I'm willing to bet you will hear the word “resolution” to the point of exhaustion by the time the end of this month rolls around. But you won't hear me bashing the tradition. I've always been a believer that setting a goal is the first step you take towards completing it. So you'll get nothing but smiles from me when asked, “What's your New Year's resolution?”
For me, measuring true success in goal setting has always meant knowing where the finish line is, no matter what month. I rediscovered that a few months ago, literally, when I completed my first triathlon. The course — which consisted of a six-mile kayak, a 5.5 mile run, and an 18-mile bike ride — was an intimidating half-day trek for someone who once winced at running a 5K charity race.
I immersed myself for several months in training and planning for the big race. When the day finally came, I pushed my kayak into the chilly, early-morning rapids of the Little Miami River, a bit nervous but ready for what faced me. Three hours and 11 minutes later, I crossed the finish line on my bike and flopped to the ground in exhaustion amidst cheering from complete strangers.
It was a great feeling of accomplishment to set a goal and achieve it. When I found out how I measured up against everyone else, it didn't matter that I had placed 566th out of 1,150 athletes — almost exactly right in the middle. I had accomplished a specific goal — and was stronger mentally and physically for it.
Of course, setting realistic, achievable goals is something we all must do professionally, too. By doing so, we give ourselves the opportunity to surprise and impress our peers and bosses — and maybe ourselves, too. So what's your goal this year? Will you finally earn your AIC or CPCU designation? Make the leap from adjuster to supervisor? Take on a mentorship? Organize your desk? Whatever it is you decide to do, Claims will be here to help you realize your resolutions. That's our never-ending goal: to be your number-one source of information on claim-related topics.
This issue is certainly a step in that direction. We look back on 2009 to discuss important claim-related verdicts and the potential impact on claim departments with our legal year in review. We also look forward to the future with our piece on the top technology trends in store for 2010. Packaged in with a teeming issue are our annual Buyer's Guide and Calendar of Events.
They're just a few more tools to help you reach 2009's finish line — and charge into 2010's starting gate.
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