/Expo 2010

“I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning …”
—Joseph Priestley, English chemist and clergyman, 1733-1804

The New Year. A fresh start … a new day. Everything seems a little brighter, we feel more hopeful and sharp-witted. Much like unsullied snow on a dazzling winter morning, 2010 laid out in front of us waiting for our first steps.

Perhaps it’s the optimism surrounding the New Year that compels us to make resolutions on January 1. Whether the change is personal: lose weight, save money, spend more time with family, volunteer or business related: exceed sales goals, get organized, practice time management, change workplace bad habits or be a better co-worker. We somehow feel renewed, upbeat and ready for a challenge.

And, while most of us will break or lose interest in the resolutions we make on New Year’s Day, research has shown that people who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t. (Studies show that after one week, 75 percent are still on track, and after six months, 46 percent are maintaining their resolutions.)

This year I plan to be one of the 46 percent. But rather than call my list resolutions, I plan a more positive slant and refer to my list as New Year’s aspirations, or even motivations. It sounds much better, to aspire to attain my goals or be motivated to reach my objectives. It’s all in one’s outlook.

The same can be said for happiness. It’s linked to our attitude, our focus. And, yes, it can be elusive. But, if you are like most of us, we want more happiness in our lives. To find what’s behind “The Happiness Factor,” click here to read Brittany Glenn’s article. She reports that happiness is a journey, not a destination.

Speaking of destinations—Las Vegas and the PPAI Expo 2010 are right around the corner—January 11-15. From the thousands of imaginative products on display, to hundreds of professional development sessions that will get your creative juices flowing to the dozens of networking opportunities offering camaraderie with fellow industry professionals—this is one journey that offers hope and promise for the New Year. Expo should be first on your list. It is one resolution you should be motivated to keep.