Are New Year Resolutions Just Good Intentions?

Are your good intentions – just that – good intentions, not actual actions?

At this time of year it is not unusual to reflect on the 12 months that are about to end and to invest some time planning your business for the year ahead. It is a sensible and reasonable thing to do. But be aware, business plans can be as short lived as personal resolutions.

A sensible approach, which we are all aware of, but somehow choose to ignore, is not to be too ambitious or to look too far into the future. You will have significantly more chance of success setting stretching but achievable goals for a 3 month rolling calendar. With regular progress reviews and adjustments you may well be pleasantly surprised by the progress being achieved.

Another useful tip is to share your business plan with someone and have them challenge you on it. Objective questions will make you consider the reality of your targets, your approach and more importantly your commitment.

Get your plan down on paper but don’t put it in a drawer and forget about it! It should be your guidebook for the next 12 months. Regular reviews are critical, set them in your diary.

Achieving positive results, however minor, will boost your motivation and embolden you to set even more challenging targets.

So don’t just sit there, get out pen and paper and start thinking about where you and your business are today and where you will be month by month through 2018.

Good luck!