It’s that time again! Time to make New Year’s resolutions. I suppose I’m like most people who revel in the excitement of starting a new year. In many respects, the new year offers the promise of a new beginning or an opportunity for change. It’s fun to share New Year’s resolutions and I’m sure that we’re all serious about achieving our goals. Regrettably, within a few months, most people have given up on their New Year’s resolutions. Business, on the other hand, is a different story. Companies don’t have New Year’s Resolutions. They have a vision and objectives. My experience is that a business is more likely to achieve its goals. Why is that?
I talked with many people over the past few weeks and have learned much about their plans for 2020. My friend Faith plans to start a supper club to explore new food dishes and to get back to the art of dining at home. One of my Associates at ITB Partners has created a strategy to develop multiple blogs, monetized through advertising and affiliate programs. He realizes that becoming profitable may take as much as two years, but he is excited about his prospects.
I am working with clients who want to change careers in 2020. Some are between situations and have the flexibility to explore new options while others are gainfully employed but desire a better situation.
These conversations were most interesting. Of course, the most typical resolutions are about personal development; simplifying lives, losing weight, improving diets, and to follow a healthier lifestyle. Continuing education and developing new skills are also popular. I also enjoyed hearing from those who didn’t have plans to change anything other than to do better executing their current strategies.
My favorite morning talk show host is changing his strategy to include more knowledgeable pundits who can talk from a strategic perspective. I have a few initiatives that I want to pursue, including a seminar program to attract more clients.
While preparing my thoughts for this post, I found an article that listed 20 goals for entrepreneurs in 2020. Whereas the goals proposed are relevant for most, the focus of the article was on goal setting. The article even recapped the SMART formula. It didn’t devote any ink on how to achieve those goals. Maybe that is part of the problem.
Exploring this issue over the Holidays, I reviewed my favorite YouTube and podcast channels. One point that resonated profoundly was made by James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits. He talks about making small, manageable changes that generate other changes, which cumulatively make a big impact. I like that idea. I like the thought of finding a linchpin to provide leverage for other goals.
Another point Clear makes is that one needs a system to achieve their goals. This opinion is shared by Scott Adams, the creator of the Dilbert cartoon. Adams is much more direct as he says “goals are useless, without a system.” I concur with this point; a system is required to achieve a goal. Another word for a system is routine.
I find this to be a valid perspective! It reminds me of my early career in strategic planning and analysis. The planning process we followed included strategies and tactics (a system) to ensure the desired result. We also established timetables and mechanisms to track our progress. It was a useful process that required serious thought about how to realize our goals. We had a system. Our focus was on executing the strategy.
This year, my primary resolution is to lose the ten pounds I gained between Halloween and New Year’s Day. I am confident I will be successful, as I have a plan and a system to achieve that goal. I have several important business goals for 2020 as well. I haven’t completed the plan to achieve those goals yet. However, as I consider planning one of my greatest strengths, I am confident that I will achieve those goals as well.
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Jim Weber – Managing Partner, ITB Partners
