Do you know what the top New Year resolution has been year after year? Yep, exercise more.

It’s a great goal but then there’s the sweat. Maybe that’s why so many New Year resolutions fail – too much sweating involved.

Even New Year business resolutions entail sweat.

• Out-hustle your competitors
• Market constantly
• Deliver faster results

However, a shift younger generations embrace is a resolution to focus on mental health as well. Exercising more involves sweat but you need time to throttle back. The same is true for your business resolutions.

The following are 3 sweat-free New Year resolutions to consider for your business.

Resolution #1 – Cool Down Regularly

Think about your business resolutions like running a marathon. Or in my case, a long, long walk (like the 3-Day, 60-Mile Walk for the Cure). I don’t run. Anywhere.

• The route you take is the framework for your business resolutions
• You’re the runner (or walker) from start to finish
• You set goals and objectives, develop a budget, create a strategic plan

To finish the 3-Day Walk, you need to be able to adapt and pay attention to what your body is telling you. And sometimes anticipating what you need can keep that quiet voice from turning into a screaming problem.

The same is true for your New Year business resolutions.

Cool down to re-energize

After walking in 17 3-Day, 60-Mile Walks, I appreciate the value from pit stops and refueling. It’s just the hit I need to keep on walking.

We tend to start the New Year with a quick burst out of the gate. But if you don’t take time to cool down and reassess, your business energy can drain away. Try this approach.

Pick a date – any date – each month. View it as the date your business bill is due.

• Assess where you’re at
• Compare your status to your goals – are you on track?
• Finally, share it with others so you hold yourself accountable

Keep your business cool and on track – reassess each month.

Resolution #2 – Stretch Your Business Muscle

Routine exercise begins to wear on the body after a while. Trust me, walking 60 miles in 3 days does too. Especially to an Old Lady Walking. Stretching is critical for the 3-Day Walk.

Stretch your business muscle to stay limber.

The following are a few examples of what I mean.

Pick a different topic each month and learn about it. Okay, I admit I don’t religiously stick to once a month but I love what the exercise offers.

• Learning new things encourages a fresh perspective
• Sharing that knowledge helps build relationships
• Incorporating new ideas can improve the way you run your business

Some other ideas to stretch your business muscle –

• Sign up for a class or workshop
• Try new software and write a review for your customers
• Join a professional association – get outside your comfort zone

Schedule time for learning something new for your business.

Resolution #3 – Exercise Your Payback Option

Sometimes we forget to play. We get so wrapped up in the race, we miss essential factors.

• Like the joy of following our dreams
• Or the passion that fuels us
• We forget to recognize success

Redefine your success.

• Celebrate the new client – learn from those you lost but rejoice in those you gain
• Revel in a job well done and reward yourself or employees
• Recognize forward progress – I always say – Even baby steps move you forward

Take time to exercise your payback option.

No Sweat

As a business owner, you know what it means to sweat. Achieving success is hard work but tend to yourself for better results.

Avoid a perpetual state of sweating by adding these three sweat-free resolutions.

1. Cool down to re-energize
2. Stretch your business muscle
3. Exercise your payback option

What business resolutions have you made for the New Year

Wishing you a prosperous and healthy year ahead.

Note: This January 3, 2021 post is an update to the original post that published on January 2, 2012.

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