Break the 4/5 rule in 2018!
In 2018, I’m going to break a rule. 


According to Business Insider, 80% of New Year’s Resolutions will be broken by February.  That’s 4/5 of us who make a commitment to ourselves and don’t follow through! 

It’s not surprising when you think about it because most resolutions are wildly ambitious.  We’ve all promised ourselves we’re going to lose a lot of weight, quit our addictions, or become a millionaire.  By the way, if you’ve achieved any of these things, good for you.  Tell me your secret! 

via GIPHY

More importantly, most resolutions only develop with ourselves in mind.  As such, because our resolutions are self-involved, we don’t have anybody else invested in our success.  Imagine how much more likely you would be to follow through if there was accountability from those around you.

To break the 4/5 rule in 2018, I resolve to create something new at work.

This New Year, your challenge is to sit down and identify how things could be better.  How could you and your organization better accomplish your mission and better advance conservatism?

via GIPHY

The best thing about working in the conservative movement is the tremendous potential to be an innovator and improve the way things are done.  Here are three reasons you should resolve to create something new at work:

  1. Too often, professionals wait around for the formal authority to make a change.  This, and fear of failure, prevent good ideas finding their way up the chain of command.  Staff at non-profits like the Leadership Institute, however, are always encouraged to identify a need in the movement and fill it. 
  2. Often this means going outside your formal job description and stretching yourself to take on new responsibilities.  As you begin to challenge yourself, you will develop new skills.
  3. By doing this, you not only become an indispensable part of the team, but you also show your bosses you are serious about improving your organization and have the leadership skills necessary to drive innovation rather than just following orders.

via GIPHY

But how do you create something new?

  1. Think about obstacles that make your job harder, or perhaps something you admire about another organization's way of doing things.  Don't try to invent the wheel; just contribute tangible improvement.
  2. When you identify a way to contribute something new, and your boss is happy to proceed, prepare a full project proposal.  It is essential you do your research and explain why the new idea is necessary, how you will define success, your strategy for implementation, and how you will overcome possible challenges.
  3. If your proposal is approved, identify staff who can support your new project and are willing to lend their time to ensure success. 
  4. Set realistic goals for your project and keep your motivation.  Remember, it’s a marathon not a sprint!

By making it your resolution to create something new at work, you will not only advance your career, but you will break the 4/5 rule.  When you set yourself a goal that’s well planned, your colleagues are invested in, and that helps others, you’re far more likely to succeed.

Be a rule breaker in 2018!