As a solo business owner, you’re probably no stranger to setting goals. You’ve heard it all before: “Next year, I’m going to [insert ambitious goal here].” Maybe it’s launching a new product, finally committing to consistent marketing, or sorting out the financial mess you’ve been avoiding. But let me ask you—how often do those resolutions actually stick?
Here’s the problem with New Year’s resolutions. They give you the illusion of progress while encouraging procrastination. Instead of taking action when you notice something needs to change, you convince yourself that the perfect time to start is January 1st. Spoiler alert- there’s no perfect time.
On a personal note I’ve just never understood the whole New Year’s resolution thing. I guess for some people, the start of a new year helps them reflect on the previous year and what they want to change. And sure, reflection is important. But why does it have to be tied to a specific date? If you’re serious about making a change—whether it’s in your business or your personal life—why wait until January 1st? Change doesn’t care about the calendar. It happens when you decide to act.
Resolutions Make You Feel Accomplished Without Doing the Work
Imagine saying, “I’m going to double my sales next year!” It feels great to declare it. In fact, just saying it gives you a little dopamine hit, like you’ve already taken a step toward that goal. But the truth is, nothing has changed. You’re still in the same spot you were before the words left your mouth.
This is especially dangerous as a small business owner because time is one of your most precious resources. Wasting weeks (or months) waiting for the clock to strike midnight on December 31 means you’ve missed countless opportunities to actually start making changes now.
Waiting for January 1 = Wasted Potential
Let’s say you realise in September that your social media strategy isn’t working. You’re barely posting, engagement is low, and your audience isn’t growing. Instead of fixing it immediately, you decide it’ll be one of your “New Year’s resolutions.” Now you’ve just lost three months of potential growth, all because you fell into the trap of waiting for some symbolic fresh start.
Here’s the thing, the best time to change something in your business is the moment you notice it’s not working. That could be today, tomorrow, or even the middle of a random Tuesday afternoon in July. The calendar doesn’t care about your progress, and your business doesn’t either.
Small, Quiet Actions beat Grand Declarations.
Instead of making a big, sweeping resolution, start taking small, deliberate actions. For example, if you want to improve your marketing, commit to scheduling one post a week starting this week. If you want to increase revenue, pick up the phone and pitch your services to three new potential clients now. These small steps create momentum, which is far more valuable than waiting for an arbitrary date to try and overhaul everything at once.
What to Do Instead.
Notice the Problem and Act Immediately
Don’t put it off until New Year’s. If your website isn’t converting or your customer service is slipping, tackle it as soon as practically possible.
Set Realistic, Actionable Goals
Forget “I’m going to double my sales next year.” Try “I’m going to call three potential clients this week” or “I’m going to research email marketing tools tonight.”
Track Progress Regularly
Instead of one massive goal for the entire year, break things down into monthly or weekly objectives. This keeps you focused and allows for adjustments along the way.
Be Honest With Yourself
If you’ve been saying “next year” for three years running, it’s time to admit that you’re stuck in a loop. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t wait for January to make progress.
The truth is, your business doesn’t need New Year’s resolutions. It needs consistent effort, thoughtful planning, and the courage to act when something needs to change and if you need help get in touch. So, ditch the resolutions this year and focus on what you can start doing today. Your future self—and your business—will thank you.
