It's resolution time! And by the end of January, most people have dropped their commitments by the wayside due to allowing everything and everyone else to become more important than themselves. Make 2007 your best year ever by not dealing with the nonsense that comes your way like listening to people who complain too much, are negative and angry and those who expect you to do their work and take on their problems. You don't have to be a doormat this year!

You can stop the workplace-babysitting syndrome to improve working relations, to gain your coworker's respect and to primarily reduce your stress. It's all in the well known talk-to-the-hand technique where ALL levels within your organization must utilize these best practices to establish boundaries and improve performances. If you take a passive role at work and at home, you are allowing others to control and take advantage of you. Again, you are welcoming these people to take up your time and cause you stress.

At work, if you state the following expectations, you can gain the respect of others; but more importantly, you can gain more time and respect for yourself.

To eliminate time-consuming, emotionally- draining, negative gossip and the "he said, she said" syndrome, try setting these boundaries by saying: "I only want you to come to me if:

1. you have already talked with the source and followed the chain of command.
2. it is positive and about your own business.
3. you attack the problem with facts and solutions, not the person."

Then, just watch them walk away and your schedule have more free time. If they continue, you will need to hold them accountable with consequences. Without boundaries and consequences, human nature tends to take over, and humans will take over you if you let them.

And if at home you need better communication, greater help with responsibilities or more affection, share your needs, feelings and the reasons why they are important to you. Everyone deserves to be happy.

This year, take control of you and feel the freedom!

Make 2007 Your Best Year Ever,
Nancy