The Smart Girl's New Year's Resolutions

1. I'll dress for the job I want, not the job I have.

2. Before matching the men drink for drink, I'll ask myself if this is the only way to be one of the boys. Or if I really want to be one of them.

3. Whenever I feel like perfecting my PowerPoint slide transitions deep into the night, I'll shut off the computer, get out of the office and network instead.

4. I'll speak up at least twice during meetings.

5. I'll block off at least one hour a day and mark it down as a meeting, when in fact it's just private time for me to think and dream.

6. I'll switch vocabulary that holds me back. Instead of saying 'It's nothing' when someone compliments me, I'll say 'Why, thank you'. Instead of saying 'Sorry?' when I missed something, I'll say 'Pardon me?'

7. If I mess up, I'll take responsibility and propose a solution. I'll give myself 10 minutes to beat myself up about it. I'll use an egg timer if I have to. Then I'll really, truly move on.

8. I'll start an Atta Gal file folder that contains all the complimentary emails sent my way. Send the best entries to my boss. Bring it to my next performance review. Read it every so often to remind me how far I've come.

9. I'll take more risks. Especially the ones that scare the be-jesus out of me.

10. I won't define myself anymore by what I do, but by the value I bring.

Do these resonate with you? Tell me what resolutions you're making for 2010.