Resolve to Keep The Promise

Every New Year is accompanied by sworn oaths and lists of resolutions we make to improve our lives. Many resolutions go unresolved before the end of the first month. Some of the most popular resolutions are: lose weight, manage debt, save money, get fit, quit smoking, minimize stress, get organized, volunteer, quit drinking and learn something new.

If you make a resolution, tell someone. When your resolution is spoken to someone, it creates accountability. This person can be a trusted friend, family member or co-worker. Make sure that person can be your cheerleader to push you to make it a reality.

Franklin Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People may assist you in starting out the year on the right path toward your goal. You may be surprised to learn that it may even change your life. Habit 1: Be Proactive - Take the initiative to make your resolution happen. You are the sole responsible party for the outcomes of your attitude and actions. Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind - visualize the finish. What will it look like at the end when you complete your goal? Habit 3: Put First Things First - Time to manage yourself = personal management. Organize and execute around priorities. Habit 4: Think Win-Win - What will be the mutual benefit from the resolution? Who else will win from your goal? Don't make it all about you. Involve someone else winning from your win. Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood - Empathic listening may lead you to the answer to your resolution. It will inspire trust and openness with others. Habit 6: Synergize - Teamwork and cooperation. Find someone else with the same resolution and work together to accomplish the goal. Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw - Personal fulfillment and growth through renewing your physical, spiritual, mental and emotional attributes. Educate yourself. Learn something new. Habits 1 – 3 = Start by making and keeping a promise. These habits represent integrity. Hold true the promise to yourself. Habits 4 – 6 = Involve others in the resolution. Work together. They represent loyalty. Seek guidance and support from others while accepting what is given to you.

Make a resolution to continually improve yourself whether it's health, education, organization, work related, family or financial. Have a resolution party by gathering close friends and family. Reflect on the past, but look forward to the future. Share your resolutions with each other. Now, everyone is accountable for their spoken New Year resolution.

"All true and lasting change occurs from the inside out. Become the change you seek in the world." Franklin Covey, Living The 7 Habits

Start the New Year by celebrating a timeless New Year’s Eve at Graylyn and toast the beginning of 2010 with a flute of champagne. Invite friends and loved ones to join in the celebration over a five-course, gourmet champagne pairing dinner event, featuring exclusive and rare vintages from our cellar. This champagne dinner event is $274 per couple, or add to the package a uniquely adorned guest room, welcome gift and breakfast for two for $399 per couple. Make a resolution to mark your calendar for Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at Graylyn Estate. Enjoy an evening filled with delectable food, friendly toasts, and wonderful company

Call 336.758.2425 to reserve your space or visit www.graylyn.com.