Do you set new year resolutions for your working life, or business? Setting these goals can help you achieve more for yourself and your business.

New Year’s resolutions are a time-honored tradition, with people making a list of goals or aspirations for the coming year. Whether it’s to lose weight, save money, or learn a new skill, these resolutions are often seen as a way to start fresh and spark positive changes in life.

However, it’s no secret many people struggle to keep their resolutions.

In a study by the University of Scranton, an average of only 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions.

So, what can you do to increase your chances of success? Both in life and in business.

It’s important to make realistic and achievable goals. While it’s great to aim high, setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and feelings of failure. Instead, try breaking your resolution down into smaller, more manageable steps.

For example, if your goal is to lose 50 pounds, focus on losing a few pounds each week rather than trying to do it all at once.

Another key to success is to have a plan. If your resolution is to save money, make a budget and stick to it. But don’t make the budget unrealistic. Keep it well within reason to help you manage your day to day expenses, as well as supporting your business if you require funds there or elsewhere.

If you want to learn a new skill, sign up for a class or find a mentor who can train you. This could be to learn a new skill for your business to help you gain more clients or perhaps do better work for your clients. Or perhaps to gain a new skill that will help you work towards earning a second income whilst you run your business. Like making candles or selling artwork as a side hustle for extra income.

By taking concrete actions towards your goals, you’re more likely to stay on track.

It’s also important to be patient and persistent. Change takes time, and it’s normal to have setbacks or moments of frustration. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results, and be willing to adjust your plan if necessary.

Another factor that can impact your success is accountability. It can be helpful to share your resolutions with someone you trust and ask for their support. This could be a friend, family member, or even a professional coach. Having someone to hold you accountable and offer encouragement can be a great motivator.

One way to increase your chances of success is to make resolutions that are meaningful to you. If you’re not passionate about your goals, it’s easy to lose motivation. So, take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you and make resolutions that align with your values and priorities.

Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t achieve all of your resolutions. Instead, focus on the progress you’ve made and the positive changes you’ve experienced. And remember, it’s never too late to make a resolution or set a new goal.

Whilst keeping New Year’s resolutions sounds challenging, and in some part is challenging to uphold, it’s not impossible. By setting realistic and meaningful goals, having a plan, being patient and persistent, seeking accountability, and focusing on progress rather than perfection, you can increase your chances of success and make positive changes in your life and your business.