New Year’s Resolutions with Staying Power

It’s that time of year again – time to make New Year’s resolutions. Personally, I find it motivating to start off with a clean slate every year. January 1 is the kick-off date to launch new strategies to better our lives and our businesses. We get a fresh start. However, most of us fail miserably at sticking to our New Year's resolutions. How many times have you pledged to lose weight or be more organized and after the first few weeks you go back to your old habits? I'm guilty of that.

Why aren't we more successful? Most of us are too ambitious when we set our goals and as a result, we get discouraged and eventually give up. Take for example, the television commercial where the young woman pledges to hit the gym everyday. How realistic is that?

This year, let's make resolutions with staying power. Keep in mind predications indicate 2009 is going to be tough year for business owners. So here are a few tips to help you make resolutions that will work for you and your business.

Be Realistic and Practical. Tripling your revenue sounds great, but is it realistic? What can you truly accomplish in the upcoming year? Perhaps, maintaining your current level of revenue is a better goal in light of the current economy. Take a look at what worked and what didn’t last year. Focus your energy on the strategies that produced the best results. Even if you think with just a little more effort a particular business initiative will work, table it for now. When the economy picks up, you can revisit it then.
Be Open to New Technology. Embrace new technology in your business. Technology can help your company become more productive and profitable. Utilizing new technologies can also be a cost-effective way to market your business. Review your current web strategy and web site. (Tech Tactics offers great technology tips.)
Be Willing to Get the Help You Need. Running a business is tough in the best economic conditions. In the current recessionary economy, successful business management is even more challenging and you aren’t going to have all the answers. Don’t wait until it’s too late, resolve to get the assistance you need, when you need it.
Be Frugal. Resolve to be cautious about managing cash flow. Look for areas where you can cut costs without impacting service. Review all vendor pricing and compare with other providers. Incorporate green business strategies. Going green is not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for your bottom line.
Be Personal. Don’t forget about you. A down economy places additional stress on business owners, personally and professionally. Make taking care of your personal health a priority this year.

Whatever resolutions you make this year, write them down and put them where they are easily available. Check your progress periodically. Hopefully, at the end of the year, you’ll have stuck with it and successfully accomplished your goals. Here’s to a happy and prosperous New Year.