Etiquette Do’s and Don’ts for a Happy and Healthy New Year

We all enjoy the fresh start and potential opportunities that the New Year brings.  Whether you are contemplating small resolutions or making plans for big changes in 2012, the following are some do’s and don’ts that may come in handy as you set out to make 2012 happy and healthy New Year.

Do make yourself a priority.  Schedule overdue doctor visits, get your teeth cleaned (white strips don’t count), renew your upcoming driver’s license, make an appointment for a facial, and get a massage.  You’ll look and feel better going into the new year.  Ready for a promotion or career change? Set goals and create achievable action steps to get there.  Find an accountability partner to keep you on task.

Do take a clothing inventory and dress your best in the New Year.  Organize your wardrobe and get rid of outdated or ill-fitting items.  Stick with classic pieces that make a polished statement.  Speaking of clothing, do invest in new under things.  An ill fitting bra can ruin the look of a beautiful dress or sweater.  Visible panty lines ruin your newly purchased, on sale, designer suit.  You deserve to have nice underpinnings.  Also remember a great pair of jeans is another “do” for Saturday date night or lunch with friends.  Jeans are not considered “business casual” unless it is within the guidelines of your corporate policy manual.

Do ask for what you want.  My personal mantra is “You don’t get if you don’t ask”, you never know when a “yes” is just around the corner.  And, by the way, a “no” doesn’t have to be forever, just for now.

Do make a will.  Yes, you need one if you have a family, own property or have sentimental heirlooms that you want to make sure get into the hands of those you intend.

Do eat your vegetables.  When you eat better, you feel better.  Plus, you have more energy to do the things you love.  That means more pep in the office (without the extra caffeine fix) and more fun in your evenings and weekends.

Don’t hold onto 2011 baggage.  Was your end-of-year review not quite what you expected?  Did a friendship or relationship fizzle?  The New Year brings new beginnings if you allow and embrace it.  Look ahead and stop giving your good energy to old wounds.

Don’t over schedule or over commit.  Be realistic when your boss asks when he or she can expect your report.  Rather than trying to impress your boss with a quick and lackluster turnaround on a project, agree on a timeframe that will allow you to produce a stellar piece of work.  Fast does not always equal quality work.

Don’t forget to call your mother, friends and family members.  Relationships are like a muscle, without attention and care they deteriorate.  Schedule a coffee date with mom or lunch with a good friend.  Set a phone reminder to call  your sister and make it a part of your weekly routine.

Best wishes for a prosperous 2012,