The Top 30 New Year’s Resolutions for Business

In general, I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. In fact, I highly recommend turning many of your resolutions into goals that you can focus on during the entire year. Goal setting is much more focused, deliberate and success-driven, and that’s why I find it more effective (see the links to a series I wrote on goal setting at the end of this post).

But, having said that, resolutions do have their place. While I consider goals to be measurable accomplishments that are frequently complex and made up of many different mini-goals, resolutions are simpler, behavior-driven activities that typically do not require advanced planning. Resolutions are almost mantra-like, in that they are meant to give you motivation and encouragement as you work at bettering yourself.

For example, a business goal may be to increase profit by 5%, and includes a number of actions from attending more networking events, asking for client referrals, and launching a new marketing campaign. A resolution may be something as simple as: I will respond to all client emails. See the difference?

So in that vein, here are 30 of the top business resolutions you can make for 2010.

1. I will be more focused.
2. I will stop procrastinating.
3. I will listen more (and better).
4. I will be willing to get out of my comfort zone.
5. I will do better with managing my business finances.
6. I will work to be more productive.
7. I will not let email rule my day.
8. I will work harder.
9. I will work smarter.
10. I will work less.
11. I will work more.
12. I will communicate better.
13. I will keep an open mind.
14. I will get to know my clients.
15. I will embrace social media.
16. I will start a business blog.
17. I will think positively.
18. I will hold myself accountable.
19. I will back up my data.
20. I will try new marketing activities.
21. I will stop shying away from networking events.
22. I will remember why I love what I do.
23. I will get out of the office.
24. I will provide better customer service.
25. I will follow through.
26. I will keep my desk clean.
27. I will make a plan.
28. I will give back.
29. I will learn something new.
30. I will keep it all in perspective.

While these resolutions are meant to give you focus and motivate you for the New Year, they are too simplified to include measures for your success. But you can create goals out of any of these resolutions that truly resonate with you. It’s simply about staying focused and excited about all you’re able to achieve.

Do you make resolutions for your business? What tops your list for 2010?

Goal-Setting Series:

• 7 Easy Steps to Get You Started with Goal Setting
• A Really SMART Way to Set Goals
• 10 Simple Tips to Help You Achieve Even Your Most Ambitious Goals
• SMART Goals + Motivation = Success
• 30 Ways to Celebrate Your Success

Image credit: ba1969