SARATOGA SPRINGS - It is not that New Year’s resolutions are difficult to achieve; it is that seeing them through to the end. means different things for different people. Gail Hamel, principle owner of Hamel Resources, L.L.C. spoke to the Women in Business Group this past week on tailoring a plan that answers to individuality for growth, instead of a cut-and-paste project. “New Year’s Punch’ was to get people in the right frame of mind,” Hamel said. “People believe they need to set resolutions. The room was so diverse, and they need to discern what is best for them and go from there.” In attendance were 65 business leaders from all corners of the region, diverse in background and expertise. The presentation was meant to survey and bring awareness to the tools that were readily available to the audience. Building value for others, writing goals down, acting on them, and facing fears were topics that resounded with the audience. However, similar to New Year’s resolutions, whether it is self-help or exercise, diligence is key; or a bowl, in this case. Situated at every table were several small palm-sized bowls to account for everyone, and its contents were faux gems and wrapped chocolate – a “personal punch bowl” and ingredients, when added together eventually lead to a sought-after change. “The purpose (of the bowl) is to plant seeds, and a general idea of simple things they can do for themselves and things that they can do to help others,” Hamel said. “My suggestions were that each time they start with an empty bowl, and add to it. Or empty the contents into the bowl as a reminder; it’s to remind people not to forget.” Yvette Scanlon, president of Scanlon Financial Services, said that she plans to use Hamel’s advice as a basis for a positive outlook. “The biggest thing is to take time for yourself, and be thankful,” Scanlon said. “The things you think about, you bring about. We allow the distractions of the day to pull us away from our goals.” Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce coordinated the conference for the Women in Business Group and was sponsored by KeyBank.
-- Colette Linton
