The glitz, glamour, and excitement of the new year are beginning to wear off. But with the inauguration of president elect Barack Obama just days away there is much excitement for change. Harness this excitement for your professional gain.

What changes are you making for the new year?
If you have change initiatives in place, set yourself up for successful implemention the these 5 tips to implement change. No idea where to start? It’s time to give yourself some change initiatives. Use the tips below or reference the January 6th post on Clearing the Professional Closet: Start. Stop. Continue.

1. Get Back to the Basics.
Each of us an individuals have the power to make changes professionally, regardless of the size of organization or the position you hold. What small changes can you implement? Or what changes will make the most positive impact? For businesses, customer service is crucial. Are you taking care of your customers? In this economy, keep track of your new business pipeline is crucial? Do you know what work or orders your firm has lined up? What opportunities might be available to increase the pipeline? These are fundamental to every business and a great place to start!

2. Prioritize.
The easiest way to make changes is to prioritize what changes you are looking to tackle. Then start at the top of your list. We often try to be superman or superwoman, when it comes to change we often fail because we fail to prioritize and set realistic goals. Set your sights on one change at a time. Once you’ve successfully implemented and maintained the change move on to the next on your priority list.

3. Break it down.
Take the most important change you are looking to make and break down into manageable bite size chunks. Breaking down a larger goal or project gives you constant benchmarks to keep you on track. What’s more, it ensures that the change as a whole looks and feels more manageable. Without short-term goals for each phase or “bite” a task can seem too large and deemed impossible. Give yourself a break, see the end goal and then break it down!

4. Ask for help.
If you’re having a hard time seeing the big picture don’t be afraid to ask for help. We often want to put on strong face and try to tackle our toughest problems solo. If there are changes you are looking to make create a list of the changes, and ask for help prioritizing the changes and breaking them down into manageable pieces. Outside perspectives can help a great degree in this regard as they are not personally attached to the situation.

Don’t have anyone in your network you can ask?
Post a question to our blog, find a business coach, or hop on a forum online to get additional advise.

5. Believe in Change!
This is the most important. You must believe deeply and passionately about the change you are looking to make. You must constantly remind yourself why the change is important and that you have the will power and tenacity to make it happen.

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.
Barack Obama

What changes are you making this year?