But what if your work goals were geared around celebrations? You don't forget your birthday or the Fourth of July, do you? Of course not. That's why it's time to link your career goals to various commemorative times. So, get out your calendar and begin marking down these important dates:
January: On the 9th, it's time to participate in National Clean Off Your Desk Day. Get out the anti-bacterial spray (did you know desks have more germs that toilet seats?) and give everything a good scrubbing. Get rid of the clutter, keeping only one or two personal items on your desk so that it looks like you're serious about getting work done. Toss the stuff you're never going to get around to reading, file everything else, and make a ''to do'' file that is updated every day.
February: Starting on the 5th, it's National Leadership Week, so it's time to start doing all those things that show others you can be in charge. Volunteer for a project, offer to take on a tough customer or just cheer on co-workers for doing a good job. Then, bring in an appropriate treat for everyone on the 15th - National Gum Drop Day.
March: It's National Procrastination Week from March 6-12, and while that normally is not considered a good thing at work, sometimes it makes sense. Instead of trying to multitask and fire off e-mails every 60 seconds while scanning the Internet and leaving a voice mail message, just stop. Maybe that e-mail doesn't have to be sent right away. Stop rushing around, and try and give yourself time to just think. In fact, use the time to think about what you won't be doing on the 22nd - International Goof-off Day.
April: On the 3rd, National Workplace Napping Day arrives. If you need a nap, it could mean you're not getting enough sleep at night. Start making your rest a priority: It's been proved that a lack of sleep not only impacts efficiency and productivity, but can lead to more on -the-job accidents - and can hinder weight-loss efforts. So, make some z's a priority so that you can remember the 28th is National Hairball Awareness Day.
May: After you make sure you observe National Chocolate Chip Day on the 15th, then you can focus on the fact that it's National Mental Health Month. If you believe you may be having trouble coping with the demands of either your professional or personal life, it's time to seek answers. Visit a doctor to see if you could be suffering from depression, or if a physical ailment is making it tougher to cope.
June: Since it's National Ice Tea Month, National Rivers Month and National Rose Month, there's no better time to take some time off. Make sure you disconnect from e-mail, voice mail, pagers and any other technological tentacle connecting you to work. You deserve some time off, and if you truly make a break, you'll return more recharged and ready to work.
July: National Get Out of the Doghouse Day is the 17th, so it's a good time to remember that an apology given - and received - can go a long way toward easing any tension or hard feelings in the workplace.
August: Even if National Resurrect Romance Week begins the 13th, remember to participate outside the workplace. If you get involved with someone at work, have a few ground rules for the workplace: no public displays of affection, no fighting about personal issues, no details to co-workers and no gushy talk verbally or through e-mail. Always check the company rules on dating first.
September: Since International Literacy Day is the 8th, use this month to catch up on reading about industry happenings, and send relevant articles to co-workers and your boss.
October: Come up with some creative ways to get new customers and compete more effectively in the global marketplace as part of National Kick Butt Day on Oct. 9.
November: Everyone knows about Thanksgiving, but National Men Make Dinner Day on Nov. 2 makes a whole lot of sense.
December: As you contemplate how to balance the demands of the holiday season and work, just consider this and you'll feel much better: National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day is Dec. 16. What a way to end a year of good work.
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Anita Bruzzese can be reached c/o Business Editor, Gannett News Service, 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Va. 22107.
