by Lynn Tipton, FCCMA Executive Director
As a young professional, some years ago, one of the things I looked forward to each December was getting the calendar ready for the new year. I had the day-at-a-glance style on the two-pronged stand; not glamorous, but functional. Over time I switched to the day planner and carried it with me, but the new year ritual was the same; purchasing a new one and getting it ready. Clean, crisp and bright – always impressive to see those blank pages.
I haven’t carried a paper calendar since 2002 (I’ve kept the old ones like old diaries). Everything is electronic…and there isn’t quite the same ritual. The years blur together now; I’ve got speaking and training dates booked into 2017, and conferences noted out beyond that! One pet peeve about Outlook’s calendar is that it doesn’t note holidays of any kind. I have to put in the federal, state and employer-selected holidays every year (and if I don’t do them well in advance there’s usually a conflict!). I’m grateful for Hallmark and other companies whose websites list all of the holidays for twenty years out. You might be a resolutions-type, too; I’ve done it a few times and like the mental reminder and challenge it sets for me. I always feel defeated when the resolution isn’t completely achieved. The ritual of a new calendar and goals for the new year go hand in hand, and just because it is all electronic now, shouldn’t change the importance of recognizing the new year for what it is: a fresh start, while also a continuum. Associations live by their calendar cycles, and I know local governments have those cycles too; here’s hoping you are able to set realistic goals for your new cycles and that this new year finds you engaged and positive for the excellence we all want to achieve!
