New year’s resolutions are overrated, I know. It’s the running joke that we bolster our resolve for a few weeks before sliding back into our old ways. Despite this trend, it’s never a bad thing to set your sights on bold and ambitious goals for the new year.
These are some of my favorite resolutions to make and renew throughout the year. As an entrepreneur, these resolutions help me stay focused, balanced, and moving forward.
8 Worthwhile New Year’s Resolutions for Entrepreneurs
Resolution #1 – Ground yourself with realistic expectations.
While there’s merit in having lofty goals, it’s realistic expectations that will keep you going when things don’t turn out how you wanted. Realism helps you better set attainable goals and persevere through trials and tribulations. Set goals that are measurable, actionable, and achievable.
Resolution #2 – Free yourself from harmful comparisons.
There’s an adage: comparison is the thief of joy. For entrepreneurs, it’s easy to look at the next guy and feel the sting of jealousy and resentment. While there’s merit in modeling successful behaviors, beware of watching your competition too closely. It can send you down a path of negativity that you don’t want to be on! Don’t allow the success of others to make you feel less than others. Instead, observe and learn from success.
Resolution #3 – Revisit the projects you left on the back burner.
If you’re like me, you have your fingers in many, many pies. But let’s be honest: we can’t always get to everything. Priorities shift and we don’t always do the things we want to do. In the new year, move those forgotten projects to the forefront. Is there still merit there? Do they need to be given the final axe? If you’ve been meaning to do it, get it done.
Resolution #4 – Refresh your client-facing content.
Entrepreneurs are always making an impression. You may not be making a bad impression through your outward, client-facing materials. But that doesn’t mean it’s not time for a facelift. A new, updated website, newsletter layout, or social media strategy can help re-energize your networking efforts. Dust off the old and try something new.
Resolution #5 – Put your inner workaholic to rest.
One of the big mistakes entrepreneurs make with their new year’s resolutions is biting off more than they can chew. We start with these massive, complex ambitions that are unsustainable. Entrepreneurs can easily become workaholics – something that isn’t healthy nor sustainable if you want long-term results and personal well-being. Find ways to rest. You’ll find yourself refreshed and productive.
Resolution #6 – Prioritize proactivity.
Proactive entrepreneurs take initiative. They don’t wait for things to go wrong. Instead, they head off problems by recognizing their weaknesses and addressing them. Proactivity won’t just mitigate work-related risks. It also helps you grow as a proficient professional! Don’t settle for the same results you’ve always gotten. Instead, jump in with both feet!
Resolution #7 – Keep your workspace clean & organized.
This should be easy, but I recognize it can be one of the harder resolutions to keep. We’re dealing with so much information and so many important tasks throughout the workday. Cleaning up is an afterthought. Get to it when you get to it.
But I’m telling you, it’s worth your while to get your workspace clean and organized. For one, you’ll be walking into a much more professional-looking space each day. A lack of clutter will help you focus.
It isn’t just about your physical office, either! Your digital space could use a refresh, too. Transfer old, important documents to an external hard drive to free up space and make files easier to find. Delete all those unread emails. Unsubscribe from the mailing lists you never look at.
Believe it or not, it makes a big difference.
Resolution #8 – Do something that scares you.
Maybe you need to pivot in the new year. Change a strategy, add to your team, or launch a new project. No matter what it is, there’s certainly going to be an element of fear. Change is hard, but it’s also necessary. If you want to move forward, you’ve got to do things that scare you. Facing your fears is about personal growth and increasing your skill set, capacity, and the scope of your vision.
You may find you can do things you never dreamed you’d get to do.