Small Steps Toward Lasting Change for Entrepreneurs

Throw away the New Year's Resolutions and look towards making lasting change

As we leap into a brand new year, it’s hard not to avoid the talk of New Year Resolutions. You know how it goes, people all around you are declaring grand ambitions to be better, improve themselves, or kick a pesky habit to the curb. But let me be honest with you, I’m really not one for resolutions, and here’s why: why wait for the stroke of midnight on 31st December to decide to make a change?

The truth is that the majority of New Year’s Resolutions fizzle out faster than a sparkler at a fireworks show. A study from Columbia University revealed that only a quarter of people manage to stick to their goals for a whole 30 days. Less than 10% actually achieve what they set out to do. So, you might as well be setting yourself up for a failure parade, even if you’re buzzing with optimism right now.

But my aim here isn’t to rain on your parade. Instead, it's about casting a spotlight on a more realistic approach. You don’t need to plunge into a complete lifestyle overhaul on day one. Imagine instead making small, incremental changes each day that contribute to your growth.

And remember, not all improvements need to revolve around financial targets or crushing fitness goals. Sometimes, the most profound progress comes from being more aware, being present, and cherishing the moments we have.

Ferris Bueller had it right: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Before we know it, we could be ringing in 2026 and you’ll be frustrated with what you didn’t do.

This time of year is perfect for a good old reflection. Think about the previous 12 months: what did you achieve? What are your aspirations for the upcoming year?

• More family time?

• Welcoming new hires?

• Traveling to that destination you’ve been daydreaming about?

• Landing new clients?

All these goals are within reach, but you don’t have to do it all today or tomorrow. Instead, let’s reverse engineer what you want to achieve and break it down into bite-sized, actionable steps.

If you’ve dabbled with KPIs or OKRs, you've likely come across the SMART framework, which helps define clear goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Make sure you give this framework a go when planning your goals for 2025!

Now, let’s not forget about accountability. Having someone in your corner to check in on your progress can mean the difference between success and that January slump. Personally, I prefer sharing my aspirations with a tight-knit group of friends and family. We catch up regularly, discuss what’s working, what’s not, and keep each other accountable. It works wonders!

Lastly, I can’t stress enough: weave well-being into your grand plans. A “healthy hustle” is just as crucial as the pursuit of professional success. Seek out activities that spark creativity and joy in your daily grind.

Remember, there’s no expiration date on starting fresh, and making changes doesn't have to wait until the calendar flips. Life is about continual reflection, learning, and honest conversations with ourselves.

So let’s toast to a year filled with incremental progress, grounded in awareness and authenticity.

Cheers,