5 New Year Resolutions Entrepreneurs Can Actually Keep
Every January, entrepreneurs are brimming with ideas to grow our market, launch new projects, or carve out time for themselves. But by March, many of those New Year resolutions for entrepreneurs have been swept away by the everyday realities of running a business.
Instead of setting ourselves up for failure, what if we created goals that were both realistic and transformative at the same time? Here are five resolutions that can fit into your life as an entrepreneur while helping you and your business thrive.
1. Set SMART Goals
Vague goals like “grow the business” didn’t help our company get off the ground. What worked was breaking that ambition into specific, actionable steps. For instance, when we aimed to expand our property management portfolio, we set clear targets for new client outreach each quarter. By focusing on achievable steps, we built momentum and celebrated small victories.
Systems like the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) take the guesswork out of your ambition and replace it with focused effort.
2. Delegate and Empower Your Team
In my early days, I thought I had to do everything myself. When I finally handed off tasks like bookkeeping and social media management, I freed myself to focus on big-picture strategies. Trusting your team doesn’t mean losing control; it means asking others to step into their strengths.
Delegation also makes space for you to recharge and think strategically about your business’s future. Effective delegation builds trust and efficiency while giving you the bandwidth to innovate.
3. Embrace New Technology
At one point, my workflow consisted of scattered sticky notes and lots of email chains. I’ve learned more about project management tools and other online resources that help me track progress and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
When you adopt new advances in technology, it doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your entire operation. Start small: choose one area of your business—managing clients or tracking inventory—and explore how technology can make it more efficient.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
Entrepreneurs are hardwired to think big, but we often forget to celebrate the small wins in chasing the next milestone.
One of my proudest moments came when we secured management for a large community association—a major milestone for Henderson Properties. Phil and I took the afternoon to celebrate with our team over lunch. Don’t forget to pause and recognize progress. Whether it’s finishing a website update, closing a deal, or simply surviving a challenging week, taking the time to celebrate keeps you motivated.
5. Take Self-Care Seriously
A few years ago, I hit a wall. My days blurred together, and I felt like I was constantly running on empty.
Then, I reconnected with running, which had always cleared my mind and strengthened my body. Taking the time to lace up my shoes and hit the pavement brought back a sense of balance and gave me the clarity to tackle challenges head-on. Running became my daily reset button, a way to manage my stress.
Entrepreneurs are notorious for sacrificing their own well-being on the altar of ambition—but you can’t forget self-care. Even brief breaks can improve your focus and energy level.
You Can Do This
These resolutions aren’t about adding more to your already full plate. You will build habits that matter to you most and help you avoid burnout. This year, I hope you will commit to progress, not perfection. I guarantee you that your customers, community, and family will see the difference.