Make no mistake about it: just like death and taxes, presentations in some form are an inevitable part of your working life. Ignore them at your own peril. Anytime you communicate you are presenting yourself. People will make judgments about your competency, your credibility and your character based on quality of that communication.

The good news is that when you make commitment to improve your presentation of self, you will have gained a skill that is transferable to dozens of other situations. When you learn how to plan your communication strategically, how to analyze and adapt to different audiences, how to craft compelling words and phrases and how to deliver your message in a way that commands attention, you’ll have a powerful set of tools with a lot of portability. They will contribute to your success in any job you may hold in future.

If you recognize that you could use improvement in this area of your professional life, it’s important to get started now. Read books and articles on becoming a more effective communicator. Consider taking a continuing education course through your professional or trade association. Your local university or community college probably offers courses that range from one day workshops to semester long classes. It’s an investment of your time that has a guaranteed return.

Each major success is made up of a series of smaller successes - and of many failures - yours or someone else's. Learn from mistake. Make it your goal to find out WHY.

One reason for failure is setting goals that are difficult, even impossible, to achieve. Many baby steps add up to a whole success. Success is accomplished by setting one small, achievable, goal at a time.

We are our own worst critic. When we fail, we make it a reflection of our "self." It seems we usually identify our "self" with our mistakes instead of our achievements. That is one mistake you do NOT want to make. Your mistake is not YOU.

Don't overlook your successes. You need them to look back on when those nasty surprises pop up. Remember them when you think you're a failure.

So, in 2004, don't say, "Failure is not an option." Instead, say, "I can change it to a success by _______ (insert your own solution)!