January. The month of fresh starts, ambitious plans, and enough optimism to rival a politician on campaign day. Many of us dive headfirst into the new year– hot, eager, and ready to soak up all the possibilities. Vision boards? Done. Business resolutions? Perfectly written. Goals? Set so high that Bill Gates was found shaking.
But then, reality hits.
By January 24th, the vision board is collecting dust under your bed. The business plan is gathering cobwebs in your email alongside all those unread promotional emails. And the only fire burning is the one under your pot of egusi soup because life got a bit too real.
The New Year’s business resolutions are not ‘resoluting’ anymore. The champagne-induced euphoria has faded, replaced by the harsh light of everyday challenges. You end up feeling a little defeated, asking yourself, “Why does this happen every year? It’s disheartening, and it happens to the best of us.
Instead of throwing in the towel, let’s turn the narrative around. Think of January not as the end of a dream but as a gentle reminder to recalibrate your approach.
Here is a guide for getting your hustle (and your head) back on track.
Forgive Yourself
A wise man once said, “Na fallings dey teach you how to climb.” We’ve all been there: staring down a to-do list that feels like Mount Everest and seeing that only one task has been ticked done (it’s okay too if you haven’t ticked anything). Forgive yourself. Nobody is being paid for being perfect. Well, except for models, but that’s not the point. Pick yourself up, learn from your stumbles, and keep hustling.
Ditch the All-or-Nothing Mentality
Zuma Rock, that towering monolith, seems impossible to scale in one go. But hikers know the secret – they conquer it inch by inch, step by step. Big goals can feel overwhelming, so break them into smaller, achievable tasks. Get your business registered and open a business account instead of obsessing over the perfect logo, website, or branding strategy. By tackling the essentials first, you’ll have a solid foundation to build upon and can fine-tune the aesthetic aspects later on. Also, if you do too much, you will fall sick o.
Process Over Pressure
Have you ever rushed to the mirror, after a second gym workout, following your New Year’s resolution to lose weight hoping to see a sculpted body, only to be confronted with the reality of your big belly staring back at you? Eventually, you just had to realize that these things take time and patience. Here’s the lesson: don’t get fixated on the distant finish line. Focus on the daily steps that move you forward. Make it a habit to tackle a key task each day, like an hour of reviewing and updating your financial records or 15 minutes brainstorming new ways to scale your business while your dinner simmers. Consistency is key, even if it’s just baby steps.
Be Flexible
Plans can be like Lagos weather – one-minute sunshine, next-minute rain. If your initial strategy isn’t working, adjust! Talk to customers, analyze data, and don’t be afraid to pivot. Being adaptable is a strength, not a sign of weakness.
Find Your Network
No one builds a business alone, not even Dangote. Surround yourself with positive people who believe in
you and your vision. Join online communities, connect with fellow entrepreneurs at workshops, or find
an accountability partner who’ll keep you on track. Shared business goals and encouragement are powerful motivators, and who knows, you might even discover new ideas and opportunities along the way.
So, dear entrepreneur, as we navigate the twists and turns of a new year, let’s acknowledge the inevitable bumps on the road to realizing your ambitious New Year’s Business Resolutions. The initial fervor may have cooled, but remember, persistence is the fuel that propels successful businesses.
Embrace the detours as opportunities to recalibrate your business goal-setting strategies. Ditch the all-or-nothing mentality and break down those lofty goals into manageable steps. Celebrate small wins along the way, for consistency is the secret sauce to long-term growth. This year, don’t just set goals – rewrite the script of your business success story. Step forward, with courage in your heart and fire in your eyes, and most importantly, please remember to sleep.
Finally, feel free to share your business resolution experiences in the comments below. Your story could inspire someone else. Remember, we’re all in this together!
