New Year’s resolutions being offered by leaders in the Tri-Lakes Edition coverage area aren’t only about self-improvement, but also about changing their behavior, working on time management and striving harder to help their family and friends, as well as their communities.
Lauren Warren, executive assistant of Habitat for Humanity of Saline County, said her professional resolution is to “create a broader awareness” about Habitat for Humanity by creating an annual fundraising event that benefits the organization and promotes community businesses.
“I am hoping that our March Madness Shopping Event does just that,” she said.
March Madness is a vendor fair set for March 8 at Bishop Park, Warren said. Habitat for Humanity of Saline County is partnering with WIN, short for Women in Networking, for the event. All proceeds, which are made through entrance fees and booth rental spaces, will benefit Habitat for Humanity.
Warren said her personal resolution is to “live life to the fullest and not worry about petty things.”
Devin Sherrill is director of communications with the Bryant Public Schools.
“I am always seeking new ways to connect with our community and share all the great things happening with the students and staff in Bryant schools,” she said. “This year, I would like to improve our community engagement by working more with local businesses.”
Professionally, she said, she would like to become a better presenter.
“I’m more comfortable behind the scenes, so it’s challenging for me to be in front of the microphone,” she said. In her personal life, she plans to “recharge and continue to charge ahead.”
“This past year taught me that I need to take time for myself so I can effectively wear all of the hats that I wear every day. My husband and I have three teenagers, and we’re both super busy with our jobs. I plan to schedule more time for just having fun and doing things I enjoy, such as reading, cooking and spending time with my family.”
Krista Petty, communications coordinator for the Saline County Library, said she doesn’t really make resolutions. However, she said, she does set goals. She plans to be more creative and innovative in 2014 with goals to reach more demographics in Saline County through her communications role for the library.
She said she will be working with Lindsy Frazer, a new supervisor, in 2014. Her background is in anthropology, so Petty anticipates that Frazer will have a unique way of viewing statistics, information and cultures.
“We will work together to design and implement some new fun and creative programs for adults of all ages,” Petty said.
On that note, she said, she also wants there to be an actual dialogue between the Saline County Library and its many patrons, not just in newsletters, fliers, stories, etc.
“We like feedback. The library is a great resource for all residents, and we want them to utilize it,” Petty said.
“My goal is the same for all aspects of my life, and that is to glorify God in words and actions, and to let others see his love in me,” she said.
The city manager for Hot Springs, David Watkins, said he plans to double his efforts during 2014 to promote economic development in the city of Hot Springs.
“I plan to upgrade professional-development opportunities for the membership during my term as president of the Arkansas City Management Association,” he said.
He also mentioned his personal resolutions.
“I will eat healthier, work out more, read more books and pick up after myself at home,” he said.
Bauxite Mayor Johnny McMahan said he resolves to exercise more, slow down and “stop and smell the roses a little longer.” He said he will also work to control his temper toward “uninformed informed people.”
On the job front, he also has some goals.
“I will not let anyone grind me down,” he said. “I resolve to try and not get upset when people disappoint me. I will strive to be prepared and do good works. I shall laugh louder, longer and more often.”
As far as the city, he said, he plans to keep it “afloat.”
Ann Wilson, continuing education coordinator for National Park Community College in Hot Springs, said she does not make resolutions. Instead, she makes monthly goals.
“I think I should be constantly striving rather than just one time per year, so I try for new beginnings each month — working on one area at a time.”
However, she said she plans to work hard for the first six months in 2014 prior to her retiring date of June 30, when she will be 63 years old.
“I want to leave with
everyone thinking well of me,” she said.
Wilson said she has been working since she was 14 and has worked at the college for about 10 years.
According to the website www.happynewyears2014.in/top-10-new-year-resolutions, the top 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2014 include the following: Spend more time with family, control obesity, quit smoking and drinking, be motivated to work on your well-being, pay off debts, help others, be merciful, get more organized, obey elders and do homework on time.
According to a New York Daily News article published Jan. 14, 2013, it was reported that by Jan. 6, some 22 percent of Americans who were surveyed replied that they “had already hedged on their New Year’s resolutions.”
The article stated that one-third of U.S. adults had made at least one resolution and that in the first six days of the year, 11 percent had already broken a resolution, and 22 percent had cheated on a goal. Of the resolutions made, according to the article, 37 percent had pledged to lose weight, 28 percent planned to exercise more, 20 percent had resolved to spend less and save more, and 17 percent intended to budget their money better.
The website SocialVibe states that $5.6 billion was spent in 2013 on trying to fulfill resolutions and that 28 percent actually succeeded in keeping resolutions, while 46 percent never got started.