It’s that time of year again when we feel the urge to make a New Year’s resolution. Whether it’s for personal or business growth, we should take time to think about how we decide on these goals. According to Forbes, only 20% of resolutions actually make it past February. What makes a resolution more successful than another? As a goal oriented person that’s always interested in my own growth, both personally and professionally, I’m here with some tips and suggestions for how to set intentions for your business in the new year.
First of all, how you frame your resolution is key. Rather than calling your goal a resolution—which sounds like there’s a problem that needs to be solved, and that can seem subconsciously daunting—call it an intention. Why? Because using positive, affirming language and creating new habits is easier than kicking existing bad habits. Intentions are also more flexible when you fall short, whereas many people give up when they slip up on their resolutions. Rather than, “I’m going to stop getting coffee on my way to client meetings to save money,” think, “I’m going to start making coffee at home to prepare for client meetings.” Here’s all the ways that I recommend that for how to set intentions for your business in the new year.
Why Intentions Matter for Your Business
Intentions differ from resolutions because they focus on the journey, not just the destination. When you set an intention, you are committing to a process of improvement and growth, not just achieving a singular outcome. This is especially important in business, where adaptability and incremental changes can lead to long-term success. By focusing on intentions, you build resilience, foster positivity, and set yourself up for sustainable growth.
Steps to Set Meaningful Business Intentions
1. Reflect on the past year. Before you can set intentions for the future, take time to reflect on the past year. Ask yourself: What went well? Where did you struggle? Are there recurring challenges or opportunities you’ve overlooked? Look at client feedback, project outcomes, and even your personal feelings about the year. Are there tasks that you frequently de-prioritize and let slip? If so, why? If you’re part of a team, involve your employees or colleagues in this reflection process. Their perspectives can offer valuable insights.
2. Identify core areas for improvement. Once you’ve reflected, narrow your focus to the top three areas where improvement is most needed. If you’re self-employed, this might mean addressing recurring client feedback, honing your time management skills, or expanding your professional knowledge. For businesses with teams, consider soliciting input with questions like: “What is one thing you’d like to see improve in our company?” Frame this as a constructive conversation rather than a critique.
3. Find the Common Thread. With your list of areas for improvement in hand, look for the common thread that ties them together. For example, if your goals are to reduce stress, improve client satisfaction, and invest in personal development, the common thread might be better time management or streamlining processes. Recognizing this underlying theme will help you craft an intention that addresses multiple areas effectively.
4. Write your intention as a plan. This is what sets intentions apart from resolutions. Resolutions often state an end goal (“I’m going to increase profits by 20%”), whereas intentions emphasize the process (“I’m going to improve my sales strategy and client outreach efforts”). Write your intention using positive, actionable language. Ensure it’s specific, measurable, and attainable. In 2024, one of my intentions was to leverage direct marketing emails to clients every month and I saw a significant increase in sales. Every email led to at least one booking per email, which is money well spent.
For example:
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- Intention: “I intend to streamline my workflow to deliver projects faster and with more consistency.”
- Actionable Plan: Start by auditing your current workflow, identify bottlenecks, and implement tools or practices to improve efficiency.
5. Break it down into quarterly goals. To ensure progress, break your intention into smaller, manageable quarterly goals. If your intention is to streamline workflow, your Q1 goal could be to implement a project management tool. In Q2, focus on automating repetitive tasks. By the end of the year, you’ll have built a system that supports your intention in a sustainable way.
6. Build in regular check-ins. Revisit your intentions regularly to track progress and adjust as needed. Schedule monthly or quarterly reviews to evaluate what’s working and what isn’t. Celebrate small wins along the way to stay motivated.
Additional Tips for Setting Business Intentions
- Use Visual Reminders: Write your intentions somewhere visible—a sticky note on your monitor, a screensaver, or a page in your planner. I love TeuxDeux for rolling goals, benchmark tasks, and keeping track of my workflow.
- Find an Accountability Partner: Share your intentions with a colleague, mentor, or friend who can help you stay on track.
- Embrace Flexibility: Life and business are unpredictable. If circumstances change, adjust your intentions rather than abandoning them altogether.
Examples of Business Intentions
Here are some examples to inspire you:
- “I intend to build stronger client relationships by dedicating one hour each week to personalized outreach.”
- “I intend to grow my business by launching one new service offering by mid-year.”
- “I intend to create a healthier work-life balance by setting boundaries around working hours.”
Entering the new year with a positive and intentional mindset can transform your business and personal growth. By focusing on intentions rather than rigid resolutions, you give yourself the flexibility to adapt and the motivation to keep going, even when challenges arise. Take the time to reflect, plan, and set intentions that inspire you to bet on yourself and your business’s success. You’ve got this!
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