Making the Most of New Year’s Business Resolutions

It’s that time of year when you review what worked and plan to make adjustments for future success. What’s on your agenda? What are you planning on accomplishing?

Whatever it is, here are a few suggestions on making the most of your business resolutions.

 

Tips to Make Your Business Resolutions Stick

First, there’s a semi-permanence in calling them resolutions instead of goals. Goals are aligned with your business in that they are measurable, possible, and are most likely tied into your bottom line. Resolutions, on the other hand, are smaller “redirections” of your business or additions to it. For instance, a resolution may be waking up an extra 30 minutes early for professional development. There aren’t any direct measurable results from this change in habit but it’s “beneficial.”

Tell People

When you make people aware of your intentions, you are held to them in a stronger way than if you tell only yourself. Bonus points if you ask for an accountability buddy who will inquire about your business resolution in February. Knowing that question is coming will keep you on the right track.

Associate It with the Positive

For a resolution to be effective, you’re looking to create a habit. A good way to make that happen is by associating the behavior with something you enjoy. For instance, if you revel in your morning coffee, adding your professional development reading to that time will help you link a positive moment (the savoring of your coffee) with something you want to make a habit (your daily reading). This association will cause you to look forward to it.

Do It Early

Performing your desired resolution early in the day ensures you’ll have time for it. Even night owls can become too tired or uninspired to do their resolution late in the evening. Plus sometimes personal and professional emergencies can arise during the day that keep you from doing what you want. If you wake early and make sure you tackle your business resolutions at that time, you’re more likely to get them done.

What’s your resolution? Share it in the comments.