# New Year’s resolutions and how DLA can help you achieve your goals

/ Published Dec. 9, 2016
COLUMBUS, Ohio, DLA Land and Maritime
First, keep it simple. Make your goals realistic. Many people give up or let their resolutions go to the wayside because they are overwhelmed or not seeing dramatic results as quickly as they hoped. 

If your goal is weight loss, set it in monthly achievable milestones and not yearly. If it’s to eat healthier, define what it means on a daily and weekly basis.  Organizing goals can be broken down with areas such as desk, electronics or rooms within your house.  Budgeting goals should not be dramatic. Set your saving goals to increase overtime.  It’s unlikely you will miss a few lattes a month; however, if you try to cut out a few hundred from the bottom line monthly, it could be hard to adjust to the new expectations and you may revert back to old habits.

The most common resolutions are centered around losing weight, staying fit/healthy, organizing, spending less/saving more, enjoying life and career progression.

The best part of the most common resolutions is as an associate working on the DSCC installation, there are numerous options available to help.  Here are a few ways that DLA can assist you in achieving your resolutions.
      -     As an associate at DSCC, you have access to a  59,000 square foot facility  featuring the best in fitness equipment and exercise programs.  From saunas and weight rooms to group fitness classes and personal training, there is something for all no matter where you are on your journey. The gym membership is complimentary and part of your  MWR  benefits. Being an active member, you can easily work on staying fit or losing weight. As an added bonus, DLA employees are authorized to participate in the  wellness/fitness program .  This voluntary program allows associates to participate in fitness activities during the workday for a maximum of one hour per day, three times a week with a goal to encourage and motivate employees to develop a healthy lifestyle and enhance the quality of work life.  For more information on this program, please contact your supervisor.
      -     When people are healthier and active, they tend to enjoy life more.  There are many ways to increase activity and improve life on the installation.  Increase your movement. Walk instead of taking the shuttle. Take the stairs rather than the elevator.  Enjoy lunch at Mission Park. Take advantage of MWR’s  Outdoor Recreation  programs,  ITR  event offerings and the  fitness center .  Participate in a  5K run  or enjoy a round of golf at  Eagle Eye .  When the weather warms up, take a few laps at the  pool .  Get involved in a group or committee at DSCC. There is something for everyone, just ask around and you will find one that is perfect for you.
      -     Finances and money are large stress factors and it is no wonder they make the top of the resolution list; however, they do not need to be feared.  Creating a plan and preparing is the first step and DLA can help you.  Our  Employee Assistance Program (EAP)  and  Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)  programs provide in person seminars and workshops throughout the year on topics such as home buying and retirement planning to stress management and communication. If you don’t have time or the ability to attend a seminar, as an employee you have access to DLA Life Connections online at  www.worklife4you.com . This is a great resource that is designed to help you and your loved ones manage daily responsibilities and life events.  There are articles, webinars and resources for topics including: adult care and aging, child care and parenting, education, financial and legal concerns, health and wellness, prenatal care and adoption, as well as relocation and personal support for urgent everyday issues. You can login with username dla and password DLA, then select DLA Land and Maritime.  The best part is, all of the resources mentioned in this section are at **no cost**  to you.  They are provided by DLA as a service to help improve your well-being.  
      -     DLA Land and Maritime has one of the top programs for employees looking to expand skills and knowledge, our mentorship program.  You can get involved as a mentee or mentor.  Applications are accepted annually and participants are exposed to councils, professional organizations and special emphasis groups to learn ways to get more involved within the organization.  However, you don’t have to be a part of the mentor program to get involved. Anyone can seek out a group and become active.  No matter your interest, there is a council, group or organization at DLA that would like to have you as part of their team.
      -     Training is also a great way to enhance your skill set.  DLA offers a variety of opportunities to advance in a career or develop new skills to enhance performance.  All associates should be familiar with the required trainings through  DLA Learning Management System (LMS) ; yet, there are many more opportunities.  Various types of training are available from required certifications to performance enrichment.  Improve performance through training in writing, preparing effective presentations, public speaking, optimizing your skills with software and Myer-Briggs assessments, to name a few.

DLA Land and Maritime wishes you the best on achieving your resolutions.  Remember it’s a new year and new opportunity.  DLA has resources to help you along your journey with both your professional and personal goals for the year.