New years are the best, no? You get a brand new opportunity to wipe the slate clean, create new and lasting positive habits to replace the old negative ones, embrace new ideas, and basically get a do-over. This year, why not try adopting one or two workplace resolutions to go with the others? Here are some suggestions:

• Punctuality: if you constantly find yourself a few minutes late getting in the door, make it a priority to get to the workplace a few minutes before your scheduled time. (If you’re thinking, “Why not half an hour?” - well, I’ll tell you: Small changes are easier to make, often, than big ones.) If you’re looking for a more pleasant way to wake up in the morning and get going, try these Zen Alarm Clocks.
• Work habits: having trouble with deadlines? Procrastination and work flow could be the issue. Why not read David Allen’s Getting Things Done? It’s a no-nonsense, holistic look at a natural plan system that will radically overhaul the way you process and do work. (The two-minute rule alone will change your life!)
• Dealing with difficult people: if you have a difficult coworker or boss, try engaging that person in conversation and relationship building. Often, we have conflicts with the people who are most like us, so spend a few minutes in meditation or reflection thinking about the ways in which the troublemaker reminds you (uncomfortably!) of you. This can help breed empathy and compassion, which will in turn make your interactions with him or her a little more pleasant. Also, try reading Roberta Cava’s Dealing With Difficult People for other ideas.
• Toxic workplaces: if your problem goes beyond an unpleasant person in the workplace, then you need to take stronger action. Get your resume updated (on your own computer, please!). Start putting out feelers. You can’t change your boss or your workplace - well, sometimes you can but if it’s a toxic workplace, then your efforts are best spent changing you, or your position.

Make 2007 the best year for work ever!