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Local psychology professor says take small steps when attempting change in 2012.
Stevens
Corcoran
Kadluboski
Duggins
This could be the year to follow through on those resolutions.
It’s a leap year and another day is tagged on to the end of February, giving folks a little more time to get in shape, save some money or write a novel.
With the additional 24 hours, state Superior Court President Judge Correale Stevens might be able to complete a chapter or two.
“I would like to finish a novel I started to write,” said Stevens of his New Year’s resolution.
“I know in my mind what I want to write,” he said. It would be along the lines of a John Grisham novel, only set in New England and the West.
Wilkes-Barre tow truck operator and citizen crime fighter Bob Kadluboski is making a federal case out of his resolution.
“My resolution is to bring about a half dozen people to justice and I’m going to get it done,” said Kadluboski.
Forget about counting on the FBI in Scranton. “I’m going to go to Washington myself,” he said.
The past year has been a busy one for Darlene Duggins. She ran for a seat on Wilkes-Barre City Council, held her annual block party and graduated from Luzerne County Community College.
Her resolution is to continue with her activism and work in the community. Duggins said she’s still trying to determine “which way I want to go.”
Ruth Corcoran has a less ambitious resolution, but is equally committed to sticking to it.
“I’m kind of a workaholic,” said Corcoran. By day she works at Corcoran Communications. By night Cork Restaurant in Wilkes-Barre has her attention.
This year she wants to “try and spend a little more time with my family.”
It’s easier said than done, but doable with a little effort and scheduling. “I’m going to do it,” she said.
A positive attitude helps and so does a plan on how to achieve the desired outcome, said Dr. Marie Gray, an adjunct professor of psychology at Misericordia University.
Her advice is sound anytime and it’s worth repeating, especially at this time of year when people tend to be reflective and desirous to start anew.
For many, their 401k plans took a beating last year, she said. It might be wise to do some research on the investments in the plan and make some changes.
“Knowledge is power,” said Gray.
That applies to the person too. When we know what are strengths are we can then work on building up our weak areas, she said.
Life itself teaches us about ourselves.
“We learn a lot from our mistakes,” she said.
Gray’s advice for people who are about to make changes for the new year is to take small steps, be realistic and look at all the obstacles as well as the ways and means to achieve success.
“I try and set goals” rather than make resolutions, she said.
There is a difference.
A resolution “kind of comes across as all or nothing,” she said.
A goal, on the other hand, is something one strives to reach and has a beginning and end.
Wyoming Mayor Bob Boyer said he uses the New Year as a fresh start, but prefers to set goals instead of making resolutions.
“I look back on the prior year and think about what can be done in the New Year to make your life better personally and professionally,” he said.
Looking back on 2011, Misericordia University President Michael MacDowell felt proud of how the students, faculty and staff lived the mission of the school by helping out with the flood recovery.
“It was a good test of our resolve to help others,” he said
“Our resolve is to be vigilant” in the New Year, he said.
Looking ahead, MacDowell had his sights on a record held by the school going on 88 years.
“We have an undefeated program in football since 1924,” he said. “I resolve to maintain our undefeated record.”
In truth, the school hasn’t played the game since then and will kick off its program on Sept. 1 in an away game against Gettysburg College.
RESOLVE TO Be resolute
Making resolutions is one thing. Seeing them through is another. Dr. Marie Gray, an adjunct professor of psychology at Misericordia University, has some advice on developing and sticking to challenges ahead:
• Be realistic when making a resolution or setting a goal.
• Develop a plan to achieve the desired outcome.
• Know your strengths and build up on weak areas.
• Take small steps.